Steve wrote:
> > Mercedes still may profit from Chrysler
> > Unrecognized by most is that Mercedes made Chrysler dependent
> > on them for suspensions and transmissions for its large cars,
>
> Patently false. The LX transmission (the one based on a Benz
> design, but revised and simplified) is manufactured at the
> CHRYSLER transmission plant in Kokomo. The suspension parts
> likewise, are not truly interchangeable with Benz parts and
> are made by Chrysler.
What you guys are forgetting is that even if a Mercedes part is made
in a Chrysler plant, Mercedes will still be getting some sort of
royaly or license fee from Chrysler.
And I've posted the window-sheet (monroney) on a 300C showing that the
transmission came from Germany (not all 300's have their transmission
coming from Germany, but some do, perhaps it depends on the model, or
if AWD).
http://www.unioncjd.com/detail-2008-chrysler-300-c-2401517.html
And also based on the window sheet for a 300, you will note that the
car is listed at only 74% domestic parts content. That is actually 1%
short of what the US gov't considers as the threshold for a vehicle to
be called "domestically manufactured".
I'm reposting the following. Pay attention:
"The LX cars employ various parts from Mercedes E-class, such
as the 5-speed automatic gearbox, the rear differential, ESP
system, the double-wishbones front and 5-link rear suspensions."
http://www.autozine.org/html/Chrysler/300.html
"The LX platform is Chrysler's new full-size rear wheel drive
automobile platform for the mid part of the 2000s. The LX was
developed in America using components borrowed from the
Mercedes-Benz W220 S-class control arm front suspension,
Mercedes-Benz W210 E-Class the 5-link rear suspension, the
W5a580K 5-speed automatic, the rear differential, and the ESP
system."
http://www.answers.com/topic/chrysler-lx-platform
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In 2005, the 3.5 was coupled to Chrysler's own four-speed automatic on
rear-drive models, and to the Mercedes five-speed automatic on
all-wheel-drive models.
Though Chrysler had already chosen rear wheel drive before the merger,
hooking up with Mercedes allowed (some say forced) the use of existing
technologies, including a low-end version of the Mercedes E-class
automatic transmission (the A580 electronic automatic), and versions
of Mercedes' stability control, steering, front suspensions,
electronics, rear suspensions, and seats. It is hard to tell how much
- if any - this has saved (or cost) in development, since
DaimlerChrysler worked hard to justify the takeover of Chrysler
Cor****ation in the face of stockholder lawsuits, and Chrysler
re****tedly was paying steep royalties for their use of these
components (some of which were provided by outside suppliers in any
case)
The LX cars will use the Mercedes E class traction control, electronic
stability systems, axles, wire harnesses, automatic transmissions
(downgraded to five speeds from six so Chrysler won't go into Mercedes
turf - even as GM and Ford create a new six-speed automatic), steering
columns, and other major suspension components. 20% of the Magnum's
components are shared with Mercedes, according to Wolfgang Bernhard
(40% of the Crossfire is Mercedes so these figures are to be taken
lightly).
http://www.allpar.com/cars/lx/
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