Potential buyer - M56 - To S or X, that is the question...

[mike_of_earth]

So, I am in the market, and have been lurking about looking for the 56 that suits me. One of the things I've noticed is a LACK of sports models available . I am not going to jump the gun on any purchase, but I keep going back and forth on what I really NEED out of the sports package.

Full disclosure, I live in Colorado, so winter driving can be a factor. However, I always run winter tires on my cars (usually the Nokian Hakka's, which are AMAZING), so I don't think the X is necessary, but I could be wrong. Additionally, I am looking at a used - 2011 or 2012 M56.

Buying 20's wouldn't be difficult.

Brakes, well, I think I could beef those up with some help.

Tech package I could do without, but I know it's part of the S.

Paddle shifters - cool, unless you're Jeremy from Tog Gear who doesn't seem to like them. Not sure I have to have those.

Performance - not sure on this one. Weight may drop the times by a few hundredths?

Suspension - This is a big one. I like the thought of having the sports suspension, but I'm not sure I'd want it if I want to beef it up for track days or something (I've never tracked before). I don't expect to lower the car at all, but I want it to handle more like a sports sedan than a floating Lincoln from the 70's. (EDIT) After looking at wideopen11's eibach spring tutorial, I may look at dropping it a bit, looks very nice!

I am not afraid to put some money in it (Exhaust and chip first ) but I want to have the right building block.

Thoughts?

[DoN_BLaZe34]

Welcome to the forum.

You seem to be indifferent between the biggest differences between the S and X with the exception of the suspension. Because you're in Colorado I would tell you to look for an X but I'm biased because I'm in NJ and after having a RWD M45 previously there was no way I was getting an Q70 5.6/M56 that wasn't AWD granted I sort of cheated and got an AWD Sport model lol.

As for the suspension you could always get coilovers or springs for either car so you would be covered there. In my opinion no matter which car you get lowering is needed as these cars sit ridiculously high.

The only other difference between the X and S would the headlights. Sport models have black headlights whereas the X has chrome. Not sure that matters to you but figured I'd note it anyway.

So in the end I'd say get whichever is cheapest, although if you get the chance to test drive both, I would certainly do so. I hope this helps and good luck with your search!

[mike_of_earth]

Thanks for the input. Out of curiosity, how'd the 45 handle with winter tires on?

[Frog]

My advise get the x. Drive them both. The non s still has pretty stiff ride. The rear stearing isn't that big of a deal either. Now driving in 6 inches of snow with 417 torque you will notice the x.

Their is a white 2011s with 30k on carmax now for 33k I am too lazy to search again.

[withomps44]

I say get the X S!! Best of both worlds!!!

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detai ... /overview/

[DoN_BLaZe34]

Thanks for the input. Out of curiosity, how'd the 45 handle with winter tires on?

I didn't care too much for it, but honestly during the years that I had it we weren't getting much snow here. By the time we did, I had bitten the bullet and purchased an AWD FX45 so my M became a summer car only.

I say get the X S!! Best of both worlds!!!

I was going to suggest that but he said he was trying to stick to an 11/12. To get an XS he'd have to look at the 13's or 14's

[withomps44]

I learn something every day on this forum. Thank you.

[DoN_BLaZe34]

Lol no problem! That's what we're all here for right?

But yes Infiniti didn't make the AWD sport model (XS) M's available until the 2013

[SwissCheeseHead]

Lol no problem! That's what we're all here for right?

But yes Infiniti didn't make the AWD sport model (XS) M's available until the 2013

I did not know that either.

The only thing I would add is that there are two coilover options for RWD (Tanabe and BC) as opposed to only one coilover option for AWD (BC only). Also, you cannot get the deluxe touring package on the sport that you can with the X. If you get an X, you can always add a BBK later down the road.

[coolchuck]

There is also a difference in front fascia. I know it's cosmetic, but still a difference. In Colorado, I would go for an X without a doubt, especially if it will be your daily driver.

[DoN_BLaZe34]

Lol no problem! That's what we're all here for right?

But yes Infiniti didn't make the AWD sport model (XS) M's available until the 2013

I did not know that either.

The only thing I would add is that there are two coilover options for RWD (Tanabe and BC) as opposed to only one coilover option for AWD (BC only). Also, you cannot get the deluxe touring package on the sport that you can with the X. If you get an X, you can always add a BBK later down the road.

You can't get the Deluxe Touring but you can get the Sport Touring which is essentially the same package, ie. You can get the 14 speaker Bose system with the speakers in the seats.

[SwissCheeseHead]

But not the semi-aniline leather or the white ash wood trim. IMO, that is what sets the M out from the rest of the lineup

[wideopn11]

Lol no problem! That's what we're all here for right?

But yes Infiniti didn't make the AWD sport model (XS) M's available until the 2013

Don't I know it as I have a 2012 AWD...but I've sported it up anyways

[mike_of_earth]

Thanks for all the replies gents!

Yeah, the 13/14's are out of my price range. I have seen your AWD wideopn11, and it looks great.

I keep thinking about the times the roads are bad in Colorado, which honestly, aren't that many, but the X is definitely the safe bet.

Thanks for the info on coilovers too, I think the BC's look nice on wideopn11's rig.. if anything I'd be concerned about snow plowing once or twice a year.

I have to be honest on the option packages, I keep getting confused :O) Some of the sites with cars for sale don't detail what package it has, so I am left to guessing based on the pictures.

[DoN_BLaZe34]

Wideopn is on Eibach springs not coilovers lol.

A lot of sites never list the packages correctly. If you see speakers in the seats, then the car is equipped with the Deluxe Touring package. Im fairly certain all M's come with Premium package which was the Navi. If you see a cutout in the front bumper area then that's your indicator that the car has the Tech package which included the lane departure warning, blind spot indicator, etc.

[mike_of_earth]

Wideopn is on Eibach springs not coilovers lol.

A lot of sites never list the packages correctly. If you see speakers in the seats, then the car is equipped with the Deluxe Touring package. Im fairly certain all M's come with Premium package which was the Navi. If you see a cutout in the front bumper area then that's your indicator that the car has the Tech package which included the lane departure warning, blind spot indicator, etc.

I stand corrected, and thanks for the info on the package cues.

[tbmgu]

Don is right but wanted to add, speakers in seats would is more than just an indicator of deluxe touring on base/awd, but also an indicator of sport touring on sport models.

For looking for tech package, the lower front right bumper is a great spot (very noticabke rectangular cuttout) but sometimes the add doesn t have a great pic of that spot. Another good spot to look is the right side of stearing wheel. Tech package cars will have extra buttons under the normal ones. Compare pics and you ll see the difference. Watch out for dealers that simply list the car as having a tech package simply cause it has nav or a back up camera... Very common. I found verbal description of cars useless.

[beachbum718]

Xs is like a truck.I don't like how high it is.looks awful.I have the m37s rwd.with every option but the annoying sensor lane change nonsense.I just don't drive my car in the snow.I cherokee it when it snows....lol