December 18, 2003
MCS v.36
I got a loaner while getting CD v.36 of the ECU update was applied to my MCS. The car runs much better but the dealer and I are still trying to figure out the cold-start/no-start problem.
Read on for more on the comparisons about the options I kick myself for not getting in my MCS and the options I am glad I did not waste the money on.
WOW, after a day with a loaner MCS, I do have to say that I am impressed with some of the luxury items.
First some Background.
My MCS, Dark Silver/Black - only option is the sunroof. I love the open feel of it.
Their loaner. Britsh Green/White, Sunroof, HK sound, Performance package, Heated seats (cloth like mine) 17's and I think AS run flats. Climate control. Xenons with fogs.
First, man I love heated seats. the bottom gets a wee bit hot and I turn that off after 5 minutes in 30 degree temps here in the states, but I leave the back on the whole time. Makes for a nice ride.
Second, the climate control is fantastic. In my Stripped MCS, I am forever changing the venting, the temp and fan speed to get a good mix. I smoke so that adds to the reasons but I like to always drive with one or both windows cracked an inch.
The Xenons have great visibility right off the bat at night and the fogs are good to spread out light over the closeto-the-side areas.
Harmon Kardon system is a magnitude of order better than the stock stero. I ma no AudioPhile, but Phobol, my partner in the twisties on 4 whhels even liked it. He's nutz about audio. I just need NPR on the radio or some college station or one of my wacky Bootsauce mix CD's :)
But here's the rub, I put on a MOMO Anotomico short knob to cure the stock knob. I could not get used to the stock knob of the loaner -- damn cold!
So, if I do get another MCS, it will have the heated seats and the climate control. Boy do I like those things. The Xenons and fogs were nice but not enough to warrant the monthly lease fee for me. And the HK sound? Well, no audiophile here.
Yeah, I am rambling now, but in the icy patches, I noticed that the DSC of the loaner asts much quicker than the ACS of my car. I might go for the Sports Package as well if there is a next time. After all, I have sworn off from this family from ever having a Daimler Chrsyler product. Especially JEEP. Good Riddance.
Special thanks to Ben, Brian and the service dept at Morristown Mini, NJ for everything. I still have to go back when a tech is on-site to get some programming done. Perhaps this Saturday. I'll contact them. Great bunch of guys, especially Ben who asked me to take special care of the loaner. I did.
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