Replacement Parts?

[RaelOM]

I looked at Infiniti parts and couldn't find a replacement shift knob for my 2006 M35. Mine is currently worn and the dealership refuses to replace it claiming it was the type of cleaner used?

[Andrew224]

You need to contact Infiniti corporate. Be civil but be persistant and I'm sure it'll get remedied. (It is under warranty still correct?) The warranty is through the corporation, not the dealership, so they have the final say.

Andrew

[RaelOM]

So Infiniti will be replacing my shift knob on goodwill and will only go 50/50 with me on the steering wheel replacement which is 427.00 + Tax, including Labor.

The Shift knob and the steering wheel are the only thing on my car showing any age. Do I do it?

Advice? Opinions?

[tytamto]

I'd go for it. At least they are helping you out. Are you supposed to pay 50% of the ~$450, or is that half already?

It is certainly worth it in the long run. Also, good for resale.

[RaelOM]

I actually chose not to do it.

I just don't have the spare cash to be whipping around for a cosmetic enhancement.

I also think with a little more pressure, I should be able to get them to cover it. Even if they did a Goodwill on the shift knob, a sob story and proof of further money spent and continued spending with infiniti and gushing over their car and service, I should be able to get them to cave.

It's a lifetime customer and his word of mouth or a steering wheel. Hopefully the Consumer Affairs division will see the cost benefit there.

[M4T5]

How many miles are on it? For a 3 or 4 yr old car that seems to pretty odd for those items to be worn out. I've driven cheap company trucks with the basics and find that those items wear out as well in those time frames. But you can tell they are cheap materials. I'm just at a loss and a bit concerned over the quality materials used on these two items. Anyone else heard of any of these two items wearing out or discoloring on their 06' & up M's?

J

[M4T5]

Did you try calling Infiniti Parts to see if they offer it, but just do not list it?

J

[RaelOM]

How many miles are on it? For a 3 or 4 yr old car that seems to pretty odd for those items to be worn out. I've driven cheap company trucks with the basics and find that those items wear out as well in those time frames. But you can tell they are cheap materials. I'm just at a loss and a bit concerned over the quality materials used on these two items. Anyone else heard of any of these two items wearing out or discoloring on their 06' & up M's?

J

51K miles, 3 years old.

36/48K Elite extended on it as well.

[M4T5]

51K miles, 3 years old.

36/48K Elite extended on it as well.

Probably 4yrs old if you reference the actual in-service-date, but either way, it doesn't have the mileage nor the age to justify that kind of wear and tear. Keep us informed. Good luck on getting them to replace the parts under warranty.Have you called their corporate office to bring the issue to a higher level? This could be the only way to get it replaced without money coming from you.Just don't get belligerent with anyone you speak to over there. That could be your ticket to the repairs under full warranty.

J

[Andrew224]

If you're under warranty, keep pushing the issue, you shouldn't have to pay anything (other than perhaps a deductable if you have one). It should be covered.

Andrew

[RaelOM]

So I start by calling consumer affairs right? Just tell them my VIN and the problem and ask for them to authorize a repair under warranty?

[Andrew224]

I would call Infiniti Consumer Affairs at 1-800-662-6200.

This is how I would handle it. First tell them how much you love your car and how happy you are with it. But... Then explain the problem with the representative and how other Ms with similar age and mileage do not show the same wear. Explain that the dealer looked at the issue and offered you a 50/50 deal. Tell them that you feel this is a warranty issue and that you feel that you shouldn't have to pay at all. Explain that you've never encountered issues previously and that you're surprised with this offer because usually Infiniti is top notch when it comes to customer service and you weren't expecting to have a problem like this. Let them ask you questions and answer them as best you can.

Remember, this representative does not know your situation, so don't take out your frustration about the dealer on him. If you still don't get the answer you'd like, ask how to go about discussing this issue with a supervisor.

Always keep in mind that no one wants to help a jerk. So no matter what answer you get, be polite but be persistent.

Andrew

[RaelOM]

Yea, I knew about the Jerk part. Thanks, I'll give it a whirl.

[RaelOM]

Stone wall?

Consumer Affairs relies on the diagnostic from the dealership. If the dealer says it's normal wear and tear, then that's what the claim will be processed as.

Me: "For a car this old and with this few miles in comparison to other M's with similar mileage or more, this seems to be excessive wear."

Her: "Everyone drives different, everyone sits different, et al..."

They said I can always go to another dealership to get a 2nd opinion?

[RaelOM]

So, It's back in the shop again, this time for a heating problem.

I'm faced once again with the steering wheel replacement. Consumer affairs told me to pound sand, but they'll do the 50/50 again. 482.00 after tax.

It's bad enough where it bugs me when I focus on it, but not bad enough where I'm embarrassed?

Ugh...that's a lot of money for cosmetics, but damn it's annoying.