Thinking of getting a 02/03 Q-45 or 02/03 540i . Got some Q's

[lexus4spl]

Hi,

I currently in the market for a used luxury car to replace my 96 Lex SC400. I have basically narrowed it down to two cars in similar price range. 02/03 Infiniti Q-45 and 02/03 BMW 6spd 540I. I notice there is no FAQ at this site so I figure I would just ask. havent had the chance to take either car for a spin, because I usually don't like to walk to any car dealers uless I'am absolutely ready to buy. But from what I read so far I love the Q-45's straight line power & comfort and yes more room, but I love the 540's handling and of course its a 6spd. However, right now its a toss up. So I figured I would take the time out and ask you guys. Please keep in mind I'm also taking inconsideration long term maint cost. For ex. a major service (60k, 90k) for my Lexus was a replace drive belts, replace all fluids, spark plugs, valve adjust drive belts, air and ac filters 1399$ (dealer). I live in a condo so I will not performing any of the regular maintenance myself. Whats the Q45's maint cost from dealer or a private mechanic. I plan to keep this car for 8+ years

What MPG do you guys really observe. (I'm talking about real world)

Recalls or know faults 02/03Q-45 (F-50's) that you guys might know about. For ex. sc400s have a known issue of the suspension arm bushing and the windows weather stripping prematurely wareout.

Any problems you experienced, or any know issues I should watch out for?

Are there differences between the 02's and 03's?

Overall long term likes and dislikes.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

[elwesso]

Welcome to NICO.

There is a FAQ but I dont like a bunch of stickies in my forums, so I took it down... Youll be concerned about information from the F50 (which is the gen code for the 02+ Q45)

Heres the FAQ thread, it may not have a ton of info but its a good start: zerothread?id=157240

My best advice to you is to get an 03 over an 02. They fixed a lot of the annoying things, plus they added a few extra features... Both of the "recalls" they had on the 02s they fixed for 03... plus you can get cooled seats on the 03s, but not on the 02s with the premium package... Not sure if that concerns you or not.... With the small difference in price, you might as well get an 03+.

Really they are very reliable cars.... If you change the trans fluid, use ONLY Nissan J matic fluid.... Just FYI.. The Q45 will cost you less to maintain than the bimmer for sure, and will likely cost less with repairs. With the help of this forum you cna get your parts wholesale and tkae them to your local mechanic. If you can diagnose problems yourself and just have a grease monkey turn the wrenches for you it really helps....

There isnt a problem with Q45s that we cant help you with.... This forum probably has the best collection of vehicle specific information on the internet.... especailly as far as luxury cars go...

Some of the stuff you listed can be done yourself with little or no tools, but if you insist on taking it to a mechanic, most of the basic stuff isnt too complicated or difficult. no timing belt to worry about, so its really just fluids filters and plugs.....

The 540 is probably gonna be faster, and it just depends what you want. Ive never driven an F50 or a 540, but if you plan on daily driving, i think the F50 would be more liveable. I bet their handling is pretty dang close....

[Rex]

About the only "issue" I can recall being discussed about an F50, is the throttle "tip in" reprogram. It was a Tech Bulletin that helped with off the line performance.

For most it would be hard to pass up on a 6 speed, but if faced with the decision you've posed, I'd opt for an 03-04 M45 . Have you looked at those?

Oh wait, do some digging around about VK45 oil consumption. It doesn't seem "common", but def something you'd want to be aware of when looking at cars.

[97Q45t]

If you'd like to mod your car later (ie. springs, shocks, wheels or other bolt-on stuffs), I think the 540i would be a better choice since you could find more aftermarket parts for those.

[MinisterofDOOM]

I second Rex's suggestion to check out some '03/'04 M45s as well.

[maxnix]

If you are travelling across country or on the interstate, the Q45 is more comfortable. If you are going to carve two lane highwhays, the 540i Sport is faster.

As Wes noted, there are substantial under the skin differences between 02 and 03 and even 04. The rarer 05 and 06 are again more visibly different.

For any Infiniti, always look at the Infiniti dealer performed service history first. In particular, look for frequent documented oil change intervals (3,700) and get an extended warranty form the dealer if you can. Some VK45DE engines do have an excessive oil consumption issue if extended OCI are involved.

[lexus4spl]

Thanks for all the input guys.

How about MPG, what are you guys really seeing?

[Rex]

Thanks for all the input guys.

How about MPG, what are you guys really seeing?

None of us that replied are F50 Q45 drivers. We're earlier model (G50 & Y33) owners.

Though in all honesty, if you're looking at a V8 permium (used) luxury car, MPG should not be a determining factor, just my 2 cents.

[66mgb]

I think the first gen M45 was more sinister looking than '03-'04, in fact that's my next project....

Just a bad a** minimalist wolf in sheep's clothing!

[Rex]

I think the first gen M45 was more sinister looking than '03-'04, in fact that's my next project....

Just a bad a** minimalist wolf in sheep's clothing!

Your pic is of a first Gen 03/04 M45?!?

[maxnix]

It is. Last time I saw one with that view I wondered why Nissan didn't move the rear axle back about 4 - 6 inches. Then there would have been more than adequate room in the rear seat.

[66mgb]

What I meant to say IMO the first gen M45 (02-05) is better looking than the current M......

Jeesh everyone is so stiff on this site!

[maxnix]

Jeesh everyone is so stiff on this site!

Yup, whole lotta wood!

[Rex]

What I meant to say IMO the first gen M45 (02-05) is better looking than the current M......

Jeesh everyone is so stiff on this site!

I was just confused by the following statement, since 03's & 04's were first gen M45's, and since the thread was started by a new member clarification would be helpful to him .

I think the first gen M45 was more sinister looking than '03-'04

[maxnix]

Yep, he meant Y34>Y50 in looks. I think FY33>Y33 also.

[bigjimmy]

I get a solid 19 mpg, with very spirited driving.

[ScottJackson]

I vote for the 540i. Get that and an ESS supercharger for it right off the bat. Oh what fun that would be.

[BlueC]

I vote 540i as well. Very solid car, it'll be more fun to drive.

[Peterofdevon]

Timely post.

I just bought a 01 540i six speed with a sport suspension. New condition, heated garage kept, 47K for about $25K. Its the best car I've ever owned. It B-L-O-W-S away the 06 M45S which I drove a total of 50 miles on two occasions. Better cornering, better steering, smoother engine, quieter, WAY better road feel, far smoother car. I like it far better as a daily driver than my 1996 911 that I owned several years ago.

This is my first BMW. Now, I fell for the Qs over the years due to their sporty ride and many reports that they are BMW like. STUPID me. I should have just driven a BMW...I would have never ever owned 4 Qs if I had done so.

If you can afford the BMW---dont even think about a Q.

Peter, owner of 4 past and present Q45s (G50s)

[Peterofdevon]

Ive never driven an F50 or a 540,

Wes, if you drive a 540 you WILL sell your Q. You've been WARNED

Peter

[maxnix]

Wes, if you drive a 540 you WILL sell your Q. You've been WARNED

Peter

BMW service expenses were enough warning for me.

Its the Ultimate Wallet Drainer. Infiniti is in another league when it comes to reliability and expense to repair.

Too bad you never got to drive a restored G50.

[BlueC]

Timely post.

I just bought a 01 540i six speed with a sport suspension. New condition, heated garage kept, 47K for about $25K. Its the best car I've ever owned. It B-L-O-W-S away the 06 M45S which I drove a total of 50 miles on two occasions. Better cornering, better steering, smoother engine, quieter, WAY better road feel, far smoother car. I like it far better as a daily driver than my 1996 911 that I owned several years ago.

This is my first BMW. Now, I fell for the Qs over the years due to their sporty ride and many reports that they are BMW like. STUPID me. I should have just driven a BMW...I would have never ever owned 4 Qs if I had done so.

If you can afford the BMW---dont even think about a Q.

Peter, owner of 4 past and present Q45s (G50s)

I've already had that feeling that if I test drive a 540i 6 Spd, I know i'll sell my car. I have positive equity on my Y33 currently, come late winter/early spring next year, that could possibly be the outcome.

[Q45man1]

My sis owns one but with auto trans. It's fun to drive and very good handling car. Q45 is more luxurious car and has better reliability.

But I have my eyes on 01-03 M5 and I'll keep Q45.

[Peterofdevon]

Too bad you never got to drive a restored G50.

Sorry- I drove/drive 4 of them and they are not even close to what a 540i 6 speed is---but its a different class car. My 44K 94T is totally restored and new inside and out.. its not even close to my 540i. Mind you I love it -but it is what it is...a 15 year old design. And I think it is a far better ride than a 740i but at this stage of the game is just too expensive. If you have a good G50---god bless you, you are lucky.

I would have defended my beloved G50s till the cows came home till I drove a 540i.

Peter