New 2003 M45 owner

[HarvesterUT]

Hi all,

I pulled the trigger and decided to buy a 2003 M45 - pearl white, black leather, one owner. I'm flying across the country this Saturday to pick up the car and drive it all the way back to TX. I'll be in NC, so I'll swing by ZDayZ for the last night. I've got some plans (not VIP) for the car that include Akebono brakes, wheels, coilovers, and a much-needed audio overhaul.

I have a couple of questions for those who can help:

1. Will the Akebono brake bracket that Tunerzstore and Z1Motorsport sell work for the Y34 M45 as well?
2. Are the rear Akebonos just bolt-on?
3. What are the best coilovers for this car? My goal is better handling and a slight reduction in ride height. I'm not slamming this car.
4. Are there any LSDs available that either bolt-up or swap-in?

I'll post pics soon!

[Ilya]

Welcome to the forum!

I don't know much about the Pre-06 M's so I can't answer your questions but we have a few knowledgeable Y34 M owners who will be able to chime in.

[Gene Ln]

So I picked up a 2003 yesterday, sat May 21st as well, I really have many questions I hope someone familiar with the 03's see this.

[HarvesterUT]

I picked up the the car last weekend and drove it to ZDayZ near Robbinsville, NC. I figured that I might as well combine the trip to get the car with a visit to one of the largest Z car parties! I convoyed home with some friends who live in TX, and we made a little stop at Z1 Motorsports to get a tour of the facilities and to buy some parts!

Fontana Lake


Z1 Motorsports!

[Double E]

Sweet....Congrats. I have some leftover stuff from selling mine (manual, trunk carpet, floor mats key fob, etc.) even a spare wheel/tire. Let me know if you need anything.

[Gene Ln]

I just realized I could give you some of the info you were looking for, here is my car



I have BC coilovers they ride very well they handle very well.


but to go along with the coilovers I have adjustable links.

[bent99]

HarvesterUT,
Do you still own the M45? Have you done any audio upgrades? I am researching adding a single din head unit where the cassette deck is. Just tuck the cassette up in the dash and modify the trim to fit a single din unit with blue tooth but I am having trouble locating wiring info. I am comfortable with audio so I may just take a shot at it on my own. I purchased a 2003 White tan leather (darker wood trim), base model no spoiler 132k in Richardson, TX in November last year. I am in Ft. Worth. The black leather is rare in the white. Nice find.

[Budhabless]

HarvesterUT,
Do you still own the M45? Have you done any audio upgrades? I am researching adding a single din head unit where the cassette deck is. Just tuck the cassette up in the dash and modify the trim to fit a single din unit with blue tooth but I am having trouble locating wiring info. I am comfortable with audio so I may just take a shot at it on my own. I purchased a 2003 White tan leather (darker wood trim), base model no spoiler 132k in Richardson, TX in November last year. I am in Ft. Worth. The black leather is rare in the white. Nice find.

Did u ever find any info for connecting an aftermarket headunit?

[bent99]

I never heard back from anyone. I found this post from 2009
2003-m45-mods-t424251-30.html?hilit=audio%20y34
I think one weekend in May or June I am just going to try and old school it. i already have a Bose wiring harness for Nissan / Infiniti and a spare cassette trim peace. If I can figure out the wiring then I will post a write up for anyone else. Considering they sold less than 9000 (>7000, 2003s and >2000, 2004s) Y34 models there just isn't high demand. I think one of the plugs (power) will be a direct fit for the Bose adapter i have. The speakers may require some splicing.
I really want to get this done for sound quality, bluetooth and so I dont have to hit the Audio button every time I start the car. It is getting old. A single din where the cassette deck is will be a perfect location.

[EdBwoy]

I'll try not to crowd up HarvesterUT's thread, but check this out Bent99. It might help with your audio questions:
topic612175.html
With regards to wiring, it should be in the FSM's audio section.

And why do you have to push the audio button every time, does the radio not stay on if you just turn the car off?

[bent99]

No. The system defaults to A/C controls every time. You can still control volume but not change stations. Thanks for the link, I have read about the Grom but not sure if that will solve the aftermarket stereo issue. It pretty much gives you the ability to connect USB and Aux cable.
https://www.amazon.com/GROM-Audio-Emula ... B00GP5VPT4
I dont think the wiring will be that difficult to figure out but will definitely check out the FSM.
We should probably move this discussion over to this thread. Since jus103 inspired the mod.
2003-m45-mods-t424251-30.html?hilit=audio%20y34