New owner pics and few questions

[Audimontreal]

A long time Audi owner of an A4 and active member on audi's forums...we decided to get a second vehicle and opted for the EX avoiding the expensive German out of warranty costs
I started reading as much as I can all reviews and I believe that I have the journey AWD with premium package (18" rims, Bose, sunroof, adaptive xenon) and the parking sensors...

However I was surprised that I did not have the parking view monitor which I assume comes with the technology package?
Also what advice can you give me since the ashtray remains open and the telescoping steering wheel is not working. I can hear the motor but nothing happens
Can I try and contact the earlier or infiniti Canada hoping to be covered since it seems to be a common problem? Based on my research so far it looks like most probably the dealer will have to change the column and a $700 expense

Thank you very much...

[Audimontreal]

Looks like I have the following:

Premium Package: 11-speaker Bose® premium audio system w/ 24-bit Burr Brown Digital Audio Converter, 6-disc changer Infiniti Interface System for iPod; Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control; heated front seats and rear HVAC vent; heated outside mirrors w/ reverse tilt-down feature; Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System; memory system for driver’s seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors with synchronization; 8-way power passenger’s seat, 4-way power front seat lumbar support; and power tilt/telescoping steering column: $2,150

Luxe Elite Package: Upgraded leather appointments on, armrest, door and textured leather seat inserts; 18-inch aluminum wheels and 255/55R18 all-season tires; Bi-Xenon auto-leveling front headlights; Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS): $1,650


I would still love to hear your recommendations and or advice regarding fixing the non working telescopic steering wheel and ashtray...

[meanie]

Looks like I have the following:

Premium Package: 11-speaker Bose® premium audio system w/ 24-bit Burr Brown Digital Audio Converter, 6-disc changer Infiniti Interface System for iPod; Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control; heated front seats and rear HVAC vent; heated outside mirrors w/ reverse tilt-down feature; Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System; memory system for driver’s seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors with synchronization; 8-way power passenger’s seat, 4-way power front seat lumbar support; and power tilt/telescoping steering column: $2,150

Luxe Elite Package: Upgraded leather appointments on, armrest, door and textured leather seat inserts; 18-inch aluminum wheels and 255/55R18 all-season tires; Bi-Xenon auto-leveling front headlights; Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS): $1,650


I would still love to hear your recommendations and or advice regarding fixing the non working telescopic steering wheel and ashtray...

What year is your car? I know the packages are different in Canada, but it seems to me with all that stuff on it, you should have the AVM as well. My first thought, and this may be totally off base, is to wonder whether the car has ever been in a front end collision, resulting in misalignments to the interior dash and steering column, and the AVM not being repaired (one camera is right behind the logo on the grill). Just a thought.

[Audimontreal]

My car is an 08 but registered jan 09
I have the car proof report, requested and ran the vin number by the infiniti dealer and have the complete maintenance dealer history and even contacted the old owner who did confirm that the car was religiously maintained and in pristine condition free of any accident, dents...
I got it from a BMW dealer since the previous owner trader her for a BMW. The infiniti dealer where the car was purchased is literally 2 blacks away from the BMW dealer

I did some digging and it look like infiniti did send out a letter extending the warranty on Canadian EX 35 for the "steering column"to 7 years or 110 000 km as they are aware of this defect.
It seems that almost all FX/EX have this telescoping problem that were delivered before JULY 2008 will encounter this problem it is just a matter of time

[XIS]

This was a known issue when they came out and if you got it at a dealer, they should do this for you at no charge.

[Audimontreal]

Thank you...
As stated above I bought it from a BMW dealer and they sell it as an "off brand" meaning non certified as is following their inspection changing anything required to be safe like brakes, battery...etc
Technically infiniti canada and the local dealership where the previous owner had maintained it religiously should cover it so we will see

[EXceptional]

I think I have the same car as you...

Verify that you have all of these options groups... if you do, then you have what's called in Canada, the Journey package.

Post a picture of your front grill Infiniti emblem... there should be a Camera installed in the crotch of it.

[F01] TECHNOLOGY PGK

-inc: around view monitor, lane departure prevention system, lane departure warning system, intelligent cruise control

(REQ: NAV Navigation Pkg) (N/A w/AK1 Aerodynamic Kit)

[P01] PREMIUM PKG

-inc: Bose premium audio system, (11) speakers, (2) subwoofers, Burr Brown DAC, 6-disc in-dash CD changer, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, 8-way pwr passenger seat, driver seat w/memory & synchronization, pwr tilt/telescopic steering wheel w/memory & synchronization, heated mirrors w/memory & synchronization, 2-way pwr driver lumbar, heated front seats, dual-zone auto temp control, rear A/C vent, auto entry/exit assist system, iPod controller

[T01] LUXE STYLE PKG

-inc: 18" aluminum-alloy wheels, 225/55R18 all-season tires, xenon auto-leveling front headlights, adaptive front lighting system

(REQ: PRM Premium Pkg)


[U01] NAVIGATION PKG

-inc: single-disc CD/DVD player, HDD-based navigation system w/lane guidance & XM Navtraffic, touch screen, 9.3GB music drive, compact flash input slot, voice recognition, rearview monitor

(REQ: PRM Premium Pkg)

*Deletes 6-disc in-dash CD changer* *XM Navtraffic N/A in AK or HI*

[W01] WOOD TRIM

-inc: maple wood trim panels on center console & doors

(REQ: PRM Premium Pkg)

[X01] LUXE ELITE PKG

-inc: leather front armrest & door trim, textured leather seat inserts, upgraded material w/premium stitching, 18" aluminum alloy wheels, 225/55R18 all-season tires, xenon auto-leveling front headlights, adaptive front lighting system

(REQ: PRM Premium Pkg & WOD Wood Trim)

It should have this...



and this under the side mirrors...

[Audimontreal]

Thank you exceptional!

It looks like I only have the Premium + Lux style (not elite)
I do not seem to have the cameras but I have sensors on the rear bumper
I do not have the wood trim interior which is good as I prefer the carbon fiber look

Here are some pics
















On a side note I purchased the car without even driving it and we find that there is a HUGE difference with a turbo powered car the 3.5 is soon smooth and it is perfect for our small family the clearance is great and the seating positing is nice with that bulging hood and big side mirrors

I purchased the same 18" rims for my all season tires since I have winter tires now
I will refinish the new rims for next summer along with a complete detailing with option coat for the paint and headlights. My contact used to work for a local Porsche dealer and someone who is passionate about cars using the best products he is similar to The famous detailed domain in NJ

[Audimontreal]

I am glad to report that my steering column will be covered by Infiniti
I passed by my nearby infiniti dealer and they ran my vin number and gave me an appointment after new year to drop off my car and they will give me a loaner for the day ( hopefully an FX 50 lol)

It will require close to 4 hrs labor and if I had to pay it would have costed me well over $800
They will also replace the broken ashtray but I maybe pay something small to cover labor/installation...I am a very happy new infiniti customer

If anybody has problems with their EX it is good to know that you are still covered!

[XIS]

Great news! Congrats!

[EXceptional]

I'm glad you got it all sorted out.

Merry Christmas!

[bigbenex35]

Bienvenue au forum!

[Audimontreal]

Merci beaucoup!
What I have noticed so far...

The size and exterior is either love it or hate it and I have to say I find it extremely good looking and well proportioned with a unique "Porsche inspired" styling. I feel it has created a new niche in this market as it can be considered a car, truck, hatchback, CUV/SUV lol
The back is a bit more generic reminiscent of the rogue with an upscale touch but it screens upscale Infiniti especially with those amazing masculine looking big exhausts & chrome

The interior is on par to say the least with the Germans and very Audiesque putting to shame the Spartan plain BMW plasticky ergonomics
The seats are extremely comfortable however the quality of the leather is not the same as on my Audi (mind you audi uses real leather on the seating surface only standard) compared to cheap vinyl/leatherette on BMW & Benz
The fit and finish on my EX is simply superb with a very meticulous attention to details it screams luxury! the only thing that is not on the same level is some plastic switches but that is really nitpicking...
Quality of the paint is very good with very nice protection beneath the vehicle
What I also like is the big bulging hood and those huge side mirrors like on the Q5 which adds character...

The sound of the engine is simply amazing it feels so relaxed in daily commuting yet reminds you of its instant and natural raw power
Compared to my A4 turbo engine it feels more refined especially when idling and power seems to be available regardless of the power band not so with a turbocharged engine which feels too heavy in much lower revolutions which can get annoying in daily commuting. The only way around this is to be a tad more aggressive having to step on it a bit which evidently affects consumption
Another reason why I kept my audi stock besides the only Mod I made was to re flash it with APR stage 1 and Akebono ceramic pads which eliminated brake dust

This EX is simply a perfect car our small family
Happy new year everyone and merry Christmas!
I will post pics after the winter is over when it is fully detailed

[CalgaryDan]

I feel it has created a new niche in this market as it can be considered a car, truck, hatchback, CUV/SUV lol

Ironically, when I insured and registered the QX50 the official designation the computer spat out was Station Wagon! So my Alberta registration now says 2014 Station Wagon, which surprised me as I haven't had a station wagon since my '76 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser... What goes around comes around:

[EXceptional]

Ours is called a Station Wagon too, in the eyes of Alberta Registries.

Oh well, I know what it is... and it ain't no fricken wagon, that's for sure.

Many years ago, my Dad's family cruiser was a 1969 Ford Country Squire Station Wagon with fake wood paneling running down each side. Basically, it was a Griswold family car replica.

[Audimontreal]

LOL let's keep our EX's a true "sleeper"...
After purchasing my EX, i called my insurance they to add her and to my surprise, they quoted me a price about 50% LESS than what I pay on my Audi!
I will take it anyday

[Audimontreal]

Taking it to the dealer on Monday to replace the steering wheel column and I will ask regarding the steering wheel insert plastic ring which seems prone to scratch very easily…along to fixing that broken ashtray!

So far we love everything about it…The handling is superb since the EX's front control-arm suspension is most similar to the Z's while the rear multilink setup closely resembles that of the FX!

The engine sounds amazing however after extensive reading I came to realize that indeed that deep exhaust growling sound on the G/FX is a bit muted on EX’s as it turns out that they made some changes necessary to tune down the dual exhaust by two decibels relative to the G's accounts in part for a loss of nine horses and 13 pound-feet of torque

[XIS]

for your steering wheel bezel, do a search here on wrapping the bezel with carbon fiber wrap. I love mine more than the unscratched original.

[Audimontreal]

Thanks XIS
Believe it or not I have already went through every single thread on this forum lol
I did see it with the 3M wrap, Mine is not that bad at all just being anal as usual... It is good to know especially if it is an easy DYI