M37 or M56 Sport

[kmk786]

After making the biggest mistake of selling my 2006 M45 Sport, I went to the extreme end and purchased a 2011 Lexus ES350, which is the equivalent of driving my couch. I am ready to make the move back to Infiniti. I would greatly appreciate your feedback in regards to any issues with M, specifically the first year release - 2011. The pricing I have seen is decent in the used car market. I have driven both the M37 and M56 (sport and non-sport). The decision is to go with the sport model, but having a hard time deciding between the M56 or M37. The thrill of the V8 is fantastic, but the question is - have any of the M56 owners regretted the decision? Is the maintenance higher with the M56? Gas mileage that much more with the M37? Any and all feedback is greatly appreciated.

Is there a section on the Nicoclub website where members can list their vehicles for sale?

[stm37s]

I have the 11M37S and love it, it is a blast to drive and looks so sexy. The only issue that I have had which is common in the 37 is the transmission lags but there is an update your dealer can run which fixes this problem, another thing is that our M37 comes with weak batteries. Those are the only two issues I have had and both times the dealership fixed them. Some other bruh's will chime in and give more info

[kmk786]

I have the 11M37S and love it, it is a blast to drive and looks so sexy. The only issue that I have had which is common in the 37 is the transmission lags but there is an update your dealer can run which fixes this problem, another thing is that our M37 comes with weak batteries. Those are the only two issues I have had and both times the dealership fixed them. Some other bruh's will chime in and give more info

Appreciate it, stm37s. Thoughts on purchasing the extended warranty? Also, I remember with my previous M, there was an issue with not enough stopping power and tramlining. Based on my test drives of the newer Ms, the brake system is up to par.

[Propa Teknique]

I would love an answer regarding this too from someone more knowledgeable in this realm. I am planning on purchasing the M37S because it seems like a better value. I will admit, though, that I have seen many used and CPO M56S vehicles for really good prices. I just know they won't remain on lots until next year though when I plan to purchase.

On this forum and others it seems that more people do have the M37. I don't think the maintenance would be much of a difference as the only thing different between the two vehicles would be the engine. As far as gas mileage, it seems a V8 might not be better than the M37 in that category though, in my opinion, both cars get mediocre ratings on fuel economy.

Everyone talks about the battery weakness and the transmission lag that can be fixed. I think that is an issue across the fleet however because both of my Maximas have had weak batteries. It seems with all the technology in the cars being used requires a larger capacity battery and I'm uncertain why Nissan Corp doesn't rectify this as I"m sure they recognize it.

I didn't have any issue with the brakes the three times I test drove but all three were the sport models. The car is quite heavy however so maybe investing in some bigger brakes would help. The cars can only get better with time. By the way, I recall reading somewhere that the M37 has a CVT. Is this true?

[wideopn11]

Not a CVT, semi-auto 7 speed.

I would love to have the M56 extra power. 330 in the M37 is not slow at all but 420 in the M56...more power is almost always better. The trade off in fuel isn't that bad I don't think based on the poor gas mileage I get out of my M37 (I have a heavy right foot). M37 is better balanced (lighter engine) so handling with more than adequate power. I felt like M37 was a better value, the M56 was much more expensive and all you get is the engine. Every other feature can be be found in the M37. My ideal M37 would have the super charger (made for G37) to boost the power output.

[Propa Teknique]

Not a CVT, semi-auto 7 speed.

I would love to have the M56 extra power. 330 in the M37 is not slow at all but 420 in the M56...more power is almost always better. The trade off in fuel isn't that bad I don't think based on the poor gas mileage I get out of my M37 (I have a heavy right foot). M37 is better balanced (lighter engine) so handling with more than adequate power. I felt like M37 was a better value, the M56 was much more expensive and all you get is the engine. Every other feature can be be found in the M37. My ideal M37 would have the super charger (made for G37) to boost the power output.

I think I may need to drive this M56 you are speaking of. Maybe the supercharger will come in the upcoming models. This car is just great in my opinion. It has the perfect balance of style and luxury. They just need to get frickin remote start and LEd's in the side mirrors!

[dmclone]

I don't have the S version because I wanted a comfortable ride but I do have the 56 and love the power of the V8. I've had the 3.5 in both a G35(2008) as well as a 350Z(2003) and it was a very good motor but the V8 has nearly 100 horsepower more. In addition, I get about the same overall gas mileage (22mpg) as the other two vehicles that I owned. The M56 feels special.

With all that said, I bought mine used so didn't pay a big premium for the V8. Just lucky to find one.

[stm37s]

I have the 11M37S and love it, it is a blast to drive and looks so sexy. The only issue that I have had which is common in the 37 is the transmission lags but there is an update your dealer can run which fixes this problem, another thing is that our M37 comes with weak batteries. Those are the only two issues I have had and both times the dealership fixed them. Some other bruh's will chime in and give more info

Appreciate it, stm37s. Thoughts on purchasing the extended warranty? Also, I remember with my previous M, there was an issue with not enough stopping power and tramlining. Based on my test drives of the newer Ms, the brake system is up to par.

I would get the extended warranty, that just me, it pretty much pays for itself in the long run. I got mine when I got my M37S.

[kmk786]

Thanks to everyone for the feedback. I am learning the M56S is hard to find, but the search is on. Best of luck to all! Will post pics when I find her.

[SmoovC]

Just my personal experience with owning a fair amount of cars over the years: don't try to justify the car you "think" you should get, but rather buy the one you want. Life is short, live within your means, and buy what makes you happy.

[kmk786]

Just my personal experience with owning a fair amount of cars over the years: don't try to justify the car you "think" you should get, but rather buy the one you want. Life is short, live within your means, and buy what makes you happy.

Thank you, SmoovC. Very sound advice. Want to sell me your M56? That would make me happy. It is gorgeous!

[SmoovC]

You are very welcome. Hmm, very tempting offer; I am quite enamored with the Tesla S.

[InfinitiM56S]

I am planning to sell my 2011 M56S with only 33K miles, white with black inside, 22 inch Ruff wheels, tinted windows, all options, Nissian Stillen exhaust package, 2 DVD screens, and 7 years/100,000 miles bumper-to-bumper extended warranty if you are interested. or willing to trade for any 2014 Odyssey or Sienna minivan van since I have a baby coming in a couple months. you can contact me at 202-979-9591 for more info.

[Larz]

You are very welcome. Hmm, very tempting offer; I am quite enamored with the Tesla S.

I am as well ! My neighbor has the P85-Plus model and it is so UN-like any car I've ever driven. No radiator or fans, no transmission or shifts, no noise inside except for the air/con, no hump in the floor, and 415 hp !

The key-fob is shaped like the car and you mash it in the area you want to open - squeeze the trunk area to open the trunk, etc. You walk up to the car, touch the recessed handle and it slides out to let you pull on it, sit down, and when you touch the brake with your foot, the car switches ON silently. When you push the accelerator, it moves immediately. Even on the motorway, going from say 65mph to 90mph, you just push it farther - no delay while a gear is selected (there are none) - it just literally takes off! From a dead stop it goes to 60mph in about 5 seconds with you pushed back into your seat. I forget how many miles she said she gets between charges but it can do a full charge in 6 hours and she plugs it into an outlet in her garage overnight. I love the electric panoramic roof too.

Just for a tease, here is a vid I found on Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6uNKDIQtA4

[Talltexdriver]

Hi Everyone!
I'm new to the forum and so glad I found you guys. Have a 2004 FX35 and ready for my next Infiniti. Have driven a 2014 Q70 3.7 and going to drive the 5.6 next weekend. Really seriously thinking about the V8 over the V6....the V6 is a great engine, but just wondering if you anyone has driven both back to back, what are your impressions? I would imagine the V8 may have a slightly more linear power delivery, but don't know until I take it for a test drive.

Also, the Infiniti specs on the 2014 model says that the rear springs and shocks have been retuned on the Sport Package (they also added an engine oil cooler on the 3.7). Anyone driven a '13 vs. '14 to compare the suspension? The 2014 that I drove definitely had a more planted feel on the road compared to other cars that I have driven with a sport suspension and it behaved well over city streets and absorbed bumps fine. I'm about 9 - 12 months out before my purchase - want to wait to see how the 2015 looks in person and the pricing however, the 2014 and 2013 are much better value pre-owned. Anyone think the 2015 is worth the price of admission? Really interested to see if the Q70L can be ordered with the Sport Package.

Any insight, information will be very much appreciated! The wait to get my M or Q is going to feel like a long time, but glad I found this forum to pass the time on.

[russianbear54]

I have a 2011 m56 and in eco mode was able to nurse 27mpg on a trip to vegas. Typically, with a passenger or two, and under normal driving, the car will return 25mpg on the highway which is not bad at all for 420hp V8. I had 99 lexus rs300 with 2 less cylinders, 200 less horsepower, and 2.6 less liters which barely got 22mpg on the highway. In the city, with a heavy right foot, you'll score 16 mpg or so. In eco, maybe 18. Still, it's probably on par, if not better than, an m37 in terms of fuel economy. The theory is that a heavy car with a large engine will struggle less(in terms of RPMS) to get to speed than the same heavy car with a smaller engine. I'd say go for the V8 if you haven't done so yet.

[kmk786]

I have a 2011 m56 and in eco mode was able to nurse 27mpg on a trip to vegas. Typically, with a passenger or two, and under normal driving, the car will return 25mpg on the highway which is not bad at all for 420hp V8. I had 99 lexus rs300 with 2 less cylinders, 200 less horsepower, and 2.6 less liters which barely got 22mpg on the highway. In the city, with a heavy right foot, you'll score 16 mpg or so. In eco, maybe 18. Still, it's probably on par, if not better than, an m37 in terms of fuel economy. The theory is that a heavy car with a large engine will struggle less(in terms of RPMS) to get to speed than the same heavy car with a smaller engine. I'd say go for the V8 if you haven't done so yet.

Appreciate the input. I agree with your sentiments, the V8 is the right choice for a vehicle of this stature. Drove a couple of M56s, but having a hard time finding the right one in Texas. To be honest, I find myself looking at the LS460 as well. Really like the new body 2013 +, but not sure if I can justify spending the $65K+. Might drive a 2011 and compare it to the M56. Two different automobiles, the Infiniti I find to be more spirited, but there is something to be said for the comfort of a Lexus.

[russianbear54]

yah, the LS460 is a stunner, especially with that "angry" spindle grille, and it has a nice v8 and stellar build quality as well. $65k is a lot of dough, and if you wait 3 years, you can get that LS for half the price, like I did with my m56. I got it five months ago from manheim dealer auction with 38k miles, off-lease, still under warranty for $30,750. It's ze Germans, with their abysmal reliability, that you must get new, but with the Japanese you can postpone gratification and save quite a bundle. My 99 rx300 had 200k on the odometer and it ran like a clock.

[InfinitiM56S]

Hello KMK 789: if you are still thinking to buy a used M56S give me a call. I am selling my right now or trade for a minivan.

[kmk786]

Hello KMK 789: if you are still thinking to buy a used M56S give me a call. I am selling my right now or trade for a minivan.

Hello - I sent you a PM. Let me know when you have a chance to connect.

[Darthswan]

I haven't driven the 56, so I don't have a comparison. I did replace the stock intake on my 37x, and a huge difference that stock. The car is still pulling at 100mph. I mean pulling hard at 100, just ran out of room. I do a lot of driving so and I have a lead foot at times. Only two reasons I didn't go with the 56 is because of Chicago gas prices and my lead foot.

Replacing that stock intake has made a huge difference. Working on an exhaust next.