M56 Test Drive by an 2004 M45 Owner

[myother45isalesbaer]

No flame. No problem. I am very interested in the opinions of other M drivers concerning the M56. Its seems really good on paper. Seems some that have bought the new M's love them. I am not so into the techno in cabin stuff as others.

Appreciate your input. I was not wow'd over by the new 56. I wonder if the new owners who are wow'd over have owned an M and not a Q. There is a big difference. I'd like to see a performance test on the track between the first, second and third generation M's. That is not likely to happen. But it would be interesting.

Bottom line for me is the 56 did just not blow me away compared to my old M. Who knows. I think I will wait until the new 56's get a year older and see what people are saying.

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.

[vikasdesai]

I agree with the complaining guy about the m56's power, it doesn't put you into your seat like an american v-8 or a merc v-8, it does need to be revved, but it is a luxury car thats supposed to have effortless accleration and you can't argue with the results the car testers are getting with this car. Take a look at the real world acceleration times of the m56 on car and driver(5-60 in 4.7 seconds!). Under 2000 rpm the car does feel lethargic though, and during a test drive you will be generally not be driving very fast which would explain why people aren't that impressed on a test drive. As far as the interior of the car, I don't really see how the benz or bimmer have a nicer interior that the infinti, the benz interior looks just as old as the 2008 models and the bmw interior doesn't look expensive at all, plus i drive sucks. Audi/jaguar and panamera are the only cars i see that have a nicer interior than the infiniti

[myother45isalesbaer]

Thats the ticket. It does not slam you into the seat like an American V8 could. It has that smooth power. You need to wind it up like a rubber band before it does anything. Reminds me of my Harley vs. my Kawasaki. One needed to have revs the other would pull from idle.

I just hate it when flying when the pilot does not hammer those engines on take-off and not slam me in the seat. Boring. Boring. Give me old fashion torque.

But I must say, in all fairness, my Harley with all its torque could not beat the Kawasaki. I wish Infiniti could dial in some more push me back in the seat power. But that would scare off the I want a luxury car people who want power, but not too much to scare them.

Oh well, I like rev's and I like torque. The later really gets the job done. I like big pistons, with long strokes that can rip the tires off, break transmissions, and make you fear for your life if you don't lay off. The M56 is a rev machine for those that can't handle big time power and just want to listen to the music. I never drive and play music.

But I still may buy one. The big time American V8's are dead. I just will rev the crap out of that piss ant motor and if can smoke the tires for 100 ft. I might buy it.

I agree with the complaining guy about the m56's power, it doesn't put you into your seat like an american v-8 or a merc v-8, it does need to be revved, but it is a luxury car thats supposed to have effortless accleration and you can't argue with the results the car testers are getting with this car. Take a look at the real world acceleration times of the m56 on car and driver(5-60 in 4.7 seconds!). Under 2000 rpm the car does feel lethargic though, and during a test drive you will be generally not be driving very fast which would explain why people aren't that impressed on a test drive. As far as the interior of the car, I don't really see how the benz or bimmer have a nicer interior that the infinti, the benz interior looks just as old as the 2008 models and the bmw interior doesn't look expensive at all, plus i drive sucks. Audi/jaguar and panamera are the only cars i see that have a nicer interior than the infiniti

[Titan7170]

Does anybody take into consideration that you are comparing a test drive with cars that are not broken in with cars that are well broken in?

[myother45isalesbaer]

Of course. In my humble opinion there is not that much difference. A few 10th's of a second on a track. No difference on a test drive. The M56 being as good as it is just does not have the snot to get me excited. Very nice car. Nice stereo and some techno stuff. But as I said. I don't care about the techno stuff or the stereo or cup holders when I am laying out $60K or more. I want something that puts the fear of GOD into most drivers.

Guess I am back to BMW. I like to get scared and have the fear of GOD in me when I give it full power. The M56 is boring. Just plain old boring. Wind it up, and it moves. But it is a boring, no brass balls car. On a roll out its good. Infiniti is looking to knock off the likes of BMW. Sorry, not yet. An M5 will just kill the 56 from start to finish in all regards.

Does anybody take into consideration that you are comparing a test drive with cars that are not broken in with cars that are well broken in?

[Y34GLORIA]

have fun with ur BMW. M5 is not in the same class of m56. I dunno why i dont see why u bring up this non sense. good luck with ur future cars

[Titan7170]

Of course. In my humble opinion there is not that much difference. A few 10th's of a second on a track. No difference on a test drive. The M56 being as good as it is just does not have the snot to get me excited. Very nice car. Nice stereo and some techno stuff. But as I said. I don't care about the techno stuff or the stereo or cup holders when I am laying out $60K or more. I want something that puts the fear of GOD into most drivers.

Guess I am back to BMW. I like to get scared and have the fear of GOD in me when I give it full power. The M56 is boring. Just plain old boring. Wind it up, and it moves. But it is a boring, no brass balls car. On a roll out its good. Infiniti is looking to knock off the likes of BMW. Sorry, not yet. An M5 will just kill the 56 from start to finish in all regards.

Does anybody take into consideration that you are comparing a test drive with cars that are not broken in with cars that are well broken in?

M5 starts at 85,000.....not even a close comparison. I dont think Infiniti is going for an all out race inspired performance car at all. To me they are trying to have more performance than a E550 but less suspension harshness than the BMW equivelent. I think they are looking for a happy medium. At least thats what I think they were trying for.

[myother45isalesbaer]

Were you not given a lecture about you lousy attitude several days ago. I refuse to be baited, flamed by you. I will not respond to any posts you make. You are just looking for a fight everytime you post here.

have fun with ur BMW. M5 is not in the same class of m56. I dunno why i dont see why u bring up this non sense. good luck with ur future cars

[Y34GLORIA]

Were you not given a lecture about you lousy attitude several days ago. I refuse to be baited, flamed by you. I will not respond to any posts you make. You are just looking for a fight everytime you post here.

have fun with ur BMW. M5 is not in the same class of m56. I dunno why i dont see why u bring up this non sense. good luck with ur future cars

fight u for what? good..thanks god!!!! please do not post on this useless thread anymore. just stated the facts. wasting my time posting.. later

[Y34GLORIA]

Does anybody take into consideration that you are comparing a test drive with cars that are not broken in with cars that are well broken in?

[/quote]

M5 starts at 85,000.....not even a close comparison. I dont think Infiniti is going for an all out race inspired performance car at all. To me they are trying to have more performance than a E550 but less suspension harshness than the BMW equivelent. I think they are looking for a happy medium. At least thats what I think they were trying for.[/quote]


yeah amen to that but when u stated the facts. people still dont get it.

[myother45isalesbaer]

Titan,

I know. You are right. God help me I just love cars and the M5 is one of them. The 56 is a great car, even though I whine about it. My whining is because I had hoped Infiniti was going to hit a home run and knock off the likes of BMW. They got on base but did not quite knock off the 5 series. The M5 is too much car for me. I like my old M45. I do think the M56 is priced too high and the M5 for another $20K is out of my range for the moment. I tend to look at the downside of cars first, then enjoy the upside. The M56 is still on my radar scope as a car to buy. I am just waiting to hear from the owners when they kind of start getting over the new car enthusiasm and start reporting issues.

I owned a 540i a few years back. It was an awesome car, thats when it wasn't in for repairs. I traded it for the M45 and have been very happy with the performance and especially the reliablity of my old M. On a scale of 1-10, the BMW was about a 2 and the M45 is close to a 10 for reliability. So much for the ultimate driving machine. If I can't drive it, it's not the ultimate.

[myother45isalesbaer]

I don't know. One post you are a nice guy, the next you are not. Read your own posts, as below as an example.

fight u for what? good..thanks god!!!! please do not post on this useless thread anymore. just stated the facts. wasting my time posting.. later[/quote]

[Titan7170]

Titan,

I know. You are right. God help me I just love cars and the M5 is one of them. The 56 is a great car, even though I whine about it. My whining is because I had hoped Infiniti was going to hit a home run and knock off the likes of BMW. They got on base but did not quite knock off the 5 series. The M5 is too much car for me. I like my old M45. I do think the M56 is priced too high and the M5 for another $20K is out of my range for the moment. I tend to look at the downside of cars first, then enjoy the upside. The M56 is still on my radar scope as a car to buy. I am just waiting to hear from the owners when they kind of start getting over the new car enthusiasm and start reporting issues.

I owned a 540i a few years back. It was an awesome car, thats when it wasn't in for repairs. I traded it for the M45 and have been very happy with the performance and especially the reliablity of my old M. On a scale of 1-10, the BMW was about a 2 and the M45 is close to a 10 for reliability. So much for the ultimate driving machine. If I can't drive it, it's not the ultimate.

I want to see some straight up tests between the Infiniti,BMW,Mercedes,Lexus and Jaguar I have a feeling the M would come in 2nd or 3rd to BMW and Mercedes for performance but 1st place for interior and maybe 1st or 2nd place for styling.

I myself will hopefully be getting a M37 with premium and touring package(love that interior leather upgrade and wood) soon, 330hp seems like enough for me, it will be 130-160hp jump from what Im driving now, not only that but I cant afford 60,000+ anyway

Infiniti is on the right track, it would be nice if Infiniti's performance devision upgrades(if true) include the M also. Only time will tell.

[myother45isalesbaer]

I too would like to see some real tests, on the track, everything equal. I think when the auto mags do tests they get ringers in. Cars that are are not off the assembly line and have been tuned up a little. Seems the love the German stuff.

Best of luck to you on the 37. Let us all know what you think. I remember the days when anything putting out 300hp was awesome. To have 330hp is equal to my old M. That should be enough to get you in some serious trouble with the law.

I also agree, Infiniti is going in the right direction. I just wish they would go faster. I would truly like them to build a BMW killer in the range of the 5 series. They are dang close.

I want to see some straight up tests between the Infiniti,BMW,Mercedes,Lexus and Jaguar I have a feeling the M would come in 2nd or 3rd to BMW and Mercedes for performance but 1st place for interior and maybe 1st or 2nd place for styling.

I myself will hopefully be getting a M37 with premium and touring package(love that interior leather upgrade and wood) soon, 330hp seems like enough for me, it will be 130-160hp jump from what Im driving now, not only that but I cant afford 60,000+ anyway

Infiniti is on the right track, it would be nice if Infiniti's performance devision upgrades(if true) include the M also. Only time will tell.[/quote]

[gorolex]

I agree about the break-in period. I've got mine M45 brand new and was a bit dssapointed at the beginning of the litargic low range. After 20K this baby just eats every car for breakfest. E420, Acura, A5, 330i, 535 etc were all beaten on the road to shame. i use no tricks, with VDS on and auto trans, full air-conditioner - Still kicks a**.
I'd like to have this extra "scare" push, but it's too much to ask for 4 door, all-wheel family car. I don't want to give up all wheel as the snow tdrive is effortless on this car.

[rgb129]

statement retracted...

[vikasdesai]

The fact is that the m56's biggest gripe is that it doesn't give you a ton of power down low, like chevy small block or the mb v-8, but once you are on the highway, leave that sucker in 3rd and 4th and it is a real rocket, this is where the m56 really shines, it probably helps the mileage too that you don't get all the power right away(don't quote me on that one), now i want to know which company is going to make a true sport exhaust for this car, because its too quiet for my tastes, the fact is that i really wanted a mb c63amg, but i needed to drive something in the snow so i went for the m56x, but it sure would be nice if some company can make an exhaust for the m56 that gives as loud a sound as the c63. perhaps stillen?

[rgb129]

Just go custom. It will be cheaper and and you can make sound as loud as you like.

[jwong77]

@ Y34Gloria: Please stop taking things on car forums so seriously, you'll live a longer, happier life. I agree with you that Infiniti does need its support, but you can't expect non-Nissan employees to do so. What is their motivation? Its their opinion, and they are entitled to it. If you decide to bash my post thats OK, but someday when you grow up, you'll appreciate my advise. Thanks.

[gavnator]

Car and Driver did a review on the 2011 M56 about 6 months ago. I don't remember if it was a mule of a prototype but they stated they didn't see the 100+ HP difference. I believe they also realized the car was not right. The latest review of the 2011 M56 and M37 were relatively positive. According th C & D the m37S was as quick as last years M45 in all respects all be it a little grittier (their words not my) at the limit. The m56 performance was strong and their comment was that even the new BMW 5 and anything else in it class would be no quicker. I agree with one of the earlier posts in that Infiniti has to refine the computer controls managing the M56. We all know how Nissan/Infiniti is when it comes to developing HP from its engines and I have to believe in final form the M56 is good for more than 420 HP. We also know that C & D tribble over BMW's and Audi. I find it interesting that test driver drove the M56 and another the m37 and had totally different opinions on the "S" rear steer capability. The just received the latest C & D edition (got it in the mail yesterday which compared BMW, Infiniti, and Audi. I have not read the article yet but I believe the Infiniti was an M37S

[myother45isalesbaer]

I read the Car and Driver reviews before I test drove the M56. There is no doubt in my mind that Car and Driver s*** and comes in their pants anytime they see a BMW. Not so sure they do that with Audi. What they never tell you is a BMW is just a maintence nightmare. They generally liked the M56. But what they liked I don't. I do not want reactive rear wheel steering or lane changing done by wire. I hate cars that do things for me that I did not tell them to do. As for the engineered quite ride...take that out too. I could care less about the great sound system. It nice, but not worth the $68K list price plus taxes, etc. As for the interior....nice. Not up to Germany quality but the price is.

Bottom line most serious complaint. It has no balls. Oh sure, once you wind the rubber band up it has got a lot of snot. No low end snot. BMW has low rpm snot. Infiniti has to get off revs to get torque. I want torque from low rpms all the way through the power band. Revs and "smooth power" does not impress me. I have to wind my 2004 up to 4000 rpm's before it even attempts to get its a** moving. My opinion on what I like. FOR THE PRICE...not so sure they made a 5 series BMW killer unless you want to knock off the little 6 cylinder Beemers.

Car and Driver did a review on the 2011 M56 about 6 months ago. I don't remember if it was a mule of a prototype but they stated they didn't see the 100+ HP difference. I believe they also realized the car was not right. The latest review of the 2011 M56 and M37 were relatively positive. According th C & D the m37S was as quick as last years M45 in all respects all be it a little grittier (their words not my) at the limit. The m56 performance was strong and their comment was that even the new BMW 5 and anything else in it class would be no quicker. I agree with one of the earlier posts in that Infiniti has to refine the computer controls managing the M56. We all know how Nissan/Infiniti is when it comes to developing HP from its engines and I have to believe in final form the M56 is good for more than 420 HP. We also know that C & D tribble over BMW's and Audi. I find it interesting that test driver drove the M56 and another the m37 and had totally different opinions on the "S" rear steer capability. The just received the latest C & D edition (got it in the mail yesterday which compared BMW, Infiniti, and Audi. I have not read the article yet but I believe the Infiniti was an M37S

[gavnator]

So I just finished reading the August edition of Car and Driver comparo for the BMW 535i, Infiniti M37 and the Audi A6 3.0T Quattro. The last compare for these car makers was the Five at Fifty comparo which included for the MB E350, Jaguar XF, BMW 535i, Infiniti M45, and the Audi A6 3.0T Quattro. The Audi’s the same car that won the 2009 comparo over the2009 M45 which had faster 0-60, ¼ mile, and 50-70 passing numbers then the Audi. The BMW and Infiniti M are new cars. So in this comparo the BMW is 3rd. the M37 2nd, and the Audi 1st. Forgetting about performance for a second, the Audi is an old looking, very conservative style. I consider my M35X somewhat conservative and the Audi is clearly more so. Performance compare numbers are very close. ¼ time was quicker then the Audi and tied the BMW, 0-100 quicker than Audi and BMW. 0-130 fast then the BMW (Audit speed gov. at 127). Highest top speed 157 mph.
C & D dings the M37 on it’s 50-70 passing time of 4.2 seconds and say the M37 is pretty equal to it/s competition until it reach triple digits. Give me a break!! It’s true the M37 gives up 30lbs and 40lbs of torque to the BMW and the Audi respectively, even though it has 30 HP more. The M37 was given the highest marks on exterior, interiors, and features. How the M37 could lose to a car and platform that’s so aged amazes me. The fact that Infiniti is trying to squeeze more MPG based on computing and 7 speed transmission gearing selection may have had an effect on the 50 – 70 time not to mention there bias towards German technology: even OLD German technology. I think the old 5 speed would do better with the 3.7 motor performance wise.

[myother45isalesbaer]

I read the same article and was pretty disgusted with Car and Driver. Then I started to LOL. The difference performance was not enough to justify their conclusions. But, they love German cars. I now take what I read in C&D with a grain of salt. I have knocked off, in real driving conditions, several 540 Beemers. They have great low end pulling power, but when you are doing 60mph and need a blast to 80mph my old 2004 M45 can wind up and blow them away.

Track and test times are nice. But I don't drive on a track. Real world conditions are not the same. Don't let C&D get to you. They do a nice job testing, but their always vote for the German cars.

[gavnator]

I agree regarding their testing and I've bought many cars based on their sound detail tests. But in some ways I think their confounded by these new M's in that they don't want to pi-- off the German food trough by suggesting there better. I think one point you make deals with actually being able to drive in a performance situation. Before I purchased the M35X I owned several Maximas; all of them had standard trannys. Given the right jump, there wasn't much you couldn't blow off given the HP to weight ratio. I saw my black M35X with bourbon interior on an Infinti lot and had to have it even before I drove it. I was beyond Maximas and just wanted the M for its reputed quality from Consumer Reports, the M Forum and alike. I have to say for a car it's size it's can be deceptively quick depending how you drive it. I've not for one moment regreted buying my M. It's be bullit proof. Good luck with your M45.

[myother45isalesbaer]

I agree. The problem with the techno mags is they are techno mags. Car and Driver, Road and Track, they all do the same thing. Measure performance in controlled situations. Thats OK and I like to read their results. What they cannot measure is the car on highway and bi-way conditions. They try, but they don't get into uphill on ramp performance. They don't get into a 40mph roll-out when you need to hit 70mph ASAP. They don't get into lane changing ability on ruff roads. So I read the specs and say OK...one is a tad better than the other. Big deal. I am not a pro driver. I just know when I want my M to kick in I can count on it to do so. It handles well, no funky front or back end pushing. It brakes extremely well. It has the juice I need for highway driving. So its not a BMW. I had a BMW and it spent more time getting fixed than the M has spent time getting oil changes. I have found my M to also be bullet proof. Its a 2004 and I have had almost no issues with it. Enjoy yours too. I think the so called Pros underrated these cars.

[dvan]

I agree. The problem with the techno mags is they are techno mags. Car and Driver, Road and Track, they all do the same thing. Measure performance in controlled situations. Thats OK and I like to read their results. What they cannot measure is the car on highway and bi-way conditions. They try, but they don't get into uphill on ramp performance. They don't get into a 40mph roll-out when you need to hit 70mph ASAP. They don't get into lane changing ability on ruff roads. So I read the specs and say OK...one is a tad better than the other. Big deal. I am not a pro driver. I just know when I want my M to kick in I can count on it to do so. It handles well, no funky front or back end pushing. It brakes extremely well. It has the juice I need for highway driving. So its not a BMW. I had a BMW and it spent more time getting fixed than the M has spent time getting oil changes. I have found my M to also be bullet proof. Its a 2004 and I have had almost no issues with it. Enjoy yours too. I think the so called Pros underrated these cars.

Ditto...magazine articles can only tell you so much. I easily walked a 2008 G35S from 70-120 MPH even though, according to the mags, i should have lost. The G35S driver was pretty surprised as well, i guess he was basing his estimation on mag specs as well :P

[VipY34m45]

Y34 forever no BMW I've ran into could touch my m, I got a custom cold air intake and custom exhaust and the bully dog pprogrammer and like Isaid my big girl absolutely destroys the 3,5 series bmws haven't had a chance play with the 7 yet Lexus are a joke as well the all over rated in my opinion and over priced like Isaid iI love my m

[SmoovC]

This thread cracks me up. I am also on a couple of other car forums, and its always the same thing when a new generation vehicle comes out. The people that have the old ones hate on the new ones.

[myother45isalesbaer]

This thread cracks me up. I am also on a couple of other car forums, and its always the same thing when a new generation vehicle comes out. The people that have the old ones hate on the new ones.

Not true. I still have my old M. Not going to even touch the new ones. They just don't have it in all ways. I still get many compliments about my old M's styling and performance. I am keeping it until it rusts to death. Have fun with your new one.

[SmoovC]

Haha, and I'm happy for you that you like the ol' gal so much, and it still gives you pleasure to this day. I felt the same way about my old 2006 M45, but she was getting up there in miles, so time for something else. Enter the M56S.

I was merely making an observation about what I have seen on other car forums I also frequent. For example: the new body Charger, 300, Mustang.... and everyone seems to hate the new Ram body.