Things about your M that Infiniti should fix. Moderator please chime in!

[infinitiandbeyond]

While I spent may hours test driving everything sport-luxury, I still don't regret my choice of an M35! However, there are several things(annoyances) that can sometimes rear their heads no matter what brand or how much you spend.

I've learned MUCH from this forum before and after my purchase and it's interesting hearing from everyone as to their own little glitches. Perhaps our fearless leader forum moderator "szhosain" would like to help us out.

Personally, here are a few things that I've observed since I bought my M just 5 months ago. SUBMIT YOURS TOO!!!!!!!

1. LOOK AT YOUR NAV CLOCK just before midnight and you can watch it turn from "11:59" to "0:00"! That's right, it does not read "12:00" midnight! it then counts up 0:01 and so on to 1:00.

2. NAV SCREEN/CLIMATE CONTROL LOCK UP when your TREO 700 or 700W phone is in "paired" mode with your car. If you are experiencing this issue, UNPAIR YOUR PHONE until you can get it into your dealer. This has been well documented and NOW THERE IS A FIX! Inform your dealer of BULLETIN #07038.

3. OIL CHANGE MILEAGE REMINDER. I have used 100% synthetic oil since 1980 and upon recently changing my new M over, the oil change reminder in the Maintenance settings ONLY GOES UP TO 18,000 miles! I need it to go to 33,500 miles.

4. DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME CHANGE. Mine still hasn't changed yet but I do live in Indiana who is the last state to adopt daylight savings. The TEMPORARY fix for me was to change my time zone to Central time.

So, to our Super Duper Master Moderator, my first question is how do we get access to the Infiniti bulletin's along with the identity of what they fix?

In any case, I have used the Infiniti Consumer Affairs line (1-800-662-6200) with success in reporting an issue and getting an idea of whether a certain issue has been identified and what course of action, if any, is being taken.

Thank you.

[szh]

I've learned MUCH from this forum before and after my purchase and it's interesting hearing from everyone as to their own little glitches. Perhaps our fearless leader forum moderator "szhosain" would like to help us out.

As much as I can, I shall do so!

3. OIL CHANGE MILEAGE REMINDER. I have used 100% synthetic oil since 1980 and upon recently changing my new M over, the oil change reminder in the Maintenance settings ONLY GOES UP TO 18,000 miles! I need it to go to 33,500 miles.

This one I am not sure I know how to answer ... I am not an extended oil change interval fan - even with Full Synthetic oil - so, for me, the reminder settings are way more than enough!

So, to our Super Duper Master Moderator, my first question is how do we get access to the Infiniti bulletin's along with the identity of what they fix?

We have the M Service Manuals here at NICO: http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/M/.

This link at NICO does not have the Technical Service Bulletins ("TSB") though. I get those periodically (about once every 18 months or so) for $20 for a day long access - as long as you have a high-speed Internet access - at http://www.nissan-techinfo.com/infiniti. This Nissan-Infiniti site above has the Service Manuals too.

Just find yourself a nice chunk of time to get all the files ... as of the last time I looked last year, they still had each PDF linked separately. There is a TSB section that is pretty self-explanatory ... each PDF describes to which model year it applies, what the issue is, and what is the solution/fix/manual-update, etc.

Z

[ClutchKick]

I just received notice of a voluntary recall for the navigation control switch assembly...

[ace5720]

I would like to see the Navigation system and the DVD screen engage while driving. I have had numerous complaints from my passengers that they can't watch DVD while taking a long drive. I know there is a black market work around, but I think Infiniti should open this up. It seems ridiculous that I can buy a portable DVD player and put on my dash, but can't view DVD on the beautiful Nav screen.

I would also like to see the M35 get over 20 mpg.

Other than, this is an awesome vehicle!

[MattB]

3. OIL CHANGE MILEAGE REMINDER. I have used 100% synthetic oil since 1980 and upon recently changing my new M over, the oil change reminder in the Maintenance settings ONLY GOES UP TO 18,000 miles! I need it to go to 33,500 miles.

Why would you do that? 33,500 is way too high of an oil change interval. No oil is designed for that kind of mileage.

[Tony407]

4. DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME CHANGE. Mine still hasn't changed yet but I do live in Indiana who is the last state to adopt daylight savings. The TEMPORARY fix for me was to change my time zone to Central time.

I believe there is a DSL option in the clock settings that changes the time by one hour. I do not believe the clock will ever change by itself for DSL - you have to do it manually.

Tony

[Mark Linkous]

Hello,Infinitiandbeyond, that O.C.I will grenade your engine warranty. Even if the oil is still clean, what about the filter? I know in Europe especially, O.C.I are often in the 15-20k mile range. Anything over 7500 miles will cause denial of anything pertaining to your engine being covered under the factory warranty. Though ecofriendly and cost friendly, not car friendly.Cheers,Mark

[infinitiandbeyond]

http://www.amsoil.com. The FIRST 100% Synthetic lubricant ever made. I've used it since 1983 from two cycle jet ski's to all my cars since including three different Porsche 911's.

Even their oil filters TROUNCE anyone elses and I change them every 12K. Amsoil oil filters are 98.7 percent efficient at 15 microns, while competitive filters containing conventional cellulose medias range from 40 to 80 percent efficiency.

[jankenpo30]

33,500 mile oil changes?? You're kidding right??

About the DVD viewing: Much as I would like it as well. It violates federal law. So until the law changes, Inifiniti's hands are tied on this issue. Yes you can put your portable up there to see, but you run the risk of being pulled over for it.

[Tony407]

33,500 mile oil changes?? You're kidding right??

About the DVD viewing: Much as I would like it as well. It violates federal law. So until the law changes, Inifiniti's hands are tied on this issue. Yes you can put your portable up there to see, but you run the risk of being pulled over for it.

What federal law are you referring to?

Tony

[jankenpo30]

Couldn't find the one for personal vehciles. But is based on Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) Part 393.88. I know the law was originally intended for TV viewing but has been adapted for DVDs. Not only that, I think read sometime awhile back that all but 2 states have prohibit as well.

It falls under of those things where its illegal, but how often will an officer enforce it. I think its one of those things where you catch a cop on bad day and he'll bust you for it. Especially if you are watching at night.

[infinitiandbeyond]

Because I provided the link to Amsoil, you should have gone there and educate yourself first.

But I will help you a once again with the following link...like they say, imitation is the best compliment. 25,000 mile change intervals since 1972.

http://www.amsoil.com/articles....aspx

Exxon Mobile is incapable of extended oil change intervals because they need to satisfy their NUMBER 1 constituent...STOCKHOLDERS!!!

IT IS WHAT IT IS.

[M45-Zero260]

infinitiandbeyond,

You will have to forgive most of us for being surprised at your OCI. If it has worked for you for 3 decades, then more power to you. It goes against everything that we have ever been taught, but I respect your opinion, and somewhat agree with you about Mobil 1. I know I can get a lot more than 3,750 miles out of my OCI, but the truth is, I actually look forward to my oil changes. I always do it myself, and it is a time for me to bond with my car By that, I mean, to really inspect everything while I'm doing it, take an hour or so, then finish up with a nice hand wash and wax.

Again, to each his own, but changing the oil frequently is probably the best preventative maintenance at the lowest cost that you can do. It's sad, but it's cheaper for me to do a complete synthetic oil and filter change in my garage, than it is to fill up my tank with gas.

[Bocatrip]

I use Mobile 1 on my Infiniti and do very little driving (6-7K per year). As good as the reputation is about Synthetic oil, I will do my changes once a year or 5,000 miles depending on my mood. The #1 maintanance in importance on our cars is oil changes and regardless of stats, for my comfort zone, I like to change my oil more often if possible than scheduled.

[DaleHeller]

Okay, love my M, but a few pet peeves...

1) Put lighting in the garage door switches in the mirror - I don't know how many times I have opened my wife's door by not hitting the right button and fumbling around (trivial, right???)

2) While backing up, why do both mirrors not go down like on the Lexus? That kids ball just has not figured to go on the side of the car, I have my mirror switch set to yet...

3) On 14 speaker Bose, why not default to the 5.1 mode (synthetic) so we can enjoy all the speakers we paid for?

4) How about a REAL heater in the seats instead of the air circulation scheme. By the time it warms up, I've almost completed my 30 mile commute.

5) How about a real harness for that iPod connection on the back of the armrest? How about one that includes the iPod connection with charging?

Did I say I liked my M, yet ?

6) Why not allow audio input while connecting up to my voice mail system so I can "speak" next message, delete, etc? Even if by numbers? IF you can do it by dialing why not allow one to touch the voice activiation and speak "1" to hear a message, or take an action. So we have this fancy bluetooth and have to take phone out of our pocket and manage our voice messaging system - not cool

7) How about a real memory chip ($19.00 maximum) that can hold more than 40 address book entries? How about better organization of address book, so you don't have to enter each number for a contact individually? Come on Infinti, most people now-a-days have more than one phone !!!

8) How about a real transmission with more than 5 gears, so RPMs are respectable on the interstate?

9) How about real tires, instead of those lumpy 18" run flats that are so noisy?

10) How about video out jacks so kiddies could watch DVD's playing from the console player onto portable screens - WAIT, I haven't tried that yet, it may do it !!!!

11) $48k vehicle without auto-dimming on all rear view mirrors??? Bummer

12) How about a mode such that you can switch your rear view camera on while driving to see if your mother-in-law strapped to the roof fell off ? I may want to stop and back up!!!

13) How about a plexiglas partition between driver's seat and wife's seat that can auto-raise at preselected db levels?

Dern, I really like my M - Honest, I REALLY do !!!

[ace5720]

After owning the M35 for a few months now, I would have Infiniti fix the climate control system so the cabin temperature is consistent with what you have set it for. I put the temperature to 70 and the cabin quickly gets above 80 degrees on cold days. Infiniti should have a fix for this.

[AG-M35]

Fixes????(2006 M35)... A real hand brake instead of the foot pedal, whose warning light is miniscule and hidden by the steering wheel. Don't tell me no one ever forgets to unhook the E-brake and winds up driving a half mile, with it on...That, and the fact that the E-brake is the antiquated DRUM type is unforgiving. It only reeks of dealer rake-in for repairs...

... A set of 16" rims that will mount tires that don't sound and feel like you're driving a truck... With the 245/18's, there's so little volume of air, you have to keep the pressure monitored very closely. Any dramatic change in outside temperature will drastically affect the tire pressure ...and speaking of pressures.. the door jamb says to use 33 psi, than owners manual says 35. Which do you use? Does anyone know the bolt circle and offset of the M35 18" rims?

I can't fault the engine rpm, as I get 27mpg on the highway, driving around 65-70 and that's with another passenger and luggage.

[szh]

(2006 M35)... A real hand brake instead of the foot pedal, whose warning light is miniscule and hidden by the steering wheel. Don't tell me no one ever forgets to unhook the E-brake and winds up driving a half mile, with it on...

Ummm ... don't you get the big red box on the display that tells you the brake is on once you start moving forward?

With the 245/18's, there's so little volume of air, you have to keep the pressure monitored very closely.

Yes ... much more so than taller sidewalls - that is true. Measure and adjust once every two to three weeks is typically what I do, since pressures will drop about 1 or 2 psi in that duration naturally ...

Any dramatic change in outside temperature will drastically affect the tire pressure

Yes, but if you keep it at about 3 to 4 psi above the recommendation, the outside temperature changes is not going to take it too far below reasonable minimum limits for load index safety. Once the tire heats up due to driving even a mile or two, this also becomes less important.

...and speaking of pressures.. the door jamb says to use 33 psi, than owners manual says 35. Which do you use? Does anyone know the bolt circle and offset of the M35 18" rims?

This information is in the specs stickies at the top of this forum.

Z

[M45-Zero260]

I would like a 1 touch button to switch the Navigation screen from day to night, without having to go into the settings screen to adjust it. During the winter months, I have to adjust it more. The screen is too bright in the morning on my drive in, then at lunch it's too dark, so I have to switch it back, then on my drive home, switch it back, etc. (if there is an easier way to do this, someone please let me know) Not much of a complaint, just something that I would change if I could for convenience reasons.

[Tony407]

I would like a 1 touch button to switch the Navigation screen from day to night, without having to go into the settings screen to adjust it. During the winter months, I have to adjust it more. The screen is too bright in the morning on my drive in, then at lunch it's too dark, so I have to switch it back, then on my drive home, switch it back, etc. (if there is an easier way to do this, someone please let me know) Not much of a complaint, just something that I would change if I could for convenience reasons.

There should be a button that does exactly that on the right side of the console with a little moon and sun on it.

Tony

[obab905]

Nissan/Infiniti should fix the following steering problem. I just bought a 2007 M35x w/tech & areo package --diamond graphite w/charcoal leather --two(2) weeks ago. The car has 400mi to date and is fantastic, except for a problem I encounter when driving over rough/grooved roads. The car doesn't steer straight, it jumps either left or right depending on the location of the ruts. You have to fight the wheel to correct the steering. The Goodyear tires all have the correct air pressure--between 33-35PSI-- in them. The wheel alignment seems ok--drives straight on perfectly level roads. I have read on other sites as well as this one that the steering rack might be the culprit or maybe the tires? Any thoughts-- The car is great otherwise..

[Bocatrip]

Nissan/Infiniti should fix the following steering problem. I just bought a 2007 M35x w/tech & areo package --diamond graphite w/charcoal leather --two(2) weeks ago. The car has 400mi to date and is fantastic, except for a problem I encounter when driving over rough/grooved roads. The car doesn't steer straight, it jumps either left or right depending on the location of the ruts. You have to fight the wheel to correct the steering. The Goodyear tires all have the correct air pressure--between 33-35PSI-- in them. The wheel alignment seems ok--drives straight on perfectly level roads. I have read on other sites as well as this one that the steering rack might be the culprit or maybe the tires? Any thoughts-- The car is great otherwise..

Do a search on "TRAMLINING" The M35X and the Sport seem to have the most issues with this. It's generally a tire iproblem that can be altered with different types of tires. There are many threads on this subject for the M. The M35 doesn't seem to have these issues.

[Pashdut]

While I spent may hours test driving everything sport-luxury, I still don't regret my choice of an M35! However, there are several things(annoyances) that can sometimes rear their heads no matter what brand or how much you spend.

I've learned MUCH from this forum before and after my purchase and it's interesting hearing from everyone as to their own little glitches. Perhaps our fearless leader forum moderator "szhosain" would like to help us out.

Personally, here are a few things that I've observed since I bought my M just 5 months ago. SUBMIT YOURS TOO!!!!!!!

1. LOOK AT YOUR NAV CLOCK just before midnight and you can watch it turn from "11:59" to "0:00"! That's right, it does not read "12:00" midnight! it then counts up 0:01 and so on to 1:00.

2. NAV SCREEN/CLIMATE CONTROL LOCK UP when your TREO 700 or 700W phone is in "paired" mode with your car. If you are experiencing this issue, UNPAIR YOUR PHONE until you can get it into your dealer. This has been well documented and NOW THERE IS A FIX! Inform your dealer of BULLETIN #07038.

3. OIL CHANGE MILEAGE REMINDER. I have used 100% synthetic oil since 1980 and upon recently changing my new M over, the oil change reminder in the Maintenance settings ONLY GOES UP TO 18,000 miles! I need it to go to 33,500 miles.

4. DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME CHANGE. Mine still hasn't changed yet but I do live in Indiana who is the last state to adopt daylight savings. The TEMPORARY fix for me was to change my time zone to Central time.

So, to our Super Duper Master Moderator, my first question is how do we get access to the Infiniti bulletin's along with the identity of what they fix?

In any case, I have used the Infiniti Consumer Affairs line (1-800-662-6200) with success in reporting an issue and getting an idea of whether a certain issue has been identified and what course of action, if any, is being taken.

Thank you.

Well I just took my car in to get it serviced for something else, and I informed them about #2 in your post (BULLETIN #07038 Nav Screen lockup with Treo's)...Santa Monica Infiniti (bad service btw) said that bulletin has nothing to do with Treo's or any other cell phone related issue. They said it is a problem with a Nav screen and other computer related lockups that should happen on a permenant basis. I told him that it only happens when I connect my Treo 700w to the bluetooth in my M but that the lockup comes occasionally, not all the time. He said BULLETIN #07038 is for lockups that happen every time the car is on, but nothing to do with phones. I told him it is some kind of mistake, because others on this board are complaining about the same issue with the phones, but he said (very frustrated because CA has a new law that is going in effect very soon that requires all drivers to use hands free while on phone, and it would be such a waste for me to go out there and purchase a headset because of my M's bluetooth )

[newkiebrown]

Nissan/Infiniti should fix the following steering problem. I just bought a 2007 M35x w/tech & areo package --diamond graphite w/charcoal leather --two(2) weeks ago. The car has 400mi to date and is fantastic, except for a problem I encounter when driving over rough/grooved roads. The car doesn't steer straight, it jumps either left or right depending on the location of the ruts. You have to fight the wheel to correct the steering. The Goodyear tires all have the correct air pressure--between 33-35PSI-- in them. The wheel alignment seems ok--drives straight on perfectly level roads. I have read on other sites as well as this one that the steering rack might be the culprit or maybe the tires? Any thoughts-- The car is great otherwise..

This is definately a Tire issues, esp. with the goodyears. Anyone else heard that the goodyears are the culprit?

[newkiebrown]

1. LOOK AT YOUR NAV CLOCK just before midnight and you can watch it turn from "11:59" to "0:00"! That's right, it does not read "12:00" midnight! it then counts up 0:01 and so on to 1:00.

This annoyed me also... Although, because I love my car so much, I convinced myself that this is nothing to worry about! It indicates A.M since there's no A.M/P.M indicator. It only happens once a day, if you're up that late anyways!

Okay, love my M, but a few pet peeves...

1) Put lighting in the garage door switches in the mirror - I don't know how many times I have opened my wife's door by not hitting the right button and fumbling around (trivial, right???)

2) While backing up, why do both mirrors not go down like on the Lexus? That kids ball just has not figured to go on the side of the car, I have my mirror switch set to yet...

3) On 14 speaker Bose, why not default to the 5.1 mode (synthetic) so we can enjoy all the speakers we paid for?

5) How about a real harness for that iPod connection on the back of the armrest? How about one that includes the iPod connection with charging?

12) How about a mode such that you can switch your rear view camera on while driving to see if your mother-in-law strapped to the roof fell off ? I may want to stop and back up!!!

1) I had'nt noticed that this, I think it's because my garage entry way is well lit and i can pretty much see the buttons. To the designers, it may not be a button that you need to see while driving, but why not, it should've been designed that way, i agree!!

2) I don't see a need to have both mirrors move in to lower position? You can switch between either/or though... Although, when I switch mine to the driver side, it wants to adjust my mirror so far that it just keeps popping and clicking as if you were holding down the button..???? Anyone else have this problem?

3) I always hear sound from all speakers (even the shoulder speakers on the seat). In radio, CD and SAT mode, it's not in true 5.1 but its mimic'd and somewhat decoded, It does better on CD's rather than radio though.

5) I wish I was able to afford the '08 model which had new features that I loved. So, I told myself never to sit in one or else i'll end up broke. I settled for an '06 but thats FAR from settling! Anyway, theres an Ipod connector now.

12) Use the diagnostics mode to activate the rear camera.

Sorry, this post was old and you may already have all this information. Just trying to be helpful to the forum!

Thanks!!Newkiebrown

[DrFast1]

I will second the point that the M should have lower RPM's at highway speeds. Even if Infiniti needs to give the car 6th gear as an overdrive. My 4 cyl Subaru has lower rpm than my M45 at 70 on the highway. If we need the power we only need to manual downshift or puch down on teh accelerator!

Nathan

[jpwhit]

Did you have the exhaust rattle/resonance problem with your M? I experienced this in my 2006 and finally took it to the dealer. They replaced the cat converter and problem was solved. Apparently some cars have had problems with the one piece cat/heatshield welds failing.

Somtimes after I start the car I hear a sound under the pass side dash that sounds as if someone is emptying a gallon of water? Anyone else had this problem?

cYa, Joe

[Pashdut]

Did you have the exhaust rattle/resonance problem with your M? I experienced this in my 2006 and finally took it to the dealer. They replaced the cat converter and problem was solved. Apparently some cars have had problems with the one piece cat/heatshield welds failing.

Somtimes after I start the car I hear a sound under the pass side dash that sounds as if someone is emptying a gallon of water? Anyone else had this problem?

cYa, Joe

Hey Joe,So was the cat converter the solution to the water sound? Because I just developed that problem a month ago. Regardless when I turned on the car, every time I push the gas, it sounds as if water is sipping through somewhere, and it sounds like a lot of water. Then miraculously it stops past 2nd gear. Your saying the problem is the Cat? Any suggestions anyone

[Cutlass442]

How about all four doors opening instead of two initially...