Chrysler 300M

laurasdada · June 2003

I go to B-G in Natick as it's more convenient to where I work. Small place, friendly enough and they give me a ride to work. Haven't had enough visits to really get a feel though. This seatback thing is annoying. I definately do not want to make a habit of visiting the dealer for work! Luckily, lunching at Vinny Ts next door somewhat eases the pain. Although Chuckie Cheese looks tempting!

I went to Norwood when my tranny went into limp mode. They rented me a car for the day for (I think) only $15 (Neon-I would never buy one of those!), no free loaner. Saab at the same dealer always gave me a free loaner if I booked in advance. I'm really hoping that once the seatback is fixed, I won't be visiting any dealer for repairs for a while.

pster · June 2003

Tour the vette factory in Bowling Green Kentucky and watch the vette being "made". Afterwards, when you see the prices they get for it, you'll understand the old saying "there's a sucker born every minute". The interior of the Chevette was better.....

easyrider300m · June 2003

I usually get a free loaner at B&G as I do a lot of driving in my business. As long as you have no problem getting a ride back to the dealer, the free lift to work is probably fine. Otherwise ask for a loaner, but you have to book way ahead so they can have one for you.

They have usually solved my problems with the M but it often takes more than one visit. I usually deal with Ed and he's a pretty good guy and usually tries to please. However, it took me four visits before I could convince him that my seat movement was not normal and that there was a tsb on it. And I was told that my single black power window button (all others were chrome) was normal--"they're all like that." After I told him about the club and Ottoworker, he finally agreed and they replaced it.

On the plus side: They always wash my car unless it's raining. But I usually bring it in extra dirty. Yours may have been too clean to need washing.

Ask for a free oil change for your troubles. They are pretty good about perks for inconvenience.

ottowrkr · June 2003

Dont know where or who has the 300C , but I sure wish it was me.
I was talking to a guy I know who has been working down in Detroit for the last year on the LX cars. He mentioned that he had driven a 300 with a PVO package( SRT-4, SRT-10 and Viper and soon to be SRT-8 ) ,it has some crazy H.P and it goes like stink . I wonder how much more that option will cost. This is the car I am waiting for , the Dodge 4 door sedan with the PVO package.

pster · June 2003

Car was running rough, making high pitched whines as I accelerated and slight popping noises as I turned today...it figures, the constant velocity joints haven't failed yet, so they are over due. This car has utterly amazed me in its unlimited capacity for failure. Looks like the 300M is not going to get me through the summer. G35, here I come.......

hayneldan · June 2003

I don't know how many they built but there's one in the tent at the Chrysler "Art of Driving" show in Villa Park Ill. It is still the most beautiful convert I have ever seen. Also there is one of the early 300 2 door hardtops. Show is free and if you are in the western suburbs of Chicago it runs thru Sunday. You can test drive any of the Chrysler models on a closed course including a 300M Special, but the feature cars are the Pacifica and Crossfire and their competition. Lexus SUV and for the Crossfire, Audi TT, Porsche and Lexus coupe. Check out http://www.chrysler.com for details

easyrider300m · June 2003

When I first saw that car in a local car show, it was love at first site. Few cars can have that much of a "wow" affect on me the instant I see it. I prefer a hardtop for security reasons, but if I were in the market for a convertible, that would have been on my shopping list if it was under 45k. It's too bad Daimler fears the 300C convertible would compete too much with its Mercedes line. Talk about a company cutting its own throat. Why don't they listen to what the public wants and produce that car. Even if they decided to bring it out under the Mercedes brand name, they should produce it. The car is a hit with the public.

I sure hope Daimler doesn't destroy the Chrysler brand but it's starting to appear that they might just end up doing that.

easyrider300m · June 2003

Sorry to hear of all your problems with your M. Did you buy it used? I guess it's the luck of the draw. Many here have not had major problems with their cars.

I have had several small warranty covered problems, the worst being a failed power steering cooler which was covered under factory warranty. I now have 53k on my 2000M and the only present problems are a whine from the belt area(probably just needs new belts) and a failed door lock actuator (4th one to fail). Other than the aggravating problems with mostly small stuff, its been a very dependable car and still rides, looks, and handles like new. My only out of pocket expenses has been routine oil changes, preventative differential and tranny fluid changes, a passenger mirror that I broke, the eventual replacement of one door lock actuator. I also replaced the rotors due to slight warpage, the brake pads and new tires--all done at 40k. The original pads lasted the longest of any car I have ever owned. I usually go through pads about every 20K, but the originals lasted 40k and were still good for another 10k when I replaced them. I haven't needed to replace the battery yet at 3 years and 53k miles. At least to this point in time, this car has needed the least routine maintenace and repairs of any car I have ever owned.

You might want to consider getting a later model M which may prove to be more dependable.

How's your Sebring holding up? How many miles on it?

clpurnell · June 2003

Well since I am very close to having my warranty run out I brought my 300 back in to have the popping in the steering wheel fixed. the first time they replaced the rack and pinion steering. That worked for about two days. This time they replaced both front tie rod ends. Dealer says the popping through the steering wheel is gone but now it seems something is still wrong with the front suspension. they have to keep the car and rent us a ford escort. My 300 also whines when it first starts and idles they are trying to isolate that still also. I just hope they get it fixed. I have my first service appointment for my FX35 I have one small problem with seat movement ( same problem I had in my 300 starnge enough) it will be interesting to see how they deal with it.

pster · June 2003

Easy, I bought my 1999 300M w/PHP new, not used. Clpurnell, the whining you hear could be the steering pump failing, or the fan motors. Apparently ever accessory motor on the engine, at least on mine, has had bearing failures. Just about every whine was a bad bearing. One of my fans was about to "deshaft" and one had failed entirely.

I just know my tranny and constant velocity joints are going to explode. You know, I think there are many more problems with this car than those on this board realize....this board consists of enthusiasts who baby the car and probably exceed its maintenance requirements......I think there are many more 300M problems than those reported in this small group. The failures on my car are just incredible....too many to be statistical.

silverbullet4 · June 2003

Just got back from my annual trip to Tiki Island, TX (Galveston area)for a week of fishing in honor of my son's 13th B-day. 317 miles, one-way. Had to add a half quart of Pennzoil at the end, but none on the return trip. It rained pretty much the whole time, so only got out on the bay about two hours total. Thank God for the Playstation II my son and his buddy brought along to fend off "cabin fever". I used the down time to apply Zaino leather treatment.

The weather was clear on the return leg, and drove 75, with occasional stretches at 80. No strain, even with a heavy load. Very comfortable and STILL the best looking car on I-45!

Silver

pster · June 2003

Ah, the memories of my days in Houston in the 80's and visits to Tiki and Galveston.....oil tar mixed with sand on the feet....100% humidity without rain.....the twinkling lights of the oil production platforms at night...Marios Pizza.....Shiner Bock Beer...and strip clubs on every corner.....those were the days.

cmyers300m · June 2003

Well, I for one can say that my M has been 'near' perfect. All I've had done was the seat bolts replaced under recall. My 2001 is over 2 years old now...awesome car. Would buy another if the new one wasn't going to be so ugly. Now I'm turning to the G35 as well.

dustinnewton · June 2003

Michael-ROFL! Luckily, it's a small dish. I was thinking about using two on the rear of the car. That way, I could add red bulbs and they could serve double-duty as brakelights!!

300 Hemi C-I would venture that there aren't any in anyone's garage. For a car to be DOT approved fo the road, it has to go through tone of emission and crash tests. Without those tests, it's illegal to drive it on a US road, although I'm sure that publicity shots would be allowed. Of course a concept car with only 2 or 3 built wouldn't have all the testing done. It's a shame. I'd love to have one. I got to see the Pontiac Banshee in person in 1989 and I would have loved to have that one too! Porsche had that problem back in the late 80's i think it was with the 959 gruppe B series cars. They couldn't get DOT approval so the ones that had already been imported couldn't be driven. That was a shame because the 959 was an incredible automobile!

blonda · June 2003

Just curious as to the build date of your 99. I have a feeling that the 99's with tons of problems came through in batches. Possibly the first half of 1998 (very early builds) and later in 1999 were the the ones with issues (vendor problems possibly?).

laurasdada · June 2003

Thanks for the advice, I'll ask for a good wash at least. I actually bought my M at a small-family owned Chrysler dealership up the road (Kehoe). Three months later, the family retired the business. The dealer in now a used car lot for Jag/Volvo dealer. (You probably know all this...). B-G sent out letters to Kehoe customers offering their services.

Pster: My '99M was built 6/99. Other than known issues (two window motors and tranny speed sensor) mine has been rock solid reliable. I don't baby it, but I'm no Fast & Furious guy either. I've been actually a bit surprised and impressed (please, please let it continue this way...!) with the reliability of my domestic, first model year Chrysler. It's about to turn 48,000 miles and, yes, still one of the best looking cars on the road! I'm truly sorry yours has been Christine II (to commiserate, seek out fastdriver). I hope your next ride is a 180 degree turnaround for you, reliability wise.

clpurnell: wasn't there a tsb or recall for the FX seat issue?

intrepidspirit · June 2003

300 hemiC...I thought there was only one built. Any pictures I have seen and the one I saw at the Pomona auto show last year were the identical color (champagne). Somewhere, I thought I read there was only one...could be 2 or 3 -- all champagne? Anyway, I love the car, too -- I have it as wallpaper on my computer. My wife loves the Chronos, but unfortunately the odds of either being produced are slim to none...

Just a comment on decontenting...in fairness to DC, the decontenting has been accompanied by price reductions. I believe in 2002, the base price of the 300M was reduced over $1,000. It has risen each year since then and I think it is now close to the original base price of the 99. So, while we may be discontent with the decontenting, they have at least reduced the price accordingly...

fastdriver · June 2003

dustinnewton-

I remember when Chrysler came out with their "T-Bird" like (4-seater) turbine car. I got to see one in person and get a ride in it. This was back in the early 60's. Someone in a nearby town got to test one for 3 months I believe. Here's a link to an article on one-

http://www.turbinecar.com/sia/sia127.htm

blonda-

I bet pster's 300M was built the same time as Christine. Mine was built in April of 1998. I want to say the 17th- I think it was a Wednesday or Thursday.

fastdriver

pster · June 2003

I'll check it tonight and post the build date.

no1trust · June 2003

Did you check out the 2003 Lincoln LS? IMHO a cut above the 2002... maybe a suitable replacement for the 300M other than the G35.

silverbullet4 · June 2003

LOL! Have seen my share of rank seaweed, red tide and oil on Galveston. I don't go to the beach anymore. My wife, who is from CT doesn't know any better. If she knew how nice Surfside is we would be forced to go there.

Re Mario's: We always have pizza there. Still great! Also the kids like Joe's Crab Shack on the seawall. Passing through Houston (a good idea), we eat at either Foo's Garden in the Village, or Goode Company BBQ.

Regards, Silver

ajpiii · June 2003

Check it out

http://www.cardomain.com/member_pages/view_page.pl?page_id=175340- &page=2

cmyers300m · June 2003

I've looked into the Lincoln LS. Nice car, not cheap though. V8 will run ya 40k. One thing to mention, the LS reliability is amoung the worst out there, which in turn has caused tremendous slow sales and worse resale values than the M. Infiniti G35 would hold up better in the market.

fastdriver · June 2003

It's not the war OR the economy....... it's all GM's fault!! :-)))

http://www.detnews.com/2003/insiders/0306/10/b01-189049.htm

fastdriver

dustinnewton · June 2003

Sweet! Did it sound like a jet taking off from a red light?

fastdriver · June 2003

dustinnewton-

I don't remember what it sounded like from a red light, but it DID sound like a jet when it was started. For the times, it was pretty radical looking and indeed a HEAD TURNER like the current 300M was when it first came out in this form in 99.

It does seem like the "concept" cars that Chrysler designs and shows and DOESN'T build, are the ones that everyone wants!! What is their problem? Do they really think that their new station wagon and that ugly new 300 are going to move them UP in the marketplace- hemi or no hemi!!

fastdriver

easyrider300m · June 2003

be sure to click on the spec sheet---that engine had lots of torque (over 4oo) but low hp (just 130hp). Also note no cooling fluids or crankase oil.

bigmike5 · June 2003

Newspaper Ad for Pacifica yesterday in L-ville. Sticker $32.9 and buy it now for $29.8. Already discounted $3K. They must be going like hot cakes.

dustinnewton · June 2003

How intimidating would it be to pull up to a light in a little 4 banger Honda Civic tuner car with a coffee can full of bees for a tailpipe and rev it up like you wanted to race and hear a turbine! I assume it was the configuration where the turbine ran at a constant speed and the power was taken off from there instead of throttling up and down. Why can't I win the lottery? I can see it now...The world's first turbine powered 300M!!! :-) Tailgaters? AFTERBURNER!!

pster · June 2003

I've had more longnecks there than I care to remember...which I don't, actually.

clpurnell · June 2003

Have been to Foo's Garden many times for lunch since I have been in Houston. Have not made it to Goode Company yet though.

Just got my 300 out of the shop. They replaced Tie rod ends on both sides and also the steering shaft. Gave me a could not reproduce on the whining at idle. Other than the car being filthy and the alignment off the steering problem is finally fixed. I am at 36008 miles I will probably be trading it very soon as I do not have an extended warranty on it.

intrepidspirit · June 2003

Late last year my 2000 had a slit develop in the center of the dash pad as it extends above the clock toward the windshield. The slit was about 1" when I noticed it and grew to about 3" before I took it to the dealer.

They replaced the dash pad -- total cost was $1,200 with labor (they were down to the firewall for replacement).

Shortly after after the replacement, my wife's 2001 developed the same problem on the same place on the dash. When we took it in, it had a slit of only 1" and they tried to patch it. It did not turn out well and the patch was quite noticeable. I tried to get the pad replaced, but they were reluctant to do so. Apparently, they took some heat for replacing mine without the area supervisor's approval. And, apparently they were getting a new area supervisor who would have to approve it. In the meantime, the patch began to buckle upwards and the slit began to reappear. This week, they finally got authorization for replacement and have ordered the pad.

I have never seen this dash problem presented in this forum, but I can't believe it is an isolated problem. For both of our 300M's to have the same problem in exactly the same spot on the dash is just too coincidental. Has anyone else experienced this?

If you do, they should replace it under warranty as the precedent has been set!

silverbullet4 · June 2003

I don't drink beer passing through Houston and facing a 300 mile drive back to Dallas. The restrooms are just too far apart! ;>)
Killer pecan pie at GC if you still have room for it. Owner Goode was featured on one of the foodie channels last week, or so.

Regards, Bill

blowbyu · June 2003

I have not had that problem with my '99. We do though have a garage here at work so it stays out of the Florida sun on weekdays. On weekends I use a sun shield. I have not heard of anyone else having that problem.

lonestarsled · June 2003

There was at least one other person that has had this problem and posted here about a year ago. Maybe they are still around and will post there experience.

intrepidspirit · June 2003

I thought it must be the sun, too. We don't use sunscreens. But the dash pad material is so soft and flexible, I don't believe it could crack from the heat. Besides, the slit was in a straight line with no jagged edges all the way through the pad. My first thought was that it could be a seam for the passenger air bag, but it is too high on the dash and too far to the left.

I think it may be a precut airbag seam in the wrong place. Maybe the heat made it buckle enough to come right through the surface of the pad.

To be on the safe side, once my wife's M is repaired, I'll make sure we get sunscreens for both cars.

intrepidspirit · June 2003

That might have been me! I believe I posted several months ago when I first had the problem. I posted again now because my wife's car had the identical problem and I thought the problem might be widespread...

ajpiii · June 2003

That was me who also had the problem... Dealer said Chrysler knew they had a problem with these and offered to give me a new one for $200 installed since my M was out of waranty.. Hope it doesnt happen again... I dont want to pay the full $1200 for the fix...

300michael · June 2003

Mine was built 12/21/98. Window motors only problem, along with the two recalls. No dash problems so far, and it is parked in the AZ sun. I believe it may be a defective seam in the under laying fabric layer, that may be the problem. Other then that my 99,00,01,02,03 300M is doing great.

300michael · June 2003

It looks nice, is there a glare problem on sunny days though? Were the center vents rerouted somewhere else? If not it seems it would put a load on the blower system. I want to keep the vents but have the unit pop out where the clock is (just about the vents). As soon as I can get the extra ductwork to test with.

ajpiii · June 2003

Nope no problem on Sunny days, just had to turn the brightness up a bit... The only time it gets questionable (but still viewable)is with both windows & the moonroof open and if the sun shines directly on it through the roof... other than that odd occurance its great... They blocked off the center vent section so the air goes to the 2 sides and the center console... seems fine so far, havent had any really really hot days though...

bigmike5 · June 2003

No dash issue as I approach 5 years with my M. Mine is always garaged when at home. I use sunscreens during the hot KY summer months. I use a dash pad from Dash King [$34] available at Autozone, that is custom fitted for the dash; and I use Armor All or a similar product from AutoTrim Design on the dash material[plastic/vinyl?] about 4 times a year. It would be tough glarewise except for the dash pad which cuts reflection significantly.

pster · June 2003

They've done it! This might be old news, but Chrysler just announced they were going to build a "decontented" (don't we hate that word) Pacifica this summer for lass than $30,000.

http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content.mv?port_code=autoweek&cat- - - _code=carnews&loc_code=index&content_code=04830556

Also, I noticed on Edmunds that the TMV for a 2003 Toyota XLE V6 is actually equal to invoice AND they are offering, for the first time I can remember, a $600 cash rebate!!! Wow! Come on Honda, join the deflation wagon!

My concerns about where all the buyers for these increasingly expensive vehicles were going to come from.....is coming true...THERE GOES THE HEMI ON THE 300C - THEY WON'T SELL THAT CAR IF THEY PRICE IT AT $35,000+. NO WAY!

ruski · June 2003

I never heard anything good about ArmorAll.

fastdriver · June 2003

Kerkorian sticks to his guns. Guess when you have money you can fight the "big guys" until the end!

http://www.forbes.com/2003/06/13/cx_zc_0613dcx.html?partner=yahoo- &referrer=

fastdriver

ottowrkr · June 2003

pster why do you say decontented Pacifica ?? When the Pacifica was launched they started with the top of the line AWD unit. Now they are just going to build low and mid line units FWD units . Whats wrong with that ?? we build low line 300's , mid line 300's and hi-end 300's .

pster · June 2003

I thought the full line of Pacificas was already being produced? I got the distinct impression from the article they were "decontenting" to reduce the price point.....if this means the Pacifica will be the same, but with perhaps a smaller engine, non-leather, etc. I can understand that as most cars have several price point levels....but I just can't see a non-leather, 3.0 liter Pacifica selling well.

ruski · June 2003

non-leather will probably still sell, smaller engine probably won't.

There are people out there that hate leather (or can't have leather) for a number of reasons.

ottowrkr · June 2003

no , they are just building the top of the line AWD models now. Soon they will start to make low and mid line FWD models

intrepidspirit · June 2003

I agree with you on the Pacifica -- I read several months ago that production of the lower-ended models would follow the original high-end models. I thought, however, that there was going to be a wider MRSP difference than what I am now hearing...at least a few thousand.

What do you mean by low line/mid line/high-end 300's? All 300M's (in the US and Canada) come with one engine size, one transmission and are all FWD. Other than the special, the cars are all the same except for sun roofs, PHP and interior options. So how is the production divided into the low/mid/high ranges?

Just curious...

Chrysler 300M

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