Two questions about my 2008 M45x...

[Big_Tone]

Hey, guys. I have a couple of questions about my M45. My first question is about the navigation. How can I check to see the last date that it was updated? I'm trying to decide whether or not to get the update and how old the current version I have will have an impact.

Second, what percentage of power is distributed between the front and back wheels? Is it 50/50, 60/40, etc? And, does that change when the car is put in 'snow' mode? I've been wondering and haven't found an answer.

Thanks in advance!

[Larz]

Navigation maps for all infiniti's are supplied by a company called Navteq. You can purchase updates directly from them and save money over what the dealerships charge for buying you one from Navteq and then marking it up. To find out which version you have installed ... start your car, press the INFO button in the center stack, then scroll with the center knob to Navigation Version - it will display your current version. A new version comes out every year. Here is the link to your system at Navteq:

http://www.navigation.com/is-bin/INTERS ... EklAsDsuO1

New maps come out every year and run about $149 if you buy direct from Navteq instead of the dealer.
Your year requires HDD updates and must be installed by an Infiniti dealer (for an additional fee, of course). so ... cheapest way to do it: you buy the 'updated 2013 v8.6 update from Navteq, take the activation code they provide you to an Infiniti dealer, and THEY install the update onto your Nav system.
Version 8.6 (2013) is the latest version available for the 08-10 M's.

As for differences between updates - that will be different for everyone, depending on their state, where they travel to, etc. I don't belive being a year or two behind is going to make a difference if you travel by major motorways and freeways because they don't move or change very often. If you still have the 07-08 version you are 5 years behind and there are likely many changes in your local roadways in the last 5 years so I'd update.
Also, if you don't mind waiting until the 2014 comes out, Navteq runs a great sale price of about $89 from March to June each year.

[svard75]

I understand our M's have the attesa awd system and as such it is mostly rwd unless the snow switch is on and/or rear wheel slippage is detected.

According to Wikipedia as of 2000+ the attesa is now mostly FWD and only engages the rear wheels during slippage. Can someone comment on that because it sounds hard to believe.

In either situation the transfer case can only provide up to 50% of total power to the secondary set of wheels. So if its mostly rwd and the rears start to slip up to 50% can be sent to the front wheels. I also believe just the front differential is limited slip.

[Big_Tone]

Thanks Larz and msvara! I agree, I find it very hard to believe that the cars are mostly FWD. I think it's mostly RWD, but wasn't sure what the balance was.

[jmichael97]

its a really low amount like 20/80 we really only get power in the front unless it detects slip. really smart system it can still perform and corner like a rwd car but will give you full 50/50 awd traction when needed

[Big_Tone]

Gotcha. Does that 80/20 still apply when in 'snow' mode?

[jmichael97]

no im sorry im wrong its actually full 100 to the rear but up to 50/50 when slipping, wet, or snow...

[Big_Tone]

Also, I've seen people posting about upgrading the wheels on the M and I see people going pretty big. Will the M45 Sport wheels fit on the M45x? Will it cause any issues with the AWD? I did a search and saw conflicting answers and want to be sure in case I go that route.

[Big_Tone]

Anyone know if the M45 Sport wheels will fit an M45X? Bueller? Bueller? Bueller?

[Partysan7]

Yes, the bolt pattern is same.

[svard75]

The own m45 sport wheels will work. The conflicting information has to do with staggered setups on the awd cars. Unless the diameters for both the front and rear are exactly the same it's risky, however is doable. I've spoken to a few shops and they each said it can be done.

[Big_Tone]

Awesome! I found a great deal on a set of used wheels on eBay. Should arrive this week. Can't wait! Thanks for the info guys.