M56 owners, anyone out there?

[elwesso]

So sometime within the next 6-12 months, my beloved 1994 Q45 is going to need to be retired from daily driver duty, and so I've been looking at possible candidates for replacement. After doing some research, I really like the M56 and what it has to offer. Right now, 2011s can be had for 30-35k depending on mileage and options, which is pretty good considering it's only 2 years old and cost over 60k new. It's really everything I want, decent size sedan, gets at least 23MPG highway, 400+ HP, and AWD option. The only way it would be better if it had a manual trans option..

I'm probably going to look at the M56x, since I live in an area that gets a lot of snow I think AWD will be nice. I haven't had too many issues with just having RWD with winter tires in the snow around where I live, but the AWD will make some of those "white knuckle" snow driving experiences a little easier..

I think though I might appreciate the sport package more than the AWD, having bigger brakes sounds really nice.

What does everyone think of these cars? There's one for sale locally, I'm thinking about stopping by and taking it for a drive. This car is a car I intend on keeping for a long time, like my Q. In terms of these new cars with all the electronic gadgetry, I really trust Nissan a lot more than I trust anything from Germany, and I think it's a lot better than what anything in America has to offer (although the CTS-V with 556HP would be nice!)

[svard75]

Longer term reliability is still too early to determine for 2011+. IMO the Sport model has bigger brakes and larger wheels, but with lot's of snow it'll be a bigger challenge to find snow rims/tires that will be effective at that size. Remember bigger brakes means you need larger diameter wheels. I think you would be happy with the AWD setup. Really why would you ever functionally need bigger brakes and you can always get lowering springs/larger wheels for summer.

[elwesso]

One thing I've read is that for someone wanting a "drivers" car, to stay away from the technology package. It adds all those "fancy" drivers aids and all they do is ding and beep at you telling you things you already know, so I think I would try and find something without that.

The sport package also includes the 4-wheel steering which I'm not sure I'm fond of, and the reviews I read online did not really like it that much. IMO it seems like something else to fail. Since the sport package doesn't come with a different engine setup, seems like if you wanted bigger brakes it would be easier to just put on bigger brakes.

[SmoovC]

I would tend to agree with the OP that the M56 is "a lot better than what anything in America has to offer". Sounds like snow is a big factor, so the AWD is no doubt a plus for you. I am not too sure about your MPG prediction; in mixed driving I am right around 17 mpg. While that may increase with all freeway driving, I am not confident it will accomplish 23 mpg.

IMHO, the non-sport is a softer ride, and does not handle as well, but is more mild mannered in its demeanor as far ride comfort. Big brakes are a huge plus, as they do not fade, and will probably last a lot longer before needing replacement. I am not sure how important those factors are to you, as it sounds like the car will see mostly freeway miles.

The Tech package is a huge plus, at least to me. While it is not "needed" in a "driver's" car, each function can be disabed individually of one another (or all at the same time), so you can pick and choose which ones, if any you prefer to use. I personally like the "redundancy" of the driver's aids; to me it offers another level of safety to an already attentive driver.

I also think these cars are an excellent value in the used market; as you mentioned, the prices are significantly lower once you let someone else take the first year depreciation hit.

[elwesso]

Thanks for the input. Correct me if I'm wrong, but you can get the sport package on models with AWD? That would seem ideal. I would definitely prefer the sport package, but if I had to choose AWD or sport package, I'd probably choose AWD.. The reason is because if I say I can't get AWD, then there's much better options than the Infiniti, IMO, but when you start talking 400HP+ AND AWD, your options become very limited. Unfortunately, 400HP + AWD + manual trans doesn't really exist..

So are you saying that you think the AWD may have more of an affect on MPG than the EPA ratings. The RWD version is rated at 25MPG, and the AWD is rated at 23MPG. For a car of this caliber, I can handle that difference in MPG, but it's really more like 18 MPG that would be an issue.

[SmoovC]

It is my understanding that the Sport package was not available on AWD models.

2011 here:
http://search.yahoo.com/r/_ylt=A0SO81aa ... _specs.pdf

2012 here:
http://search.yahoo.com/r/_ylt=A0SO81JA ... _Specs.pdf

What I am saying with regards to mpg is that one would be hard pressed to achieve the EPA numbers. On a recent 400 mile road trip, I was able to pull just over 21 mpg; admittedly that was not driving with a balloon foot.

[Johnhw2]

Go M37 instead. It has more performance than the Q45 and gets 23 to 25 mpg on the road at high speeds. Get the awd version along with the tech pkg would be my recommendation.

[svard75]

Thanks for the input. Correct me if I'm wrong, but you can get the sport package on models with AWD? That would seem ideal. I would definitely prefer the sport package, but if I had to choose AWD or sport package, I'd probably choose AWD.. The reason is because if I say I can't get AWD, then there's much better options than the Infiniti, IMO, but when you start talking 400HP+ AND AWD, your options become very limited. Unfortunately, 400HP + AWD + manual trans doesn't really exist..

So are you saying that you think the AWD may have more of an affect on MPG than the EPA ratings. The RWD version is rated at 25MPG, and the AWD is rated at 23MPG. For a car of this caliber, I can handle that difference in MPG, but it's really more like 18 MPG that would be an issue.

My friend. Have you not heard of the nissan gt-r?! What is it something like 460hp, awd and yes 6speed.

[svard75]

Go M37 instead. It has more performance than the Q45 and gets 23 to 25 mpg on the road at high speeds. Get the awd version along with the tech pkg would be my recommendation.

The OP was pretty clear about one of his key requirements 400+ hp or no go.

[elwesso]

Maybe the sport package with AWD is something for 2013 then. I tried to build an M on Infinit's website, and I picked an M56x and it let me apply the sport package.. Maybe it's something that basically no one got though?

No go on the M37, if I wanted to limit myself to 300HP there are options out there that have manual transmission and AWD for less money (from Audi, Volvo, etc)... Besides the new M is a heavy car, it needs more power to move it along.. If I was going to get something with the V6, I'd get the G37 because it's cheaper, adequately sized for me, and lighter.

A GT-R would be great, but I'm not going to spend 70-90k on a 2-door car. I already have my "toy" car (BMW M Coupe), so I need something a bit more practical. Besides, it's not a true manual transmission.. If it doesn't have 3 pedals, it's an automatic in my book.... Call it what you want.

[SmoovC]

It appears as though a Sport package is available with AWD in 2013: http://www.infinitiusa.com/m/specs-options

It looks like the AWD does not get Active Steer, but you can get the big brakes and wheel/tire package.

[elwesso]

The 4 wheel steering doesn't really mean a whole lot to me, honestly the main reason I'd want the sport package is for the different suspension bits, the seats, and the steering wheel. To me, wheels/tires are easy and a brake upgrade is easy as well.

All of this talk is making me want to expedite this and get one now, LOL!

[Altered]

You defintely CAN get AWD with a Sport package, that's the M56xS

[elwesso]

Could you get it in 2011 or 2012? That's really the question.

[White-Rush]

Could you get it in 2011 or 2012? That's really the question.

from what I read: No

[SmoovC]

According to the links I provided in post #6; no.

[DougC]

Hi folks, I've owned an M56, non-S, non-AWD, since new in 2011. On a trip of 3,500 miles to Vancouver, B.C. and back averaged 26.0 mpg. Around town in Tucson average is usually 22 mpg. I keep the setting on "normal", not "sport" or "eco". I see AWD as a waste of money because it just lets you go faster than you really should be going in bad conditions, while costing more and adding weight. (I've lived in Canada). I also see "sport" as a waste of money because it adds no performance, but does offer a rougher ride, more expensive tires, and technology you are better off without. I like the M56...nice car, lousy company for customer service.

[elwesso]

Interesting thoughts Doug. Winters in Indiana are probably childs-play compared to the winters in Canada. I am used to driving a RWD car in the winter anyway.

Honestly the 2 biggest things I'm interested with the sport package are the brakes and the seats. That is an interesting way of looking at it, AWD making you go faster than you should be in bad weather. Shocks and springs can be easily changed if you wanted, and I don't really care about paddle shifters.

Even the reviews I read online said that while the sport package makes the car "feel" like it's handling better, the actual differences are pretty negligible, assuming the same times.

[SmoovC]

Thanks for your input, Doug. I would tend to agree about AWD; I have never found a need for it in Washington State, but I can see where others might see a need for it depending on their climate. I do differ from your opinion on the sport package: yes, given one's point of view, it may offer a "rougher ride"; I think it offers a "firmer ride", and improves cornering. As far as tires being more expensive, there are more options available in a 20" vs. an 18", so prices tend to be comparable. Being a "techno-geek", I appreciate the technology in the sport.

At the end of the day, we all have different wants and needs in a car, so to each his own. I do enjoy sharing thoughts and opinions with other car people.

[Altered]

Could you get it in 2011 or 2012? That's really the question.

Then the answer is no. I'd suggest purchasing an M56x and adding what you like form the Sport. You might be fortunate enough to find one with the Wheels/tire package (forgot the name of it), it doesn't include the seats but it has the wheels and brakes from the Sport.

[russianbear54]

I live in California and have an m56 rwd, but kinda wish I had an awd. The car has a lot of power from the 420hp v8, and it's probably better to sort it out through awd. I constantly have the traction control cut in when I'm accelerating, it's kinda annoying, but if I turn it off, I might fishtail and crash.

[TheMajesticKing]

Sounds like you need better tires bro. I got mine used and it had some very sticky Continentals on it. They were VERY grippy even in wet conditions. What do you have on there now?

[russianbear54]

Sounds like you need better tires bro. I got mine used and it had some very sticky Continentals on it. They were VERY grippy even in wet conditions. What do you have on there now?

I have those Michelin ones that the manufacturer puts on, on 18" (model 73730) wheels.

[TheMajesticKing]

Yeah they aren't great