I have a 2002 EB also, here are my thoughts on your questions:
1. The manual states to use 87 octane. Will I do more harm than good using premium (93 octane) like I used for the 5 years I owned the '97?
I am not an engine person, but usually the computer is coded for a particular type of fuel. I bet the computer can adjust to the richness of 93, but I don't think it will result in any performance gains and just cost you a lot. I suppose if yopu re-chipped, then you might see something. I would like a better shift curve, my EB is a dog until it breaks 20 mph.
2. How do I operate the A/C from the rear seats (the one mounted in the ceiling) While the control for the back seems to work from the front, I cant seem to control the back with the controls in the back ceiling.
Up front on the roof mounted controls (yeah the ones that have no angle making them hard to see from driver's seat), there is a setting on the fan speed switch for "rear control". This allows the rear seats to use that 2nd panel on the ceiling in the 2nd row. Its not like some older controls where the front selects a "maximum" and the rear controls up to that point, its an either or setup. I find it weird, the ceiling controls are fully independent from the front (with the exception if the AC is on in front, cooling in back will get AC too) but Ford left the lower controls on the center console which are supplemental ducts from the front system... So passengers can select "Warm" from ceiling control, but still get "Cold" from the floor ducts if that's what the driver has selected.
3. Are there any other cool features of this car that I may not be aware of?
Supposedly there is a hidden menu on the 6 disc CD player, I haven't found it yet. What is cool for me is that when you disable passenger window control, their window controls don't light up at night. Also when you shut off the car at night, and before you open the doors, all your window/door controls stay lit, but after you open the door, only the door lock controls stay lit... a lot of relays for a very simple feature.
On the bad side, there is very little leather in the vehicle, look at the leather, if the little holes are not really through the material, its vinyl... that includes 3rd row seat, door trim.
4. I have a slight rattle in the driver's door... any suggestions? Check for something in the pocket... that poket is deep and narrow and i had some screws in it when i first got it... if that's not it take it in.
Now I have a question... I hear the 2003 EB has a color matched leather padded center console arm rest... is the part the same screw/size as the 2002 arm rest, can I purchase a replacement one?
