03 FX45 vs. 09 FX35 - Burning Oil

M

Murphcm

Member
Car
2003 FX45
Name
Chris
Hi all! Thinking about selling my 03 FX45 and getting into the newer 09+ body style/engine. Wondering if anyone who has one currently could comment on your engine oil burning experience at 100k+ miles? I am going through at least 1 quart every 1000 miles, and am hoping that improvements made to the engine over the years, and just the fact that it is a different engine than my V8, will mean that I have to monitor it less between changes!

If there are any random thoughts on the older style vs. new, id love to hear them before making my decision! Anyone owned both a FX45 and a 09+? Similar power even with fewer cylinders? Mechanical issues? Thanks in advance!!
 
Both the v6 and v8 infiniti motors burn oil eventually, especially at 100k+ miles. I'd go for the 09+ just for the newer body, tech, etc. The FX45 are nice and I loved my older body FX35 but if you can afford it, I'd go for the newer body.
I've personally owned one v6 and one v8 infiniti and my family has owned many more dating back to Q45's of the early 90's
 
I have had the following Infiniti vehicles

04 FX 35 sold at 90k
08 m45 sold at 60k
13 m37 still have it, 20k
09 FX 50 just under 110k

Both of the v8s seem to go through a bit of oil, though no where near one qt every 1k miles.

As far as my 09 vs the 04 the only thing that is not an improvement is the exhaust sound. I do miss the tone my 04 had, it was distinctive and sporty. The exhaust on my 50 has no life to it especially from inside the car.

Other than that the performance, handling, nhv, interior quality and styling are better in the 09+ IMO. also I would say if you can swing a fx50 it is hands down faster than the 4.5l it replaced.

Regarding engines, I will speak to the transition from my m45 to m37. Horsepower is not that different but you do feel the difference in the torque. you will need to get higher in the rpm range to get the same feeling of acceleration as you had in the 4.5l. Both are good but I do prefer the instant low end torque the v8s offer.

Good luck in your search.
 
Last edited:
mutant 9 said:
I have had the following Infiniti vehicles

04 FX 35 sold at 90k
08 m45 sold at 60k
13 m37 still have it, 20k
09 FX 50 just under 110k

Both of the v8s seem to go through a bit of oil, though no where near one qt every 1k miles.

As far as my 09 vs the 04 the only thing that is not an improvement is the exhaust sound. I do miss the tone my 04 had, it was distinctive and sporty. The exhaust on my 50 has no life to it especially from inside the car.

Other than that the performance, handling, nhv, interior quality and styling are better in the 09+ IMO. also I would say if you can swing a fx50 it is hands down faster than the 4.5l it replaced.

Regarding engines, I will speak to the transition from my m45 to m37. Horsepower is not that different but you do feel the difference in the torque. you will need to get higher in the rpm range to get the same feeling of acceleration as you had in the 4.5l. Both are good but I do prefer the instant low end torque the v8s offer.

Good luck in your search.
Click to expand...

Guess I'm living a charmed life, but I drive an autumn copper 2006 FX45 with 166K (coilovers, Stillen brace, Invidia exhaust, rear DVD) and a blue slate 2009 FX50S with 94K (every option & rear DVD)--both use a quart at 5000 mi., when I change oil and filter when dealer offers $39 special. At 72, my days on the garage floor dealing with the splash guard, etc. are over! (I still do my own drain and fill on the FX45 transmission every 15-20K since it is so simple.) So I can only commiserate with those experiencing V8 oil burning concerns--but I live in oil consumption nirvana land. My wife and I love these cars in retirement--yeah, the 2009 is her primary driver--pecking order, you know. :) Previously owned a silver 2005 FX35 Sport that we turned at 86K to acquire the 2009 in 2010 from dealer with 8K as demo. Can't bear driving anything else, I guess.
 
Thanks for the info everyone! I am glad to hear that they have made improvements all around, and the ride quality might be a little better! I love the sportiness of my 45, but wish it was a little less clunky over rough streets! The person I am thinking about buying an 09 from claims no issues with the oil at 125k miles, so hoping he is right, but I will have to do some due diligence when I see it. Any common problems that I should look for with this year, or just make sure its not dripping anything out of the bottom?? I don't think he's done belts or water pump or some of the other common things around that mileage, but anyone gone 150k plus with just standard maintenance? Thanks again...
 
I sold my FX35 at 140K+ miles with zero burning oil issues (but a leak from the oil filter housing). In 2012, Infiniti upgraded to a metal timing cover gasket as there were issues with the old paper gaskets deteriorating and leaking. This led to low oil pressure and eventual engine failure. It's rare but it does happen and it's been chronicled well on the myg37 forum. The fix, without a warranty, is north of $2K if you catch it in time, more if your engine grenades.
 
I believe there was a change to the PCV baffle in the valve cover for '06+ that lowered the oil consumption of the 45s. Mine is just under 170K and I typically have to add about 1 quart at the 3K mark.

Edit: I didn't realize this thread was from this time last year!
 
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