New 2008 M35 Owner

[shankrr]

Hello Everyone,
I am new to the site and a new Infiniti owner of a M35 Sport 2008. I have a few questions and welcome any advice.
First, I am missing two engine covers (the one that covers the windshield wiper fluid and the one directly across on the left hand side). Anyone has them for sale, I cant find them on ebay and the ones i do see dont look like the right piece.

Second, I have a decision to make on tires... I am really close to getting rims and tires verus just replacing my tires.. but i dont know what "OFFSET" means and what the offset is for my car?

Lastly, I have 57,000 miles on the car... I have changed the oil, oil filter, air filter, and Cabin Filter, what other checks and/or fluids should I change/replace before putting this machine on the road. Thanks in advance, i have read many other topics and learned a great amount on here already.

[shankrr]

Wow, not even a welcome to the site?

[The Bodyguard]

Wow, not even a welcome to the site?

Welcome to Nicoclub!!

Your stock 19" (you mentioned you have the sport model) are +50 offset 19"x8.5 so they are deep into the wheel well...

Offset on wheels is what determines how far in the wheels tuck into the wheel well. The lower the number the further Out the wheels will stick out!! It plays a key factor on size of wheels you select. Staggered vs square set up! The wider the wheel ie. 10.5" rear wheel will need higher offset number in order to not stick out (+42/+45) is a good number! Front or square set up would be either a 8.5" or 9" wide rim with offset around +32/+35/+38. Hope that helps... Good luck in your search...
At nearly 60k I recommend check the wear on your belts, consider changing out
transmission fluid, coolant flush and rear differential fluid!

[shankrr]

Thanks Bodyguard,
that helps a lot on the Wheels and I didnt even think about doing the differential fluid. Does any one have a clue where I can get those engine covers? I did a search and I cant find them, I keep getting the main cover with the 3.5L V6 cover, but i need the surrounding covers below the Battery and Brake fluid covers.

[wingFeather]

Welcome!

[SplitsenseM35]

Welcome!! do you mind sharing how much you paid for the car?

I have the same model, 2008 sport purchased with the same miles as you 57K and just wondering if my deal is still good. lol

Before rims, I recommend a drop. That gap is killer! I was also in your situation but decided to go coilovers with stock 19in sport rims with new Michelin MXM4 tires. looks great! if you want pics let me know.

[shankrr]

Wingfeather, thanks bro,
Splitsense, I paid 21K just last week...the bank appraised the car at 25K (if that helps). I dont want to modify my car too much, I think i will stick with the stock 19s and get new tires. I have been watching the Michelins MXM4s on ebay if those are the Primacy? A friend just told me about Hancooks that he likes on his G35... so I got a decision to make. several people like those michelins.... I love their sportbike tires.

[Larz]

Welcome to Nicoclub!

I agree - I'm not a fan of large wheels and thin tires either. Keep the 19's and get good quality tires. I'm a huge Michelin fan. I have Pilot Super Sport A/S Plus because in FL we need dependable wet handling and they have NEVER let me down. I believe most members here use some type of Michelin or the Continental Extreme Contact DWS. They are very close in price. The Michelin Primacy MXV4's and Pilot HX MXM4's have high ratings for low noise and good grip.
The only tire brand I would never recommend is Cooper which as I say, should be renamed: Crapper. They are very loud, very unsteady in rain and wet surfaces, and generally, well, crap.

PS: I recommend Tire Rack website - they have a 'decision guide' that picks tires based on your model and the type of driving you do. Look there to determine what you like, either buy them from the site, or shop locally for that tire at the best price. Also, bear in mind that our M's go through tires more quickly than the specified tread life. They are heavy cars with lots of power, so don't expect 60k miles on a set of 4.

[shankrr]

Larz, Thank you man ... that is the kind of info a newbie needs! funny you say pilot cause those are the tires popular on motorcycles. I have hear a lot about these continentials... I will have to look into them.

Larz and Splitsense, send me the link to see pics of your wheels if you already posted them please... selecting a bad tire ruins the look of any rim and car.

One last thing.... does anybody know where to get those Engine Covers? I am anal about my car missing pieces.

[M35SFIREMEDIC]

Welcome to NICO CLUB!! I just purchased a set of the Michlin's primancy mxm4's and I LOVE THESE TIRES!!!!! I have the stock 19's always remember "you get what you pay for". I'm in Memphis Tn so we get a lot of rain, I've seen the Hancook V 12 on the G35 coupe around town ,but you can't go wrong with the Michlin's. I've seen the engine covers on ebay before good luck finding what you need. You may want to check your local salvage yard for the engine covers... might get lucky. By the way what color is your M35S, pics please. One more thing get the K&N air filter, it will keep you from having to buy a new one at each oil change. Mobil 1 also, remember " you get what you pay for".

[shankrr]

Welcome to NICO CLUB!! I just purchased a set of the Michlin's primancy mxm4's and I LOVE THESE TIRES!!!!! I have the stock 19's always remember "you get what you pay for". I'm in Memphis Tn so we get a lot of rain, I've seen the Hancook V 12 on the G35 coupe around town ,but you can't go wrong with the Michlin's. I've seen the engine covers on ebay before good luck finding what you need. You may want to check your local salvage yard for the engine covers... might get lucky. By the way what color is your M35S, pics please. One more thing get the K&N air filter, it will keep you from having to buy a new one at each oil change. Mobil 1 also, remember " you get what you pay for".

Firemedic, I have the white like the one in your avatar. I used mobil1 oil and filter for my first oil change.... i didnt get the K&N filter but if it is best i will invest in one.
Those engine covers on ebay dont look like the correct part.... I dont see the hole for the Windshield washer fluid and the shape doesnt look the same. maybe its me but i dont see them on there.

[SplitsenseM35]

Wow, thats a good price. i paid around 22,900 2 years ago.

Correct i have the primacy mxm4 and they are great! Quiet tires and seems to have long tread life. I think you can still catch the rebate special on tire rack, $70 rebate

I do not know how to post pics but if you give me your email, ill send some over of my car with tire/rim combo.

[Larz]

Larz, Thank you man ... that is the kind of info a newbie needs! funny you say pilot cause those are the tires popular on motorcycles. I have hear a lot about these continentials... I will have to look into them.

Larz and Splitsense, send me the link to see pics of your wheels if you already posted them please... selecting a bad tire ruins the look of any rim and car.

One last thing.... does anybody know where to get those Engine Covers? I am anal about my car missing pieces.

Your welcome! I'm still looking for the engine bay covers - no luck yet. Here is a pic of my wheel and tire:
.

.
The rest of my photos are in the link in my sig at the bottom or you can click on my name and it will display the link to my photos.

[shankrr]

Wow, thats a good price. i paid around 22,900 2 years ago.

Correct i have the primacy mxm4 and they are great! Quiet tires and seems to have long tread life. I think you can still catch the rebate special on tire rack, $70 rebate

I do not know how to post pics but if you give me your email, ill send some over of my car with tire/rim combo.

I cant post pictures or use email. My email is [email protected]. Thanks. and your price is better than mine if you subtract depreciation over two years.
Larz, i thought it would be fairly simple to find those but it is quite a challenge.