Potential New Owner, Some Questions

[EdBwoy]

Hello all,
Multiple Infiniti owner here, looking to get into an M56, or maybe an M37. I have gone thru all 9 pages here topic588250.htmland EVERY SINGLE ONE of your cars look really appealing. The Y51 is speaking directly to my soul and I'm listening. I need to narrow down the herd to one comfortable and reliable "family" sedan. That being said, I have a few questions for you current owners.

Searched for answers including these particular threads:
post6555231.html?hilit=rear%20entertainment#p6555231
m-package-options-t582379.html

The questions:
1. Has to do with the picture below, somewhat. Did Infiniti give up on the rear entertainment systems on sedans? PeteFiniti's doesn't look like a typical Nissan offering on the DVD screens, and I was wondering if anyone had seen or heard of the rear entertainment with DVD and rear reclining and/or heated seats like some of the previous Ms and Q45s had.

...

2. What do you think of the premium sound system? I thought it was decent, but even after fiddling with the settings, I couldn't get the surround to sound as good as the one in my 06 premium/tech.

3. Has anyone driven an M56x and M56 RWD back to back? Any noticeable differences, and what was your preference?
I see more AWDs for sale around me, and that is not saying much since I had to drive 4 hours to have my first close up look in an M56x (combined the trip with a family function, I'm not that crazy haha).
The acceleration was interesting, maybe in part due to the 7 speed. It was quick but very esteemed. See, when you mashed the gas on my 06 and 03 M45s, they would sort of think about it for a fraction of a second revving but just trotting along, then suddenly shot up galloping and threw you back in your seat. (I have been asked if the 06 had a turbo ) Not the M56x - quiet, tires didn't squeal just gripped and got the job done like a gentleman with no fuss. It's the kind of car that will trick you into a lot of honestly innocent tickets.
I am still looking for a RWD to test, but in my part of the country Infinitis don't come aplenty; which is why I resort to test-driving through the forum

Hopefully soon I'll be posting a picture of a white M on sport 20s on this here forum.

Looking forward to your input.

[lKoRTy]

Sound system wise - did you turn on Bose Centerpoint? That seemed to help. But coming from a Q50, I'd say sound system was better there.

As far as AWD vs RWD - once again I come from awd Q50 to rwd m56, so not an exact comparison, but the primary reason why I went with rwd (at least for 2012) is the sport package. In partucular this: Sport-tuned suspension with upgraded springs and double-piston shock absorbers; front and rear Sport Brakes; 4-Wheel Active Steer (4WAS). I think it was made available starting 2013 on AWD though.

Regarding Nissan's Attesa AWD, if I recall correctly it's normally running at 90/10 rear/front split (if not full 100 rear). So awd will really kick in if it senses slippage or you just floor it or, of course, in rain/snow conditions. Of course, there's always snow mode, etc to deliver power to 4 wheels, but otherwise rear bias is always there. It's one of the most advanced awd systems out there as it's been around for a while, so really depends what you are looking for.

[Ilya]

I believe Attessa is 80/20. And I believe snow mode (50/50 split of power) only works till like 65mph if I recall. At least that's what I was told by someone who I feel knows Infiniti's quite well.

Centerpoint needs to be on as stated above. And I guess it depends on trim level of other cars such as Q50...cause I had a loaner Q50 and it was garbage sound wise. So weak.

[CRV_33]

In order to get the 16 speaker Bose system in the M37/M56, you'll need to get the "Deluxe" package.

Having the screens in the rear of the headrest would be a really nice touch, i dont think Infiniti offered it on the Y51 for whatever reason, just like how they didn't offer the all around camera view until the 2014 or 2015 models.

[EdBwoy]

Thank you all.
Sound system - yes, I had Centerpoint on. More accurately, I tried adjusting everyone of those 7 or 8 audio options on the screen. Apart from the obvious front/rear fade and left/right balance, nothing else seemed to make a significant difference in sound quality. It wasn't bad at all, just that the settings weren't as dramatic as I thought they should be.
In fact, the one I looked at had the in-seat speakers but I could barely hear them when I briefly leaned to the left and right.

AWD - I want to be able to have full 100% bias when I want to. My 4x4 qx4 has a switch that could keep it strictly RWD, full-time 4x4 or auto torque split when it detects slippage. In one word, hoonage!
But it does seem like the 56x would be a better choice for a powerful winter driver. Fun to drive but also good traction when I'm not interested in going sideways into a ditch.
My plan with rwd was to keep a set of winter wheels like I always do.

[Ilya]

The in-seat speakers are tweeters and only hit really high notes if the song has em it seems. Put your hand over the speaker and you'll feel it working, but won't hear much. Some songs are better than others.

[EdBwoy]

The in-seat speakers are tweeters and only hit really high notes if the song has em it seems. Put your hand over the speaker and you'll feel it working, but won't hear much. Some songs are better than others.

Ah, I see. I'll keep that in mind when I test the next one.
In fact I'll go back and play with the 06 m45 surround sound again to be sure I'm being fair when comparing it to the new one.

[reggiebrown40]

EdBwoy, if you can get your hands on one try a DVD-Audio disc. That's where the system really shines. They're hard to come by now though. If you can't get a DVD-Audio disc get a DVD movie that is 5.1 surround and fast forward to an action scene and let it play. I think you'll be surprised at how good it sounds.

[nycSS]

Hey guys just joined up mainly because i know very little about the infiniti brand. I looked at a 2011 m56x twice recently and i'm really considering buying it but i need a little advise from seasoned vets. I currently own a mint 2006 lexus ls430 premium with all the options. I love the car but having owned big HP american all my life i need something with a little more get-up-and-go. i realize the LS and the M are two completely different cars but one thing i noticed,that concerned me, was the ride of the M i test drove. It seemed very rough, to the point that if it were my LS i would think it needed new hubs or something. Having come from the LS could the M56's ride be perceived like this or should i be concerned? The car is a 2011 M56x with 56,500 miles and a clean record from what my research has turned up. Also anything else i should be looking out for please i welcome the input.

[stm37s]

Hey guys just joined up mainly because i know very little about the infiniti brand. I looked at a 2011 m56x twice recently and i'm really considering buying it but i need a little advise from seasoned vets. I currently own a mint 2006 lexus ls430 premium with all the options. I love the car but having owned big HP american all my life i need something with a little more get-up-and-go. i realize the LS and the M are two completely different cars but one thing i noticed,that concerned me, was the ride of the M i test drove. It seemed very rough, to the point that if it were my LS i would think it needed new hubs or something. Having come from the LS could the M56's ride be perceived like this or should i be concerned? The car is a 2011 M56x with 56,500 miles and a clean record from what my research has turned up. Also anything else i should be looking out for please i welcome the input.

Welcome, If your getting the M56S then I would say yes, the ride is going to be rougher because of the sport suspension & tune. Can't say the same about a regular M56. I have a M37S and it rode like that until I changed out the tires & rims, that's just me though. Fellas will chime in and give you some more advise as well. Good luck with the M56 if you do decide to get it.

[dmclone]

Nice to hear from someone else in Iowa. I've had my M56x for nearly 2 years and I've yet to see another one in the state.

[mazz]

regarding the ride it is what you get used to.The Lexus 430 is a very soft Cadillac style ride the Infiniti M especially 4 wheel drive is a little firmer not quite BMW firm but noticeably different. if you got use to that Lexus style an M will feel harsh.

[mazz]

also regarding sound system the shoulder speakers in the seats are almost quite unless the an 5.1 sound source is used..... i think it is weird because not much of that around but when you hear it you will know it big time.

[ibc]

M56x ride feels more sporty than the nice Lincoln Continental it replaced, yet I do really like its feel. The Conti had computerized airbag suspension to adjust ride characteristics (and "PLUSH" was my fav choice for long trips). The M56x has no such bags, so no adjustments possible, but it still feels good to me. Interior cabin dimensions are about same as Conti (yay!) but the M56x trunk size is way too dinky. Love the M56x power. Bose sound system is just OK, but has really nice features that work perfectly w/ DVD, iphone, etc. Speakers in seats seem pointless.

Oh, I've yet to see another M56 on the roads.

[EdBwoy]

EdBwoy, if you can get your hands on one try a DVD-Audio disc. That's where the system really shines. They're hard to come by now though. If you can't get a DVD-Audio disc get a DVD movie that is 5.1 surround and fast forward to an action scene and let it play. I think you'll be surprised at how good it sounds.

also regarding sound system the shoulder speakers in the seats are almost quite unless the an 5.1 sound source is used..... i think it is weird because not much of that around but when you hear it you will know it big time.

Thanks guys. What I'm getting is that the surround sound is best experienced with the right audio media playing. And also that the DVD player is still offered like the previous models despite lack of the rear-located entertainment screen and controls.
Another thing that threw me off is that the center console was empty, except for the AUX, USB & accessory power port. The previous ones had the DVD player located in there, so I defaulted to looking in there to determine whether a car had the player or not. My online research shows that the DVD player was standard, and it was a dash mounted receiver. Correct?

M56x ride feels more sporty than the nice Lincoln Continental it replaced, yet I do really like its feel...M56x has no such bags, so no adjustments possible, but it still feels good to me....Love the M56x power... Bose sound system is just OK, but has really nice features that work perfectly w/ DVD, iphone, etc....
Oh, I've yet to see another M56 on the roads.

I once drove a Lexus LS430 and didn't like it. It was the Ultra as well so I know it was supposed to be equipped for comfort but I couldn't perceive it. Road noise seemed more intrusive in the cabin and very unsporty. Of course I am not calibrated for suspension test drives, but I tend to like my base M45 for any road conditions that involve cracks and bumps. Quiet, yet responsive, and I hope the M56 maintained that character somewhat for its size.

Nice to hear from someone else in Iowa. I've had my M56x for nearly 2 years and I've yet to see another one in the state.

Great to hear there is another one somewhere on the road around here! Outside of my home I have literally counted 3 Infiniti Ms. 2 y50 M35s and one newer debadged M, I believe it was an M37 just by exhaust note. Did you buy yours in the state?

[Ilya]

I drove a 2014 LS460 L. Dream car. I'll never be able to afford a Rolls Royce or Maybach, so to me, the LS460 L is the creme of the crop as far as luxury cars I could ever own/afford.

But yes, the DVD player is the same as the in-dash CD player...which is why I presume it's not a 6-disc changer but only 1.

[dmclone]

Nice to hear from someone else in Iowa. I've had my M56x for nearly 2 years and I've yet to see another one in the state.

Great to hear there is another one somewhere on the road around here! Outside of my home I have literally counted 3 Infiniti Ms. 2 y50 M35s and one newer debadged M, I believe it was an M37 just by exhaust note. Did you buy yours in the state?[/quote]

Yes, I wasn't looking for a M56 but Willis Infiniti here in Des Moines had one that had been around for awhile and I bit.

[armybrat]

I'm in NC, and I purchased a 2012 M56x back in October. I have driven both, and there is a difference as far as normal driving, albeit a small one. I went through Carmax to get mine, because as previously mentioned, the M56's are hard to find locally. There are plenty of G35/37's, and to a lesser extent, M35/37's but the V8's are rare. Also, most of these cars are leased, so most folks will put the cheapest set of tires on the cars before turning them in, which is what happened in my case. The dealer ship balanced it as best as they could, but there is still a slight hint of vibration. Some folks will call this a sport sedan, but technically it is classified as a luxury sedan. The 2011 and 2012 M56's were available in the "S" sport model (RWD only) or the "X" model all wheel drive. You had to choose one or the other. In 2013, you could get both together. Best of luck with whichever model you decide to go with.

[EdBwoy]

Thanks.
Ok, I thought it was just my locale that was an issue, but apparently the 56s are generally hard to come by. I checked the website of the dealer that dmclone sourced one from, no dice. I might need to reach out to Carmax or enterprise for their network (a previously rented m56 )
Armybrat, if I may ask, I always assumed NC wasn't one of those places where winter traction is a big concern. Why did you end up with the 56x?

[Ilya]

My M56 was the only one in Albany too. It's just a much more rare model...and when you add the AWD it gets downright hard to find hah. Not sure I would have bought mine if it wasn't loaded. Probably would have kept my M35x.

[EdBwoy]

I live in the wrong place for RWD shopping then. In the past month of looking, I have seen 4 v8s, all of them AWDs - 2 in chicago, 1 in St. Louis, 1 in Nebraska.
I'm open to flying to any coast and driving home, btw . Just gotta at least test drive a RWD

[armybrat]

Thanks.
Ok, I thought it was just my locale that was an issue, but apparently the 56s are generally hard to come by. I checked the website of the dealer that dmclone sourced one from, no dice. I might need to reach out to Carmax or enterprise for their network (a previously rented m56 )
Armybrat, if I may ask, I always assumed NC wasn't one of those places where winter traction is a big concern. Why did you end up with the 56x?

I live in the Winston-Salem area. I've been here 11 years, and we have had some snow - ice mixture, plus the rain too. Before the M56x, I had a '07 Acura MDX with the SH-AWD, which was my first ever AWD vehicle. I actually prefer it to the Infiniti AWD as far as handling curves goes. The Acura system shifts the torque to the outside rear wheels in addition to front and rear. I guess I got used to the way an AWD car handles, so I chose the X. My wife has a '12 Acura RDX with the same SH-AWD. I just feel the added traction is worth it regardless of winter weather.

Yeah Carmax was the way to go for me. Mine came from Pepe Infiniti dealership in White Plains, NY. One owner lease turn in (turned it in at Tennessee) 53,000 miles. tech package, forest air, ashwood, everything you could get in that year model AWD. Car was well maintained...a few minor scratches on the outside, inside immaculate. Had to pay $449 transfer fee to W-S. $199 Carmax fee and title, taxes etc. that's it. No problem with buying a leased M56x, other than the cheap a** tires that came on the car.

[EdBwoy]

Not too worried about an off-lease car, but a prior rental sure scares me. OTOH, I don't think the demographic that wants (and can afford) to rent these cars will be out to abuse it as much as the group that rents a manual American v8 muscle car. I don't even know if you can find a rental Infiniti M/ Q70??

I always told myself that the best time to shop for a car is when you don't need one, so here I am. I acknowledge that I am in the fortunate position to be able to be very picky about the car I want - white M56 with everything short of the kitchen sink.
I am a little disappointed that you could no longer get the factory rear entertainment, bum deal but I plan to keep this car for a long time so modifications of that kind are definitely being considered.

Thank you all for your input, and I promise that if I find what I am looking for, images of the beaut will immediately* be shared with all of you!


*Immediately = after a week or so of the car and I getting to know each other. Hehe

[Ilya]

Both my M's were off-lease...no issues. Get er done!

[Debonair]

I am a little disappointed that you could no longer get the factory rear entertainment, bum deal but I plan to keep this car for a long time so modifications of that kind are definitely being considered.

I personally prefer a couple (or a single) iPads (or other tablets) over permanently mounted LCD screens for multiple reasons. I don't use these in my M since family trips are taken in our other car but the reasoning applies just the same.

• Back seat passengers can watch two different shows
  Can play games and video
  Can be mounted for video or held for games/apps
  Can still be connected to the cars audio system if desired
  Can be hidden when not in use (theft deterrent)
  Can be taken out and used other places
  Can be Wi-Fi or connected to Wi-Fi
  Larger and better resolution display
  Easy/possible to replace if they fail

I'm sure there are more reasons, but I will stop here.

Cons would be that they don't play DVDs but who does. Also they don't look factory'ish when in place.

[armybrat]

Not too worried about an off-lease car, but a prior rental sure scares me. OTOH, I don't think the demographic that wants (and can afford) to rent these cars will be out to abuse it as much as the group that rents a manual American v8 muscle car. I don't even know if you can find a rental Infiniti M/ Q70??

I agree that folks who lease these cars take care of them, and mine was no exception. All of the dealership loaners I've seen here in NC have been Q50's. Not sure about rentals.

[Altered]

It's white, and it has the 20's:

http://www.airportnissancle.com/details ... 8240?cid=6

[EdBwoy]

I like Debonair's idea. That looks like a UK spec 7-series, and I thought some of them had a fancy screen behind the headrests. I strongly prefer stock-looking applications, to reduce break-ins, and ideally not having to hide stuff away every time I leave the car.
I envision dismantling a rear seat to install tablets in my new future... which brings me to this other point:

It's white, and it has the 20's:
http://www.airportnissancle.com/details ... 8240?cid=6

I appreciate the link, and a beautiful car it is, but the asking price is outside my comfort zone at the moment. Since I am planning to hack interiors to install some creature comforts, I'd rather not spend top dollar.

I keep an Autotrader search page refreshed every evening. Soon the object of my dreams will appear!

[EdBwoy]

Found it!

It's not white with black interior, but hey, these are the things you have to contend with unless you're buying brand new. Amirite?

It looks very good for 75k miles, although the wheels are in dire need of attention. There is major curb rash, as well as black streaks that would not rub off when I tried with my fingers.

[Ilya]

Get er done!