[DHABHAR.BEHRAM]

Dear all - after all the excitement that is built around a very strong image of the MM540-4WD and its offroading prowess, I think now is the right time to start a thread on what all you guys really want in your MM540-4WDs if you were to buy it today and what would you pay for it? So, go ahead and put your thoughts across. All the best. Let's see.

Best regards,

Behram Dhabhar

[Lalvaz]

Wants:

A quieter, refined, powerful, in short a more modern engine.
Better suspension
Better build quality
Better gearbox

Not more than 8 lacs.

[dinar]

Originally Posted by DHABHAR.BEHRAM

Dear all - after all the excitement that is built around a very strong image of the MM540-4WD and its offroading prowess, I think now is the right time to start a thread on what all you guys really want in your MM540-4WDs if you were to buy it today and what would you pay for it? So, go ahead and put your thoughts across. All the best. Let's see.

Best regards,

Behram Dhabhar

So does this mean M&M is getting the 540/550 back??
The first in the list has to be a good engine [powerful and torquee].with 5 speeder for highway use , which will give a pretty descent cursing speed.
Better suspension [good IFS with 4x4, something of Scorpio] and breaks, power steering.
Factory fitted AC even in the open top version[option]
Around 5.5 to 6.2 Lac max. cause after that the vehicle does not make scene.
Thats about it, Have had my M&M commander for more than 10 years [personal use as well as work], but than moved away from M&M cause there where no good engines, in the line up.I do have the M&M pickups with me [on my farm] but they do not give the thrill of driving. Getway is too expansive.

[esteem_lover]

A CRDi heart
Power Steering
Air Conditioning

[cooldude1988765]

CRDI engine (atleast the scorpio 2.6)
Proper interiors (dashboard,seats etc.)
5.5/6J rims (stock)
A better suspension setup
Electric winch

That is the bare minimum wish list.
I would pay about 5-6L OTR

[Samurai]

Rear Diff - LSD and manual lock
Front Diff - Manual lock
Disc Brakes
Full floating rear axle
Skid plates to protect all vulnerable underbody parts.
Rust proof body

All the above for 5L ex-showroom.


Factory options for Winch, A/C, P/S, lift kit, rollcage.
Option for soft top or fully lockable hard top cabin.

[maddy42]

Lockable hardtop.
AC and Power steering,
Side wheel arches. Better rvm's and also alloys as options. Front facing rear seats and better suspension for the rear.
Xd3 or a crdi engine or both as options. Better designed front grill.

I am not dealing into the 4wd requirement as i have not much knowledge.

[esteem_lover]

Originally Posted by Samurai

Disc Brakes

Oh yes, absolutely.

Samurai, your list is quite long for a small price that you want to pay. And are you happy with the current engine set up ?

[pjbiju]

A simple basic 4x4 vehicle with the following features

• Independent front suspension for improved comfort and articulation
• Front and Rear differential locks (would not mind a central differential lock as well). These can be manual locks.
• A better engine (capable of cruising at 80 - 100 kmph on highways with ease) with loads of torque.
• A 5 speed gear box
• A better quality hard top (similar to Rubicon) which can be removed easily and at the same time provides greater security when put on.
• Front facing second row of seat.
• Better treated body to protect itself from rust
• Metal skid plates
• Disc brakes for all wheels
• Manually adujustable front seats (if the option for adjusting the height of the driver seat is provided, that would be even better)
• A good and sturdy roll cage
• Provision for a music system (HU and speakers)
• Seat belts
• Rake and angle adjustable steering wheel (even some trucks have them)
• All terrain tyres
• Shorter wheel base.
• Gear & Steering Locks for security
• NO CHANGES TO THE OVERALL OUTER DESIGN - very important

Cost : 5 lacs.

Additional options & accessories

• A/C
• Power Steering
• Power windows front
• Winches
• Fog lamps
• Tow ropes
• A bigger tool kit
• 4-WD equipment kit
• Camping kits
• Another engine option for those opting for 2WD and more of highway use (no offroading)
• Leather wrapped steering wheel and gear knobs
• Leather seats
• All other works.... for those who look for style but do not want to offroad.

[vinod_nookala]

Originally Posted by DHABHAR.BEHRAM

Dear all - after all the excitement that is built around a very strong image of the MM540-4WD and its offroading prowess, I think now is the right time to start a thread on what all you guys really want in your MM540-4WDs if you were to buy it today and what would you pay for it? So, go ahead and put your thoughts across. All the best. Let's see.

Best regards,

Behram Dhabhar

Dhabhar ji,
Iam confused, did you start this thread to check if what would one want to upgrade MM540 to when one buys it second hand?
OR
Am I hearing a good news of M&M thinking of reintroducing MM540/550 that is built as per the voice of customer?


Considering it is about wish list to buy a new MM540 from showroom, i would want the following-

1. 2.6 litre Crdi engine (derated light weight 2.2 litre would be dream come true)
2. 5 speed 4wd gearbox ( 2wd options NOT to be sold )
3. NGCS chassis (may be shortened version of bolero strom platform)
4. Would love to have live axles with coil springs front & rear (IFS will also do at front with 4wd of course)

5. A/C , P/S is a necessity!
6. Hard and soft top options to be provided
7. Lockable differentials an option or atleast LSD as standard
8. Retain classic jeep looks (Invader looks are a strict No)
8. pricing about 6.5 to 7 lakhs on road

You already have legend and you have invader. Put all the above wish list into either of these and this would make it a reasonably well selling vehice. Dont expect huge volumes in india, if at all you are making it, make it as per export requirements.
I think you have one product already (THAR) in portugal with renualt engine, P/s, 5 speed 4wd G box on NGCS MM550. Even that would do.....please bring it on!!!!

[ex670c]

1) Chassis- NGCS
2) Axles Front - Open Knuckle Ball Joint Dana 44 (4.88:1)
3) Axles Rear - FFRA with Dana 44 30 Spline LSD or Selectable Diff-Lock(4.88:1)
4) XD3P Turbo (NEF249)/SZ2600 (90+Bhp /20+ Kgm Torque)
5) 5 Speed + 4WD (Transfer Case Pinion Drive with 2.72/2.92:1 Lo-Ratio)
6) Power Assisted Re-Circulating Ball Steering.
7) MM550XD Body/Tub
8) 255-85-16 BFG MT KA
9) Scorpio 16" Steel Rims
10) 4/6 Point Roll-Cage
11) 9-12000Lbs Electric Winch
12) Bilstein 5100 Shock Absorbers
13) Disc Brakes (Front & Rear)

My Specs are OFF-ROAD Special

Price not more than 8Lakhs

Regards,

Arka

[vinod_nookala]

Originally Posted by ex670c

1) Chassis- NGCS
2) Axles Front - Open Knuckle Ball Joint Dana 44 (4.88:1)
3) Axles Rear - FFRA with Dana 44 30 Spline LSD or Selectable Diff-Lock(4.88:1)
4) XD3P Turbo (NEF249)/SZ2600 (90+Bhp /20+ Kgm Torque)
5) 5 Speed + 4WD (Transfer Case Pinion Drive with 2.72/2.92:1 Lo-Ratio)
6) Power Assisted Re-Circulating Ball Steering.
7) MM550XD Body/Tub
8) 255-85-16 BFG MT KA
9) Scorpio 16" Steel Rims
10) 4/6 Point Roll-Cage
11) 9-12000Lbs Electric Winch
12) Bilstein 5100 Shock Absorbers
13) Disc Brakes (Front & Rear)

My Specs are OFF-ROAD Special

Price not more than 8Lakhs

Regards,

Arka

Hey arka,
That was pretty specific. You forgot power steering?? Anyway even i forgot to mention winch!!

Hope they make MM540 again!

[jyobeb]

Originally Posted by ex670c

1)
6) Power Assisted Re-Circulating Ball Steering.

Its right there.

Adding to Arka's wish list,
I would like an SPOA set up for better GC.
I would prefer the 2.6 turbo to the XD3p Turbo.
I would also like a lighter body (Aluminium hood, doors etc.?)
I would like Air-conditioning too.
I would like independent front suspension.
I would like Electronic 4wd.
I would like automatic free wheeling hubs.
I would like a winch mountable front bumper.
I would like an easily removable top.
I would like like a foldable windshield.
I would like an on board compressor.
I would like all this for less about 8 lakhs.

Thanks for asking Mr Behram. Looking forward to seeing some of this on a capable vehicle soon.
Beboy John

[prmd_cochin]

Good offroading capaibilty and a decent onroading capability. A/c optional, well balanced power steering. Looks, dont touch the exisiting one, let the user do whatever he wants.

Pretty Simple aint it.

Ah yes the price btw 4-5 lakhs, so that leavesthe guy with a little bit more money to do the modifying.

[4x4addict]

I second Arka's list. It says it all. I think 6.5 to 7.5 lakh range depending on what is included will be a price that I would pay..

Regarding the suspension, I would prefer to have solid axles with coil springs up front and back,like the TJ wrangler series, rather than IFS.

I also feel that options like winch, lockers, etc should be offered as an after market option to keep the cost of the vehicle manageable and the hard core off-road enthusiasts (your's truly included) can cough up the extra cash for the winch, lockers, etc..

Dhabarji,

In Malayalam there is a saying which roughly translated to English says "Even if you promise an elephant, never promise hope" :-)..