Picked her up last thursday, majestic blue GLE with every option except navigation. My first max (and Nissan - have owned Toyota and Subaru) - so far it's a great car. I was looking for an SE 6M with the titanium package and LSD but it's really slim pickens now for the '03s - was gonna wait for the '04 but the deals right now are great (1000 back + 0.9% for 3 years - can't beat it!). Got a great deal on a GLE on the lot so went for it. After driving the Subaru for 4 years with a 5 speed man. trans I find myself hitting an imaginary clutch with the left foot but the power and luxury is quickly making me forget about shifting. The Bose system sounds great - and with the cold here in NJ the heated seats and steering wheel come in handy.

It was interesting to see the mileage start at 12.4 mpg at 10-15 miles and slowly increase to about 19.5 at 150 miles. Can't wait to really punch the motor - do I really have to wait for 1000 miles?? Itching to smoke somebody!

 

weclome to the org happy modding

 

Congrats on the car! I'm surprised you took the plunge for an auto, given that you've been driving a 5sp previously. But you're absolutely right--a lot of people here are having/had a really hard time finding 6sp.

Anyhow, regarding the 1000 miles deal, there are two schools of thought on this. First one is that you need to do it to let the engine pistons and such seat in properly, as well as let other driveline components "settle down". This should, in theory, prolong the engine's longevity.

The other school of thought is "break it in the same way that you're planning on driving it". I'm not sure how wise this method is, but some people swear by it.

What I did was vary my rpms as much as I could for the first 1000 miles, not take it above 3.5k rpms, and just be smooth with the car in general. Never hurts to be safe, and the 1000 miles will get racked up in no time.

Oh, and you'll have plenty of chances to smoke people!

 

Be patient my friend and you will be rewarded later with durable performance. The VQ35DE needs to break in correctly. Follow the service manual since the information was printed for a purpose. Eventually, The mileage will get better. You should occassionally check the oil level whenever you fill up gasoline. Some engines tend to burn oil during the break in process. Once the odometer reading reaches the 3000 miles mark, perhaps you should invest in changing your oil to synthetic for better lubrication and protect under extreme temperature. And PLEASE try to stay away from this forum since there is a contagious mod's bug waiting to infect you!

 

i broke my 2k2 GLE in according to the manual for the most part, but also did a few quick launches (couldn't resist!) and my car runs wonderfully. i've been getting between 23 and 28 mpg depending mainly on the weather (been real real cold here in CT). the car pulls great too off the line - so take it easy to 1000, then enjoy!

 

Right, and the important thing to remember is that the effects of breaking-in/not breaking-in will not be seen right away. This is a measure to prolong hte life of the engine, and the drivetrain in general, so you may not see any effects (if there truly are some) of NOT breaking-in the car until your car gets older and racks up some miles.

 

Make your first oil change by 1000 miles. Then you can go 3-5K intervals. If you plan on going synthetic, wait till at least 5k miles before you do.

 

All I have to say is listen to the guys advice it is great advice. I just "broke in" my new 03 max and wifes 350 and boy they both haul *** stock!

 

Welcome !! Gotta like Majestic Blue Maximas...

 

Welcome to the org and to the Nissan community. I have a Majestic Blue GLE as well, color sure turns heads. Your gonna love it. Happy Modding.