Need FX advice

dbow2000

Member
Hello, I am looking to buy an SUV to replace my Tundra and Z4, so you can guess that I'm looking for a cross between utility and sportiness. I'm looking at used FX45's and was wondering what other differences there are between the 2005 and 2006 besides the little changes to the interior? Also, anyone here came from an X5 to the FX45? Thanks.
 
Welcome to :iS: Definitely going with an 06 and above due to much nicer interior. The front grille, bumper and door lower moldings differences. The throttle body in different location. Nicer engine cover. Not sure if this change has any impact on performance.
 
Welcome to the Scene. In additional from what Andy had mentioned:

- refreshed ODO cluster
- Infiniti clock
- standard color display
- standard backup camera (with or without tech pkg)
- refreshed radio/controls unit
- refreshed center console
- refreshed arm rest
- refreshed interior panel's release and handle trim
- refreshed front seats and power controls
- rounder fog lamps and different bulbs
- bigger 2 floating pot front calipers
 
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Thanks for all of the technical info. That's exactly what I was looking for. I still haven't made up my mind yet. I'm thinking about the X5 still. I've had 6 BMW's and I've liked driving all of them, but there's the inevitable trips to the dealership/indy for the repairs that I'm not sure I want to begin again. Any other former BMW drivers have the same thought?
 
Thanks for all of the technical info. That's exactly what I was looking for. I still haven't made up my mind yet. I'm thinking about the X5 still. I've had 6 BMW's and I've liked driving all of them, but there's the inevitable trips to the dealership/indy for the repairs that I'm not sure I want to begin again. Any other former BMW drivers have the same thought?
I hear you on the repair bills. A buddy of mine had a 740 and he had more problems with it then I had with my sentra lol. Infiniti is known for good reputation so I'd got with it. Although I might be a little biased ;)
 
Welcome to the Scene. In additional from what Andy had mentioned:
-bigger 2 floating pot front calipers

Really? I'll have to look at the calipers harder next time.

The 06+ 45s have a +5 hp more too maybe due to the front fed TB design.

Dbow, looks like you are performance oriented if your coming from an X5 or Z4. The 45 will really fit your needs. Which X5 did you have? the 4.6 or 4.8? Both are quick, but some reviews I read, the 45 is a tad quicker than the latest 4.8, if not about the same performance. Like most here, go with a 06+.
 
I had a 4.4i sport - easier to maintain than the 4.6i and 4.8i and yes, I do like a little performance mixed in with my cars. I've also had a CTS-V, BMW 540i and CLK320(faster than it looked). Also from what I read, I should be able to tow a small trailer if necessary with the 45. I don't do much heavy pulling, just the occasional around the house stuff. BTW Aero, that copper(?) color is really sharp!
 
Nice choice, just like guys above 06 is more polished. But still wether you go with facelifted or not, both will be a lot of fun. I had X5 and it was a great ride, for the longest time I was a huge BMW fanatic, but FX just seems so much nicer inside, the maintenance is not as annoying and pricey as with bimmers. One of the cons is that BMW has more options to customize it, various body kits etc etc, but you can still make the FX yours.
 
I see that you have an 04. Are there kits to upgrade the dash/shifter area to the look of the 06+ or have you ever thought about that type of switch? Also, how is the bluetooth and iphone capability? Is any of that built in in the 2005-2006 years?
 
You can upgrade the shifter to a newer one. That's what myself and a few others on here did. It's a very easy mod. I just wanted to match the leather boot with my interior instead of keeping the black one. The dash you can't really do much except wrap it with carbon fiber. Pre 06 had a tape deck which was eliminated later on and therefore the entire front got a facelift too, hence bigger buttons and menu wheel. No phone in 04, think that also came in with the facelift adding the phone button in the steering wheel, something that my 2000 BMW had. You can get aftermarket module to add phone functionality, maybe Andy can shed more light on it with his media bridge. I just use a BT visor speaker.
 
How did you like the V? I'm slowly looking for a 1st gen I the right one comes around....
 
Dbow, with just those little things you are asking about, a 06+ is a better fit for you. BT capability was added in 06 too, amongst a ton of other changes and additions that others have listed. I don't have an iPhone, but it paired up perfectly with my Samsung Galaxy. I had an 04 35 and did the same things; upgrading what little things I could. I was actually a little nutty and even did the exterior facelift and even swapped the speedometer cluster, only to trade it in less than two months ago for an 07 45. The FX is definitely a keeper in every regard. It's the perfect formula wrapped with reliability. You don't find other cars/crossovers with this package period. Although I love euro cars, the FX has kept me away from them. If you serious about an FX, find the color and options that appeal to you the most and you will be happy in the long run. Also for the copper colors, 03-05 are Liquid Copper and 06-08 are Autumn Copper.
 
The power was amazing. I was just having too many problems with it, including motor mounts, harmonic balancer and crankshaft seal. I don't believe it was taken care of by the PO and it seemed that it was going to get even more expensive as time went on. Also, the interior was very plain compared to the 525i and 540i that I had. But again, the power was very nice.
 
Welcome to the Scene. In additional from what Andy had mentioned:

- refreshed ODO cluster
- Infiniti clock
- standard color display
- standard backup camera (with or without tech pkg)
- refreshed radio/controls unit
- refreshed center console
- refreshed arm rest
- refreshed interior panel's release and handle trim
- refreshed front seats and power controls
- rounder fog lamps and different bulbs
- bigger 2 floating pot front calipers

Chick magnet.
 
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