Chrysler 300M

300michael

If it were 1999 all over again, Yes, I would car has been trouble free and a dream to own.
For 2002 there is a lot more compatition though. Namely from Acura with the TL type S, that would be more tempting. Few cars have the interior room the M has, so it is a tough call.
I will be keeping mine for a few more years. Waiting for the N to come out.

silverbullet4

I was using Maguiar's, but switched to Zaino for a better shine. Someone on the board said the Zaino contains wax-I believe it. I have used all the Zaino clear coat finish and interior products plus clay bar and tire gloss. They are the best I have ever found, and I have reordered thru my local distributor in the Dallas area. I used Z1 prep and 5 coats of Z2 over about a 3 month period. Occasionally I use the Gloss Enhancer, but it is difficult to keep it off the glass. I found if I lay the drying towel across the glass it is not so much a problem. I can't bring myself to use it to wipe off dust accumulated between washes. Don't want any scratches. I have a 2k bright silver with painted wheels. This color doesn't get the impressive wet look of the darker ones, but I do get a lot of compliments. My boss was in from NYC, where cars are a liability, and she told me that I had the cleanest car in the world. I went through a compulsive period where I was washing the Silver Bullet 2-3 times a week, and kept adding just "one more coat" of Z2 (I stopped at 5-my distributor has a Viper with 38 coats!). Now I wash it weekly, which is working out well during the dry season in N. TX.

rogor2k

Although I have not personally heard the Borla system on the 300M, owner comments seem to indicate it is somewhat louder that the custom system some of us have done. Take a look at some of the exhaust mods on the 300M Enthusiasts Club web site http://www.300mclub.org click on "Other 300M Sites." The custom installations usually wind up cheaper, even including installation, than the street price of the Borla system (approx. $500). Advantage of the Borla system is it is bolt on replacement for the stock system.


Several people report very loud cabin resonance around 2200 to 2600 RPM with the Borla system. Supposedly, this is fixable with a couple of annular venturi tubes that go inside the pipes (I forget exactly where). The tubes are available from Borla (at extra cost). If you order it, be sure to ask about them.

illini4

I have the same outside temperature accuracy problem. Accuracy is pretty good up to 70 deg, but above 70 the readings are too high. The higher the temperature, the larger the error. For example, when the actual temperature is 84, the display reads about 90. I have a Toyota with the same problem.

phases78

i have a question, i joined the club sunday at like 2 in the morning, then today i 'verified' my bank account with paypall. what do i do next?

ruski

hey, next time mount a camera in front of the speedometer too

stevenw300

Thanks for the info. I am reordering from Zaino today and have added the Z-7 Wash to my order. I currently have Z-1 plus 3 coats of Z-2 with an application of Z-6 in between the coats of Z-2. Like you I can't bring myself to use the Z-6 on the car unless it has just been washed - worried about scratches. I have a 99 Gold M so I know what you mean about the look on the darker colors- but still think Zaino makes the car shine like no other product. What does the 38 coat Viper look like?

intrepidspirit

I can highly recommend the 300M!

The first cab forward vehicle to catch my eye was the 98 Dodge Intrepid. This car made all other production sedans look outdated. I wanted one! I was concerned about Chrysler's past reputation for poor quality and decided to lease a 98 Dodge Intrepid ES to minimize my risk. This car was upgraded close to the level of the base 300M, but had a 3.2 litre 225 hp engine. This was a great car and was driven 33,000 miles over the 3 year lease period with only minor warranty problems besides, of course, the infamous badyear tire problems.

I leased a 2000 300M last year (leased only because this was the best deal at the time). In April this year I purchased a 300M for my wife at an excellent price. Both my wife and I thoroughly enjoy driving our cars -- the cars are striking, the ride is exhilarating and problems have been minor. I haven't had this much fun driving since I was 18!

Chrysler's after sale service, however, can be very frustrating. The criteria for becoming a 5* dealer apparently is apparently learning how to deflect customer problems with phrases like "couldn't duplicate problem", "performs within specifications" "problem may be due to the crown in the road" and "it's a characteristic of the car". You may have to try several dealers to cut through the bs. I have had decent service from a 5* wannabe Dodge dealer.

Bottom line is -- I would (and plan to) buy another 300M for my next car (unless by some miracle the 300 Hemi Convertible goes into production, and, by some bigger miracle, I can afford it!)

mboomgarden1

I don't know where the temperature probe is, but it takes some driving before the gauge displays the proper ambient temperature. This is common among the cars I've had with outside temperature gauges. Also, you will find that the temperature directly above that huge, dark paved heat sink on which your driving (the highway) will be higher than the temperature that you might experience if you were not on a paved surface.

sdmike2

Jona57 -
I use Zaino on my wheels just like the rest of the car. What you're looking at is the prep layer of Z1 followed by Z2 and enhanced/polished with the Z6 spray. Now I just wipe them down and Z6 them to keep them mirror bright.

I don't have any idea why that darned yellow X is there. It's faded a bit in the last few months, but unfortunately I can still see it.

tnsc_300m

phases welcome back. Check 300M Club web site :-)

Went to 5* this morning, service was backed up so I went into parts dept. to ask about replacing the T25 Torx bolts that secure the coil on plug assembly. guess what, only $.35 ea. and system shows they are seperate from coil pack. so I ordered all 12.
Will be here Friday, I'm told. Will post PN# for them and results of the swap when done.

Roger, Thanks!

Buy another 300M, almost did last week when we went to look at a 2001 Deep Garnet/Sandstone fully loaded PHP. Excellent car!! Dealer was being a pain so I walked. Do Your research on the Market price for the car and your trade if using one. Then go to the dealer fully armed w/ as much info as you can. You'll get an Awesome car. Also check out how long its been around. Inside the drivers door is a label that has date of manufacture, look in corner of label for: "MDH" (Month/day/hour) the car I looked at was made 092908 so it's been around for 9 months looking for a home.
tnsc_300M

sibe

Next time let's see that AutoStick at work through those curves ...ya didn't leave it in D throughout did ya? 8-)

Sibe

PS Oh yeah, may I suggest some Bach on the CD would do justice to the awesome scenery...8-)

sdmike2

As Roger stated several of us have put in custom systems that meet our individual tastes. I think Phases78 and Avalanche are running true duals from the cats back. Others of us have used the "Michael Hugo" design where we replace the front collector and center muffler with high flow (e.g. Dynomax, Rhino, etc.) mufflers, and run dual pipes from the rear muffler to the cutouts. In this design we totally remove the small rear resonator muffler near the stock dual tips. These systems produce a pleasing but not overpowering low growl, with only a small amount of resonation in the 2000-2300 RPM range.

I had my work done at Ed Hanson's muffler in San Diego. Ed has also offered to make the custom Y-pipes that you see in my pictures for $100 per side. I think a couple of people that frequent the board have taken him up on it. Let me know if you want a phone number and/or address. Here are some pictures of my install:

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1620463&a=12630411&f=0

-Mike

sdmike2

I just had my 5* rotate my tires, change my oil and filter to Mobil 1, and install my new Bosch Platinum +4 plugs. I figure after hearing you guys fight with your plug covers I'd have guys do it that can fix them if they break them. My SOTP (seat of the pants) dyno indicates a small increase in responsiveness and pep as a result of the plug swap. It's no surprise...did you guys see how ordinary those stock champion plugs are?

Roger, have you given any thought to having a place on the website for part numbers and pictures, as well as maybe other quick reference information like common problems and solutions FAQ? Off hand I can think of a dozen or more common replacement parts (e.g. K&N filters, Bosch plugs, chrome shift knob, wing logo, etc.) and problems such as "car won't leave second gear", weatherstripping issues, Badyears, etc.

Just a thought.

silverbullet4

I've never seen it. He is paranoid about taking it out anywhere but the Viper Club meetings (where he does a lot of trade). He says if he parks it in the open, there are a million fingerprints on it when he returns. I did email him and say if I send him 10 customers he owes me a ride.

rogor2k

Just go to the Club web site http://www.300mclub.org , go to the How to Join page, and click on the PayPal link. Complete the dues transaction, we'll get the notification from PayPal, I'll send you a Welcome letter, and then we'll send you your stuff. You'll be able to order shirt(s) too. Piece of cake!!

sdmike2

Anyone want my stock champion platinum plugs with 2,500 miles on them? First post asking for them gets them.

-M

rogor2k

Good idea. We have a FAQ on the site, but it could include a lot more stuff. If you'll take on the responsibility for compiling some things for a starting point, we'll find a way to get it on the web site. I'd like to make the site as useable as possible for the maximum number of people.

sdmike2

Ok everyone, I've been given the green light to compile information for a 300M club informational web page. I have a format in mind for the page, but any recommendations would be welcomed. I see the page having two sections, one regarding parts and the other related to frequent issues/questions that we encounter on this board. Here is a draft format with examples:

Part Information
Part Type......year.......stock.......other
Spark Plug......all......Champion xxx....Bosch platinum +4 part #xxxxxx
Oil Filter......all......Mopar #xxxxx....Mobil 1 #M1-204
Air Filter....
Wing Logo...
etc.

FAQs
1. My car won't leave second gear, what's up?
2. What car, tire, wheel polish do you use?
3. What can I do to increase the horsepower of the M?
4. What's the difference between PHG & non-PHG
5. What is a good deal on the M?
6. I want to upgrade my sound system, any ideas?
7. What size tires can I put on the car?
8. What gas mileage is typical for the M?
9. My car pulls, and/or I have wheel vibration. What can I do about it?
etc.

So, if you have part information or a FAQ (with answer!) for the page, please email me the information at mike@ritchiefamily.com. I'll try to compile information in the next couple of weeks for the editor (Roger) to review and post. For your assistance you'll be imortalized on the web in a "special thanks to" section on the page.

Thanks!

jona57

After seeing the various 'Badyear' posts I thought I would note for the record that my past 2 Mopar vehicles (minivan & Intrepid ES) had perfect experiences on Goodyears. My Intrepid ES was traded in at a bit under 40K with 4-5/32nds of tread left on its Eagles (no abnormal wear). I would have no trouble buying Goodyears again- in the appropriate price class.

FYI- My M has the PHP with the Michelin Pilots & they have also been fine so far.
Observation- The base Goodyears (non-PHP) were less than half the price of those $200ea Michelin Pilots (at least at Tire Rack). Maybe DC was just scrimping on lower-cost tires which could not support the 300M platform.

sdmike2

Very possible. However, I've never had a good experience with Goodyear tires. My Mitsubishi Eclipse came with Goodyear Invicta tires ($70 tires I believe) and from day 1 they squealed around corners and were generally mediocre. I didn't realize I had in issue until I needed to replace them at 20,000 miles because of separation and wear. I put a set of Kelly Metrics on it (NOT a high end tire) and all of a sudden I was driving a sports car! Night and day difference. I also had a set of Goodyears disintegrate on my wife's Eagle Summit Wagon after only 18,000 miles. I think they deserve the rap they're getting from us.

-M

herrmdogg

Just wanted to say ... HI ... oh yea and plug my website again ... lol ...

http://members.cardomain.com/herrmdogg

phases78

ok ill do that again, i did it earlier then i had to register paypall, i dont know if it took my money or not, so if it takes it twice, i trust you'll reimburse me

phases78

okay done, but can u make sure my application did make it thru from last time? so i dont have to fill it all out again if i dont have to?

rogor2k

OK - we got it, just once I promise. We have your online application, so I'll be sending you the official welcome letter and password in a little while.

Welcome aboard. Do we have Osman and Mike to thank for twisting your arm??

Update, I just finished sending you the Presidential "High Five." You are official now, you will be member #126.

phases78

when u coming to clarksville again? is it before the the 8th? Well, remember how i was gonna get my kid during my leave? well, his mother just up and took him to washington st, so now he's not coming up. Grrr. i hate that woman. anyway, im open if you coming up, let me know!!

phases78

excellent!!

yes, u do owe them a thanks for twisting my arm lol!

300mlover

Came UPS today! Will be installed first thing in the morning! Thanks to all. Found a shop that will install for $60. Full report to be filed after install as to performance. PS if I have them mount the sub facing backwards will this help my top end speed?? I wish!

Craig

tnsc_300m

PHASES!! Welcome #126 :-)
Sorry bout not getting to see your son, phase :-(
I emailed my bro-in-law earlier about a visit, looks like first week or so of August nothing official. Sorry bout that. BTW, He's the NCOIC at the FA/ADA Dining Facility. So if a big E7 comes up to you checking out your ride it's probably him.

-Rogor, Av and I expect our usual Club enrollment enforcer fee. ;-) LOL!!!!
This is such an easy sell if you love the car.
Truth, when he found out about using paypal to enroll, his first words were "I'M JOINING!"

-sdmike2- It think the FAQ and with Parts and FI/P (frequent issues/problems)section like has been proposed is a great idea!!!!!
I'll send the info I've got and am willing to help however I can.
tnsc_300m

sdmike2

I'm jealous! Mine is still on the mule cart from FLA to CA. We want a FULL report on how you wired it, where you mounted it, and how it sounds! Get the digital camera ready too!

-M

silverbullet4

Application sent tonight with payment by PayPal.
Rogor, please confirm at your convenience.

Regards, Silver

phases78

im so angry right now. im trying to trade in my wifes 99 cougar with 20k on it for a 98 sebring lxi with 23k on it. yeah, its a year older and 3k more miles, but its alot nicer. these fools want four grand on top of our car for it. ive got them down to three. the thing is our car is worth only 5 hundred less. now the difference between trade in value on ours and dealer price on theres is 3100, so at least i got that.. it took me all day, not to mention comeing home, printing stuff out from edmunds, and going back (just got home). i've drove the man nutz, but i want it even lower.

the problem is i've bought two cars from them now, cash, and they can't help me out a bit?? yeah, so i got really good deals with the other two, but hell, how hard is it to help out a loyal customer?!?!

sorry, just venting.......

easyrider300m

and remember, after you finish your spagetti dinner, come join us in the chat room for our Wednesday nite sit down to discuss business and other stuff-- so bring some vino and cigars and leave the "whine" at home---here is the link:

http://www.300mclub.org/

ottowrkr

http://www.car-truck.com/chryed/buzz/b062701.htm for a story on the 2004 300N ,check it out

300michael

I hope the sedan doesn't get the short end of the stick.

wencao

Only hope CHRYSLER DON"T PUT 4 SPEED TRANNY INTO IT to downgrade such a wonderful car. But Germans may want to DOWNGRADE it beause of THEIR overpriced MERCEDES.

lonestarsled

I don't like the idea of dropping out cylinders at highway speeds! Cadillac had a short lived engine called the V8-6-4 which did the same. Chrysler giveth and taketh away.

scotian

While I like the busy insides of the headlights (I hope it has the rocket pod lights of the Infiniti Q45), I absolutely hate their overall shape. And there's no excuse for making the grille larger. Overall, its design is a backwards step. It looks too plain, like several other cars.

The mosty important question is, though, what will its [non-permissible content removed] look like?

easyrider300m

not sure I like the overall look of the 300N sedan--looks like the sedan will have different grill and headlights than the convertible--and no side vents on the sedan--not crazy about the rear deck of the sedan--just the sloopy look with no flat deck to speak of---I like the rear of our M's better---now the rear of the convertible is a different story---the convertible looks better than the sedan in my opinion---I really wanted the sedan version over the convertible for security reasons--but now I will have to reassess when it finally arrives in the showroom-----maybe I could have Av turn the convertible version into a removeable hardtop version---can you start working on that , Av--what do you guys think

brianw300

I agree that front end looks to plain. And they have totally removed the lower grill and its mean cowl look. Ya know the upside down smile that they stuck the license plate in the middle of!

The front end looks to me like a mix between an Intrepid and a Mercedes...yuck! The old 300's ALL had that big mean cowl look, but then again they also had these HUGE fins LOL!

Somebody email that Stehrenberger guy and tell him not to change that lower grill! Otto? LMAO!

Brian

easyrider300m

the convertible is a 2 door--the sedan is 4 door--they look like 2 entirely different cars--I may have to settle for the 300M special in a couple of years---hope that sedan isnt etched in stone---maybe they will make some more changes---I think the 300M Enthusists Club should give Chrysler some inputs as to what we are looking for in the next generation 300--

hey otto--can you talk to those guys from Germany and set them straight--those guys should be reading these boards to see what M owners would really like to see in the next generation sedan--

denverm

I agree; the convertible is stunning, but I don't like the looks of the sedan shown in the drawing. I could really accept changes to the look of the current 300M, maybe more in the front end than the rear. I think changes should be evolutionary, though, since the M's design is so right on as it is. BMW tends to be evolutionary in their design changes, which develops character and heritage. The 300N sedan shown looks like a completely different car from the M. The design is a wrong turn, as is pretty apparent from the feedback on this board from the 300's biggest fans.

sdmike2

I hope they're not done with it yet. I like our current design WAY better. It looks like those ugly late model Cougars but witha big smile on the front. Makes me want to slap it. The drawing also makes the darned thing look like a fastback. Ugh.

kpm61

If that is what the N is realy going to look like I will have to wait for the 300O to replace my M.
Good thing it is only a few weeks old.
300"O" in 2010 ?

wencao

Looks OK, but
1.the grill should not be so big.
2.Chrysler flying wing symbol should stay at the center of grill as current 300M does.
3. The rearend should stay as WEDGED shape, don't follow AUDI A6's slippery [non-permissible content removed] that is ugly.

easyrider300m

the caps for club members that you mentioned sound right on the money--black, low-profile-with a nice logo will look nice with our club member shirts--

it pays to be a member of the 300M Enthusiasts Club--

now about those logo car mats?-- :-)

easyrider300m

why cant Chrysler just put the same styling of the convertible onto a 2 door hardtop coupe or even a 4 door sedan---the styling of the convertible is right on---the front, the rear, the sides of the convertible are perfect--so why not use that same styling on a nice coupe--

someone should let Chrylser know that they are making a big mistake---I think a letter from the Club signed by all the members may help wake them up.

mike360

sdmike2 and fastdriver:

Thanks for the feedback on Zaino. Your photos are a great testimony. I'm going to send an order in right away.

rogor2k:

I bought it from Huling Brothers in West Seattle. I hope I have as good an experience with their service department as I did with the purchase.

phases78

Well, i just got rear ended on the way to work this morning. i wish i could put the anger im feeling into words right now. i am so mad. the worst part is, insurance companies and dealers dont open for a couple more hours, so i just have to sit here and do nothing while my car is nailed.

p.s. rear ended at a red light, needs trunk work, bumper work, exhaust work, and perhaps the frame bent too. im not sure but i think the side panels are okay.

herrmdogg

You have my sympathy ... I might as well been rear ended too because until I can get my car back up there to fix the slow leak and "squeeking" noise from the air suspension install (I'm supposed to drop it off this weekend thank God), my car just sits parked too. I haven't driven it 10 miles in the past month. =*( The good news for you is that YOU ARE OK though you probably feel like dying. Keep us posted on the progress of your M repairs. Hope it all gets fixed CORRECTLY.