New owner (LONG) introduction and some questions

[ycao421]

Hi all,

(maraca shaking and doo wop singing in the background) Please allow me to introduce myself, I'm a man of...ha, owner of a new 2015 QX50. First let me explain how I ended up with the QX50. I've been car shopping for close to 2 months up til the point of deciding on the QX50 finally. My old car of 2002 BMW 330i was reaching the end of its useful life (almost can't believe it's been that long), to the point any borderline-major repair would outweigh the value of the car. Its evaporator just failed a few months ago, a unit by itself costed only $150, but requires removing basically the entire instrument panel, translation: lots of labor. Dealership and repair shops quoted a pretty $2k, definitely not worth it anymore. so that was the background.

Almost during this entire period of time, Infiniti and much less QX50 never crossed my mind. My old 330i was a very sporty sedan, heavy steering, throttle and brakes, and firm suspension with little body roll during cornering, I loved it and I wanted to replace something that would closely mimic it as much as possible. I test drove all the German brands, from Audi A3 to Mercedes CLA, then my family expressed input of wanting a larger but not too large vehicle for better utility purposes, so I went back and tested from Q3 to GLK to X3. This is what I felt about all these German cars that I eventually passed on. I loved the A3, especially with (or because of) Audi Drive Select, I really appreciated the ability to change a car's behavior completely at a button's dial. I was fortunate enough to find a dealership A3 with the sports package which includes ADS, and the "rare" sports tuned suspension with AWD quattro. I must say these features together made the A3 felt the closest to my old BMW, if not better. The A3 was my first test drive, and I was totally in love with it, why didn't I go with the A3? Because it seems nowadays dealerships only stock package-less vehicles, especially for these entry luxury models for most people to lease. The Audi sales guy even told me he pulled the inventory sheet from all Audi dealerships in the ENTIRE EAST COAST OF THE US, and couldn't find me one readily available A3 with sports package and sports suspension! Maybe the fact that it's close to the year end of a model also contributes to its low availability? I just couldn't wait another 3 months for them to build and ship the A3 I wanted from Europe to the States, summer in DC can get really hot, I need a car with AC for the very practical reason. A3 was out. then I strolled to the Mercedes dealership next door, found out they had a similar priced and positioned vehicle in CLA, so I thought, "let's take a look." I must admit, from the outside, purely aesthetically speaking, the CLA is gorgeous, it looks very distinctively attractive, much more interesting-looking than the always-look-the-same Audi cars. Then, immediately when I climbed inside a CLA, I felt someone punched me in the stomach: the interior of the CLA felt so ridiculously cheap, the gap between inside door panel and the metal frame was so huge it was literally screaming at me! everything else on the interior side, the mix of hard (cheap) plastic and leather was so poorly designed and placed together. I already knew CLA was out of the picture. My impression of the car was so bad, the test drive was just an extended torture session I stubbornly forced upon myself. Even though the CLA had the similar drive selection to the Audi ADS. But the bad interior quality just ruined any interest in me to give it a serious try. Steering had no driver involvement, brake felt spongy, and throttle was unpredictable, thanks to turbo lag. I felt so disgusted by what I went through, I returned the car back to the dealership and left without even saying a half-hearted "we'll keep in touch." for all I know, the CLA doesn't feel like a Mercedes Benz (it certainly looks like one, legitimately, I'll give it that), not a German car, not a entry luxury sedan.

Then, as I mentioned, I moved onto small SUV/crossover. Q3 was okay, but I don't remember exactly what it was that made me looked elsewhere, maybe the older transmission and suspension? or the average-at-best interiors? or that Q3 was not optioned to have the sporty features I liked in the A3? Anyway, I moved on. Then the MB GLK, again, Mercedes just looks great, very boxy, clean-cut lines, masculine. NA V6 felt very linear and powerful, but I suspect MB are all tuned to the comfort side, less emphasis on driver engagement. As result, I was still less impressed by its handling. Then I went back to good ol' BMW. After all, if I wanted to find a replacement to my old BMW, what better alternative than BMW? I resisted BMW at first because I wanted to try something else, now all other options have dried up, I went back to BMW. Long story short, I tried the turbo-4 X3, didn't like how nonlinear the power delivery felt, so jerky, and I was most disappointed to find out how all the new BMWs have much lighter steering wheels nowadays. Again, BMW also has the like Audi ADS option, it didn't out impress me than the Audis I tested. Then I tried the (turbo?) V6, power delivery felt much smoother. However, I couldn't get my hands on a BMW with its adaptive suspension option equipped, I had a feeling, a V6 X3 with better suspensions might just be the perfect car I was looking for. What made X3 seemed more appealing to me, was the fact that the X3s are built in South Carolina, meaning I only had to wait 1 month to have it delivered to me, instead of 3 months from other imports. What stopped me was the price, a V6 X3 AWD with all the options I wanted would've costed me around $55k. It was way over my comfort zone, it was doable, but it made me think, "maybe I should at least take a look at other options."

Again, like I mentioned earlier, Infiniti and QX50 was not in my mind up until that point, I didn't even know the QX50/EX37/EX35 existed...I knew just enough of the G coupes and sedans for their fantastic performance and built quality, and somewhat of their shared lineage with Nissan Z coupes. When someone in my family suggested I take a look at Infiniti, I started googling, and started reading reviews on the QX50. It seems that everyone unanimously all agree that the QX50 is the most sports-sedan-like compact SUV/Crossover in the market, that triggered my interest. When I finally managed to drag myself out to a Infiniti dealership (that was after almost two months of car shopping, and test driving almost half a dozen vehicles, I was not too thrilled at the whole process anymore.), I was instantly BLOWN AWAY by how awesome the Infiniti interior felt and looked! It just felt really really really luxurious and NICE~ for lack of better words, the design theme was coherent, the quality is just unbelievable. To the point that every time I think about how awful the CLA is, it makes me want to throw up, the difference is NIGHT AND DAY! Better than BMW, better than Audi. I was very very very impressed by the build quality of the QX50. The technologies were cool, really loved the 360 camera view, makes parking so much easier, especially for my mother. Navigation system was great, never thought I'd actually think that. Push-start ignition, smart key entry, usb smartphone integration, basically everything I was looking for in a new car to finally catch up on car tech. Initial test drive was great, I have to explain that I come from a sports car background, where handling was more important to me than just plain oomage, and I always thought sports sedan was the furthest I would go, much less an even larger SUV/Crossover with even higher center of gravity and softer suspension. I had to try hard to adjust myself to the SUV concept. All that being aid, I really liked how the QX50 handled. The steering wheel wasn't as heavy as I'd liked (why won't car makers make another on-off button switch for electric steering?), but it felt better than everything else I've test driven. I actually felt safer corning in the QX50 than any other crossover. It truly felt like a sports sedan! the power delivery coming from the 3.7 liter V6 VQ engine is just exhilarating. Acceleration is fast, and it felt even faster, the powerful engine makes the car feels so light, I still can't believe how much power this car possesses even when it's only driven at 2K RPM most of the time!

I was sold basically right then right there, and I've been the owner of a white 2015 QX50 Journey AWD version for close to 2 weeks now.

If I'm a completely ungrateful person and have anything to complain, I kind of wish I didn't have to buy the car ASAP, and I would've waited a few more months or maybe even a few more weeks to get the new 2016 QX50, given it's going to be slightly longer, and it will come equipped with DRL (I didn't know ours don't have DRL until I came to this forum, nothing major, but nice to have)!

So that's basically my (very long) introduction, why I'm here. Hello again!

After driving the car for 2 weeks, I'm completely in love with it. It feels fantastic while driving, and all the new car tech makes my life so much easier that I really don't miss my old 330i at all. Also exactly because of how much I'm in love with the QX50, it inevitably triggered my long lost hobby of car modding. I've been out of college for 10 years, I used to love to get my hands greasy, spending hours of time to improve the handling and various other seemingly insignificant little details on my cars. After 10 years I felt that burning desire again, I really want to make my QX50 better!

In 2 weeks, I've strolled through this forum, I've learned so much useful and helpful information. First the cosmetics, being in the US, DRL is out of question, that's fine by me. I really want to replace the yellow lights on the inside of the car with brighter whiter LEDs. I read many posts here, seems most people who'd done it effortlessly, but I didn't find any detailed tutorial, and I'm hesitant to break any plastic clips by yanking any covers out with brute force. If someone can walk me through with a little bit more detail please than just yank out the cover with a flat head screw driver (which side of the cover to insert the screw driver?), that'd be much appreciated.

Performance, mostly handling, I love how QX50 the way it currently is, but I always feel there's room for improvement. I found the GTSPEC strut bar designed for G coupe and sedans, and pictures of it installed on EX35s. By eyeballing along, it seems the engine bay of 2015 QX50 is exactly identical to the earlier EX35 and EX37s. Can anyone confirm the fit of the GTSPEC strut bar? Also, I found Cusco makes underbody chassis bar and power brace bars for EX35. Can anyone also confirm that the underbody chassis of the QX50 has not changed and will fit those brace bars designed for EX35?

I've already purchased 5K LED fog lights from iJDMTOY, and 5K LED from VLEDs to replace those tiny bulbs inside the Hi-beam housing, I can't wait to start getting my hands dirty again!

Just in case if I forgot to mention already, I LOVE MY QX50!

[nate2011]

Welcome to the forum and to EX ownership.

Sounds like you've made some very cool choices for lighting upgrades. I went with retrofitsource 5K low beam kit & will do my fogs next.

Watching this thread for response on the fit & efficacy of the GTSPEC strut bar.

[NJGuy]

Great first post. I appreciate the writeup on your experiences with all the other models. While I'm not shopping for another car at the moment, I think your contribution may help someone else with their decision making in the future.

I kinda like how the EX/QX50 has been an underdog in its class. The car had so much potential, but I think it's a shame that Infiniti failed to promote it as much as it deserved. Think about it; the QX50 is on a platform that's 8 years old, with incremental upgrades since it's introduction. It's great to hear how well it stacks up against the competition, some of which are newer models. Too bad that Infiniti didn't capitalize on the quickly expanding luxury compact crossover market when they had the chance.

We're a small group of owners here, and for the most part we're all pretty happy with our vehicles. While I personally have little interest in performance mods, others here are and have upgraded their cars in many different ways. I believe the only difference between the QX50 and EX37 is the name. Also, the EX/QX50 shares a lot of the same components as the G35/G37, so there are mods from the G series that can transfer over to your car.

A couple of notes:
1. Any reason why you couldn't buy the A3 that you test drove?
2. I wouldn't worry too much about breaking the interior plastic trim pieces, as your car is brand new. The plastic should still be pretty fresh and pliable. Oh, and if you haven't already done so, browse through the factory service manuals. They should have a section dedicated to the car's interior. They're posted here in the forum.
ex35-owner-service-manuals-tsb-s-t503618.html
3. The steering does feel a little bit lighter than some cars I've had in the past, but I think you'll get used to it. I believe that the steering effort does increase a bit as you speed up.
4. I didn't know that BMW sold vehicles equipped with V6 engines .

And if you ever get to doing the mods, please share with us here what you've done. You get bonus points for posting photos.

Welcome to the forum.

[AWGD8]

Welcome to the forum!

If you decided to tune your car in the future let me know? I had my 2008 EX35 tuned using Uprev engine management and managed to run 6.12 secs 0-60 MPH.

Right now I have a 2015 Q40 AWD that is Etuned by John Visconti using an Ecutek engine management. Eventhough my car is close to stock config, the Ecutek tuning is worth it vs stock. I honestly prefer the ECutek if you decided to Etune your Qx50.

BTW,I prefer Cusco front strut bar than the GT Spec.
Honestly it does not really help a lot with body roll , so I just installed it on the Q.
What I noticed is when I put my Q40 stock 17" rims and stock Goodyear RS1 tire 225/55/17 to my 2008 EX35 made a huge improvement in handling and cornering. It feels tighter!

[jakenbake]

The Canadian models use the fog lights as DRLs. I wired my fogs to be used as the DRLs...I also wired it so that the DRLs are only on if I am in gear that way when I park at Sonic or something, the lights can be off. Here is a link to a thread of mine that has pics of some of my mods. Of all my cars, I have done the least amount of changes to this one since it was pretty perfect as is...but there might be some ideas for you in my thread. new-to-infiniti-t597555.html

[ycao421]

Welcome to the forum and to EX ownership.

Sounds like you've made some very cool choices for lighting upgrades. I went with retrofitsource 5K low beam kit & will do my fogs next.

Watching this thread for response on the fit & efficacy of the GTSPEC strut bar.

Thanks man, I'm almost 100% sure they'd fit, that and the Cusco mentioned here.

[ycao421]

Great first post. I appreciate the writeup on your experiences with all the other models. While I'm not shopping for another car at the moment, I think your contribution may help someone else with their decision making in the future.

I kinda like how the EX/QX50 has been an underdog in its class. The car had so much potential, but I think it's a shame that Infiniti failed to promote it as much as it deserved. Think about it; the QX50 is on a platform that's 8 years old, with incremental upgrades since it's introduction. It's great to hear how well it stacks up against the competition, some of which are newer models. Too bad that Infiniti didn't capitalize on the quickly expanding luxury compact crossover market when they had the chance.

We're a small group of owners here, and for the most part we're all pretty happy with our vehicles. While I personally have little interest in performance mods, others here are and have upgraded their cars in many different ways. I believe the only difference between the QX50 and EX37 is the name. Also, the EX/QX50 shares a lot of the same components as the G35/G37, so there are mods from the G series that can transfer over to your car.

A couple of notes:
1. Any reason why you couldn't buy the A3 that you test drove?
2. I wouldn't worry too much about breaking the interior plastic trim pieces, as your car is brand new. The plastic should still be pretty fresh and pliable. Oh, and if you haven't already done so, browse through the factory service manuals. They should have a section dedicated to the car's interior. They're posted here in the forum.
ex35-owner-service-manuals-tsb-s-t503618.html
3. The steering does feel a little bit lighter than some cars I've had in the past, but I think you'll get used to it. I believe that the steering effort does increase a bit as you speed up.
4. I didn't know that BMW sold vehicles equipped with V6 engines .

And if you ever get to doing the mods, please share with us here what you've done. You get bonus points for posting photos.

Welcome to the forum.

Thanks for the thoughtful reply as well. My experience with other cars are highly subjective based on my needs of handling. Matter of fact I'm not sure my impression of the MB CLA does it justice at all, especially after looking at so many youtube video reviews of that car, it seems like they are all driving a completely different CLA than I did, idk...

Yeah, like you said, I had no idea of this car's existence until a month ago. I always knew FX35, that car is just so mean-looking (in a very good way), completely different from anything on the road, the sexiest SUV in my book. I actually came very close of getting an used one, then for some reason I felt the FX35 I test drove was not as nimble as the QX50, maybe the weight? everybody else says the FX35's got firmer and sportier suspension setup, which I didn't quite get. and the sexy elongated hood, which looks amazing from the outside became a huge view-blocker once sitting behind the wheel. If the QX50 got electric assisted liftgate and vented seats that are equipped on the FX, the QX would be absolutely perfect, haha.

Ok, so.
1. If I remember correctly, that fully-loaded A3 belonged to someone who worked at the dealership.
2. Still haven't done it, but I've already placed another order with ijdm for those interior LED packages. one of these days, I'm going to bust some covers, or clips...
3. 4. I've been abroad studying and working for the past almost half a decade relying mostly on public transit. This was the first time I interacted with these new generations of cars in a long while. and it just feels weird. all cars are equipped with light steering wheels, even some apparent sports cars. Now think about it, I test drove a BMW 228i as well, very light steering for a 2-door coupe, the drive select feature did minimal (if anything at all) to change it. I complained my observation to the BMW sales guy, and he told me that BMW has been selling a lot of these good-looking cars to female buyers, and they've received so many complaints from these female buyers, they eventually just gave in and swapped out heavy steering altogether. I mean, what kind of world am I living? you don't buy a BMW for its looks, then go on to kill its trademark chassis and steering, am I nuts? And thanks for correcting me on the inline-6 engine. but regardless which type, we are probably not going to see any type of 6 cylinder engine in BMWs in the near future. I remember it all started with the 335i, twin-turbo charged i-6, very cool vehicle. Then BMW just seemed completely addicted to this turbo magic, they are killing another one of their trademark signature in NA engines, by putting turbo-4-bangers into EVERYTHING! they are putting a turbo 4 in a X6 next year! Again, am I nuts? idk, I just felt like I stepped into another completely different world than the one I knew before. for all I know, the QX50 is perfect for me. If I can somewhat somehow improve its handling a little bit tighter, I'll be set.

[ycao421]

Welcome to the forum!

If you decided to tune your car in the future let me know? I had my 2008 EX35 tuned using Uprev engine management and managed to run 6.12 secs 0-60 MPH.

Right now I have a 2015 Q40 AWD that is Etuned by John Visconti using an Ecutek engine management. Eventhough my car is close to stock config, the Ecutek tuning is worth it vs stock. I honestly prefer the ECutek if you decided to Etune your Qx50.

BTW,I prefer Cusco front strut bar than the GT Spec.
Honestly it does not really help a lot with body roll , so I just installed it on the Q.
What I noticed is when I put my Q40 stock 17" rims and stock Goodyear RS1 tire 225/55/17 to my 2008 EX35 made a huge improvement in handling and cornering. It feels tighter!

Thanks, very interesting, for both the engine management and the tire/rim input. Even though I'm satisfied by the power I'm currently getting from the VQ, I think I read it somewhere that it also improves fuel economy, that might push me over to consider getting it done at an earlier future time. I suspected installing the front sway bar won't improve too much, because when cornering, I never feel understeer at the front, but this general feeling of "floatiness" underneath me, the underbody chassis, which is what I'm aiming to reduce. Any experience with aftermarket braces and sway bars?

[ycao421]

The Canadian models use the fog lights as DRLs. I wired my fogs to be used as the DRLs...I also wired it so that the DRLs are only on if I am in gear that way when I park at Sonic or something, the lights can be off. Here is a link to a thread of mine that has pics of some of my mods. Of all my cars, I have done the least amount of changes to this one since it was pretty perfect as is...but there might be some ideas for you in my thread. new-to-infiniti-t597555.html

man! awesome lighting mods! excuse me while I dig into that thread.

[ycao421]

The Canadian models use the fog lights as DRLs. I wired my fogs to be used as the DRLs...I also wired it so that the DRLs are only on if I am in gear that way when I park at Sonic or something, the lights can be off. Here is a link to a thread of mine that has pics of some of my mods. Of all my cars, I have done the least amount of changes to this one since it was pretty perfect as is...but there might be some ideas for you in my thread. new-to-infiniti-t597555.html

WOW! why is it that everywhere else I read they are all saying the US models just can't have DRL?! Now that at least I know it's doable. So how about those step-by-step guide you mentioned in your thread?

And I want to install remote start as well! So excited by all these "new found" possibilities!

[GarnetRedQX50]

Welcome! I bought my QX50 over a year ago. It has been a great car. It's sporty looks garners a lot of double-takes, and it's fast enough to back up the looks. I also made lighting mods, and very happy with what I did. It's not over-the-top, but just my style.

It was interesting to read your purchasing journey. At least you know for sure, you made the right choice. These cars are underrated, which is okay with me. I like the uniqueness. It's not practical for all due to the interior space, but again...just my style.

Enjoy your new ride!

[nate2011]

my .02 ....

When I started looking at a small sporty SUV ... I looked at new vehicles...

I drove both the MB GLA250 & the Audi Q3, I didn't really like the styling of the BMW X1 and it seemed too expensive for what it offered.

The MB & the Audi seemed light and offered adequate power for 4 cylinders. Nice features (including electric lift gates)
The interiors were OK - I was able to find a MB with sport & AMG upgrades that was closing in on $50K.

Lastly I went to look at a 2015 QX50. I was wowed by the interior and tech features. Loved the performance and power of 300 plus HP. I walked away and let the whole process rest.

I went back to Audi for another look at Q3's and while on their lot found a trade in of a lo mile 2011 EX35 and at less than half the price of 2015 Q3, GLA or QX50 - I decided to buy it.

The shortcoming for me was the Halogen headlights - I've since upgraded to a 50W HID kit & will do the hi beams & fogs to DRL's next. Looking at strut bar. But for my needs this car really needs little else.

The styling is adequate to excellent. The luxury very satisfying. The power & handling from the 300HOP 7 speed very pleasant and enjoyable.

3 months into ownership I'm a happy customer with a 2011 EX35. AWD Journey with sound & Nav package.

[Sedonaman]

I am still waiting for the 2016 QX50 and still have not driven the BMW X3 35i , the last one in this class to be tested

[Sedonaman]

The difference between the Q50 and the QX50 is a hatchback or is it a completely different car ???

[ycao421]

Welcome! I bought my QX50 over a year ago. It has been a great car. It's sporty looks garners a lot of double-takes, and it's fast enough to back up the looks. I also made lighting mods, and very happy with what I did. It's not over-the-top, but just my style.

It was interesting to read your purchasing journey. At least you know for sure, you made the right choice. These cars are underrated, which is okay with me. I like the uniqueness. It's not practical for all due to the interior space, but again...just my style.

Enjoy your new ride!

haha, precisely everything you've said, thanks.

[ycao421]

my .02 ....

When I started looking at a small sporty SUV ... I looked at new vehicles...

I drove both the MB GLA250 & the Audi Q3, I didn't really like the styling of the BMW X1 and it seemed too expensive for what it offered.

The MB & the Audi seemed light and offered adequate power for 4 cylinders. Nice features (including electric lift gates)
The interiors were OK - I was able to find a MB with sport & AMG upgrades that was closing in on $50K.

Lastly I went to look at a 2015 QX50. I was wowed by the interior and tech features. Loved the performance and power of 300 plus HP. I walked away and let the whole process rest.

I went back to Audi for another look at Q3's and while on their lot found a trade in of a lo mile 2011 EX35 and at less than half the price of 2015 Q3, GLA or QX50 - I decided to buy it.

The shortcoming for me was the Halogen headlights - I've since upgraded to a 50W HID kit & will do the hi beams & fogs to DRL's next. Looking at strut bar. But for my needs this car really needs little else.

The styling is adequate to excellent. The luxury very satisfying. The power & handling from the 300HOP 7 speed very pleasant and enjoyable.

3 months into ownership I'm a happy customer with a 2011 EX35. AWD Journey with sound & Nav package.

bam, your experience is almost exactly identical to mine, especially the "WOW" part by the infiniti, I couldn't believe I never considered infiniti before. Let me know what you plan to do with the hi beams.

[ycao421]

I am still waiting for the 2016 QX50 and still have not driven the BMW X3 35i , the last one in this class to be tested

the 2016 QX50s should be available almost any moment now, or maybe a few weeks, any word from the dealership?

see if you can find a X3 35i with adaptive suspension and see how that will affect the different driving modes (sports, eco, normal? w/e). my experience, not knowing how good the suspension feature works, the X3 35i feels very similar to the QX50 but costs almost $12k more...

[AWGD8]

The difference between the Q50 and the QX50 is a hatchback or is it a completely different car ???

The difference is like a 2013 EX37 vs G37 sedan. Same engine and 7 speed transmission(not sure if exact same gearing ratio) but different interior materials and layout and weight also.

I would say they are totally different car.

[Sedonaman]

I believe the QX is smaller , less wide , than the Q , I live 80 miles from dealer or else I would know by now .
Reviews state the QX is snug , maybe he is a big guy as I am 160 and I am getting smaller

The 2016 ARE at dealers right now as the salesman called yesterday to inform me they have a red one in .


They also have 3 2015's too , so now I am wondering if I should spend a lot less money the this years .

Really , what I am looking for is a QUIETER cab because the reviewers say it is kinda loud from engine , not enough insulation .

The difference between the Q50 and the QX50 is a hatchback or is it a completely different car ???

The difference is like a 2013 EX37 vs G37 sedan. Same engine and 7 speed transmission(not sure if exact same gearing ratio) but different interior materials and weight also.

I would say they are totally different car.

[Sedonaman]

Been reading 'bout the X3 35i , looking very nice , made on the east coast , so ordering one as you like takes only 3 weeks .

I would probably want a 3 years old one anyway , smaller payments on used ones

I am still waiting for the 2016 QX50 and still have not driven the BMW X3 35i , the last one in this class to be tested

the 2016 QX50s should be available almost any moment now, or maybe a few weeks, any word from the dealership?

see if you can find a X3 35i with adaptive suspension and see how that will affect the different driving modes (sports, eco, normal? w/e). my experience, not knowing how good the suspension feature works, the X3 35i feels very similar to the QX50 but costs almost $12k more...