Infiniti M35 Timing Belt or Chain (All Years 2006–2013)

The Infiniti M35 is a rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive executive luxury sedan sold in the U.S. market under two distinct platform generations. The nameplate covers model years 2006 through 2010 for the standard V6 sedan, and 2012 through 2013 for the M35h hybrid variant.

Across all production years, two versions of Nissan’s 3.5L VQ V6 were used: the VQ35DE and the VQ35HR. Both use a timing chain rather than a rubber timing belt, and both are interference engines. The specific engine code differs by model year and affects which timing chain components apply.

Understanding which engine and timing system a specific M35 carries is important for long-term maintenance planning and for sourcing correct replacement parts. Chain hardware is not interchangeable between the VQ35DE and VQ35HR.

Does the Infiniti M35 Have a Timing Belt or Timing Chain?

Every U.S.-market Infiniti M35 uses a timing chain across all model years, from 2006 through 2013. Both VQ35 engine variants are interference designs. No timing belt service applies to any M35 configuration.

2013 Infiniti M35 Timing Belt Or Timing Chain

The 2013 M35h is the final U.S. model year carrying the M35 name. The VQ35HR combustion engine uses a timing chain with no published replacement interval. Timing chain longevity depends on consistent use of the manufacturer-specified engine oil.

2012 Infiniti M35 Timing Belt Or Timing Chain

The 2012 M35h is the first year of the fourth-generation Y51 platform in the U.S. under the M35 name. The VQ35HR engine uses a timing chain identical in design to other VQ35HR applications. No timing belt service applies.

2010 Infiniti M35 Timing Belt Or Timing Chain

Same timing system as 2009. The 2010 M35 is the last standard non-hybrid M35 sold in the U.S. before the nameplate was replaced by the M37 for 2011. The VQ35HR’s timing chain system requires no scheduled service under normal operating conditions.

2009 Infiniti M35 Timing Belt Or Timing Chain

The 2009 model year introduced the VQ35HR to the M35 lineup, replacing the VQ35DE. Both engines use timing chains, but the chain kits, tensioners, and guides differ between the two. Owners should confirm their engine code before sourcing timing components.

2008 Infiniti M35 Timing Belt Or Timing Chain

The 2008 M35 carries the VQ35DE engine for the last time before the upgrade to the VQ35HR in 2009. The VQ35DE uses three timing chains: one primary and two secondary. Both versions are interference engines requiring clean engine oil for chain health.

2007 Infiniti M35 Timing Belt Or Timing Chain

Timing system unchanged from 2008. The VQ35DE in the 2007 M35 uses a three-chain timing system: one primary chain from the crankshaft to the intake camshaft sprockets, and two shorter secondary chains per bank. No timing belt service applies.

2006 Infiniti M35 Timing Belt Or Timing Chain

The 2006 M35 is the first U.S. model year for this generation of the nameplate. The VQ35DE uses Nissan’s Continuous Variable Valve Timing Control on the intake camshafts, driven by the timing chain system. No timing belt applies to any 2006 configuration.

Timing Belt vs Timing Chain on the Infiniti M35

A timing belt is a rubber-reinforced external toothed drive component synchronizing crankshaft and camshaft rotation. It operates dry and degrades over time, requiring scheduled replacement typically every 60,000 to 105,000 miles to prevent failure and potential engine damage.

A timing chain performs the same camshaft timing function using internal metal links on sprockets, continuously lubricated by pressurized engine oil. Under normal operating conditions, it carries no published replacement interval and is designed to last the engine’s service life.

Both VQ35 engines in the M35 use timing chains, but the hardware differs. The VQ35DE uses one primary and two secondary chains. The VQ35HR also uses a multi-chain configuration but with revised tensioners and chain dimensions that are not interchangeable with VQ35DE parts.

Timing chain wear on both VQ35 variants produces cold-start rattling that diminishes as oil pressure builds. On the VQ35DE, plastic chain guides are a documented wear point. Timing chain repair requires front engine cover access and is considerably more labor-intensive than a timing belt replacement on other vehicles.

Infiniti M35 Timing System Maintenance

Neither the VQ35DE nor the VQ35HR carries a published timing chain replacement interval. The chain is designed to last the engine’s service life under normal conditions. Owners should not schedule chain replacement on a mileage basis; instead, monitor for wear symptoms.

Cold-start rattling or slapping from the front of the engine is the primary indicator of timing chain wear on M35 models. This symptom is more common on higher-mileage VQ35DE engines and is typically related to guide wear or tensioner degradation. Noise that persists past initial oil pressure buildup warrants professional inspection.

Both VQ35 engines specify 5W-30 engine oil. Maintaining the correct viscosity and adhering to Infiniti’s published oil change schedule protects the hydraulic chain tensioners and guide surfaces from accelerated wear. Deferred oil changes are the most common cause of premature chain system wear in these engines.

Inspection of the timing chain system is appropriate when the vehicle exceeds 150,000 miles, shows persistent cold-start noise, or has a documented history of extended oil change intervals. Complete timing chain access on the VQ35DE and VQ35HR requires front cover removal and is typically performed with a full chain kit replacement including tensioners, guides, and sprockets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Infiniti M35 have a timing belt or timing chain? Every U.S.-market Infiniti M35 uses a timing chain. The VQ35DE covers 2006–2008 and the VQ35HR covers 2009–2010 and 2012–2013. No timing belt applies to any M35 model year.

Is there a timing belt on the Infiniti M35h hybrid? No. The M35h (2012–2013) uses the VQ35HR engine, which is chain-driven. The timing chain in the hybrid application operates identically to that in the non-hybrid VQ35HR.

Is the Infiniti M35 an interference engine? Yes. Both the VQ35DE and VQ35HR are interference engines. A timing chain failure can cause valve-to-piston contact, resulting in severe internal engine damage.

When does the timing chain need to be replaced on an Infiniti M35? No replacement interval is published. Chain service is typically needed only when wear symptoms appear, most commonly persistent cold-start noise at higher mileage or following deferred oil maintenance.

Are the VQ35DE and VQ35HR timing chains interchangeable? No. Despite sharing the same displacement, the VQ35DE and VQ35HR use different timing chain kits, tensioners, and guides. Always confirm the engine code before ordering components.

How much does Infiniti M35 timing chain replacement cost? Timing chain replacement typically ranges from $900 to $2,200 or more, depending on labor rates and the extent of the repair. Guide and tensioner replacement is usually included at the same service.

Conclusion

The Infiniti M35 uses a timing chain for every U.S. model year from 2006 through 2013. The VQ35DE engine powers the 2006–2008 models, while the VQ35HR powers the 2009–2010 non-hybrid and the 2012–2013 M35h hybrid variants. No 2011 M35 was sold in the U.S. market; that model year used the M37 nameplate instead.

Both engines are interference designs with lifetime-rated chain systems. Chain hardware differs between the two engine families and is not interchangeable. Always verify timing system details using the owner’s manual or manufacturer service information before scheduling repairs.