Vehicle Number

[Captdavid]

How can I find out what vehicle number my MM is? I think I got one of the first ones.

[SergntMac]

Hey Capt...

The last 6 digits of your VIN may be telling. LM started a new VIN sequence with the MM, exactly why I don't know. While others here argue that this car is nothing more than a GM with the "300B" trim package, it does have it's own VIN, unlikely if they are right. Anyway, I'm told that all MM VINs should begin with 2MEHM75V83X...

Way I hear it, (from more than one source) is this "prefix" is our standardized vehicle description, because all MMs are the same (for now). The "3" before the "X" indicates the '03 year and the "X" is the "version" number (think software?) The last 6 numbers is the sequential production number, starting with MM "60000".

If this is true, I have MM #818, and that seems to jibe with transport/delivery/availability dates I've traced. My MM was a factory demonstrator, visiting dealers in May, '03 to introduce the sales staff to MM selling points. I've spoken with five salesmen at 3 dealers who once drove my MM in a "factory training program."

Training...right...like what..."hold on, pal, watch this...?" Would love to see them drive it today...LOL

Anyway, I'm also told this "prefix" may change slightly. Califormia cars with emission sensitive tuning (meaning no 93 octane) may affect one of the digits in the prefix, perhaps the "X" following the "3" will be a "Z" or something like that. Also, once a factory installed sun roof and different paints are decided upon and released, another digit or two of the prefix may reflect that. Nonetheless, I'm confident that the last six digits of the VIN may be exactly what you are looking for.

Hey, how's your "jolt"? Things gas pedal related smoothing out?

[Logan]

Nope. Marauder does share sequential vin's with the other panther's produced at St. Thomas. There's no way of knowing what build number your vehicle is. Mercury has not, and to my knowledge is not releasing build numbers.

[chapel1]

Your production number is also located inside your fuel door on the tire pressure & tire size sticker.

[LincMercLover]

Damn... wish I had my car to verify! This sucks... :(

[03 Merc]

Captdavid,

Only Ford SVT's, and some special editions like the "Bullit" Mustang have a build sequence number assigned to them. That is part of the "Exclusiveness" of a SVT..... My 01 Cobra was number 584 of 3384. I was sent a Certificate with this info at the end of the 01 run by SVT...

The MM VIN, as Logan stated, is mixed in with the other Panthers... BTW the MM is body code M75 which is a Grand Marquis LS. Option Code 300B makes it a Marauder... To check it out go to this link.. http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=596&highlight=order+guides and look at the MM ordering guide and then the GM guide...it will explain the body code M75 which isn't defined in the MM guide.. this thread covers some of it as well.. http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=282&highlight=Engine+Code

If you do a search on the site you will find the only "Marauder" specific number in the VIN is the eight digit engine code position... If I remember correctly some people on this site had their titles issued as GMs due to the M75 body code.. my insurance company thinks it is a GM as well..

VIN Differences:


Originally posted by Brian
The only sure VIN difference between a 2003 Grand Marquis LS and a 2003 Marauder is in the 8th position (engine).

W = 4.6L SOHC
V = 4.6L DOHC


There is also the possibility of a difference in the 4th position (restraint type).

All Marauders are H.
Grand Marquis can be H or F, depending on option content.

H = Dual Front air bags plus front Side air bags (std on Marauder)
F = Dual Front air bags

Hopefully this will clear up some of the confusion...

SergtMac,

Check out the links....they may answer some of your questions....

[Macon Marauder]

Yeah, I was kinda bummed by this as well. My VIN ends in 647464 which means nothing to me. I'm pretty sure it wasn't one of the first made, though. Came to the dealer late in the year and no full size spare.

Oh well.

[SergntMac]

Taking on the boss here, but he seems a fair guy.

Logan...Not sure what you're saying "nope" to, but if I read a 2MEHM75V83X VIN prefix from the dash of a CV or GM, I'd buy that car as a "one-of-a-kind" production line goof, (ala miss-minted coins) or, seize it as a counterfit VIN.

As for the production suffix, the MMs rolled out with in the low 60000 on 13 May, 02. Could two cars share an identical suffix? You bet. I'm sure there is a GM or CV out there with the same last six digits as my MM, maybe even an Impala SS too, but not with a matching prefix. The prefix is unique to the MM, period. Maybe the VIN isn't an official "build" number, but it's a hint and maybe what the Capt. was looking for?

I respectfully agree that production line "broadcast" sheets have their own sequential control numbers that some could say, is a "build" number. And, I respectfully agree that brodcast sheets are shared across the spectrum of platforms at the St. Thomas production line, so, sequential sheets may control different cars. But, broadcast sheets are internal control, and as the car moves down the line, a sequential VIN is created and attached.

Now, I don't like to "presume" things, but truthfully, I don't really know. So, I presume that VINs become assigned in sequence because the cars are produced in sequence. Logical, yes, but I can't say for sure. Of course, LM may have made an effort to insure a random suffix, but that rubs against the grain of efficiency in a production line process too, so, is it just as reasonable to presume random assignment?

Nope.

[Macon Marauder]

I think the point here is:
my VIN ends with 647464
a normal GM could be 647465 (with a different prefix of course)
and your MM could be 647466
etc., etc.

So, maybe you could tell which ones came early or late, but not first, last - unless they were all in a registry...

[SergntMac]

Thanks '03!

I've read these order guides, and I see the M74/M75 body distinctions you point too. I agree the body codes are shared, and it does appear that the MM is just a trim package. Maybe that's why I'm wondering all of this again? But, tell me this, '03, why did LM publish a separate guide for a car that's only a trim package? Maybe because LM identifies the MM is a model all it's own?

I base my position on publications of statements from LM executives, as quoted in popular magazines. They are available in the "comparasion" links at www.mercuryvehicles.com. If you visit, please note that the Marauder is listed separately from other models, including the GM.

I agree that when we purchased our cars, some dealers were as confused as we are now, and some could care less. However, in their own publications, LM acknowledges that although the MM has "relatives," they clearly intend this car to be a model all it's own. Evidence of that is at LMs web site, what more can I go on?

[MAD-3R]

I think that the Marauder is almost a "step child" of sorts. Mercury sells it as a seperate line, markets (what little it does) it as a seperate line, treats it as a completly seperate vehical from the GM, but FoMoCo treats it as a GM upgrade. I say this because there is no seperate entry in there sales figure for Mercury.

We know it's a special and gifted child, but its own blood bearly aknoledges it. A shame really.

[White Knuckles]

It was mentioned above that the Marauder prefix should be"2MEHM75V83X" with numerical suffix.

My prefix is different----- 2MEHM75V33X.

Those in the know------any significance?

[03 Merc]

I agree with your "step-child" analogy... In the case of the Mustang Cobra Ford saw fit to give both the Cobra Hard Top and Convertible seperate body codes from the "regular" Mustangs. The VIN will immeadiately tell you it is a Cobra not a Mustang.. However, the special edition "Bullit" was a regular code hard top... BTW Ford published a seperate brochure and marketing info on the Bullit as well..

If you look back to the heyday of muscle cars in the 60's the majority stated as options on "regular" cars and then became truly seperate lines when volume was sufficient...then when the sales dropped the car became a option package again... The Pontiac GTO is a classic example of this approach.. or the GTX and Road Runner... so if sales pick up we may see the MM become a seperate line, with a unique body code...or continue to be a very extensive option package.

The good news is Ford Credits ads for 0.0% financing all have a small print disclaimer exempting the the 03 SVT product line and this years Mach1 Mustang.. and we are seeing discounts and good financing.. without waiting for the end of the model year... and in reality it's just trivia anyway... frankly I like my "Grand Marquis with an Attitude" regardless of it's parentage or codes..:D

[Logan]

Macon, EXACTLY.

SergntMac, the VIN prefix really has nothing to do with the conversation. The question is if you can determine your build number based on your VIN. The answer is an unequivical no.

Like Macon said, your marauder may have a sequential vin of 647464, there may be 6 grand marquis's rolling down the line after you and then another marauder, 647474...

So based on that, there's no way to determine in what order yours was built. We simply don't have access to the data that would be required to determine build numbers.

[piglet]

Gents,

My number ends with 641998. Which mean 100% of nothing to me. Mercury has too many other concerns (ie the company is in the *****er) to have foresight about a special VIN for us motor heads.

Anyone got a number lower?

Best-

[chapel1]

My number is 612038.purchased 6/17.I tried early on to find out if ford/mercury could establish a run number, start number and could'nt get an acknowledgment either way.I guess to them it's just another car?And I think thats part of big busniess's problem?Boy I would hate to work on a project like this,and have my superiors"just don't get it".Alot of potential to be possibly being gained by Merchandising the Marauder to us car nuts.And the parts guys don't even know what wheel locks to sell you!

[Mikeenh]

Hey Piglet,
Got you beat. I'm 610216. Care to play liars poker? :p

[TAF]

Piglet,

Go here to the IMMC site and you'll see LOTS of folks with lower numbers than that. Some are members here as well.

Still don't know if the sequence matters...but here you go.

http://www.mercurymarauder.org/cgi-bin/immc-register.cgi?mode=list&list_year=2003

[JamesHecker]

Yea, mine is 612098. Just 60 away from chapel, but we have no idea of how many of the intervening cars were Marauders?

But they are sequential right? Meaning mine rolled off the line after chapels?

[looking97233]

Okay, first to Piglet: Mine is 628698.

It was said the vin should be "2MEHM75V83X******" but mine is 2MEHM75V43X. What it means, I don't know either.

[03 Merc]

The link below will take you to a "offical" VIN Decoder that will answer some of your questions...

http://www.fleet.ford.com/maintenance/vin_tools/vinlookup.asp

The reason position 9 varies in our VINs is it a a checksum digit used to determine the VINs validity... below are my results... check out the GVWR!!! :D

VIN: 2MEHM75V03X61543X
1st-2nd-3rd Positions
World Manufacturer Identifier
VIN Code: 2ME
Place Manufactured: CANADA
Make: MERCURY
Body Type: PASSENGER CAR
4th Position*
Restraint System Type or Brake Type and GVWR Class
(Trucks and Vans Only)
VIN Code: H
Brake System: Hydraulic
GVWR Class: Class G:
Restraint: Active belts (all designated seating positions) plus Second Generation Driver and Passenger Air Bags plus Driver and Passenger Side Air Bags
GVWR Range: 8,501-9,000 pounds
5th-6th-7th Position*
Line, Series, Body Type
VIN Code: M75
Vehicle Line/Series (Optional Nameplate): GRAND MARQUIS LS
Chassis Type: unknown
Body Type: 4-DR. SEDAN
Vehicle Type: FA
8th Position*
Engine Type
VIN Code: V
Engine/Litre: 4.6 EFI-DOHC or 3.0 EFI-FFV or 3.0 SEFI-FFV or 4.6 SEFI-DOHC or 5.9
Cylinders: V-8 or V-6 or l-6
Fuel: GASOLINE or GASOLINE/E85 or GASOLINE-E85 or DIESEL
Manufacturer: FORD or CUMMINS B5.9E
Net Brake H.P.: 260-305 or 150 or 152 or 260-320 or 275-320 or 260 HP/550 lb-ft
9th Position
Check Digit
VIN Code: 0
Check Digit: True
10th Position
Model Year
VIN Code: 3
Model Year: 2003
11th Position
Assembly Plant
VIN Code: X
Vehicle Assembly Plant Name: Location: St. Thomas: Talbotville, Ontario
12th-17th Position
Production Sequence Number
VIN Code: 61543X
Production Sequence Number: 61543X

*Please Note:
This position code offers multiple values. In the case of multiple values, this VIN Lookup Utility will list all possible values.

Edit: Here is another link as well for a quick and dirty "unoffical" decoder: http://www.ameritech.net/users/liquid99/data.html#vin


Hope this helps...

[SergntMac]

Excellent, Wayne, thanks. That 9th digit was confusing me, but I understand what a check digit is too.

Look guys, I'm the one that started this "sequencial number" BS, and I started it only because I thought something was apparent in the VIN. Mine ends in 609392, I knew Chapel's was close, and I found three other MMs still sitting on my dealer's all in this same range, maybe a 100 car spread. That looked to me, to be a "pattern," and I suiggested that here. Well, I 've been corrected, and I apologize for the confusion.

Nonetheless, we have all learned something about our VINs, which may be helpful down the road. It's predicted here (in other threads) that the MM may have a short life. Until all MMs are sold, their market value will dip. However, once all are in private hands and we start to view our MM in a collector's eye as "rare," we stand a chance to recover our investment, maybe more, one never knows. Knowing the history of our MMs may be an asset at a later time? This ain't no Edsel.

[Ken]

I've worked on the assembly line at Ford, Lorain Assembly for 26 years. The VIN number has nothing to do with the order that it goes down the line. I backed up an operation one night last spring, where they stamped the VIN on the frame. It was rare to get two numbers even close to sequence. The jobs eventually come off the line in the order that the frames were put on the line. It has been that way as long as I've worked there. As a utility worker, I've covered different VIN related jobs, stamping number on engines, frames, sticking the number on the decklids and I believe the doors and fenders. We can see the numbers all night on the traveling tickets that some of you have looked for on your MM, we generally only have 2-3 on the body, generally on the driver's side and under the hood, maybe pass/side. We generally use those to confirm job numbers, or occassionally double check that our UTICOR (that tells us job number and part to install) match. Even the seats arrive wrapped in plastic, with the numbers stuck on the plastic, which the dealer removes on delivery. The VIN are assigned, when the job is ordered, may not even be sequential at that time.:confused: , the sequence on the line is set by the option mix .

That's why SVT tells tells us #? of total.

Any other assembly lines do this differently?

I've also got a different prefix than mentioned above. 2MEHM75V73X, purchased 6-26-02, last six 61521X.

Ken

[nexstar7]

i have a 2003 with 636317. any info? thanks

[SergntMac]

There is a MM VIN registery at the IMMC, maybe that would help you?

The only digit changing on the prefix is digit #9, a "self check" digit that verifies the VIN. As the last six digits change with each MM, so does digit #9. You will see that better when you see VINs all in a row, at the registery.

http://www.mercurymarauder.org/cgi-bin/immc-mainpage.cgi

[chapel1]

Again you got the info,I just registred my car.Thank's