VVT/VVEL Oil Control Valve Sludge & Timing Over-Retard
high- Typically appears
- 80–150k mi
- Estimated repair
- $400 – $1,800
2007 INFINITI
MSedan
3.5L V6 · Sedan
The 2007 Infiniti M is a rear-wheel-drive sport sedan that came in two flavors: the M35 with a 3.5L V6 and the M45 with a 4.5L V8. Both share Nissan/Infiniti's FM platform, which also underpins the 350Z and G35. The M punches hard for its era — the M45 in particular delivers near-sports-car acceleration in a full-size luxury package, while the M35 balances performance and fuel economy more gracefully. AWD became available on the M35 from 2006 onward, though the base configuration remains RWD. Inside, the M is spacious, well-built, and loaded with features that were genuinely premium for 2007: Bose audio, push-button start, lane departure warning, and Infiniti's Intelligent Cruise Control were available. The cabin has aged well, though some of the infotainment technology naturally feels dated now. At this age, the M is squarely in the territory where it rewards diligent buyers and punishes neglected ones. VVEL and VVEL-adjacent VQ/VK engine hardware means oil quality and change intervals matter enormously. Find a clean, well-documented example and it can deliver a lot of car for the money.
Reliability
3/5
Verified data
Engine
3.5L V6
Drivetrain
RWD
Fuel
Gasoline
MPG
17 city / 25 hwy / 20 combined
Seats
5
Doors
4
Body
Sedan
MSRP
$44,450
Overview
AI-curatedThe 2007 Infiniti M is a rear-wheel-drive sport sedan that came in two flavors: the M35 with a 3.5L V6 and the M45 with a 4.5L V8. Both share Nissan/Infiniti's FM platform, which also underpins the 350Z and G35. The M punches hard for its era — the M45 in particular delivers near-sports-car acceleration in a full-size luxury package, while the M35 balances performance and fuel economy more gracefully. AWD became available on the M35 from 2006 onward, though the base configuration remains RWD. Inside, the M is spacious, well-built, and loaded with features that were genuinely premium for 2007: Bose audio, push-button start, lane departure warning, and Infiniti's Intelligent Cruise Control were available. The cabin has aged well, though some of the infotainment technology naturally feels dated now. At this age, the M is squarely in the territory where it rewards diligent buyers and punishes neglected ones. VVEL and VVEL-adjacent VQ/VK engine hardware means oil quality and change intervals matter enormously. Find a clean, well-documented example and it can deliver a lot of car for the money.
Known for
- Strong, rev-happy VQ35DE and VK45DE engines
- Genuinely sporty rear-wheel-drive handling
- Roomy, well-appointed interior for the class
- Advanced safety tech for its model year
- Smooth, refined highway ride
Best for
- Enthusiasts who want luxury without sacrificing driving feel
- Highway commuters who log serious miles
- Buyers stepping up from a G35/G37 wanting more space
- Those who can do their own or trusted-shop maintenance
Watch for
- Oil sludge in neglected VQ/VK engines — biggest used-market risk
- VVEL variable valve timing components are expensive to repair
- High dealer labor rates; find an independent Nissan/Infiniti specialist
- Rear-wheel drive in Wisconsin winters requires quality snow tires
- Aging electronics (navigation, IPDM) can be costly to diagnose
Common issues by mileage
6 knownIntake/Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Faults
medium- Typically appears
- 80–140k mi
- Estimated repair
- $300 – $900
Oxygen/Air-Fuel Sensor Heater Circuit Failure
medium- Typically appears
- 80–130k mi
- Estimated repair
- $150 – $450
Timing Chain Stretch & Tensioner Wear
medium- Typically appears
- 100–180k mi
- Estimated repair
- $1,200 – $3,000
IPDM (Intelligent Power Distribution Module) Faults
medium- Typically appears
- 100k+ mi
- Estimated repair
- $300 – $900
Rear Suspension Bushing & Differential Mount Wear
medium- Typically appears
- 90–160k mi
- Estimated repair
- $400 – $1,200
Maintenance schedule
- 1 Every 5,000 miles or 6 months Engine oil & filter change — full synthetic 5W-30
The VQ/VK engines are oil-sensitive. Don't stretch intervals. Full synthetic is required to protect the VVT solenoids and timing chain tensioners. This is the single most important thing you can do for this car.
- 2 Every 30,000 miles or at first VVT-related code Inspect and clean variable valve timing (OCV) solenoids
Sludge in the OCV screens is the leading cause of P0012/P0015/P0022/P0025 codes. Cleaning the screens during an oil service is cheap insurance against a $1,000+ repair later.
- 3 Every 40,000–50,000 miles Transmission fluid change (7-speed automatic)
Nissan's RE7R01A transmission is durable but not serviceable on 'lifetime' fluid. Fresh fluid every 40–50k keeps shift quality crisp and prevents valve body wear.
- 4 Every 50,000 miles or 5 years Coolant system flush
Degraded coolant becomes acidic and attacks aluminum engine components. Critical for Wisconsin vehicles where thermal cycling is extreme.
- 5 At 100,000 miles and every 30,000 miles thereafter Inspect timing chain, tensioners, and guides
Chain stretch is a real failure mode on high-mileage examples. A borescope inspection or listening for cold-start rattle at each service interval can catch problems early and prevent catastrophic engine damage.
- 6 Every 2 years Brake fluid flush
Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, lowering its boiling point. Wisconsin road salt also accelerates caliper and line corrosion. Fresh fluid protects the ABS and brake components.
- 7 Every spring (after winter road-salt season) Undercarriage & brake line inspection for corrosion
Lake Geneva roads get heavily salted. Inspect brake lines, fuel lines, subframe mounting points, and suspension hardware for rust every spring. Early treatment prevents expensive structural repairs.
- 8 Every 15,000–20,000 miles Cabin air filter & engine air filter replacement
A clogged cabin filter strains the HVAC blower motor. A dirty engine filter hurts fuel economy and power. Both are inexpensive and easy to address at regular oil services.
Always defer to the manufacturer's service manual for warranty-mandated intervals.
Cost of ownership
Annual maintenance
$900 – $2,200
Fuel
Premium 91+ octane recommended (especially M45). At ~20 MPG combined and ~15,000 mi/yr, budget roughly $2,200–$2,800/yr at current upper-Midwest fuel prices.
Insurance
Expect $1,200–$1,800/yr for a typical adult driver in the Lake Geneva area. Rates are moderate for a used luxury sport sedan of this vintage.
The M is affordable to buy used but costs more to run than a Camry or Accord. Premium fuel, higher-end synthetic oil, and the complexity of the VVT and electronic systems mean you should budget on the higher end if the car has deferred maintenance. A well-maintained example with no major issues runs $900–$1,400/yr in routine maintenance. Factor in a potential timing chain service or suspension refresh in the $1,500–$3,000 range if buying at high mileage.
Seasonal care
Lake Geneva, WI Winter
- Fit dedicated winter tires — the RWD platform is genuinely challenging in Wisconsin snow/ice without them. All-season tires are not sufficient for Lake Geneva winters on a RWD car.
- Check battery health before November. Cold-cranking amps drop sharply below 0°F and this car's electronics put heavy loads on the battery.
- Switch to full synthetic 5W-30 if not already used — critical for cold-start oil pressure reaching the VVT solenoids quickly in sub-zero temps.
- Top off windshield washer fluid with a -30°F or lower rated fluid. The low cowl design of the M means a frozen washer system is a real hazard.
- Inspect and apply fresh dielectric grease to electrical connectors in the engine bay — salt moisture intrusion accelerates corrosion on the IPDM and sensor connectors.
- Flush brake fluid if overdue — moisture in the brake system causes spongy pedal feel and internal caliper corrosion in freeze/thaw cycles.
Summer
- Check tire pressure monthly — pressure drops ~1 PSI per 10°F temperature change. Underinflation accelerates wear and reduces fuel economy.
- Inspect the A/C system for refrigerant charge and cabin filter condition before hot weather. The M's dual-zone climate system works the compressor hard.
- Watch for heat soak affecting cold-start idle quality — the VQ engine can exhibit rough idle after hot restarts if the IAC or throttle body is dirty.
- Inspect coolant level and condition before summer — overheating on a worn VQ/VK engine is expensive. Top off only with the correct blue Nissan Long Life coolant.
- Check power steering fluid level and hose condition — the M uses a hydraulic rack that can develop slow leaks, and low fluid accelerates pump wear.
Comparable vehicles
2007 BMW
5 Series
The E60 530i/535i is the M35's direct European rival — RWD, sport-tuned suspension, similar price used. Higher parts cost but stronger enthusiast support.
2007 Lexus
GS 350
Same luxury sport sedan mission, similar power, RWD standard. The GS skews slightly more toward comfort and has a better reputation for long-term reliability and lower maintenance costs.
2007 Cadillac
CTS
RWD, domestic luxury, similar pricing used. The CTS-V is quicker; the base CTS is roomier. Parts are cheaper and more available in the upper Midwest.
2007 Acura
TL
FWD vs. RWD, but similar luxury-sport pricing and Honda reliability reputation. More practical for Wisconsin winters without winter tires; less engaging to drive.