Chrysler 300M

rogor2k

You need to go over and schmooze the Service Manager a little bit. Give him a dealer applicatiin and show him your Club member card. Just dropping it off with them isn't enough incentive. Tell them they get a link on our web page and a parchment certificate from the President (they do). How can they say no after that??

denverm

I took the dealer discount application in and talked in person with the Service Manager at my dealer, who said he'd have to talk to the owner (I also took him some of the tri-folds available on the club web site). After not hearing anything for a couple of weeks, I then phoned back a couple of times to check on the status, and he finally said it had been approved. I think it pays to be persistent and not assume the answer is "no" unless they actually tell you "no." Now that there's a dealer in town offering the discount, I'm going to start sticking tri-folds under M windshield wipers around town. More club members should try to sign up their dealers for the discount program!

sirharper

Heck dude...you want my Black 2000? Only 4500 miles, never seen rain/snow. I'll wait for the 2002.5 and just deal with it and drive my Sebring jxi in the meantime.

scotian

is now even worse after the shop guy looked at it. Although the sound seems to come from both where the steering column goes through the firewall and somewhere up front, it is probably all the same problem. I have to wait a whole month for that part. Has anyone else experienced this noise? I wonder what the shop guy thought of all the wires I've added under there...

scotian

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...

mykem

Separated at birth?

Concept of the 04/05 300 at

http://www.car-truck.com/chryed/buzz/b062701.htm

Concept of the 03 Cadillac CTS

http://www.autoextremist.com/page4.shtml

(I don't know how long the page will be valid, so look quickly!)

I suggest you open two browsers and look at them side-by-side.

-m

grunschev

"Black always beats White" unless you live in Phoenix. Today at 7:15am my thermometer read 103 degrees. Gonna be a hot one today, but maybe cooler than yesterday's official 116. On my way home the car's thermomter read 120 for a short while.

I've just about given up on Earnhardt Dodge, where I've taken the car the last few times. I think I'll give them one more chance because they are in a more convenient location, but I feel I've been treated better by Earnhardt Chrysler. Yes, the same owners.

When I bought the car they gave me a "Fleet Advantage" discount card, good for 10% off all service. Not good with any other offer. But I assumed anybody buying the car could get such a card just for the asking. I figure this is why many dealers have no problems giving discounts to club members. Am I delusional on this?

Igor

sirharper

Oh well maybe we should see it as a compliment that Cadilac was so threatened that they resorted to copying.

rogor2k

I know several recent posts have addressed this. Check this out. The 300M is not on their application list YET, but maybe if you express an interest?????


http://www.exoticwooddash.com/customrings.htm

ljgonzal

I have a '00 that has the plastic molding on the center beam of the doors. What should I use to protect this molding from being damaged by the sun? I have heard that meguiar's makes a plastic protectant, but everything I've found is for use on flexible plastic and not hard plastic like this molding. Does it make a difference?

fuzzywuzzy

I tried to get a discouint with the 2 dealers near me. They both declined! No reasons given, just a letter sent to me saying thanks for you intreast in the dealer etc etc we have declined your discount request etc etc...

I emailed that place about a wood ring months ago, never got an answer.

rogor2k

Thanks for your input on that. That's my first report on any dealer actually declining to participate. It's a pretty short sighted view, because the web site link has more potential value than a few dollars off on parts and service. But, it is their right to decline. Maybe that's an indication of their overall position on customer service.

hatax

Av, hey. I gotta say I'm looking at a NOS system as well. I'm curious, what have you found so far? I'm thinking the weak link on the 300's tranny is first to second gear, that seems where it's faults are the most evident and that's the shifting point where I'd avoid using it. I'm looking at a simple dry system maybe worth a 60-75hp shot. Just wondering what you've found so far!

beach15

I don't mean to be sticking my nose in your business man, but aren't you just a little tired of the stuff wrong with your car? You say it's the dealer or "monkeys" that just can't seem to get anything fixed or done right. Sure, it may not be as bad as you make it out to be here, but you must really love something about your car to be putting up with all that crap and not having a real complaint yet. I know one thing, if I had a car that costed over 30 grand and all I do is sit at the dealer who can't fix a thing, I'd be a little PO'd to say the least! Our identical M doesn't crunch or squeak loudly over bumps or have screwed up door moldings, it just rattles!

Enough of that, hey anyone heard from Phase's lately? He must be at the dealer gettin things worked out.

sibe

To all thanx for your input re. winter tires. If we do end up moving up to Fairbanks I'll keep you posted. But as Mike said, if M didn't get stuck what would I ever do with my team of Sibe(rian) huskies???

Re. dealer, our DC dealer here in Hawaii refused to join as well. But then again the renaissance is something that passed most of these people by...8-)

Sibe

bigmike5

Russklass--Do you have a part number for the medalions or the caps with the medalions on them if they come that way. I might like to add them to my 17" wheels. The wing emblem [Av's idea and part number] worked out great and looks very sharp. So, I might try the medalions if they are available and cheap.

mikeyjohn

Anyone out there that can give me some advise on a glass cleaner that can be bought at any automotive store over the counter? We have very hard water here and I keep getting white spots on my glass even after I chamois my windows. I tried using Windex and it left a film on my windows, yesterday I bought a can of RAINEX which was better as it foamed on the window and did help but I can still see the spots. I have used paper towels and also new white cotton towelling but with no luck. I AM GETTING FRUSTRATED< HELP!!!!!!!!!!

hatax

Heres what works best, I get automotive glass cleaner any kind, but instead of wiping it up with a rag, use a squeegee to clean the window, then use a paper towel and wipe the blade on it after each run across the glass, works like a charm and the window is 100% clean each time.

russklass

Mike, the part # is 5288694AB

List is $17.75 ea., I paid $11.75 at my (real) 5*.

Thet are self adhesive, and will fit beautifully on those plain, flat, center caps used on the '99-'00 17" wheels.

Here's a pic of the caps installed on my ''01 wheels, but I had to modify the convex center caps to get a fit:

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/ViewPhoto?u=1501794&a=11408326&p=40150648&f=0

beach15

Here's a copy of a post from the LHS board on the medallions:

"Installed them. Pt # 4805455AB $15.20 a list price. $12.16 a from Mechanicsville Dodge, 1-800-559-6698. They would look good on chrome wheels. Just peel off the back and stick on."

Medallions on silver Razorstars:

http://www.ehomebook.com/users/njerald

("Family Photo Album--LHS--Pic #6)

http://www.mechanicsvilledodge.com

scotian

It's tiring but even at $30K, or twice that, a car is still just a machine built by humans (and by other machines built by humans) and is not perfect. I would be a fool to expect perfection.

Coincidences aside, the shop didn't cause the noises, and as it turns out each time I need to bring it in for something they messed up on, I'm bringing it in for noises as well.

And I place some of the blame for them not finding the source of the noises on myself because I knew that noises, even if they are really bad, have this annoying habit of going away by the time you bring it in to a dealer, and I waited, and the dealership couldn't hear them enough to fix them. The third time noise erupted I brought it in immediately for them to test drive and take notes.

The dealer is sincerely trying to correct the car, whether they screwed up, or a manufacturing defect, or a parts failure. It helps a lot that the car is under warranty and I have a service contract, though...

mikeyjohn

Thanks Hatax, I'll give it a try, it might even work on the inside as these LHS's are a real pain to do the inside. Thanks again.

ruski

try using a newspaper and a glass cleaner from an auto-store. Newspaper gives amazing results.

ruski

Cadillac pioneered that style - edgy, with tall narrow headlights - a few years ago. I think Evoq was the first show car to have it.

sirharper

Anybody have the windows tinted on their M's? If so...who did it or how'd you do it and how do you like it?

intrepidspirit

The Zaino Bros. glass cleaner does a good job on hard water spots -- I use a clean cotton towel to wipe it off (with no streaks)...however, you need to order it...

bigmike5

Thanks for the info on the medalions. Each has a different pat number so which one should I opt for? Probably the same item with a different number for each car.

hayneldan

A friend of mine suggested this trick after I tried all types of glass cleaners and ended up with streaking. Using two clean terry cloth rags one wet one dry, first clean with the wet then immediately wipe dry with the dry one. I was amazed it worked. no streaks.

mikeyjohn

It's great to find a place to go and get tips for whatever! I will try some or all of these tips, and maybe I can get a part time job at a full serve station here. Thanks again!!!!!!

silverbullet4

With a little bit of luck, and a pair of last minute bids I "won" an Infinity BassLink amplified subwoofer on eBay today. Price was $208 plus shipping. Anyone else on that auction? 300mlover-thanks for the pics of your installation. I like that approach to get good sound with minimum loss of trunk space. This is only my second upgrade. The first was a tint job with metallized, darkest legal and 65% IR and UV blockage. The color is ok on bright silver, but would not be good with most car colors. Good tint is absolutely a must in our climate with dark interiors. I will probably have my local EarMark shop do the BassLink install, rather than putz around looking for connectors, etc. I might add some bass blocker capacitors to the 6x9s in the back after I try it out for a while.
Happy 4th! Silver

ruski

http://freshalloy.ubbforums.com/forum/Forum19/HTML/000089.html

sdmike2

A buddy of mine had a NOS system in his 90 mustang with a beefed-up tranny and went through a transmission every 15,000 miles. He claims that he'd only give it a quick shot in second, and then lay it on in third. He kept destroying second gear. Might want to contact the company that does the Prowler custom gears and see if they have any tranny improvements. If this tranny is having trouble with 250 hp, can you imagine it with 325 at 6000 RPM? lol

sdmike2

Looks like a mini-Maxima (a Minima?). More of a competitor to Jettas and the like (IMO)

traley

Hmm. Almost looks like an Lexus. Doesn't look too bad. More sporty than elagant.

sdmike2

A lot of folks here have tint. Here is a picture and a link to my photo albums. Mine was done by Tint Devil in San Diego for about $200 for 5 windows using Llumar film.

Big Red's Photo Galleries

scotian

Looks frumpy.

sibe

Yo!
Here's something I've been thinking of adapting. Don't know whether you follow Formula 1 racing but some time ago, they had a hydraulic system that when engaged used to sprout out 4 pilons from the undercarriage that automatically raised the wheels of the ground. Forget jacks and all that. They've since abandoned that but I always thought that was a cool idea and something worth investigating. Ideas/comments?

Sibe

sibe

Would those fit the 2001 with the 17" rims? Thanx,

Sibe

russklass

You CAN put the medallions on the '01 wheels as I did, but you need to adjust for the convex center caps (the '99 & '00 caps are flat).

I used some black windshield selant in "rope" form to fill in the edges so the medallion would lie flat.

I got the selant from my 5* at no charge, rolled into a thin rope, and put it around the outside of the adhesive area of the medallion (after removing the backing).

I then placed the medallion on the center of the cap and pressed firmly until the medallion contacted the center of the cap, and the outside edges were even all the way around. Voila!:

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1501794&a=11408326&p=40150648&Sequence=0&res=high

This is easier with the caps off the wheels.

ruski

is actually bigger than the current Maxima and comes with a 240HP V6 engine. The 5-speed manual transmission allows it to do 0-60 in 6.3 seconds.

It looks a bit like the 300M. Size is comparable to 300M. Power is comparable to 300M. Performance is actually better, at least from 0mph. Dealers tell me that it will be around US$25K for a loaded one. I think it will give 300M a run for its money.

Oh, it also comes with HID headlights and a dual exhaust.

kpm61

All that are unhappy with the changes in the next generation should contact Chrysler. I will tell them I don't like the N, and to please re-do it.
I'll also let then know that Cadillac is planning on a M look alike.
Do Cadillacs retain thier value better than a Chrysler ?

phases78

bought the black M

beach: i agree about good deal in long run. i GAURENTEE (spelling) i can get a better deal on the 2002's with this one than the wrecked one. in the mean time 6,500 is fair for all that was wrong with that car, now all fixed. plus i get the color i wanted. black with that taupe(?) interiour. however, its only 4k less miles. good enough for me though

rogor: you are to late lol. chances are i still will be the first member with the 02, special though. also, my dealer said it looks like there going to sign up on your deal, just have to run it by one more time and make a couple checks at there next buisness meeting!! cool huh?!

phases78

new features: matching full size spare WITH matching rim; tire pressure monitor; ABS now Electronic brake distribution; child seat LATCH system standard.

02.5 special:Nisha I/P and door trim laminate, dark grey metallic ground effects, HID's, unique badging, dual exhaust chrome tips, 18" alunimun rims; P245/45ZR18 96Y michalen pilot tires, unique steering/suspension, higher output engine, 150MPH on speedometer/ 3 colors avalable, two tone dark slate/light taupe interiour.

new colors: light almond metallic, onyx green
disconntinues colors: champaine, shale green
discontinued interiour: deep royal blue
special colors: silver/dark grey, dark slate interour;black/dark grey, light tan ineriour;deep saphier blue/dark grey, either interiour.

300hp is still in the air. not locked in yet.

this is all out of the managers order book.

phases78

okay i bought the black one. im gonna have the chromed grill, side markers, K&N, sparkies, and clock done today (i hope) i have to wait till hte check clears from insurance before i can get the wood kit and dual exhaust

300mlover

Cangrats that's a great price on the Basslink. Please let me know how those capasitors work out. I was actually thinking of getting some of those, but my install guy said something about it's not a good idea to use those with the infinity system. And I didn't take the time to research it any more than that so I opted not to install them.

silverbullet4

Interesting comment from the installer. Do you have a name and phone number for your installer so I can go into that comment about the bass blockers? You can send it to me at wreed6211@aol.com. I won't bother him unless I decide to try them. The whole purpose of the subwoofer for me is to improve sound quality beyond just drowning out the 6x9's with sheer power (no criticism implied, AV :>))
Thanks, Silver

aj_tomasi

If you like this car, save your money for the 2003 Infiniti G35. Same car only has a 6-speed manual, 280-300hp, fully loaded for under $30K. And the Infiniti is rear-wheel drive!

If your wondering why Nissan is coming out with such powerfull models you should remember that they are under the tutalige of Renault.

As for the NOS, there is no problem with our tranny. The dude at ProwlerPro has done 500 1/4 mile runs and the prowler has the same trans as ours only their's is located in the back under the trunk. And if you think our tranny is weak take a look at some dyno runs that show 240 ft-lbs of torque at the wheels stock (170hp stock). I don't know about you but I like that! The only problem with these cars is that the power comes in soooo late. 3500 for max torque and 6400 for max horse power. That's were the Prowlerpro gears come in. By making your engine rev higher you get closer to the max power points. If our cars had max horse power at 5200 rpm then everyone would be happy!

adplusone

The "2002 300M Special" (that is the official name)is now in the dealer order books. Here are the particulars (model LHYX41)...

Engine is listed as 3.5L HIgh Output V624V MPT (EGK) with a 4 Speed Automatic (DGX).

Ex colors (three only) Black Clear Coat, Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat and Deep Sapphire Blue Pearl Coat. Interior "Premium Leather" colors (two only) Dark Slate Gray and a Light Taupe/Dark Slate Gray two tone.

Only options are side air bags, front license plate bracket, cold weather group and power sunroof.

Features include (diff from standard 300M) 360 watt stereo, special badging, auto dim exterior driver's side mirror, high speed engine controller, duty plus cooling system, sport tuned exhaust with chrome tips, HID headlights, cigar lighter, auto fold away power heated mirrors, lower door moldings, smokers group, radio upgrade full size spare (with matching wheel), 150 MPH speed, performance steering, turn signals on both exterior mirrors, tire pressure monitoring system, 245/45/18 96Y BSW, vehicle information center and 18" alum wheels.

Still no prices and no build date!

hatax

You know, people say the tranny is weak in the LH series cars, and while I don't doubt it. My record has been a 95 intrepid with the 3.3l and 163k on the clock and the tranny was perfrect from day one, my 97 intrepid with the 3.5l had 63k when I got my M and it's tranny was perfect. Remember I had these cars in my late teen years, so they weren't babied. In my own opinion the old 3.5l in my intrepid had more off the line torque, it could spin those tires all day long from a stand still. I think it may be due to the dual throttle bodies it had.

But people say the tranny is weak in the car, but how many people do you hear about with failed transmissions? (Not to be confused with speed sensor failures) I haven't heard of a 300 tranny rebuild yet.... So..... I dunno, still un-decided. But I did get my changer back from the dealership today! Wheee! No more skipping with CD-Rs, they sent it to Colorado and had it repaired, works like a million bucks now with all different types of CD-Rs.

fcm

To clean the windows, fill a squirt bottle with about 12 oz. of water and an ounce or two of ammonia. Use newspapers instead of towels. The newspaper is rough enough to remove some stubborn stuff, like bug guts.

I've seen the 02 almond color and don't like it much, it's just another gold variant. We compared it to a 00 Concorde and it looked about the same.

I know two people who had older Intrepids that need transmission rebuilds. I've got 33K+ on my M and I'll soon be taking it to a transmission shop for some preventative maintenance. An ounce of prevention.... And yes, they'll put the correct fluid back in.

Roanoke Il., pop. 1200, is home to Roanoke Motors, a full line Mopar dealer. Went there several weeks ago, he had 4 PT Cruisers in stock, 2 Vipers (!) and a Prowler (!) on the showroom floor. Plus another Viper in the service dept. Roanoke Il? And he had a 300L in the showroom. It is just a 65 New Yorker 2 dr ht with special trim. Only 70K on the clock and the body looked straight.