M35 Engine Failure Only 75,000 Miles

[FlaM35]

I have a 2007 M35 with 75,000 miles. Love(d) the car, not so much anymore. I drove it this past Friday, no problems. I started it up Saturday morning and it had a horrible clunking noise. I had it towed to the dealer on Monday. Long story short, they tell me I have a rod knock and that the engine is shot. Needs to be replaced. My warranty ended this past May. They're questioning my oil change record and I've submitted all of the documentation. Most oil changes were actually done at the dealer, just not the past 3 or 4. The dealer has opened a case with Infiniti and I'm waiting to see what they'll do, if anything. I'm hoping they say it's a premature failure situation.

Has anyone else seen an engine failure with no warning whatsoever in low mileage M35s? A local mechanic said he's seen this problem where the 1st piston doesn't lubricate well and if the oil is low at all, causes the engine to fail. They said the oil right now is about 1/2 to 3/4 of a quart low - I just had it changed in November at 73,000 miles, so I don't understand that at all. I've had no oil leakage, no oil light, no noise until this past Saturday. Anybody have a similar situation?
Thanks!

[EniGmA1987]

There are a good number of people who have oil consumption "problems", but very few with actual engine problems. You will see a few posts here and there about a premature engine failure, more of them have the VK45 engines though. Overall it is not a common problem at all, these engines are normally built like tanks. Someone on here just got to 200K on their car, I have 142K on mine without a single issue at all and I treat the engine pretty rough. The G35 and 350z's also have the same engine and you don't see many engine failures from them either and they are also quite rough on the car. Seems to me like you just had some really bad luck with a defective part in the engine that wasnt up to the stress


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsCb0auCDWI

[CPJ LB]

damn...sorry to hear...

I'm not sure, but were you the only owner or did you buy it used?

[FlaM35]

I bought the car used in 2009 with about 30,000 miles on it from the Infiniti dealer and haven't had any real trouble to speak of. I'm hoping they do see it as a defective part and do something even though it's out of warranty. Otherwise I'm thinking of have a rebuilt engine put in (not by Infiniti!) so I can have a somewhat decent trade in. Otherwise, not sure.
Thanks for the replies.

[zerg711]

I lemoned mine after two short block replacements at 26k miles. I think you are screwed since you are out of warranty.

[trayday]

W/O warranty you might be screwed. I replaced my VK45 at 88k due to rod knock from cylinder #8. I have my old engine that needs rebuilt sitting in my garage if your interested. Another option is possibly change the engine oil to a thick weight and hope the knock goes away long enough for a trade in.

[seldomseen]

Engine failure on for the M45 is more common than the M35. Keep us updated on what the dealership/Infiniti says about replacing the engine.

[AirDoc]

My 06 M35X had knock in engine @ 73k miles - got it covered/replaced under warranty, then again all service @ dealer, and 1st owner.

[lovemycarM35]

I had My short block replace at 65K the same issue (zerg711) had and even with factory warranty left the dealer gave me such a hard time about fixing my car they tried to tell me the knock was normal. The car runs fine now but I'm out of warranty at 73k I may trade soon

[Godfoot]

Engine failure on for the M45 is more common than the M35. Keep us updated on what the dealership/Infiniti says about replacing the engine.

I'm really sorry to hear about your engine problems. Hopefully they will be able to work something out with you, despite you being past warranty, but I would prepare yourself for the worst. maybe you can work something out with them for some level of discount? can't hurt to ask if they can't cover it totally. and in agreement with seldomseen, the 45s are waaaay more common for engine failure than the 35s. my mother has a 35x that has had zero issues, and my 45S is on it's 3rd longblock. LOL Best of luck my friend!! we are rooting for you!!

[lagalaxy8]

This is great to read after I just got a 07 35x with 79k on it.

It was a one owner all service at Infiniti dealer. I have all records so no issue in the past. Guess I'll keep an eye on the oil real close.

[lovemycarM35]

+1 on that I check my oil often and when I have it changed I make sure there's 5 full quart based on the manual

[zerg711]

I had My short block replace at 65K the same issue (zerg711) had and even with factory warranty left the dealer gave me such a hard time about fixing my car they tried to tell me the knock was normal. The car runs fine now but I'm out of warranty at 73k I may trade soon

Well, after my second block replacement with only 7k miles driven in 3 years, I hired and attorney and lemoned my car. It was a beautiful car but not worth the trouble.

I still love Infiniti's. In fact, I replaced my M35 with one of the few left over G37 Sport models in California back in Late September of 2013. It currently looks like this (I didn't wait one bit to fix up a brand new car):

[stm37s]

nice looking whip man, where did u get your louvers from? thanks

[Godfoot]

That is a beautiful G.