Honest opinion needed

[drjochen]

I have a 2004 BMW 545i with all sorts of problems (mainly electronics, but also rough idle, gearbox, etc). I am looking for a car that simply works! I am considering to purchase a M35 or M45. How many problems have you had with your cars on average? Can you recommend it?Any help is GREATLY appreciated!!!!!

[szh]

Welcome to NICO!

If you are looking at a new 2006 M35 or M45, then you will not be disappointed, IMHO. Sure, there have been some minor issues, but they appear to be truly minor and nothing worth worrying about.

For example, some people have not been happy with the cellular phone integration using bluetooth, with varying degrees of so-so results, but others have been very satisfied.

In general, the new M is a heck of a driver's car and has been winning accolades everywhere. You get a heck of a lot of car for the money, period, although there are some interesting contenders for comparison to the M35. And nothing comes close to the M45 for the value.

Sure, BMW and Lexus and MB and Audi (and a few others) have V-8 models available and all have their strengths and problems - it is the combination of values and performance and looks that the new M45 succeeds in providing, that makes people go for it!

Now, if you were going for a used 2003 or 2004 M45, I would advise you to look carefully at the oil consumption issue. And, while I love the unique look, some people find it dated (which it is, admittedly.) It also has a rendency to rattle inside more than people like ... I have had the dealer fix under-dash things for me (all under warranty) when they got a bit more than I liked. Albeit still better than most cars!

And, I am still trying to track down a minute squeak in the left rear corner (only can be heard outside the vehicle if the windows are rolled down.)

All in all, I am very happy with my current 2003 M45, and have been an Infiniti driver since 1991. If I was not happy with the brand and models they offer, I would not still be driving one!

Try a test drive of the new M45! I am sure that you will be hooked!

Z

[drjochen]

Thanks! I am looking into the 2006 model to replace my BMW.

[Strongbad]

Z -

What is the oil consumption issue that you mentioned?

[szh]

What is the oil consumption issue that you mentioned?

Here are some of the threads on it:

zerothread?id=143715http://forums.nicoc ... ?id=153576

I will find more and add them in here later.

Z

[drjochen]

I test drove the M45 and the M35 today. Frankly, not my cup of tea. The interior is very nice. BUT - The M35 is too loud in many ways. Both cars were way too disconnected from the road. Sorry to say this here, but I was happy to be back in my 545i....

[jshattner]

Did you drive the M45 Sport? My test of the 550, and my earlier experience of E55 and E500 from MB, led me to the M. 550 was slightly quicker, but handling was IMO equivalent, and reliability and iDrive led me to buy the M. Granted, you sit lower in the BMW, so that may give the impression of "connectivity", but I'm finding the M feels better every day now that I'm past break-in. Did wish it had a bit more "punch" in 50-70, though (maybe it's not breathing well yet after only 1500 miles).

[Strongbad]

Thanks Z. That is definately a big issue I will need to watch out for. Lord only knows how mine was broken in.

On another note, two of my friends who are major car guys (01 BMW 325 & 05 Jetta) took turns driving my new M and I had to pick both thier jaws up of the floor. Made a man feel proud...lol...

[szh]

I test drove the M45 and the M35 today. Frankly, not my cup of tea. The interior is very nice. BUT - The M35 is too loud in many ways. Both cars were way too disconnected from the road. Sorry to say this here, but I was happy to be back in my 545i....

Nothing wrong with the 545i, of course!

But, I would definitely recommend a test drive in the M45 Sport too - in case you did not drive that. The M45 is quieter than than the M35 too - engine is smoother and pulls way harder.

It is the price/performance combination in the M that draws people to it.

Z

[maxnix]

It is the price/performance combination in the M that draws people to it.

Z

Yeah, and lack of electronics failures and interface design issues. It actually usually works all the time.

[Strongbad]

Lol. I went through window actuators like toilet paper on my Benz....