New to the 03 M45 - Some Questions

[Ruleman]

Hello All,

I am new to the 2003 M45, although I had the pleasure of driving a Gloria in Japan for some time while working there.

I got this car for my parents who visit me here (Arkansas) from abroad a few times a year for 30/45 days or so, and figured this would be better and cheaper than rentals, since they like to go on road trips.

Now, here are a couple of things that sound like easy fixes on which I will need to work:
#1 - Headliner is loose where it meets the sunroof. There are two clamps with "sticky" surfaces on them but they don't seem to hold the headiner up. Any suggestions forna fix? Would regular double sided tape work (after cleaning the tabs)?

#2 - The CD player inside the glove box does not work. Is this an essy fix? I would actually prefer an iPod/iPhone hookup, is that possible and relatively easy to do?

#3 - Power mirrors are not working... any idea where to start looking? When checking out a few other M45s prior to buying this one, in the only other car I checked the mirrors on, they didn't work either... Suggestions?

#4 - Memory seats... how do they work? I can't get the logic of it... I hit the "set" button and select one of the options. Then, I move the seat to another position and when I hit the memory button, the seat does not move or change position at all.

#5 - Seat Part 2: the driver side seat lumbar support button is missing. Is this a hard part to get? Where should Inlook for it?

#6 - Seat Part 3: the switch to drive the forward/backward motion of the seat has a tendency to get stuck in the direction it is being used (sometimes I need to push it back in the opposite direction I am adjusting for it to stop moving). Sounds to me like it just lacks use. What could cause is? How can I fix it?

#7 - Where can I get parts/spares for DYI projects such as oil filters, brake pads, ect?

#8 - There is a slight squeak inside the car when driving thru bumps on the road. The noise is high pitched and quite annoying... Again, a couple of the cars I had checked out before had this issue (much more present) but none of those owners knew what was causing it. Is that something fixable?

#9 - Front fog lights: Anyone convert these to HID? What kind of bulb do they use?

#10 - Last one: Can brakes be improved? Or do I just replace rotors for aftermarket or OEM replacements?

Thanks in advance for any and all answers!

PS: I have already ordered replacement struts for the trunk. Anyhing else to get together with this?

[Ruleman]

UPDATE

#3 - Power mirrors are not working... any idea where to start looking? When checking out a few other M45s prior to buying this one, in the only other car I checked the mirrors on, they didn't work either... Suggestions?

Mirrors actually do work... realized this AM when backing the car up that the Tilt Down feature made the mirror on the passenger side go down. I put the car into park and was able to adjust both side mirrors, but they still will not move with the car in Drive... Is this supposed to be this way? Was this designed by the same guy who did the logic on the stereo/HVAC screen? (now that I think of it, probably yes!).

Anyway, can anyone shed a light?

Also:

#4 - Memory seats... how do they work? I can't get the logic of it... I hit the "set" button and select one of the options. Then, I move the seat to another position and when I hit the memory button, the seat does not move or change position at all.

Just read the manual and realize I need to do this while the transmission is in Park. I will try again and report back with results.

Thanks in advance for any and all answers

[Ruleman]

UPDATE #2:

Seat memory working fine... just need to be in PARK on the transmission.

Still looking for pointers regarding the other questions. Anyone willing to help out please?

Thanks.

[Double E]

Double sided tape, on headliner yes.

For brakes I've been in your spot. I've gotten the high dollar FrozenRotors with EBC red stuff pads and they were not worth the $. I went back with slotted & dimpled EBC rotors & the red stuff pads and they were good. Other non-exotic components are probably good too but OEM spec is really not up to the task IMO.

The seat switch is probably from non-use, yes but maybe from a spill of something on it. Does pass side stick too?


The high pitched squeak is probably from the cowl inside where the windshield meets the plastic. That area has a notorious rattle/squeak over certain bumps. Try wedging a popsicle stick in various areas to silence the noise, then devise a more discreet solution. ...or tear the dash out. The other noise may come from the drivere's B pillar on certain turns. Not much you can do about at one.

The CD player issue may be that previous owner tried what you suggest. I would pull the unit & look it over.

[Larz]

Referring to the CD player in glovebox. That is your NAV unit - it contains (or should contain) your Navigation DVD. It does not play any other DVDs or CDs - the CD player is in your center stack near the radio and it holds 6 CDs.
There should be a DVD player in your console (if equipped) and it will play DVDs only while the gearbox is in PARK with the park brake ON.

As for the fog lamps. I suppose you could find a kit that that you can use to make them HID. There are threads on this forum with DIY instructions if you want to do that project. However, after doing that you will no longer have "fog lamps". White lights provide NO enhanced visibility in the fog. The ideal lamp to cut though fog and provide visibility is 3000k (amber/yellow), not white HIDs.

[Ruleman]

Double sided tape, on headliner yes.

Got it! I will post before and after pics.

For brakes I've been in your spot. I've gotten the high dollar FrozenRotors with EBC red stuff pads and they were not worth the $. I went back with slotted & dimpled EBC rotors & the red stuff pads and they were good. Other non-exotic components are probably good too but OEM spec is really not up to the task IMO.

I will read up a bit more on brake upgrade options. Do the EBC rotors and Red pads fit with the factory calipers?

The seat switch is probably from non-use, yes but maybe from a spill of something on it. Does pass side stick too?

Passenger side does not stick. The car was driven exclusively by the previous owner and no one else, for 10 years... Definitely no spill. I will pull the cover if I can and find a way to lubricate.

The high pitched squeak is probably from the cowl inside where the windshield meets the plastic. That area has a notorious rattle/squeak over certain bumps. Try wedging a popsicle stick in various areas to silence the noise, then devise a more discreet solution. ...or tear the dash out. The other noise may come from the drivere's B pillar on certain turns. Not much you can do about at one.

Has not done it any more, so I guess it will be a matter of dealing with it when it comes up again, but still thanks for the hints.

The CD player issue may be that previous owner tried what you suggest. I would pull the unit & look it over.

I talked to him about this, but he did not do anything there. He is an older gentleman and did not mess with the car at all...

As a matter of fact, he was meticulous with the maintenance, but was selective with his spending. He gave me a full binder with maintenance receipts from the first service until the last oil change. From what I can tell, he took it to the dealer for anything related to engine/transmission/electrical, etc. Oil Changes, brakes and alignments were done at Firestone. I also discovered the car has a 25K mile engine on it per the Dealership paperwork... cost was billed to the Warranty/Dealer - Is this normal?

In any case, thanks again for the feedback

Referring to the CD player in glovebox. That is your NAV unit - it contains (or should contain) your Navigation DVD. It does not play any other DVDs or CDs - the CD player is in your center stack near the radio and it holds 6 CDs.
There should be a DVD player in your console (if equipped) and it will play DVDs only while the gearbox is in PARK with the park brake ON.

Larz, I believe you may be talking about a newer model M45? Mine has a 6 CD changer inside the Glove Box, and a Cassette deck in the center console below the radio/HVAC.

As for the fog lamps. I suppose you could find a kit that that you can use to make them HID. There are threads on this forum with DIY instructions if you want to do that project. However, after doing that you will no longer have "fog lamps". White lights provide NO enhanced visibility in the fog. The ideal lamp to cut though fog and provide visibility is 3000k (amber/yellow), not white HIDs.

Agree. I was born and raised in Argentina and I am used to dense fog situations. Like I said, the only intent is to achieve a visual or aesthetically pleasing result, since the place I am at today does not have fog issues.

[Double E]

Yes. The stock calipers are fine and will accept the EBC parts. Just be sure that when you order them, the correct rotors are sent. I ordered a set from Autopartswarehouse that indicated the rotors were the spec for my car and in fact they were wrong. (too big). If you can, get the rotor diameter & match to what you purchase.

[fat3oy]

#5 - Seat Part 2: the driver side seat lumbar support button is missing. Is this a hard part to get? Where should Inlook for it?

#6 - Seat Part 3: the switch to drive the forward/backward motion of the seat has a tendency to get stuck in the direction it is being used (sometimes I need to push it back in the opposite direction I am adjusting for it to stop moving). Sounds to me like it just lacks use. What could cause is? How can I fix it?

Check the plastic behind the buttons, make sure it is secured to the seat housing. I suspect that if one button is missing, this plastic piece could have been removed, or popped loose (which I've seen more than once.) This would cause the button to stick... Also if the trim piece did come loose, check under the seat for the missing button, if not ebay might have it.

#7 - Where can I get parts/spares for DYI projects such as oil filters, brake pads, ect?

Ebay

#8 - There is a slight squeak inside the car when driving thru bumps on the road. The noise is high pitched and quite annoying... Again, a couple of the cars I had checked out before had this issue (much more present) but none of those owners knew what was causing it. Is that something fixable?

Are you positive it is inside the car? Is it followed by a clunk or thud. If it is def inside the car, bar what Larz said, check the sun roof (close it tightly) and see if it persists, the sagging headliner could be a leading cause for something like this... If outside, check all lug nuts and tighten them to 100ft/lbs... if sound persists, have shop check out rear control arm bushings, diff bushings, etc... Check latches for play on hood and trunk also...

#9 - Front fog lights: Anyone convert these to HID? What kind of bulb do they use?

I recommend not doing this unless of course you buy the high dollar digital ballasts... as fog lights are kind of a "hey i need fog lights on now" and the warm up period deletes this purpose... yellow regular bulbs are dope and work very well, and turn on when you need them. If you want HIDs, Larz is correct, 3000k provides most visibility.

#10 - Last one: Can brakes be improved? Or do I just replace rotors for aftermarket or OEM replacements?

I really like Hawk Performance Street Pads... best pads I've had period. DO NOT get the ceramic ones as they squeak like a mother...