New 2007 M35 sport owner/novice

[JPRV]

I just bought a 2007 M35 sport. I have a few questions that perhaps some experienced owners/enthusiasts might be willing to help me with.

I live in Minnesota and we need snow tires on rear wheel drive cars such as the M35. Would it make sense to buy four M-35 regular wheels (non-sport or X wheels) which take the smaller diameter 245/45R18 and mount all season tires on the front two and blizzak snow tires on the back two for the winter months? Will they mess up the speedometer (are they close to the same overall diameter as the stock M35 sport tires of 245/40R19?). Will this smaller size tire conflict with the "sport tuned suspension" and give me a wierd ride?

Are such wide and low profiles as came on the M35 sport really necessary for daily driving (these 245/45R19 are wider than I am used to). I bought the sport model for all the deluxe features that came with it and because it seemed to me to be good value for what one gets. I find the fit and finish and interior/seats bar far the best I have ever seen. Plue the steering is very precise and the 5spd autotrans seems excellent).

Is it possible to also use these M35 base wheels (245/45R18) and mount all season all season tires on all four and use them in the summer as my main tires with no problems?

Also, I noticed a slight hum coming from the driver's side front wheel area which soundeded like either a wheel bearing or a faulty tire. So I rotated the front driver's side tire with the rear driver's side, thinking if it was due to a faulty tire it would change direction of origin. This didn't diminish the noise. Could this be a faulty wheel bearing? (I checked to make sure the underseat cooling fan was off and it was). This hum appears to be related to wheel speed. Could it be an artifact of the wide performace tires and their tread/road dynamics in combination with a shortage of sound insulation near the left front side of the cabin.

Any suggestions regarding these issues would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[audtatious]

Honestly, if I had to deal with lots of snow I would put blizzak's all around. High performance all-seasons just really suck for the most part. Better safe than sorry. You could save some money on tires by going down to 18's if you'd like. 245-45-18's would work just fine and only be .1% faster reading on the speedometer, thus if you are doing 60mph you are really doing 59.9mph. You can't get much closer than that. The 245-45-18's would also have a .4" higher sidewall which may work out better in snow. You could also downgrade to the 18" rims permanently if you wished. I'm sure someone would offer you some nice cash for the factory 19's as well or you could keep them to sell with the car later. Your choice.

If you are unsure of a noise, take it into the Infiniti dealer and have them check it out. That's why you have a 6/60 warranty

[bamaSAAB]

I would highly reccomend Nokian WR's. I replaced the horrible Goodyears that came stock on my non-sport ASAP!.They are the only all season tires that are rated for snow in Europe. I have them on my M as I am a Nokian fan, and they are the only good choice for the 18's. I also have them on my son's Mazda PR5, as he is in college at U Kentucky. Many Saab owners, even in new england, use them exclusively year around, and report good results both summer and winter. Longevity is very good.I don't know if they are available in 19's . Since you are in snow country, I'm sure you have dealers in your area...if not, check their website.Good luck with your '07. My '06 now has 38k and has been faultless to date. I have driven nothing but Saabs for the previous 15 years...it would be hard to go back! This is a nearly perfect sedan. Fast, comfortable, well mannered, and trouble free. None of the interior or exterior pieces are showing any wear so far to boot! Just oil changes and car washes...

[szh]

None of the interior or exterior pieces are showing any wear so far to boot! Just oil changes and car washes...

Good!

However, I would strongly recommend transmission flushes (with the J fluid) every 30k miles or so. Helps with the longevity of the transmission ... past the warranty period, that is!

Z

[bamaSAAB]

I have replaced the filters..air and cabin. I am planning to replace fluids at the next oil change...40k. At least the transmission and coolant...maybe the brake fluid. Anything else I should consider? My lease ends at 75k, but with years of Saab ownership in my background, I am a believer in maintainance....I would be ashamed to turn in an M in poor condition!