Main difference between the 300B 2003 and 2004?

[KraziKid]

My father and I both have 300B 2003 mercury Marauder's. Mine was bought back in February and is black, his was bought in June and his is blue. He us currently in the process of trading in his blue one for a DTR 2004 Marauder, and was wondering what the main differences are. I would trade mine in, but I doubt my father would do that. Is it more cost effective to just replace the different parts? I want to keep my Black Marauder, but does anyone think it would be better futureproofing to trade in towards a 04, or is just upgrading the parts good enough?

[gilby04]

The 2004 MM is identical to the 2003 300B models you and your father have. No stand alone clock...no remote release fuel filler door...no pockets at the front side of the front seats...no under hood light.
The 2004 has rubber boot seals at the lamp end of the headlight housings to prevent an interior fogging problem prevalent on the 2003. The 2004 has Traction Control as a standard feature. Lastly, I think the transmission shifting parameters have been revised on the 2004 for improved performance. My DTR shifts smoothly yet positively at any speed range...no complaints. I have not driven a 2003, so I have no basis for comparison.
Hope the above helps !

[junehhan]

I appreciate the fact that Ford gave us a heavier duty 4R75W transmission, along with dual knock sensors, but was it really necessary to delete all that stuff? I can't imagine it saving that much money, especially when the Marauder is a low volume car. It looks like dealers are being very conservative in ordering the 04's, so they really arn't going to sell that many.

I would really appreciate the side map pockets, an underhood light, and a remote fuel release door would be very nice to have. As long as it has a clock, I really wouldn't need the stand alone clock though.............

[Bigdogjim]

KraziKid: I do not thnik you can upgrade from a '03 to '04 like your thinking if I read you correct?
Other than the transmission and knock sensor's, headlight fix, their are no other differances.
If you bought your for say 31xxx It will be worth about 22xxx on trade. That a big hit!
Only you know your numbers.
Right now I am be quoted 29xxx on an '04.

[KraziKid]

Originally posted by Bigdogjim
KraziKid: I do not thnik you can upgrade from a '03 to '04 like your thinking if I read you correct?
Other than the transmission and knock sensor's, headlight fix, their are no other differances.
If you bought your for say 31xxx It will be worth about 22xxx on trade. That a big hit!
Only you know your numbers.
Right now I am be quoted 29xxx on an '04.

Well, my father has his heart set on the DTR 2004, so that's gonna happen. My cousin told me the only major difference between the 03 300B and 04 is the torque converter. I figured that maybe I can replace the parts in my 03 for a much less sum of money than to repurchase. I want to give my car a little more umph. I know that Reinhart has the stage 1 package that everyone here seems to like. Can someone tell me what this package contains, and how much it goes around with installation? I want a little more off the line performance in my car. I accelerate fine while moving, but from a stand still, it seems slightly sluggish. It's hard for me to explain what it feels like, but I'm sure you know what I mean. So scratch the idea of repurchase, I think I might just be better getting aftermarket parts from reinhart. So if anyone has the information I requested, it would be greatly appreciated.

Also, we purchased the black 300B in February for around $29,000; and the blue one was purchased around $32,000.

[Murader03]

Krazikid:

If your a little mechanicaly inclined, most of the stage 1 kit you can install yourself. The hardest part of the chip install is the cleaning of the contacts. Plugs and thermostat are simple, just follow the well written directions on the 'stat install which can be found elsewhere on the site. If you go with new gears, any good Mustang shop or Speed shop can install the gears for you, and again, it's a no brainer for a good shop. You can probably get the gears install for about $200 give or take. I don't know what Dennis is charging for the Stage 1 anymore, but give him a call. Another good mod would be a new Stallion torque convertor. Then only thing hendering you from the enjoyment of a full rounded sedan would be money. More and more aftermarket goodies are turning up for the MM almost weekly.

[TripleG]

Krazikid

I just had Stage I installed on my black MM 300A, and the car is running great. You won't believe it's the same car with 410 gears installed. Before the 410 gears the car used to down shift into passing gear while going up a hill. I was pretty disappointed and now WOW I cruise up that hill no problem. I'm not mechanically incline so I had to find a respected mechanic. R & M Performance in Manchester CT changed me $75 an hour - 4 hours for the gears 1 hour for chip,1 for thermostat and one for Plugs, plus I had the K & N Filter installed. I thought they were expensive but they came well recommended and I didn't want to trust any mechanic with the rear end. Next mod - Ordered Dennis's Header Package.

[KraziKid]

Originally posted by Murader03
Krazikid:

If your a little mechanicaly inclined, most of the stage 1 kit you can install yourself. The hardest part of the chip install is the cleaning of the contacts. Plugs and thermostat are simple, just follow the well written directions on the 'stat install which can be found elsewhere on the site. If you go with new gears, any good Mustang shop or Speed shop can install the gears for you, and again, it's a no brainer for a good shop. You can probably get the gears install for about $200 give or take. I don't know what Dennis is charging for the Stage 1 anymore, but give him a call. Another good mod would be a new Stallion torque convertor. Then only thing hendering you from the enjoyment of a full rounded sedan would be money. More and more aftermarket goodies are turning up for the MM almost weekly.

Thanks for the help. I will definitely look into the Stage I. There is a mustang shop by me called Mustang Magic, so if I need a professional install on anything, I can just go there. They come highly recommended. Do you have a link or any info on the Stallion torque converter?


Originally posted by TripleG
Krazikid

I just had Stage I installed on my black MM 300A, and the car is running great. You won't believe it's the same car with 410 gears installed. Before the 410 gears the car used to down shift into passing gear while going up a hill. I was pretty disappointed and now WOW I cruise up that hill no problem. I'm not mechanically incline so I had to find a respected mechanic. R & M Performance in Manchester CT changed me $75 an hour - 4 hours for the gears 1 hour for chip,1 for thermostat and one for Plugs, plus I had the K & N Filter installed. I thought they were expensive but they came well recommended and I didn't want to trust any mechanic with the rear end. Next mod - Ordered Dennis's Header Package.

How much did the stage I cost you, and what exactly does it come with?

[Haggis]

Welcome to the site KraziKid you won't go wrong listening to the advice given here. Don't sell the Blue MM it is RARE, keep it buy it from you dad and trade in yours. Would I trade my black for a blue....NO.

TripleG-
"I just had Stage I installed on my black MM 300A, and the car is running great. You won't believe it's the same car with 410 gears installed. Before the 410 gears the car used to down shift into passing gear while going up a hill. I was pretty disappointed and now WOW I cruise up that hill no problem. I'm not mechanically incline so I had to find a respected mechanic. R & M Performance in Manchester CT changed me $75 an hour - 4 hours for the gears 1 hour for chip,1 for thermostat and one for Plugs, plus I had the K & N Filter installed. I thought they were expensive but they came well recommended and I didn't want to trust any mechanic with the rear end. Next mod - Ordered Dennis's Header Package"

Congradulations George, just could not take it anymore. The ride in Good old #8 got to ya. :up: Good luck, have fun and drive safe.

[TripleG]

Haggis

You (#8) cost me a wee bit money. Another $2000 for headers, X Pipe and high flow through cats, MMX Shaft and sway bar. I can't wait for spring.

[SergntMac]

Originally posted by Haggis
Don't sell the Blue MM it is RARE, keep it buy it from you dad and trade in yours.

Best advice of this thread. Keep the blue in the family, no matter what options your black has. This color is already discontinued, and it still has to run the race against the silver and DTR, but it has great odd at being the rare color now...IMHO.

[FordNut]

Both my '03s have underhood lights, the black 300A and the silver 300B. Any other 300B owners have comments about the underhood light? I thought it was a 2004 decontented item.

[jgc61sr2002]

FordNut - My 300B built 1/6/03 has the underhood light.

[jgc61sr2002]

KraziKid - Welcome aboard. You Mention Mustang Magic, do you mean the one in Deer Park, NY on Brook Ave. If so it's nice to have another Long Islander on board.:D

[cruzer]

My 300B built 11/02 has underhood light, locking gas cap, seat pockets, in-dash clock, tinted windshield and traction control---you figure it out ????

[KraziKid]

Originally posted by jgc61sr2002
KraziKid - Welcome aboard. You Mention Mustang Magic, do you mean the one in Deer Park, NY on Brook Ave. If so it's nice to have another Long Islander on board.:D

Yup, that's the one I was talking about. What part of Long Island are you from? I am from Oceanside (Nassau County). Also, does anyone have a price on a Stage I from Dennis Reinhart?

[Bigdogjim]

Just pick up the phone and call the man! Works every time. :)

[RCSignals]

Originally posted by cruzer
My 300B built 11/02 has underhood light, locking gas cap, seat pockets, in-dash clock, tinted windshield and traction control---you figure it out ????

Mine too. Mine was built on the same day as yours as well

[RCSignals]

Originally posted by KraziKid
My cousin told me the only major difference between the 03 300B and 04 is the torque converter.

Well your cousin is only part right. The Transmission is different, and the '04 has dual knock sensors.

Unless you really don't like the Blue, I'd do as has been suggested. Trade your Dad for the Blue and let him trade in the Black.

[2003_MM_FYRE49]

Originally posted by RCSignals
Mine too. Mine was built on the same day as yours as well
Mine was built on 11.11.02. It would be interesting to see how far apart out serial numbers are

Tim :fire: 49

[MapleLeafMerc]

Mine was built Oct 24/02. I've wondered for some time how soon after they started putting in heated seats.

[jgc61sr2002]

KraziKid _ I live in Smithtown. Suffolk County.:D

[jgc61sr2002]

MLM - Mine was built 1/6/03 and has the optional heated seats.

[MapleLeafMerc]

Originally posted by jgc61sr2002
MLM - Mine was built 1/6/03 and has the optional heated seats.

D'oh!!!

As Maxwell Smart would say, "Missed it by that much"!

[Bigdogjim]

Mine was built 8/13/02 and has optional heated seats.:):D

[RCSignals]

:lol: Bigdog is being cheeky

[Johnman]

My 300B has the underhood light and traction control as standard equipment, but no in-dash clock or seat pockets. The only thing missing that I would like to have is the locking gas door.

[joflewbyu2]

things i noticed that my 03 has that the 04 did not. (1) underhood light (2) fuel door release (3) in dash clock (4) full size spare (5) pockets in front of seat (6) full length overhead console with dual sunglass holder & valet ticket holder (7) rear speaker grills (8) black painted valve covers (9) blue tint at top of windshield. i have a 09/02 build date. have had the car for 1 year and 11,600 miles.

[junehhan]

So the 04's don't come with a full size spare tire either? Damn, what is going on with FoMoCo? I may just try to pick up a spare full size Marauder rim so that I can always have a full size spare with me. That way, if I have a flat in the front, the emergency spare will cover it, and if I have a flat in the rear, i'll have that full size rim...........

[RCSignals]

The underhood light really isn't that effective anyway.

[KraziKid]

Originally posted by jgc61sr2002
KraziKid _ I live in Smithtown. Suffolk County.:D

Nice, that's not that far away.

[2003Marauder]

Just traded in my 2003 for DTR 2004. Additional notes:
The '04 has the BGF tires but the tire K codes are DWS. D=dry;W=wet;S=snow. The '03 was just DW. Tread pattern is much different. Also, as stated in another post the DWS tires on the '04 are 35psi vs. 32psi on the '03. I kept my my Full size spare and trunk organizer as part of the deal. Figure they were worth about $400. Wife and I really, really like the Dark Red. Only put 50 miles on her today. I actually like the clock in the radio as it is up higher, more eye level and the dash has a cleaner look. Also, the sunglass holder is gone. I miss that but front headroom seems bigger. Don't miss the front pocket seats--they were just collecting candy wrappers, hair barrettes, etc. Good deal as my monthly actually went down about $70 per month. Didn't have 0%, no rebates, and did not have a trade in on the '03 MM so I had to pay full sales tax. Anyway both years are great but now I have 20,000 LESS miles on the '04.

[junehhan]

Congradulations on your new DTR 04 Marauder! That is a really nice color for a Marauder, especially since it's a very dark red. I'm glad that some of the decontented items really arn't that big of a deal...........

[TripleTransAm]

Odd... I was pretty sure my '03 has KDWS tires as well.

[joflewbyu2]

2003marauder, all 03 have kdws tires from factory. 04s are the same. if you find one without, they been replaced.

[jgc61sr2002]

2003Marauder - Congrats on your 2004. Guess you need a name change? Enjoy.:D

[2003Marauder]

joflewbyu2@aol,
Beg to differ but I ordered my MM and it was the first one sold in Memphis. Salesman went to train depot and got it straight off the train. Took the day off work and I was waiting on him at the dealership when the MM arrived and followed it everywhere it went. It had KWD tires straight from the factory. Maybe because it was going to Memphis that they put the KWD on it. Anyways it had KWD and still does.

[Bigdogjim]

Originally posted by RCSignals
The underhood light really isn't that effective anyway.

Nothing beats a flashlight:)

[joflewbyu2]

2003Marauder, in the brochure it states "kdws" and all season several times. your car was a screw up. possibly had a supplier part problem and used alternate tires. could have gotten them replaced free. the "kdws" tires wear a lot better - 400 treadwear. i use to see screw ups like that all the time when i worked at buick. Acura doesn't decontent the car in the middle of the year which is a common practice at FMC, GM & CHRYSLER.

[2003Marauder]

Well, If it was a screw up then it was a welcome screw up and maybe that's why I had one of the fastest stock ETs from the first day with only 500 miles on the car. The tread pattern was entirely different and much more aggressive looking than the KDWS and it handled the curves at 90+ mph and I'd pass every single high-performance car on the exit ramp from I-240 to Bill Morris parkway. It's a two-lane exit 90 degree turn with a high outside wall. I'd pass them all in the outside lane. They'd try to keep up with me but couldn't. Once I had about 15,000 miles on tires I stopped doing this. Had more fun than a barrel of monkeys. Down here in Memphis we don't need snow tires. Our company has designated drivers that pick up employees on the few days we get snow. We've had too many employees wreck their cars and we are all required to be at work on snow days. If I have to drive in the snow I take my grandmother's '99 Taurus. I'll have to wait till I get back to Memphis to check out the '04 on THE ramp that I exit every day. I'm really a little disappointed that it has the KDWS tires as I'm more interested in handling than tread wear and I don't drive the MM in the snow.

[junehhan]

Originally posted by joflewbyu2@aol.
2003Marauder, in the brochure it states "kdws" and all season several times. your car was a screw up. possibly had a supplier part problem and used alternate tires. could have gotten them replaced free. the "kdws" tires wear a lot better - 400 treadwear. i use to see screw ups like that all the time when i worked at buick. never at Acura for the past 5 years thou. Acura doesn't decontent the car in the middle of the year which is a common practice at FMC, GM & CHRYSLER.



Didn't Acura decontent the hell out of the 03 Acura 3.2 TL's? One of the cars I was considering a while ago was the 03 Acura TL-S and I can't remember exactly, but I remember there were some things that were decontented on the 03's that were on the 02's. I know the stereo system was decontented, but I forgot what else............

[joflewbyu2]

junehhan, absolutely not. 02 tl-s and 03 tl-s came equipped the same. the 03 even gained onstar with the navigation system. stereo system stayed the same from 02 to 03. both alpine headunits with bose amplifiers with nd sub speaker. TRY AGAIN WITH FACTS NEXT TIME !

[junehhan]

Well, the earlier TL's I looked at for starters had a 7 speaker audio system, while the 03's only had a 5 speaker setup. I believe this was the biggest change, but I can't remember very much as I don't spend much time at Acura dealers.

[junehhan]

http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/comparison/articles/73569/page008.html


Ahh, found it as this proves to you that Acura also decontents their vehicles just like Ford does. Like I said, the TL-S was a vehicle I considered before deciding on a Land Rover which honestly was a huge mistake for me. As I mentioned earlier, this is a blatant cheapening of the sound system as even these guys admit that sound quality suffered a lot. It went from being a 7 speaker 180watt system, to a 5 speaker, that I believe puts out 150watts. It's nice that Acura added OnStar to the 03's, but Mercury also added a heavier duty transmission, along with dual knock sensors to the 04's..........

This is something I noticed right off from when I was shopping around for cars, which was something that stuck out blatantly that I noticed right away between the model years. If you did not realize this decontenting that was going on with Acura, then I don't know what to say as i've not seen a company yet that has not did some decontenting as the model years go by. Some just do it more than others............

[joflewbyu2]

junehhan, not to be arguementative - but edmunds knows *ick about the cars. i know from 1st hand facts. the tech guide from Acura. you can look up the info at www.acuranews.com under archives go to 2003 or 2002 then technical section then interior. both systems have 5 speakers. you also quoted the power wrong both times. AGAIN HAVE FACTS BEFORE PUTTING YOU FOOT IN.

[junehhan]

Then it was a 2001 TL, and a 2003 TLS that i've looked at. I looked at the 01 before buying my old 01 Cobra(another mistake), and then looked at the 03 TLS before buying my Land Rover(also a mistake). Edmunds doesn't know jack about cars, and that part i'll agree with you, but the difference in sound quality is huge. I've tried out both cars, and a top knotch sound system is something I really want in a more luxury oriented car. When I tried the 03, I knew something was missing as the sound quality was different, which is when I noticed that 2 speakers were missing. You can quote that marketing jargon about the audio system, but the 5 speaker setup just doesn't sound like a top knotch sound system, especially after you've heard the old 7 speaker setup on the 01's and before. Edmunds doesn't know jack, but I see they came to the same conclusions as I did. Now, in a more performance oriented car, I really couldn't care less about the audio system as I can always open up the exhaust and listen to it instead...........


One's information is only as good as the source from where it comes from. I don't know of any Acura based websites, so i've gotten my numbers from various magazines, which were definately wrong then. My only point, is that even your beloved Acura decontents their vehicles over the years. It is simply WRONG to assume that only Ford and GM are culprits of this, except it's more noticeable because they do it more than other companies. All companies i've seen have done this at some point in time, but some just do it more than others..........

[joflewbyu2]

junehhan, stop already. you are making an *** of yourself. the 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002 have the same # of speakers in the same placement with the same amplifier. the headunit got a 6 indash cd changer in the 2002 model year. I BEEN WITH ACURA FOR 5 YEARS. i heard all them all, from the 86 model to the current 04s. acura tends to add items year to year with a very modest price boost, not several throughout the year such as ford, gm and chrysler. i have been in the industry for 12 years.

[junehhan]

Originally posted by joflewbyu2@aol.
junehhan, stop already. you are making an *** of yourself. the 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002 have the same # of speakers in the same placement with the same amplifier. the headunit got a 6 indash cd changer in the 2002 model year. I BEEN WITH ACURA FOR 5 YEARS. i heard all them all, from the 86 model to the current 04s. acura tends to add items year to year with a very modest price boost, not several throughout the year such as ford, gm and chrysler. i have been in the industry for 12 years.

Please, you are starting to look like an ass yourself now. It is not like it's a secret that Acura cheapened the audio system on the TL between 01 and 02. If you don't believe me, please go look for yourself. You'll find that the older one had a 7 speaker sound system, while the newer one has a 5 speaker sound system because Acura removed the two tweeters. If you have been with Acura all these years, go check for yourself. I don't remember the details myself and originally thought the decontenting happened between 02-03, but it was between 01-02 from what i've found. I've checked this myself as the 03 I took a look at only HAD 5 speakers. The sound wasn't as good as I remembered it from when I had looked at them a while before that, which is why I started looking around finding it was missing 2 tweeters. It's even written blatantly in that Edmunds article that I posted, and I personally saw it with my own eyes. Unless the 03 TL was some factory freak(doubtful), it had a cheapened audio system from the one I looked at a while back, missing the 2 tweeters I was telling you about. This was even advertised on the Acura website for a while when they started that interactive thing that let's you interact with a virtual RL and TL.

I think we have more important things to argue about here than what got decontented from what import. I will admit I made an error initially from the way I remembered all of the information. If you want, you can admit you made a small mistake reporting your facts as well and let's stop this discussion. Seriously, if you honestly believe that the 02-03's still have the same 7 speaker setup, maybe ask some of your coworkers. Since you work with Acura, I bet there are a few TL's sitting around at the parking lot at work that belong to your coworkers.

BTW, I do agree with most of what you are saying as it's true. I really love Honda/Acura's as they are really high quality vehicles, and more importantly, vehicles that I personally would consider buying. That's why anytime I buy a car, Honda and Acura's are always on my list of cars to check out(former owner of an S2000 too). This time, the Marauder won mainly because i'm reading good things in terms of the quality of the platform it was built on, and because it's built the way I like my cars being built. 300+hp, right wheel drive, V8!

[RCSignals]

Acura shmacura. It's still just another ricer in disguise.

They don't have rebates because they are too arrogant to have rebates, and the American buyer is too gullible to question it.

now lets get back to Marauders please

[joflewbyu2]

junehhan, i have two 99s, two 2001s and four 03s now on the lot. ONCE AGAIN YOU ARE WRONG WRONG WRONG WRONG. YOU ARE PROBABLY THINKING of the 2 door cl that has the tweeters in the door for the 01, 02 & 03 model year. the 2 door cl has a different audio system, a 4 channel - 2 front door speakers with 2 tweeters and 2 rear 6x9 shelf speakers. the 4 door tl in 99, 2000, 01 ,02 & 03 has a 5 channel system - 2 front door speakers, 2 rear door speakers and a 9 inch nd sub. 2 DIFFERENT CARS WITH 2 DIFFERENT SYSTEMS. Back to our original discussion on decontenting cars - acura has not. YOUR APOLOGY WILL BE ACCEPTED NOW.

[junehhan]

I'm sorry dude, but you are WRONG WRONG WRONG AND WRONG on that. Take a close look at the 99 or 01 Acura TL, and you'll find it has a 7 speaker setup, which also includes 2 separate tweeters in the front. Now take a look on the 03's, and you'll find that they have only a 5 speaker setup with no tweeters in the front, and just a central speaker. Now look on the CL's you have in stock, and you'll notice they have a 6 speaker setup with tweeters in the front, but no subwoofer in the rear. Acura even had this on their website a while back before they started advertising the new TL. I'd accept YOUR apology right now, but this is not worth arguing over. Maybe this is a minor point, but it's a point i'm trying to make. 2001 and before, had a 7 speaker setup, 02+ had a 5 speaker setup since it was missing the tweeters, and the CL I believe has always had a 6 speaker setup with no sub.

[joflewbyu2]

i took pics that i will post when i get home tonight for proof. do you have your proof ?

[Dr Caleb]

http://smilies.sofrayt.com/%5E/0/grngrinbig.gif

http://smilies.sofrayt.com/%5E/e/ak47gr.gif http://smilies.sofrayt.com/%5E/e/bigun.gif

http://smilies.sofrayt.com/%5E/e/uzi.gif http://smilies.sofrayt.com/%5E/e/moderator.gif

http://smilies.sofrayt.com/%5E/_950/duel.gif

How about we just start an oil thread?

[jgc61sr2002]

Why don't you guys cool it. We are on the same team.

[joflewbyu2]

junehhan, here is the proof !! Be a man or woman and apologize !! Stop spreading BAD and WRONG info without knowledge or proof. This board is meant to help people, not give out false info.

[joflewbyu2]

here is a pic of several used 99, 2000, 2001 and 2002 tls'. THIS BOARD AND ITS' MEMBERS HAS BEEN VERY HELPFUL TO ME IN THE MODIFICATIONS THAT ARE DONE TO MY MM. I TRY TO HELP OTHERS WITH QUESTIONS TOO, BUT NEVER WITH FICTIONAL INFO. I BACK THEM WITH FACTS AND OPINION BASED ON TRUE EXPERIENCES.

[MERCMAN]

ok,, who cares about the sound system? The sweetest sound is my MM at WOT, there is no sweeter sound, and I keep the stereo turned down so I may listen to that great roar!!

[RCSignals]

Who cares about Acuras?

[jgc61sr2002]

Originally posted by RCSignals
Who cares about Acuras? RC - I concur.

[joflewbyu2]

it is a point i am trying to make. passing bad info is wrong. we all all here to learn and enjoy the sight. but when someone continues to argue a point that is wrong by facts in literature, tech books and by the experience of the 700+ plus acuras i sold in the past 4+ years (approx 250 being tls) that i am in everyday - i think i know a little more about them than him. i HATE people that lie and when caught can not admit they are wrong. CHARACTER, RESPECT & HONOR use to mean something in the old days.

[junehhan]

Dude, apologize for what? Trying to correct your mistakes? Those photo's of the used TL's on your lot don't tell me much as they are only exterior shots. Out of curiosity, what year is the photo of the TL inside door you posted before that?


Ya wanna know something? I was right! That decontenting happend for the 03 model year just like I originally thought. And although I don't have photo's since I don't know anyone with an Acura TL, i'll prove myself with FACTS. The photo's you posted earlier don't prove anything!

Here below is a link to the Edmunds stereo system evaluation of the 2002 Acura 3.2 TL Type S, which clearly writes that there are a total of 7 speakers. There are 2 tweeters, 2 midrange speaker in the front, 2 coaxial speakers in the rear, and a 8.5 inch subwoofer to finish the system totally 7 speakers.

http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/comparison/articles/46528/page018.html

Here is a snip from the article, although you can follow the link to read the entire thing.

"The speakers add further to the quality of this system. They include a pair of 1-inch dome tweeters in the front doors mated to a pair of 6.5-inch mid-bass drivers below. The rear doors offer a second pair of 6.5-inch speakers, this time configured for full-range sound. The piece de resistance is an 8-inch subwoofer centered along the rear deck."

Okay, now here below is a link to the article that tested another 3.2 TL that is either a late 02 production, or early 03 model. All of these vehicles tested were full production units.

"Components. This Bose system is somewhat different from the system we listened to a year or so ago in the 2001 version of this same vehicle. The main difference is the speakers. In the older car, Acura had generously included separate tweeters in the front doors, which went a long way toward giving that car its great sound. In the car we evaluated for this test, the separate tweets have disappeared, apparently eaten by the large speaker grille in the center of each front door. This is something we commonly find in Ford and Lincoln vehicles, but it's the first time we've encountered it in an Acura product. As a result, soundstage and dispersion suffer, and the best sound in the vehicle seems to be aimed at the occupants' knees. Other speaker locations include a pair of 6.5-inch full-range drivers in the rear doors, as well as an 8-inch subwoofer on the back deck."
http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/comparison/articles/73569/page008.html

This proves that I was right about this issue. Like I said, when I was car shopping, I saw the exact same things, and I know what my eyes saw, especially when the Edmunds stereo evaluation is dead-on about everything I noticed between the two different model years. THIS IS PURE FACT DUDE. Maybe in your region, they sell freaked out TL's with something different, but this is what I saw, and this is what Edmunds writes about. Surely Edmunds would have had to make corrections if they were so wrong in what they wrote, but that's because they arn't wrong, and i'm NOT wrong! I am not passing wrong information here, and I really do believe CHARACTER, RESPECT, AND HONOR do go a long way. I have admitted I made a mistake in something I generalized very early in this thread, and if you want, you can admit you made a mistake if you want. I feel it's up to each individual whether they feel they need to decide, that they are WRONG. I still can't believe we are arguing about something so stupid, but I will not stop, till I prove my point that Honda really did decontent the audio system by removing the 2 tweeters. Read the articles, because that's fact. I know what I saw when I was at the Acura dealerships, and if you can't admit that Acura really changed the speaker setup by removing the 2 tweeters, I don't know what to say. Keep in mind that everything I say, I try to back with FACTS just like I have now.

[gilby04]

Gentlemen, Gentlemen...
Marauders are our focus...
Acuras are not...
Perhaps Acura data should be directed elsewhere...
HATE is a very strong emotion, and in my opinion, is best directed elsewhere, as well.

[joflewbyu2]

junehhan, that interior shot is from a 2001 tl, check the vin panel on the door - duh? not only are there 99s, 2000s, 2001s, 2002s and 2003s on the lot with ALL THE SAME SETUP. no tweeter mounted in the door - period. i proved my point. you use a 3rd party (not acura) and tell a story that you almost bought 1 and noticed the same thing as edmunds states. ytou probably never been in an acura yet. edmunds stated the sub was 8" - which is wrong too. i dont give parking tickets like you do. i sell acuras for a living. i sold 700+ acuras and been in 2,500 + acuras in the last 4+ years. WHERE ARE YOUR PICS. WHY DON'T YOU ASK AN ACURA OWNER. YOU DON'T OWN A MARAUDER - WHY ARE YOU OVER HERE - (TROLL?).

[MERCMAN]

WOW!!! this thread certainly got off track!!

[junehhan]

Well, i've proved my point with facts. I'm sick of arguing with you, and unless they appear to sell different versions of that vehicle in your region, I believe i'm right. Here is a final snip from the second link I posted, and you can believe what you want. BTW, that photo was too small for me to see what the build date of that first TL in the photo was, which is why I couldn't make out what MY it was.


"Similar to the Audi A4 in this test, we found the high frequencies just a little too bright and brassy for our tastes. Also, we detected a hollowness in the midrange that came through in particularly intricate passages. These two oversights were forgivable and even understandable, but the absence of separate tweeters, particularly when the previous incarnation of this vehicle had them, indicates cost-cutting measures that don't bode well for the consumer. Simply put, this stereo doesn't sound as good as the previous one. While the rear-mounted subwoofer delivers pleasing bass response, and the overall sonic balance of the system is good, the missing tweets collapse the soundstage and leave the listener wanting more.

Best Feature: A wonder in ergonomics.

Worst Feature: No separate tweeters"


BTW, good job attacking what I do at work to get myself through college, and to drive a cool car while going through college. Also, good job pointing out I don't have my Marauder yet, because the FRICKIN transport company has lost my Marauder and are currently working with the Ford regional rep to trace it down. It's been paid for, and until it comes in, i'll continue to drive around my Discovery with a coolent leak that is getting traded in. Also, watch who call a troll, because that would be you in this case. I only stated a fact that Acura does do some decontenting to their vehicles(definately not as much as the Big 3 do), and proved it with facts.

BTW, since you were so nice to point out what I do for a living, i'll admit that car salesmen don't impress me at all from my experiences. I havn't met you, and as a guy with good tastes in cars, I am pretty sure you are great, but I have very little respect for some of the ones i've dealt with in my life.

[GordonB]

Hey guys,
If you want to argue and flame each other, PLS TAKE IT TO THE PMs!!!
This board, with the blessings of Logan, who I am sure will back me up, is NOT for arguing, ESP about Acuras!!!
One of the things that makes this board unique is that we DO NOT HAVE/ALLOW/TOLERATE poor behavior. I have been turned off by enough web sites that I pray it will not happen here.
So to recap, maintain civility or take it elsewhere.
Thank you on behalf of all MMers & happy Thanksgiving!!!
GordonB

[2003Marauder]

TO: joflewbyu2@aol.
Hopefully you will be the first to take your own advice from your now closed thread "KEEPING FACT from FICTION" I posted that my MM came with Key codes on tires as KDW. You posted that my car was a screw up. Your profile lists just the state of Florida but you do not list your occupation. Now how does someone in Florida know that the Factory in Canada screwed up? Below is your response: Note that you don't say, "in my opinion" or "I believe" your car was a screw up. Also, using terms like "your car was a screw up." is bound to get others upset which is what you appear to try and do.
joflewbyu2@aol.
Senior Member
Member #: 511
Registered: Jan 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 338
"2003Marauder, in the brochure it states "kdws" and all season several times. your car was a screw up. possibly had a supplier part problem and used alternate tires. could have gotten them replaced free. the "kdws" tires wear a lot better - 400 treadwear. i use to see screw ups like that all the time when i worked at buick. never at Acura for the past 5 years thou. Acura doesn't decontent the car in the middle of the year which is a common practice at FMC, GM & CHRYSLER."

Then you went on to state that Acura NEVER screwed up and NEVER deconted an Acura but another poster disputed "your" FACT. Then you went after his case with the following: TRY AGAIN WITH FACTS NEXT TIME ! and then you stooped to name-calling and went off on a childish tangent. Well, at that time I thought about asking you to TRY AGAIN WITH FACTS NEXT TIME ! about how you knew the factory screwed up on my MM. But I decided to let it slide--until you started that now closed thread.
Seems like only those who dispute you are required to TRY AGAIN WITH FACTS NEXT TIME! So, where are your facts that my car was a screw up or that a parts supplier had problems and therefore put the wrong tires on my MM?
Take your own advice and keep your OPINIONS to yourself.
The first step to setting a good example would be for you edit your post and clearly state that you “believe” or that you “think” that my car was a screw up--in your unqualified opinion. Also, I recommend that you change the wording, “your car was a screw up” to something like, “I think the factory screwed up and put the wrong tires on your car.” This is more correct that just stating that someone’s car is a screw up.

I will be waiting for you to set a good example for me and the others on this board to follow...thanks...

[KraziKid]

Holy crap, this was not the intent of my original post. Do you guys realize arguing on the internet is like running in the special olympics; even if you win, you're still retarted.

[joflewbyu2]

2003Marauder, I did not mean to insult your car as a screw up. You stated it came with kdw tires. According to Bfgoodrich, they don't make 245/55/18s in that style (kdw) nor the 235/50/18 size either. If your car came with them, it was a fluke and an item to keep possibly for investment or just for the sake of it being rare and unique. Do you have a pics? I stated acura does not decontent their vehicles year to year to absorb the money the rebate takes away from profit that the american manufacturers do. My occupation is sales rep for Acura - I stated that several times in several different threads. Yes I do own a marauder as my dealer also owns the one of the largest volume l/m dealership in the country.

[junehhan]

Krazikid, yes you are right and i'm so sorry that I put this message board through this stupid argument. joflewbyu2@aol, I know what your argument is on this case, and you know what my position is on this issue, so let's stop this argument and if you want, we can continue it via PM's on this board, or even email so that we don't interfere with the true purpose of this board.


Let's just get back to what our passion is, because we're all here on this board bonded by a single interest in something we all share a love for. Unfortunately because of a freak incident, my Marauder is not yet with me, but I hope soon!