y34 M45 versus y50 M45 versus M56

[EdBwoy]

This is 2017 and I bet those who were in a position to buy these cars new are already past this decision. But for those of us on this forum, are there things you are curious about with regards to the differences/ similarities in these cars?

What I'm thinking is a comparison of things like interior features, exhaust, suspension etc. It would be nice to have a drag race, but yeah, if wishes were horses I'd be driving a white Ferrari.

So, any suggestions on the most useful things that a potential buyer or a curious mind would want to know?

[pedsemdoc]

Styling is really the biggest difference between the cars:
y34 M45: RARE, old school Yakuza-stylin', understated, bad-a** sedan
Y50 M45 (my first Infiniti): I like the curvier front end and smaller tail lights of the '08 model year compared to '06-07 but still a great looking ride with a ton of tech (if you get it fully loaded: navigation, voice commands, Bluetooth calling, back-up camera, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise, and headlights that turn into the corner at low speeds, etc.)
Y51 M56: curvier both inside and outside, appears to have a shorter wheelbase visually (don't know for sure), larger 20 inch sport wheels are BOSS.

Obviously the M56 has the biggest engine and the most grunt, and the 7 speed transmission and likely the best gas mileage of the lot.

I'd go for the M56, if I had to choose, but would take any one them in a heartbeat.

[EdBwoy]

Styling is really the biggest difference between the cars:

You ain't kidding here. Their interiors and general features feel very familiar.
I have started on a few videos in the playlist below. But I will be getting rid of something soon so I want to do as many comparos as I can, while I can.

EDITED. Playlist broken down below

[EdBwoy]

I had some downtime.
The numbered links are youtube videos.

1. Intro video
2. 0-60 acceleration
3. Stock exhaust layout
4. Exhaust sounds. Warning - LOUD!
5. Cold start sounds
6. Rear suspension layout, brief look at the rear active steering
7. Front suspension layout
8. Brakes
9. Gear shift pattern
10. Typical transmission behavior. Also, what does manual mode do for you?
11. Shutting doors - how does it sound?
12. Folding side mirrors
13. Body side molding

[EdBwoy]

Another one, comparing a 2006 to a 2008 M45

1. Intro video

[pedsemdoc]

Ed,

love the videos - anyone who is thinking about buying/working on a M45 (whatever year) ought to peruse your vids.

I remember making the How To/DIY for the serpentine belt change and how much controversy there was about can/should it be done from above OR below...after seeing your video on the idle/tensioner pulleys - someone should have said there was a THIRD option: take your engine out and it's really easy to change the belts!!! - LOL

Craig

[EdBwoy]

Thank you Sir, I appreciate the kind words. Btw, check your PMs in 3...2..

Haha, about the engine removal. I am reminded of when I saw the write up for the M45 valve covers LINK. I was looking at it thinking it would suck when I actually have to do it in the car, all the 06+ M45 valve cover gaskets & spark plugs I have dealt with have been with an engine outside the car getting ready to go back in - approx. 30 minutes start to finish with a snack break in between Of course, removing the engine takes hours.
The 03/04 m45 valve covers and plugs were more easily accessible due to a more spacious engine bay.

[FlawleZ]

Ed I really appreciate you taking the time to cover all the how to's and comparisons on the M45 and M56. Really has been insightful and helpful.

[EdBwoy]

Thank you FlawleZ.
Btw, out of curiosity are you feeling swayed either way, or is this info more of a "good to know, but I'm good". The only other feedback I got is from the Doc, but he already has a Y51.

[FlawleZ]

Thank you FlawleZ.
Btw, out of curiosity are you feeling swayed either way, or is this info more of a "good to know, but I'm good". The only other feedback I got is from the Doc, but he already has a Y51.

Swayed in regards to what? Which M I'd prefer? I'd certainly love to have an M56 but I'm only a few payments away from paying off my M45 and I like the thought of no car payment for a while. Especially since my wife is due in Feb 26th with our son.

[EdBwoy]

Yep! I meant what M you'd prefer.
I think what I'm seeing from most people is the y34 wins for style, the M56 cool to have (because it's newer I suppose), the Y50 ehhh. I like my 08 although i wouldn't mind selling it either. Nice balance of usable power, driving dynamics and technology.

Congratulations on the pending arrival of the little one.

[szh]

Thanks for the video's!

For my day to day driving, I really like how my 2003 M45 does its gear selection in M mode. The setting is the maximum gear it will auto-select, and it up and down shifts in that range perfectly well (although a bit more aggressive shift points than in D mode).

So, when on the highway, I set it to 5 (or D), and for normal street driving, I move it to 4. This way, I have all the power I need for changing speeds "in town", up to 45 or 50 mph, without having it "seeking" down from 5th a lot when I press the accelerator.