M56 Test Drive by an 2004 M45 Owner

[Y34GLORIA]

umm so ur saying u date a women based on what she look on first sight?

Lets try this again I'm a typical male when it comes to cars and women. If it or she looks good at first site, then we move to phase two; a test drive or a date. Now, if it or she is not that good looking at first site, I keep it moving to the next one

I dont care about how u date ur women. this is an "modem auto forum" not some online dating website posted all those "fake" pics. u date whomever u like its non of my business and concern

[UpStar]

I dont care about how u date ur women. this is an "modem auto forum" not some online dating website posted all those "fake" pics. u date whomever u like its non of my business and concern

Of course you dont care and why should you, but maybe I should buy a playstation for dating advice, huh. Its all good my man! I aint mad at'cha. You enjoy educating yourself on that playstation. No need to keep beating each other across the head over this matter. We both love the cars and women we have, right?

[myother45isalesbaer]

Overall I agree with you. As I said I am going to test drive it again. I am old school, I guess, I like the warning systems, but I do not want the car taking action by itself to make corrections. Let me do that. I can see situations where I may not want to react to the warnings. I don't want the car to do anything unless I am the one deciding what to do.

I agree the engine is good. It just does not nail you to the seat as much as I thought it would. I expected more. You are right, my old M45 probably is a little slower, but not that much than the M56. Its been given a lot of good press and as I said I expected more.

Short story. I live in CT and often run the Merritt parkway. If you stop for gas you need to leave the station, come to a full stop, watch traffic and proceed. Its two lanes in either direction. Very twisty, up hill, down hill, etc. A blast to drive. Anyway, from a full stop to merge into 60-70 mile traffic my old M just winds up, knocks me back into the seat and I am gone. Puts a big fat smile on my face. I am sure the M56 can do the same. Maybe thats where I need to test drive it.

To OP myother45isalesbaer,

I agree for the most part with your review. However, I find that the warning system with braking can be useful, and possibly lifesaving, in certain situations and would love to have that feature on my M45. Unfortunately, it was not implemented until the 2008 models. As for interior design - it looks and functions beautifully, on the other hand, interior quality - not up to par with comparative manufactures and models. But, Infiniti is known for using sub-par interior finishes and exterior paints, so that must be expected when even stepping foot into the showroom.

With any car, the final thumb of approval comes down to the engine. The M56 has a great engine - it really does. It has the horsepower, the torque to back it up, and the pep to bring you wherever you need to go...as fast as you want. You may say that your 2004 M45 will beat the M56, but I will put money on a bet that the 2004 can't. Of course, Infiniti has only been in the business for ~20 years with it's competitors being almost a century or more settled in the automotive industry. It comes with reason that their engine "engineering" will come out with much more precision and better results. That's what comes with experience. One day Infiniti will have the expertise to come head to head to their competitiors, but until then, I agree, their engine's need more trial and error work before sending them to the retail front.

To Y34GLORIA,

Yes, a true BMW M3, M5/Lexus IS-F competitor from Infiniti may be in the works. Maybe even more so because 2011 Infiniti M37/56 sales are up 62.5% since the last model line, which conveys to Infiniti Corporate that an interest in higher performance models are of interest toward their targeted customer base. But you must remember that the largest produced engine ever placed into an Infiniti car was in their CONCEPT car. You are more than aware of the Infiniti Essence concept car, you mentioned it in your post, and you should know the engine in that car produces a combined 590 hp (V6 - 430 and 160 coming from an electric motor). Now remember that the Infiniti M37/56 is inspired by the Infiniti Essence Concept. If they truly desired to place the engine from the Essence into the M-Series then they would have. But they didn't. That's because they aren't ready to facilitate the engineering or production of such an engine. Maybe in the future they will be, and maybe we will see a performance car like BMW or Lexus produces.

The point of what I'm saying is that you shouldn't discount people who appreciate the BMW M3/5 or Lexus IS-F for their performance and choose to purchase those cars over Infiniti's G or M-line. Until Infiniti can produce a competitor car, I personally would recommend a potential buyer to go to a BMW and Lexus dealership. However, for those who are looking for a luxury car with sport abilities, I would point them easily in the direction of the Infiniti dealership. I hope you can understand that?

[Y34GLORIA]

Y34GLORIA,

I think we can all agree that a little debating on an online forum is a fun thing. But you always seem to take it a bit too far. There is no need to insult another person's knowledge or ways of life just because they differ from yours. I mean, I'm sitting here trying to understand your posts and figure out why you make everything sound so confusing (what is a "modem auto forum" ) but I haven't mentioned it till now.

Regardless, here are some pieces of knowledge that I think you could benefit from :

1. It is imperative that car owners and enthusiasts post their concerns, as well as their likes, about the car on forums such as Nico. Automotive manufactures have research and development departments and customer outreach departments that monitor forums, social networks, and car reviews to find what features they can improve upon in the newer models. Infiniti has made publications stating that they involve themselves in this kind of behavior and do monitor posts about their car line-up. Are you wondering why the new 2011 Infiniti M37/56 comes with Michelin Primacy tires from the factory? Well, you guessed it! They do their homework, so it is imperative that we get our opinions, good or bad, out into the wild so they can improve!

2. Nismo isn't really all the hype you think it is. I agree with you that they do have some knowledge in the motorsport business, but I disagree with how much you think they have. Sure, they've been around for about 20-odd years. Sure, they've developed a racing car or two in their day. And yes, they compete in the FIA GT. But in reality, that isn't much of a competiton and they are never going to place first while Vitaphone is still racing. Again, they are NO comparision to BMW in motorsports or even Mercedes-Benz motorsports. In reality, it really only exists today just so Nissan can say they have some presence in the motorsport scene and don't feel left out. I don't expect anything groundbreaking from them anytime soon. Please come back when you've checked your facts and then I will have a real discussion with you.

And lastly, here is a link to Rosetta Stone. I think they can help you understand the English language a bit better.

Crap...I stooped down to your level!

U obvisly do not know much of the history of NISSAN/NISMO racing history much. NISMO produced some of great factory tune machine only in Japan. Ever heard NISMO SKYLINE GTR R34 Z tune, R390 GT1, and some of the great racing machine they build and won the race dating back to 60s 70s. Those car were NEVER advertised or sell here in the US nor anywhere else in the world. U obvisly not into import tuning or JDM(japanese domestic market in case its not in ur dictionary) trends and prob has limited knowledges on tune the car or modify it. u r pretty much waste my time when it comes to that. U had posted on how u paint part of ur M car white clearly show that u have some very weired taste on car and by doing that do not help M perform better in any way. it just make the car look worst then if not already has. If u love the look so much on ur M, why did u decide to re-paint ur car anyway. U should just keep the way it look and have a 2 tone colors that u always like. I am sorry but u just do not make any sense when it come to cars in general based on ur track record. no hard feeling but there in no point to put this any further is wasting time. peace and good luck with ur car hopfully she deserve a better second chance.

[myother45isalesbaer]

Yes, I am going back for another test drive. Problem I have is I like my old M so much, the new one has to be pretty much a ton better. If I can turn that fly by wire stuff off, that may make the difference. The one I tested was the 4 wheel drive version. I need that in CT. I understand that does not have the active rear steering which is good as I don't want the butt end telling me what to do either.

I have owned a 540 BMW and driven nearly every Mercedes on the market. Yes they are awesome. But the M45 for some reason gives me almost everything I want in a car. My BMW was a killer on repairs. My M has had very little time in the shop. It is extremely reliable. I am hooked on the M's and Infiniti. There is not another car out there I would consider for the price. Unless of course I could spend 100s of K's which I can't.

I will let you know......dang I know I am talking myself now into buying this car. I need to study some more specs on it.

myother45isalesbaer,

Good to hear you are giving the car one more shot. Even if, in the end, you don't go for it at least you won't feel like it was a missed opportunity.

I know what you mean about not having the car take action for you. It reminds me of a movie I saw a while ago - iRobot - and the car was driving for him the entire time. Kind of scary in my opinion! Luckily for the lane departure prevention system, if my memory serves me correclty, I believe that it can be manually shut off (including the breaking feature).

I hear you about the fun in going around quick corners and zooming up to traffic speeds form a stop. I love the fact that my second gen M45 gives me that ability and couldn't imagine driving without that. In fact, I'm using the family's QX56 currently (M is in for some paint work) and I just don't have that fun and enjoyable time driving that I have when I'm sitting in the M.

In the end, it's up to YOU. Go for the M if it's what you and the wife want. If it's not, then go out and find a car that is and don't look back!

[Y34GLORIA]

LMAO! try to internet fight with me is kinda pointless that show how smart you really are in some way. BTW I dont give a rat a@@ about ur story. the fact of matter was that ur car jsut look "bad" thats the fact. If u do not like the fact I stated there is something wrong with u trying to argue with people with ur own facts. way to go bro! hahaha u just made my day

[Y34GLORIA]

BTW if u r sooo "smart" why u have to ask peoples opion on what color u should paint ur car. it sounds to me ur clueless on alot thing and shows lack of the confidence. my god!

[UpStar]

my car ranked #17 overall out of 737,000 cars on CarDomain and #1 on Infiniti rides. Your opinion doesn't matter much to me.

Bye!

ahhh haa! so it must have been you who knocked the CakeDaddy's 4 Door Luxo Hot Rod y34 from the top spot amoungst the Infinit M's on Cardomain! I thought that car would never fall from the #1 M spot congrats

[abrader]

Some of my fav rides have had awful generation models. I personally love the new M much more than the 2nd gen. Soome other car generations i didn't like..

- last generation maxima

- current gen accord with that awful forward leaning line

- current gen sentra blah

- the entire current gen acura lineup with those extreme v styles

- the new qx not so much....

Maybe some previous gen m drivers need to go up to fx 50 or qx56

[UpStar]

I
and UpStar, Yes sir! It was me who knocked him off. Took me a while! I think it's because if you look at his profile he was ranking people below him with 1 star. Sneaky guy!!

Im not sure how cardomain works but you can only vote once, I think. He has nearly 35,000 views , so that may have been why cakedaddy was on top for nearly 9months and it looks legit. Props to you on the #1 spot and it looks like you rated yourself with 5* and then you rated cakedaddy ride with 1* now thats sneaky, but what ever works...right

[szh]

Folks,

I have been watching from the sidelines a bit, but have to step in now.

Let's keep the personal flames down, please! More discussion about the merits of the cars is fine, but no more personal commentary.

Thanks for understanding.

Z

[fiveliterbeater]

2. Nismo isn't really all the hype you think it is. I agree with you that they do have some knowledge in the motorsport business, but I disagree with how much you think they have. Sure, they've been around for about 20-odd years. Sure, they've developed a racing car or two in their day. And yes, they compete in the FIA GT. But in reality, that isn't much of a competiton and they are never going to place first while Vitaphone is still racing. Again, they are NO comparision to BMW in motorsports or even Mercedes-Benz motorsports. In reality, it really only exists today just so Nissan can say they have some presence in the motorsport scene and don't feel left out. I don't expect anything groundbreaking from them anytime soon. Please come back when you've checked your facts and then I will have a real discussion with you.

you know upon further research, its like the 24 le mans and 24 hour daytona are mainly dominated by the germans but the super GT's are mainly dominated by the Japansese. im curious to find out what the qualifications are.

[fiveliterbeater]

I always ask for suggestions on Nico before doing many things on my car because I like to hear what other's think and I care about their opinions. Something you should definitely learn.

you definetly didnt ask for my opinion cause i would've

and UpStar, Yes sir! It was me who knocked him off. Took me a while! I think it's because if you look at his profile he was ranking people below him with 1 star. Sneaky guy!!

and that's only cause my M isnt on there! no one can resist a blacked out M!

[fiveliterbeater]

Folks,

I have been watching from the sidelines a bit, but have to step in now.

Let's keep the personal flames down, please! More discussion about the merits of the cars is fine, but no more personal commentary.

Thanks for understanding.

Z

hey schozain whats your email again? i lost it.

[UpStar]

Folks,

I have been watching from the sidelines a bit, but have to step in now.

Let's keep the personal flames down, please! More discussion about the merits of the cars is fine, but no more personal commentary.

Thanks for understanding.

Z

i really haven't seen any "personal flaming" here Some strong opinions about the new M and the design, but no one is flaming. We are big boys here. We can handle ourselves. Oh...I'm burning some copies of Rosetta Stone....who needs a bootleg copy of it?

[fiveliterbeater]

^^^^^^^^^


i do i do i do !!!!






lol j/k

[szh]

whats your email again? i lost it.

I have IM turned on now ... please feel free to use that.

Z

[szh]

i really haven't seen any "personal flaming" here Some strong opinions about the new M and the design, but no one is flaming. We are big boys here. We can handle ourselves. Oh...I'm burning some copies of Rosetta Stone....who needs a bootleg copy of it?

I agree that it is not extreme. But, some of the comments were going a bit farther than they should have.

I tend to let it go usually ... but this time I felt it needed a little reminder to keep it less personal. I did not edit or change anything ...

Z

[fiveliterbeater]

whats your email again? i lost it.

I have IM turned on now ... please feel free to use that.

Z

ummm.....stupid question... : how do you do that? when i click on your screen name i get nothing.

and there is no "PM" icon below your name.

[M45Caliber]

Infiniti had both the M37 and the M56 at the recent Scottsdale Infiniti Track Day. I walked around them and sat in them too. They were not available to drive, however. Walking around them, i had to stifle a yawn -- BORING! I mean, nothing offensive, but too "Infiniti-derivitive" for me. A cross between the FX and G front end, with a melted looking G butt. Interiors were, I thought, Gorgeous - but I am driving a Y34 as well. I will not buy one as I don't care for the organic, melted, soap bar appearance. Good thing my Y34 only has 58K miles and is still under the Elite Warranty, as it looks like I will drive it for another year or two. There IS something to be said about no car payments . . . which I have not had for over 20 years now. So, maybe I will grow used to the look and pick up a 2-year-old M in 2012 for about $25K…
========================================

Went to my local dealer for service. Looked at the M56. Took it out for a test drive. Sorry guys, I was not impressed. Too many fly by wire stuff. Did not have that much more kick in the pants then my old 2004 does. Not as big as my old M. Seats were too tight. New internal design was not that impressive. Hated the lane changing technology. I liked the warning system but not like it braking for me to get me out of a lane. Normal, sport, snow modes all were pretty much the same.

Its small, looks good. Did not impress the wife one bit and she loves the old 2004 M. Inside colors were less than desired. Should have put quality leather and real wood all around the inside. Way too many gadgets.

Overall, for $68,000 plus there is no way I would buy this car. From a dead stop or a 40mph roll out I still contend my old 2004 M45 can beat the new M56. There is no way that car has 420+ hp or much more torque than the original M45's.

I read the reviews. But then they are just fluff reviews. The new M56 just does not offer much, except bells and whistles over the 2003-2004 M's. I wanted to buy one, but after a real test drive, there is no way.

Infiniti has to do better than this to get my juices going and lay down that much money. This car is trying to be a sport sedan with Lexus qualities. If I wanted a Lexus I would buy one. Infiniti missed the mark on a true sport sedan.

[myother45isalesbaer]

I know exactly what you mean. As you can tell from my other posts I was talking myself into buying the M56. I went, looked and drove it again. My final decision was a no buy. It has alot of really nice features, but the whole package just is not doing it for me.

I am with you on the no payments. When I left the dealership in my old M I decided to detail it out and have the few minor scratches fixed for a lot less money than a few payments. Mine is also low mileage. It needs new floor mats, big deal, those are cheap. I came to same conclusion you did, wait a year or two. Mine has been extremely reliable. I am sure it will be relatively trouble free even though it will be going on 8 years old if I wait.

Thanks for your input. You put the final bit of icing on the cake that convinces me I made the right move.

Infiniti had both the M37 and the M56 at the recent Scottsdale Infiniti Track Day. I walked around them and sat in them too. They were not available to drive, however. Walking around them, i had to stifle a yawn -- BORING! I mean, nothing offensive, but too "Infiniti-derivitive" for me. A cross between the FX and G front end, with a melted looking G butt. Interiors were, I thought, Gorgeous - but I am driving a Y34 as well. I will not buy one as I don't care for the organic, melted, soap bar appearance. Good thing my Y34 only has 58K miles and is still under the Elite Warranty, as it looks like I will drive it for another year or two. There IS something to be said about no car payments . . . which I have not had for over 20 years now. So, maybe I will grow used to the look and pick up a 2-year-old M in 2012 for about $25K…
========================================

Went to my local dealer for service. Looked at the M56. Took it out for a test drive. Sorry guys, I was not impressed. Too many fly by wire stuff. Did not have that much more kick in the pants then my old 2004 does. Not as big as my old M. Seats were too tight. New internal design was not that impressive. Hated the lane changing technology. I liked the warning system but not like it braking for me to get me out of a lane. Normal, sport, snow modes all were pretty much the same.

Its small, looks good. Did not impress the wife one bit and she loves the old 2004 M. Inside colors were less than desired. Should have put quality leather and real wood all around the inside. Way too many gadgets.

Overall, for $68,000 plus there is no way I would buy this car. From a dead stop or a 40mph roll out I still contend my old 2004 M45 can beat the new M56. There is no way that car has 420+ hp or much more torque than the original M45's.

I read the reviews. But then they are just fluff reviews. The new M56 just does not offer much, except bells and whistles over the 2003-2004 M's. I wanted to buy one, but after a real test drive, there is no way.

Infiniti has to do better than this to get my juices going and lay down that much money. This car is trying to be a sport sedan with Lexus qualities. If I wanted a Lexus I would buy one. Infiniti missed the mark on a true sport sedan.

[GJEMD]

[quote="myother45isalesbaer"]Went to my local dealer for service. Looked at the M56. Took it out for a test drive. Sorry guys, I was not impressed. Too many fly by wire stuff. Did not have that much more kick in the pants then my old 2004 does.


\
there are 4 driving modes. if it was in Eco mode it would have some
throttle restriction. Also the 6 speed Auto tend to be seamless with very close shift points. Not sure, but together could have made the maiden voyage less than memorable

[fiveliterbeater]

i think someone mentioned in this same thread that even switching to diffrent modes, there was no diffrence felt (acceleration-wise)

[abrader]

i think someone mentioned in this same thread that even switching to diffrent modes, there was no diffrence felt (acceleration-wise)

It's not accurate - very distinct difference between Eco, normal and sport. I haven't tried snow mode

[myother45isalesbaer]

That would have been me. In my 2004 M I can turn the traction control on or off. I usually run it on. The modes really don't do much else. They do seem to change transmission response and when shifts are made at what RPM's. I am old school. Its another techno thing I don't need. I know how to shift for max performance and I know how to shift to get better fuel economy or drive in the snow. I am anti the car deciding things for me. Some may like it. I actually find the traction control annoying at times in my old M. I am thankful I can shut it off. I did not find the driving modes to be much more than an annoyance. I like the paddle shifters, but don't tweak the computer to force me into a mode. Let it go balls to the wall all the time. I will decide RPMS and shift points. Another nice feature, but one I could do without. I just don't care much for techno stuff that takes the skill of driving away from me and lets the car do it. I know this is the way all cars are going, but if I can't turn most of that stuff off it just seems we are making high powered performance cars for people who really should not be buying them.

Long story short and I will stop. When I took my old M out for a test drive, I gently pulled it up to where we were going to enter a highway. I looked directly at the salesman and told him I am here to see what kind of snot this car has. Do not mention to me one single word about cup holders or the great sounding music system. I promptly jacked that car up to 120mph, looked at him taking a dump in his pants and said see, I don't care about cup holders. We got back to his lot and he said you are the only customer I have ever had that did that and didn't want to hear about the cup holders. Of course he was BS'ing me for a sale, but I bought it anyway. The ride to 120, with more on the pedal to go sold me.

i think someone mentioned in this same thread that even switching to diffrent modes, there was no diffrence felt (acceleration-wise)

[zozoka1212]

nissan's gtr competes very well with m3/m5 and amg anything, it is priced at $84k, within the range of M5 and E class AMG. Dont expect hi-performance infiniti anytime soon, even a GTR based infiniti is canceled.

Say it again.

http://www.trademarkia.com/ipl-77941253.html

"On Monday, February 22, 2010, a U.S. federal trademark registration was filed for IPL. This trademark is owned by Nissan Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, 1-1 Takashima 1-chome, Nishi-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa 220-8686"

"The correspondent listed for IPL is MICOL CECCHI of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC., ONE NISSAN WAY, 5TH FLOOR, LEGAL DEPT., A-5-E FRANKLIN, TN 37067 . The IPL trademark is filed in the category of Machinery Products . The description provided to the USPTO for IPL is High performance motor vehicle parts, namely drop in filters for automotive engines, catback exhaust systems comprised of muffler assemblies, exhaust tips and connecting pipes; automotive engine parts, namely turbo chargers and super chargers. "


You know what that means?!?!?!?!?!

Power my friend lots of it. LOL

[myother45isalesbaer]

Hook me up. Where do I get a blower for my old M45.

nissan's gtr competes very well with m3/m5 and amg anything, it is priced at $84k, within the range of M5 and E class AMG. Dont expect hi-performance infiniti anytime soon, even a GTR based infiniti is canceled.

Say it again.

http://www.trademarkia.com/ipl-77941253.html

"On Monday, February 22, 2010, a U.S. federal trademark registration was filed for IPL. This trademark is owned by Nissan Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, 1-1 Takashima 1-chome, Nishi-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa 220-8686"

"The correspondent listed for IPL is MICOL CECCHI of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC., ONE NISSAN WAY, 5TH FLOOR, LEGAL DEPT., A-5-E FRANKLIN, TN 37067 . The IPL trademark is filed in the category of Machinery Products . The description provided to the USPTO for IPL is High performance motor vehicle parts, namely drop in filters for automotive engines, catback exhaust systems comprised of muffler assemblies, exhaust tips and connecting pipes; automotive engine parts, namely turbo chargers and super chargers. "


You know what that means?!?!?!?!?!

Power my friend lots of it. LOL

[greggebhardt]

Did not have that much more kick in the pants then my old 2004 does. Not as big as my old M. Seats were too tight. New internal design was not that impressive.

I am a long time Q45 owner and all I can say is you must have been diving a G instead of the M as my M56S blows the doors off of what I thought was my fast Q45.

Not by a little but A LOT! The fly by wire, as you called it, all worked quite well together. I know as an owner I might be prejudice but I think Infiniti has a winner!

[myother45isalesbaer]

Lets not go there on the G. I have a 2004 M45. I want to hear all about the M56 from an owners point of view. Please tell me all. I am so on the fence with buying one. I would like to hear all the details of what you got with yours and your opinion about every feature.

Many thanks. I really do want to know. The Q was a great car but not made to be an M.

Did not have that much more kick in the pants then my old 2004 does. Not as big as my old M. Seats were too tight. New internal design was not that impressive.

I am a long time Q45 owner and all I can say is you must have been diving a G instead of the M as my M56S blows the doors off of what I thought was my fast Q45.

Not by a little but A LOT! The fly by wire, as you called it, all worked quite well together. I know as an owner I might be prejudice but I think Infiniti has a winner!

[gorolex]

Just wanted to share.
I had my M45x 08 for service and used the wait to try M56x
The dealer had only one, black.
The initial pull from the start is good, quicker than mine. May be just more rougher.
Flooring to 80 mpg did not feel any faster then M45. No "pushing into seat". Modulated gas pedal and had the same transmission hickups I experienced on my previous 2 Maximas, I30 and M45. I expected the 7 speed would be smoother. Felt no diff 7 vs 5.
My M45X has premium package with entertaiment flip screen, fully loaded. Salesman told me it's not offerred in M56. I have a small kid and kind of liked to have it.
The rear legroom is visibly smaller. I'm 6.2 and push the seat to the back. Not that I care but still.
Some cabin parts seemed cheaper looking. Less wood maybe. My sunvisor has pieces I can extend. The M56 does not. Instead of port and IPod cable - only the USB port . The Infiniti clock lookes I think really bad . They switched from elegant oval to "tank" shape. Looks like from CVS $20 watch shelf.
I like to have on mine the slot for CF card. Very convinient to load all my music. M56 does not have it.
It has the heated wheel feature. That's nice.
I lked the rear design of the car. The front however is like Maxima, didn't like it. Overall it looks smaller.
Now I appreciate my M45x a bit more... Don't flame I only had 10 min with the car, may be I missed the beauty.