Sticky: Difference between a 2003 300A and a 300B

[PuntyMario]

After the whole read I am still confused,first I think 300a and than something else pops up and I switch to 300B,I have the small spare,auto E-Brake disengage,electric gas lid,dot matrix on the windshield and it seems as if these things could go on the A or B.
My brain hurts going to bed now

Tony

Shouldnt it be easy to figure out? A's have the whole deal if youre missing anything that an A is supposed to have then its a 300B

[GreekGod]

Shouldnt it be easy to figure out? A's have the whole deal if youre missing anything that an A is supposed to have then its a 300B

My MM was the 54th made, and does not have a space-saver spare. I suspect vendor supply problems may have dictated production content at different times.

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[cruzer]

When they transitioned from 300A to 300B they used up some 300a parts. Each of the 14 are different--- shift lever shafts/ surround-- windshields---seats with pockets-- remote fuel doors -- clock in panel. --- under hood lights etc. Mine has everything a 300A had-- on the window sticker it shows traction control as standard equipment -- and I have a donut spare. MartyO has one I know. Don't remember who had the others It is shown on the window sticker as a 300B. Oh yes, they were all black produced in Oct 2002. Maury

[Invader]

First 1500, I'm telling ya...

[Invader]

The first run for the Marauder was a total count of 1500. After that, more options came available to help boost sales.

[cruzer]

I bought this car new. At one time I could tell you who had the cars. These cars were built over the Oct Nov. 2002 I have also discussed this with Steve Babcock and he confirmed. That's how I know----I was there. My membership # is 92. Let's put this thing to bed once and for all. Maury

[GreekGod]

... These cars were built over the Oct Nov. 2002 ...

My MM was the 54th built, and the only MM built in April of 2002

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[GreekGod]

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/galle...MDecal_003.JPG

[Bluerauder]

My MM was the 54th made, and does not have a space-saver spare. I suspect vendor supply problems may have dictated production content at different times.

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My MM was the 54th built, and the only MM built in April of 2002

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http://www.mercurymarauder.net/galle...MDecal_003.JPG

I think you are talking a different issue than cruzer/Maury. Your car was built in April 2002 and was part of the original 300A production. Hence your low #54 build number. 300A's got the full size spare. The donut spare showed up in the 300B in the October-November 2002 timeframe. Your car also has the remote gas release, front map seat pockets and the center dash mounted clock.

What Maury is saying is that in the changeover from 300A to 300B in October 2002, there were some cars that got a mix of A-B features .... and a handful used other parts such as the chrome shifter surround. Only about 12 of those cars came through until the supply of parts for the 300B were back on line. As Maury said, Martyo has one of those 12 changeover cars (I remember that thread too, Maury !!)

There is no confusion ... you are both right ... but on different points.

[jwibbity]

my question is why does everybody care so much which version they have, IMO if you dont have the 1st or last marauder built your isnt more special then the next one....

[GreekGod]

my question is why does everybody care so much which version they have, IMO if you dont have the 1st or last marauder built your isnt more special then the next one....

Since mine was the only one built in April of 2002, it's value is doubled!!! ... one of one!!!

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[jwibbity]

Since mine was the only one built in April of 2002, it's value is doubled!!! ... one of one!!!

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i guess that counts too

[TP Derrick D]

Having or not having a full size spare don't mean anything in determining A or B model. I sold my full size spare from my totaled car to a guy with a Marauder that didn't have a spare or he had a donut and wanted a full size spare. So if he had a 300B without full size does anyone looking in his trunk now say he has a 300A because he has a full size spare? If I bought a Marauder without the full size I'd try to find a full size somewhere or get a rim and buy a tire.

[Invader]

Another way to tell the difference is if you have a GM vin # or a MM vin # all 300A should have a GM vin # unless I'm wrong. Which would not surprise me...

[Bluerauder]

Another way to tell the difference is if you have a GM vin # or a MM vin # all 300A should have a GM vin # unless I'm wrong. Which would not surprise me...

All 2003 MMs whether 300A or 300B had the Grand Marquis "M75" in their VIN. It was the "V" engine code that distinguished the 4.6L DOHC engine of the Mercury Marauder. That includes both the 300A and 300B for the 2003 model. VIN doesn't help in the A-B discussion at all.

The Marauder unique VIN "M79" was introduced with the 2004 Mercury Marauder also with the "V" engine code. BTW -- all 2004 MMs are 300As (but with the features of the 300B from 2003).

Having or not having a full size spare don't mean anything in determining A or B model.

You are correct if the owner is not one of the original owners who bought the car new. Some of these cars have changed hands several times in the past 10+ years and may have replaced the spare. If you know what you are looking for, you can determine whether it is a 300A or 300B without looking in the trunk anyway. It is very easy .... don't know why some folks seem to have difficulty figuring this out.