Lickskille

Greetings, I have owned several G series Infiniti cars and currently drive a G37. Not thrlled with the performance of the 7AT and after driving a Lexus with the A760E I am sold!! Looking to get a 2013 GS350 and I am curious about DIY service on this transmission. Hoping its not some stupid secret process not recommended like all the hoopla around the Infiniiti 7AT where its said by Infiniti that it doesnt recommend service or fluid change. BS!! Can anyone out there share some insight on the A760E or a youtube video on it?

Thanks,
LS

AJLex19

I believe its the same deal with Toyota/Lexus as well. They have "Lifetime" recommendations on their transmission fluids and minimal servicing needed. IMHO, if you holding the car beyond 150k miles then it may be a concern. But, I had 125k miles on my 2001 GS430 and the 5 Speed automatic transmission and 4.3L engine were still as smooth and potent as the day I bought it (bought it with 64k miles). Other issues with the catalytic converters going bad and heater core issues made me give up on it because it started to nickel and dime me.

Many folks on this very GS forum have debated about the need for transmission fluid changes, differential fluid changes, and even interval of time between standard engine oil changes. I essentially follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer...Toyota transmissions are very well built - my uncle is a transmission specialist who has spent many years rebuilding transmissions and always says the Japanese transmissions (particularly Honda and Toyota) have amazing thought process behind their prceision, reliability and longevity...something that can't be said about the thousands of ford and gm transmissions he's rebuilt in his career.

Are you concerned with the transmission in the latest GS350's because you have had a bad experience in the past with Nissan or other Japanese-made transmissions?

Lickskille

Not really concerned. I just believe that even with the best synthetic tranny fluid out there, that it should be changed out at least every 60k miles. I just cant see how fluid is supposed to hold up for 200k or even 300k miles

jonathancl

You don't need to worry.

You just need to buy a 2013 GS350 and enjoy it. I recommend AWD Luxury editions, firmly believe it's the best combination of features, but many prefer F Sport packaging and/or RWD.

Don't worry about mileage too much or CPO, just validate proper maintenance from the service record.

These cars are amazing. Drivetrain and technical systems are incredibly reliable.
Check out the 2GS forums: people using fifteen year old cars w 200k+ miles as their daily drivers who couldn't be happier.
Follow the maintenance, and away they go.

Lickskille

Good info... Appreciated. Do they have a drain plug on the pan?

jonathancl

Yes, there's a drain, and there are forum posts that describe exactly how to drain and refill safely.
Some do it. Some don't do it. And we all keep rolling.

Lickskille

Perfect.... Thank You

bob256k

Whats funny to note is that the Japanese version of the GS350 has a transmission drain and refill @ 60k, I think?

Mike552

Coolchuck

I had an M37 with that 7speed. It drove me crazy. I'd stomp on it and the car just fell flat for a moment' like it didn't know what gear to pick. At the time there was supposed to be a programming update to fix the issue. But in standard Nissan/ Infiniti form, they had no idea what I was talking about and the car drove "fine" to them. I was done. No transmission concerns with my GS and Lexus service has been stellar.

chinee

I'm guessing there's quite a few infiniti to Lexus converts here... I got tired of the low mpg (16/19) and oil consumption (1 qt/ 800 miles) on my G35. Granted I had 265K on the darn thing, but i still only got a best of 20mpg highway when new, and oil burning started at 50K.

Even though the 4GS is entering its seventh year of production, and it's infotainment system is not as good as the competition, I still bought this car over any of the competition.

Get a Lux model if you can... happy shopping!

socaligs

iTrader: (3)

another Infiniti to Lexus convert here. I had G35 (sedan), FX35, G37S, and M35. Although, I miss the sweet exhaust note (except for M35), Lexus is better car period.

bob256k

It makes me sad how far Nissan has dropped in quality... Years ago I had a 80s Maxima, and I had a friend with a 90s q45. Both felt solid as a rock and the Maxima was like a clock.

signdetres

Same here & completely agree.

JeffKeryk

I will service our 2013 GS350 F Sport transmission and differential soon. Just hit 60K.
I am using Idemitsu WS blend (synthetic) and Red Line 75w85 gear oil.
Basically, you drain the transmission fluid and install about the same amount.
There is a fill port on the side of the transmission...
I have an OBD2 module to read computer codes on a laptop, cell or iPad.
You run engine to get fluid up to a proper temperature.
With car level, you remove a plug to check level.
There is a straw that allows fluid to escape when it reaches the top of the straw.
Should not be too difficult for an experienced DIYer.
I plan to do it twice, perhaps again in a few thousand miles.

Differential is a simple spill and fill.
I believe in servicing fluids. Others will say only follow the Toyota service recommendations.
Good luck and enjoy your GS. Great cars.