2003 mm

[thebeeper]

Hey everyone :
Open question ............
I am looking at a 2003 Blue MM , with only 9,000 miles on it . Yup , less than 10,000 miles ! !
Here is the vin ......2MEHM75V43X691901 .
I do not know the build date .
Can anyone tell me , going by the serial sequence , how late of a date 2003 this is .
I am questioning the updated trans on the later 2003's .
Also , I know alot of you folks have the 2003's , anything to watchout for ?????
Thanks in advance .
thebeeper@cox.net
THEBEEPER

[CBT]

Hey everyone :
Open question ............
I am looking at a 2003 Blue MM , with only 9,000 miles on it . Yup , less than 10,000 miles ! !
Here is the vin ......2MEHM75V43X691901 .
I do not know the build date .
Can anyone tell me , going by the serial sequence , how late of a date 2003 this is .
I am questioning the updated trans on the later 2003's .
Also , I know alot of you folks have the 2003's , anything to watchout for ?????
Thanks in advance .
thebeeper@cox.net
THEBEEPER
Yep. Watch out for other people buying it!

[thebeeper]

At the price he is asking , doubt there will be a line at the door . Upper 20's .

[CWright]

Hey everyone :
Open question ............
I am looking at a 2003 Blue MM , with only 9,000 miles on it . Yup , less than 10,000 miles ! !
Here is the vin ......2MEHM75V43X691901 .
I do not know the build date .
Can anyone tell me , going by the serial sequence , how late of a date 2003 this is .
I am questioning the updated trans on the later 2003's .
Also , I know alot of you folks have the 2003's , anything to watchout for ?????
Thanks in advance .
thebeeper@cox.net
THEBEEPER


Yep. Watch out for other people buying it!


Ahh. Mileage too low. You don't want that!. Where's it located??:D

[thebeeper]

I'll let you know where it is if I do not buy it . Ya , kind of too low mileage , not even broken in .

[CBT]

Ahh. Mileage too low. You don't want that!. Where's it located??:D
Muhahahaaa!!
Hey if you think it's worth it, there is really nothing we can point out that's negative. Some things that quit working we have simple fixes for on this site. I say go for it. Blue owners tend to be rowdy, so you may want to stay away from them.

[CWright]

I'll let you know where it is if I do not buy it . Ya , kind of too low mileage , not even broken in .


Yea, I was kidding and putting up while you posted the upper 20's price range. TOO MUCH!! I bet it's nice tho. Good luck with the purchase.:beer:

[thebeeper]

Still looking for a answer on the trans . I know the 2004's had a different trans , and some of the late 2003's were supposed to have that trans .
Just do not know when they switched on the 2003's .

[Mr. Man]

04 trans was beefed up a bit. I haven't seen any indication that 03 transmissions are any less reliable than the 04's and I wouldn't let that stop me from buying an 03, in fact I did. :)

GLWS and post pics if you get it.

[CBT]

107,000 miles of no transmission problems. It shifts on time, every time. Don't know how the car got treated for the first 22 thousand miles I didn't own it, but I know how it got treated after that. Like a car with no transmission problems!

27504

[guspech750]

107,000 miles of no transmission problems. It shifts on time, every time. Don't know how the car got treated for the first 22 thousand miles I didn't own it, but I know how it got treated after that. Like a car with no transmission problems!

27504

Yeah. But the current owner drives it like a Pssy!!

:D


Sent from my iPhone
Eaton Swap + 4.10's = Wreeeeeeeeeedom!!

[capt512]

Id check the paint hard as that IMO is the biggest problem.

[thebeeper]

Concerning the last answer on the paint ............
IMO ?????? What ????
Guess I am missing something .

[wickedmerc]

Concerning the last answer on the paint ............
IMO ?????? What ????
Guess I am missing something .

IMO = In My Opinion

There was a paint issue with some of the 03's. Not really officially documented that I know of but I understand the issue was with earlier built black cars. I would know, I got 1 :(. Clearcoat has been known to lift in small spots, usually on hood or roof in these cars.

The blues in 03 were a later arrival but it doesn't hurt to check it over real good...especially if you're paying big $$

03's had 4R70W trans until late in production run. 04's had 4R75W trans. The latter had slightly beefed internals but both are solid transmissions.

[tbone]

I prefer the 300A's myself and the tranny is no big deal.

[capt512]

The blue paint didn't have as many problems so you may be safe, but I'd still check as if its bad many places charge 10K and up to repaint, as it has to be stripped all the way down to the metal.

[Mr. Man]

What you really need to be looking at in a car with that kind of low miles is rot and leaks.

Car is most likely on the OEM tyres and they maybe dry rotted. Check all the rubber hoses and serpentine belt.

Crawl under the car and look for evidence of fluid leakage. A car with that kind of miles should be pretty rust free and if it has lots of rust ask yourself why.

Dings, scrapes, chips and cracking paint.

Check all the controls and switches.

Make sure the adjustable pedals work. Go throw a few range of motion tests.

Run the engine for awhile and take it for a good test drive not just to the end of the block.

4 OEM floor mats and don't forget the ashtray.

Books and any other literature.

2 keys and a valet key. Code for key less entry

Most of the above is relativity inexpensive to fix other than the paint.:)

[thebeeper]

I appreciate all the replies !

[thebeeper]

Funny you mentioned about the black paint on the 03's . My black 04 had a "checking" , or small "hens feet" on the hood only . Looked like it came from the factory with TOO much paint .
Had it re-done a few years back .

[Bluerauder]

Here is the vin ......2MEHM75V43X691901 .
I do not know the build date .
Can anyone tell me , going by the serial sequence , how late of a date 2003 this is.

Probably an April 2003 build date. [Post #36 says it was a 15 April 2003 build shipped to the dealer on 30 April 2003]. Closest I can peg it from the VIN listing is somewhere between 18 March 2003 and 1 May 2003. Maybe RoyLPita can get a closer fix. You should be able to pull the build month from the bottom of the door sticker. Sequence number is likely close to #236 (give or take) of the 328 Blue MMs made. Ford Performance Group (FPG) should be able to give you the exact sequence. The last 2003 MM was built on 24 June 2003.

I wonder if this one is Mark Uhrman's car. He only had 1,500 miles on it in August 2005 at MV III. Car was in great shape and I think he was trying to sell it for about $30K back in 2008. Undercarriage was spotless and looked new at 5 years old. Believe it was garage kept and only went to shows and cruises. Think he sold it in March 2008 to a guy in Ohio. That could account for the slightly higher miles and the $20K+ price tag.

BTW -- My DBP paint started to show signs of blistering when the car was between 6-7 years old. Primary problem areas are the blistering of the roof and spider cracks on the hood.

[Chayton]

I'll let you know where it is if I do not buy it . Ya , kind of too low mileage , not even broken in .

no no, make sure you consult with the professionals on this forum! apparently a marauder with 400 miles on it will be flawless.

[SC Cheesehead]

PM RoyLPita with the VIN and he can give you the build date and run an OASIS report on the car as well.

I've owned both an '04 and now my '03 DBP. Both solid vehicles. As has been mentioned, some minor electrical issues with switches and such, but all easily fixed.

DBPs are rare, only 328 built; what color is the interior?

[thebeeper]

No , this was not Mark Uhrman's car . The fella that owns it now bought it new . He has the original invoice made out to him , and paperwork from day one .
The interior looks like a light grey .

[kernie]

Muhahahaaa!!
Hey if you think it's worth it, there is really nothing we can point out that's negative. Some things that quit working we have simple fixes for on this site. I say go for it. Blue owners tend to be rowdy, so you may want to stay away from them.

Some are so rowdy that others won't even talk to them!

Woosies!

[SC Cheesehead]

Some are so rowdy that others won't even talk to them!

Woosies!

Yeah, but we still love knine all the same... ;) -------> :D

[Rkammer]

The last 2003 MM was built on 24 June 2003.


My MM was built on that date. Does this mean mine probably has the '04 updated tranny? How can I tell? :)

[Bluerauder]

My MM was built on that date. Does this mean mine probably has the '04 updated tranny? How can I tell? :)

I think your VIN ends in "4090", correct? If so, you should have the LAST '03 MM built. You definitely have an '03 MM 300b. Don't think the transmission upgrade was applied until the first '04 MM. It was NOT part of the 300a to 300b changes as far as I know.

Here are the 2003 300a vs. 300b differences. Changes for 2004 are also listed. >>>> http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=31102

[Rkammer]

I think your VIN ends in "4090", correct? If so, you should have the LAST '03 MM built. You definitely have an '03 MM 300b. Don't think the transmission upgrade was applied until the first '04 MM. It was NOT part of the 300a to 300b changes as far as I know.

Here are the 2003 300a vs. 300b differences. Changes for 2004 are also listed. >>>> http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=31102

Yes, my VIN ends in "4090" but my sequence number is 7809 of 7838. So, doesn't that mean there were 29 MM built later in the day then mine? I'd love to be able to say mine was the last '03 but, I don't think that's correct.

[Bluerauder]

Yes, my VIN ends in "4090" but my sequence number is 7809 of 7838. So, doesn't that mean there were 29 MM built later in the day then mine? I'd love to be able to say mine was the last '03 but, I don't think that's correct.

Yes, you are correct. They didn't necessarily come off the line in VIN order. But as far as I can tell, you got the "highest" 2003 VIN number. :D

[Rkammer]

Yes, you are correct. They didn't necessarily come off the line in VIN order. But as far as I can tell, you got the "highest" 2003 VIN number. :D

Thanks, I like that. :)

[knine]

If you buy it, it is MANDATORY that you attend the annual Blues Brothers event, A.K.A. Louisville April 13-15.

[SC Cheesehead]

If you buy it, it is MANDATORY that you attend the annual Blues Brothers event, A.K.A. Louisville April 13-15.


^^^^^ What he said. ^^^^^

If you don't show up, we send Casey to hang around your neighborhood and upset the neighbors... ;)

[guspech750]

^^^^^ What he said. ^^^^^

If you don't show up, we send Casey to hang around your neighborhood and upset the neighbors... ;)

In his blue double sided G-string.


Sent from my iPhone
Eaton Swap + 4.10's = Wreeeeeeeeeedom!!

[CBT]

Hey everyone :
Open question ............
I am looking at a 2003 Blue MM , with only 9,000 miles on it . Yup , less than 10,000 miles ! !
Here is the vin ......2MEHM75V43X691901 .
I do not know the build date .
Can anyone tell me , going by the serial sequence , how late of a date 2003 this is .
I am questioning the updated trans on the later 2003's .
Also , I know alot of you folks have the 2003's , anything to watchout for ?????
Thanks in advance .
thebeeper@cox.net
THEBEEPER


Funny you mentioned about the black paint on the 03's . My black 04 had a "checking" , or small "hens feet" on the hood only . Looked like it came from the factory with TOO much paint .
Had it re-done a few years back .

Wait a minute, you already own a Marauder and you are asking us for "anything to watchout for ?????"
:shake:

Edited to add: Please do not buy a blue Marauder.

[SC Cheesehead]

In his blue double sided G-string.


Sent from my iPhone
Eaton Swap + 4.10's = Wreeeeeeeeeedom!!

Hey, I think we need to send Mike "Goldmember" BARBAROSA along with him...

[Showroom]

http://www.carfaxonline.com/phoenix/img/rolodex_top.gifhttp://www.carfaxonline.com/phoenix/img/ownertick.png Owner 1 Purchased:2003Type:PersonalWhe re:MichiganEst. length owned:4/30/03 - present
(8 yrs. 9 mo.) http://www.carfaxonline.com/phoenix/img/rolodex_bot.gifhttp://www.carfaxonline.com/phoenix/img/buttress.gifDate:Mileage:Sourc e:Comments:04/15/2003 NICB Vehicle manufactured
and shipped to original dealer 04/30/2003 11 Michigan
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Harrison, MI
Title #243P1200074 Title or registration issued
First owner reported
Registered as
personal vehicle 12/18/2006 Michigan
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Harrison, MI Registration issued or renewed 01/02/2008 Michigan
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Harrison, MI Registration issued or renewed

[Bluerauder]

The interior looks like a light grey .

----> Light Flint Interior/Dark Blue Pearl (DBP) = 215 of 328 Blues
Dark Charcoal Interior/Dark Blue Pearl (DBP) = 113 of 328 Blues

[Showroom]

http://www.carfaxonline.com/phoenix/img/cfx_logo25h.gif Detailed History

http://www.carfaxonline.com/phoenix/img/clear.gif http://www.carfaxonline.com/phoenix/img/clear.gif http://www.carfaxonline.com/phoenix/img/rolodex_top.gifhttp://www.carfaxonline.com/phoenix/img/ownertick.png Owner 1 Purchased:2003Type:PersonalWhe re:MichiganEst. length owned:4/30/03 - present
(8 yrs. 9 mo.) http://www.carfaxonline.com/phoenix/img/rolodex_bot.gifhttp://www.carfaxonline.com/phoenix/img/buttress.gifDate:Mileage:Sourc e:Comments:04/15/2003 NICB Vehicle manufactured
and shipped to original dealer 04/30/2003 11 Michigan
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Harrison, MI
Title #243P1200074 Title or registration issued
First owner reported
Registered as
personal vehicle 12/18/2006 Michigan
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Harrison, MI Registration issued or renewed 01/02/2008 Michigan
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Harrison, MI Registration issued or renewed http://www.carfaxonline.com/media/img/vhr/fox/foxDtl_3807.gif
http://www.carfaxonline.com/phoenix/img/xpert_long_top.gif

Hmm, we haven't received any information on this car since January 2008. Before you buy, ask the seller for recent service or repair records.
I'm here to help! Print and bring my SmartBuyer Checklist (http://www.carfaxonline.com/smartbuyer/checklist.cfx?vin=2MEHM75V43X6 91901&language=EN&permutationCode=CFODLR_CIP&locGid=445765&cfxId=&partnerCode=&inventoryId=0&key=zbnU4VQFqsvT9gZF09xA33zI4w IoWAEGkf3RySO77f4&webDomain=http://www.carfaxonline.com/)when you go to test drive this 2003 Mercury Marauder.

[71cyclone]

Yep. Watch out for other people buying it!
That was the best advice I heard in a long time Cousin :beer: