What is/are the major differences between the 03 thru 06 M45's?

[MaxGig]

I hope I'm not being too vague in asking this question. I'm looking to buy an M45 again. I first looked at them a yr ago (mainly online) and then I only saw 03's. Now I see 03 thru 07. What are the major differences or upgrades between the model yrs? (preferably yrs 03 thru 06)
Modified by MaxGig at 1:45 PM 1/2/2008

[maxnix]

2003 -2004 is a Y34.

2005+ is a Y50.

Not sure exactly what you are asking.

[Mark Linkous]

Hello,The only things the 03-04 M45 and the 06+ share is the drivetrain. Same engine and transmission. Everything else is different. The 06+ or Y50 is built on the FM platform that is shared with all Infiniti's sans the QX56. The Y50 handles much better. The Y34 does well for it's size and for the platform being a good bit older than the current FM platform. Stylistically, truly apple to oranges. Cars could not look more different. The new M looks much like the current G. Many of the major options are shared throughout the years though. The ICC (intelligent cruise control) is available for both. As are the climate controlled seats. The navigation systems are much different. This is especially true of the current hard drive based nav system of the new M. The 03-04 uses a DVD based nav system with a joystick as opposed to touchscreen. I have enjoyed the nav in my 04' and have no real issues with it. Some might enjoy the touchscreen based system currently offered though.I truly love my car and have no regrets. The 03-04 is one of the best used car values going. The 06+ goes for considerably more. Then again, a 2nd gen will probably hold its value better moving forward. Then again, given the low production numbers (<8000 imported), there is a chance in time, that the 03-04 M could be something of a collectors item. Probably quite unlikely though.Same name, radically different car,Mark

[MaxGig]

What I was looking for was information about the cars in general. They are so rare where I live that you only see 03's and 07's, its like the model yrs 04 thru 06 don't exist. I wanted to know what features changed from 03 basically and if the cars got bigger or smoother edges like the G35.

[Mark Linkous]

Hello,1st gen: 2003-20042nd gen: 2006+There was no 2005 model. 2nd gen came out in 2005 though. Again, most of the options are similar. The only difference between the 2003 and the 2004 models is the location of the cd changer (2003-glovebox, 2004-near shifter) and homelink and a couple other things being standard. All 2004 models come prewired for XM/Sirius as well.(Some 2003's were, not all) The second gen. does have the lane departure system. The powertrain is quite similiar. Second generation sports a much bigger back seat. Interior packaging is much better in the 2006+. The current M certainly shares a family resemblance to the current G35/37. 1st gen looks nothing like it. With that and my previous post, I think that is about everything. Best advice is to drive each and trust your gut.Cheers,Mark

Modified by Mark Linkous at 11:49 AM 1/5/2008
Modified by Mark Linkous at 5:59 PM 1/5/2008

[MaxGig]

Perfect, just what I was looking for, thanks.

[Mark Linkous]

Hello,No worries. Which way are you leaning?Regards,M.L