I just returned from a vacation trip to the Durango area of Colorado. Would ya'll believe that with all those fun winding roads up there, I couldn't take my M! We had so much stuff to take along we had to take my wife's Aerostar to get it all in (my wife has to take the kitchen sink when we travel). I enjoyed the roads in the Aerostar, but I really was wishing I was driving my 300M the whole time! Oh well, at least I got away from the Texas heat for a few days!
in tropical Noo Yawk Ci-tay.....Last night, we set a 'record' of sorts in the Wednesday night Chat room; where 18..yup, boys and girls...18 of gathered together in 300M-ness comraderie. To Forrest: sent you the pdf file.... To Av: dude, nice Flash file.... To Brent/denverm: fixed to home page, put a link under "Chatroom" and reset the counter. Whew....was a busy night.... ciao4Now, my 300m brothers and sister(s)
Yeah, I get the same deal! When we go to Houston and Galveston from D one of the kids takes a friend, and with the favorite pillows, fishing tackle, coolers, skateboard and demand for personal space we take the old 93 Grand Voyager w/ 120k on the odo. The M gets left at home (sniff). In a year, all the M road trips have been solo.
ok the www.mechanicsvilledodge.com site got me for $136 each light, www.oem-car-parts.com got me for $139, each light. i already ordered for oemcarparts last week, their shipping was lower than mechanicsville so it came out about even. so if anyone is interested those two are the best places to buy. my dealer was $152. this is all per light.
Well I just got my Borla Exhaust installed... Sounds sweet... not loud at idle at all, but when you stomp it you get a nice growl... havent done a gtech run yet (too many cops around), but I can definately feel a difference
Here's the question... Can someone try reving their engine while in park, and see if at 4000rpm the engine cuts out ? I noticed this while in my driveway lisening to the Borla... I just want to make sure this is normal... I would have never noticed it with the stock exhaust because I never sat in the driveway reving the engine... I double checked it in every gear, and it only seems to do this in Park and Neutral...
Hey guys, don't feel bad about having to take the family mini-van. We're driving to the northern CA mountains next week, and the minivan isn't enough for the family of 5. We're renting a 29 foot RV! yikes!
Oh good, I thought it was something like that... just never noticed it before...
Craig.. Yup I ended up going this morning, I was just going for an estimate for the install, then they said they could do it then if I wanted, so voila its on ! I really like the way it sounds, juuuuuuuuuuuuust right... Glad I caught that post b4 if was deleted !
Well, I just got home with my new 300M! Sweet! I love it! I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on "breaking it in"? I the sales guy at the dealership said not to go over 70 until I get to 500 miles. I have 98 miles on it now. What precautions should I take? Should I get my oil changed at 500 or 1,000 miles to get the new "engine junk" out of the oil?
Any help and suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks!
Well, I'm not the right person to ask because I couldn't help but to beat the beejeebies out of my engine one night with about 200 miles on the odometer. Laying rubber, full throttle acceleration, and pinning the speedo. Don't try this at home.
However, I would recommend the following modifications: Replace your stock air filter with a K&N air filter to help the engine breathe. Cost is about $35 - $40. Also, many people here have replaced their stock Champion plugs with Bosch Platinum +4 plugs. Cost is about $5 per plug. You will notice an improvement in car performance with these simple upgrades that cost in total under $75. At your first oil change (I did mine at 2,000 miles) you might consider going with a nice synthetic oil and good filter. I use Mobil 1 for both oil and filter. Oh, don't forget to get dual exhaust and bore out your throttle body as quick as you can, and make sure to get a custom clock face from Scotian (a board user). lol! Also, run (don't walk) to http://www.300mclub.org and join. Oh, and go tint your windows and remove the chrysler lettering...it will make you faster. haha
Here is a link to a page I keep up with various types of car information. You'll find a MS word document with the K&N and Bosch part numbers for the M, as well as a link to an oil filter study that will help point you in the right direction (and away from Fram).
Yey again, I am back with another issue. This evening at around 8:30 while we were out grocery shopping, the dash lights started going nuts. We were just leaving the parking lot, when the radio, overhead console, and all the other little lights kept flickering from day to night brightness. The light switches were never touched and were still in the same positions, but the lights kept flickering and blinking. After about two or three miles, it all went back to normal, but for a while there, it was kind of strange. My wife was driving and had a few select, not so nice words about the car when this happened. What the heck was going on? Has this every happened to anyone?
As for getting the wood/leather wood steering wheel for our M, I have no idea what's going on. My wife has called the dealer and spoken to the same guy for the past two days about this, and he always promises to call her back but never does. She's going to try again tomorrow but if he doesn't give her an answer or call her back, she said she's gonna call the general manager or something. I really don't know, we might never even get the weatherstripping and regular steering wheel they were supposed to order in the first place. All the Chrysler dealers here in Delaware are morons!
if the flickering happens again try messing around with the interior lighting switch. If it fixes the problem, get it replaced. Several others in here have reported that problem. Since the dash light brightness changes when the lights go on, and the AUTO setting is controlled by a sensor on the dash, it's possible that something was causing intermittant light/dark on the sensor causing the lights to turn on and off. However, if you dash lights were "flickering" the cause is likely #1. I doubt the responce rate on #2 would be very fast.
Am I the only one here who doesn't feel the need to strip away all signs that the car I just bought was built by Chrysler? I don't get the burning need many M owners in this room seem to have for stripping the lettering, badges, etc. from their cars. The cars I've seen pictured here without the CHRYSLER lettering and/or 300M badges look a little naked, and if I may be so bold, a little Japanese. Just my two cents, no offense intended.
My co-worker with the silver M limped into work today in second gear and thinking he had a big tranny problem on his hands. He was relieved to hear that it's probably only that damned speed sensor.
No offense taken. I just found the lettering overbearing. I already have a 300M logo on each side of the car and on the back, plus a big chrysler wing on the front grill. I think that's enough identifying chrysler stuff stuck to my sheet metal.
its the look now a days, for me anyway. shave off all the emblems, i guess its a symbol that its YOUR ride, not chryslers anymore. wait, that doesn't make sense. nevrmind.
I happen to like the flying wing and the 300 over the M badge emblems. The combined badge emblem and the lettering don't do anything for me. I do wish the car had a little more chrome (like the old 300's had).
Greetings folks, Stopped by my 5* tonite to ask about the 300M Special. I wasn't suprised to learn the salesman I talked too knew nothing about it. Just as I was about to walk away shaking my head, yet again... he pulled a suprise out.
"But, I do have a 2002 300M in the back!" Now he had my attention.
He took me to see a 2002 Steel Blue Pearlcoat/Taupe Leather 300M, non PHG. It had luxury group wood trim etc..., Chrome 17" wheels w/ Michelins Energy MXM same as 2001's, moonroof, full size matching chrome spare, 4 cd changer 11 speaker infiniti 360W, leather shifter knob , etc... Same goodies as a fully equipped 2001. Still has chrome window trim. Side mirrors were a gloss black. No real suprises. Had the new grill with wing on top. Sharp looking car. MSRP $ 31,250 dealer price $32,150. Couldn't drive it as it wasn't "officially available yet" I was told. Still sitting in it with the fresh off the truck smell was nice.
Also saw a 2002 Concord Limited they had. Still looked like a LHS to me. Salesman asked me what i thought of it. I pointed to the trunk, "See that big, round, bulbous butt". Then I pointed to the 300M "see that short, sweet, sexy [non-permissible content removed], Thats what I think"! ;-) LOL
OK, So am I the first to see the new model year 300M? beside otto I mean.:-) Gave the salesman a club card wiper card. He'd never heard of us. So I gave him the downlow bout the club. He said he was impressed about what I knew about the 300M model. I owe it all to you guys here and in the 300M Enthusiasts Club. 8 months ago when i bought the car i didn't know jack about the difference between the models without looking over the car and a brouchure. Thanks folks, I truly enjoy being an 300Mer! tnsc_300M
Mike my friend. Your photos I like, it's my computor that I hate!(btw, it's a 56K modem)
After I return from Disneyland next week, I will start looking a little harder for a new computor(Dell has great deals with free shipping and free CD-R or $150 off).
Now, I'm no metalhead...and usually listen to the Infinity at a mid-volume level...but has anybody else here had a fairly pronounced right rear speaker rattle? I have a '00 non-PHP and this first showed up at about the one-year mark. Keeps getting a little worse. Is it covered by warranty? Also, the cupholder rattles when it's CLOSED! I could understand maybe when it's open...but closed? Anybody else? Is there a quick fix? I really hate going to the 5*. And what about a TSB on a front-end crunch? Sometimes, it sounds like the front end is about to come out from under the car on certain bumps. 5* didn't know anything. Thanks.
You've beat me on the 2002 watch, but I think someone here mentioned that they saw one on a truck at their dealer. That car sounds exactly like the car I almost bought instead of Big Red. That Steel Blue with Taupe is very very nice looking indeed. The deciding factor that made me buy the one I did was PHG. If that Steel Blue had PHG I'm not sure if I'd be driving Big Red or Big Blue. :-)
That speaker should be easy to diagnose by you, the dealer, or a sound shop. It could be a loose mounting screw or a tear in the speaker paper. If it's a tear you'll have to replace it (I've seen speaker repair glue but I have mixed feelings about it). My guess is that you can get a nice pair of poly replacement speakers at an autosound place for cheaper than what Chrysler would charge you if its not under warranty.
The cup holder is another issue. Dealers are notorious for not being able to "hear" or fix rattles. If I were you I'd take the center console apart and remove the cup holders, and put the unit back together. If something was loose, broken, or smacking against something else you should be able to tell. I have a rattle that comes from behind my overhead computer display. I'm sure it's a connector beating on the plastic, so I just have to take it apart and pad it a bit.
As for the front end, go push on the hood to bounce the front end a few times. Sounds likeit might be the springs. Should be warrantied. Mine creak a bit when I get out of the car (ok..no jenny craig jokes please).
I hear ya, mike, I asked the salesman why they didn't order more with PHG. he had no answer. I drove a PHP at a different dealer with phases78 when he came to visit couple months back. My next 300m or 300N will definetly have PHP/PHG on it. The 5* new car sales mgr. is supposed to get in touch with me re: 2002 M Special. I'll ask him about whats up with PHP vs. non PHP models and their sales and report back what he tells me. tnsc_300m
You would be driving Big Red!! I have seen them all, and without offending anyone, this car is an eye catcher, especially with the sandstone interior, and I also took off my badges and it still doesn't look like Japanese junk.
make sure to check back. There are some guys here that spend a lot more time under their M than I do. They might have some more information about your front end issue.
After being unable to get the right size S&B filter from Borla (it's supposed to be part of their package), I went with a K&N. Yesterday, an S&B filter showed up unexpectedly. Borla, along with S&B, apparently figured out that the S&B part # 66-2070 was the right fit for the 300M.
After comparing the S&B to the K&N, I decided to install the S&B. Here's why: The S&B appears as though it will be more free-flowing. It has much deeper pleats and its pleats seem to be spaced a bit further apart (the "V" at each pleat's apex is a more obtuse angle). I know that eyeballing something like this isn't always an accurate measure of the end result, but the S&B appears to offer a more unobstructed airflow path, as well as significantly more filtering area than the K&N. I'll let you know if I can feel any difference once it's been on a few days, but, at a minimum, knowing the right part # gives you another option to the K&N.
Sorry, but I don't have any info on the price for this filter. I purchased a Borla exhaust system that was supposed to be packaged with a filter, so the price was not listed separately. The S&B website is www.sbfilters.com. You may be able to locate some additional information there.
Here's some additional info. The parts label on my S&B indicated: "66-2070 BMW 92-99." Unlike the K&N, the S&B was not packaged with a separate foam gasket. Rather, the gasket that was built into the filter itself was somewhat taller/thicker than on the K&N--I had to push pretty hard to get the filter box to click closed, but it was clearly well sealed. Finally, apart from the depth and angle of the pleats, I noticed one other difference: my K&N had black adhesive goop/rubber extending into the pleats about 1/4" all around. The S&B filter was unobstructed at the edges, with the pleats being free of any of this black stuff. This might make some small difference in flow (or maybe it's just an aesthetic issue)
I called S&B, but they have a $500 minimum purchase policy. They told me you can buy their filters at www.autoairfilters.com. The 66-2070 isn't listed, but I'm sure you could e-mail them for a price.
On car-truck news, they have just about confirmed that the LX-cars will be available with both the 5.7 Hemi and a 5-speed manual transmission. It said this is almost definate for the 300N and probably the Intrepid R/T. These new cars are sounding better and better every time I hear about them. Now that they've worked on the power--something that this car really needs because it's just too slow--they better do all their homework when it comes to structural rigidity. If there's one complaint that I have about the 300M other than power, it's the flimsy feeling body, especially for it's price and supposed technological design. I don't care how solid anyone's 300M has been in their opinion, because on a whole, no 300M or any LH-car is all that strong in this regard, period. This contributes a lot to the overall refinement and NVH controls, two issues that this car still has after four years. Well, enough of my crap, here's the article from car-truck news:
"I just received some great news from Ace Buzz Patroller BASS. The next generation LX cars will be available with manual transmissions! Best of all you'll be able to get the 5-speed with the all new 5.7 liter HEMI.
The option will definitely be available on the 300N and it should also be offered on the Intrepid R/T. No word if the Concorde and regular Intrepid will get it, but I'm guessing that if the 5.7 ends up as an option for these cars the 5-speed will be too. I can hardly wait!"
I never said anything about safety of the Lexus GS 400..All I said was I love that car. And they(Japan) make great lawnmowers. The last thing I look at when buying a car is its safety rating. Obviously you too...since you bought a 300M. Hey and you are right you are entitled to your opinion. Even as bad as it is! Rusty Lexus? Never seen one.
Comments
Oh well, at least I got away from the Texas heat for a few days!
Lynn
To Forrest: sent you the pdf file....
To Av: dude, nice Flash file....
To Brent/denverm: fixed to home page, put a link under "Chatroom" and reset the counter.
Whew....was a busy night....
ciao4Now, my 300m brothers and sister(s)
Doc
Jeff Schmatz
McAllen, Texas
Silver
Here's the question... Can someone try reving their engine while in park, and see if at 4000rpm the engine cuts out ? I noticed this while in my driveway lisening to the Borla... I just want to make sure this is normal... I would have never noticed it with the stock exhaust because I never sat in the driveway reving the engine... I double checked it in every gear, and it only seems to do this in Park and Neutral...
Craig.. Yup I ended up going this morning, I was just going for an estimate for the install, then they said they could do it then if I wanted, so voila its on ! I really like the way it sounds, juuuuuuuuuuuuust right... Glad I caught that post b4 if was deleted !
Any help and suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks!
Todd M.
Tulsa, OK
However, I would recommend the following modifications: Replace your stock air filter with a K&N air filter to help the engine breathe. Cost is about $35 - $40. Also, many people here have replaced their stock Champion plugs with Bosch Platinum +4 plugs. Cost is about $5 per plug. You will notice an improvement in car performance with these simple upgrades that cost in total under $75. At your first oil change (I did mine at 2,000 miles) you might consider going with a nice synthetic oil and good filter. I use Mobil 1 for both oil and filter. Oh, don't forget to get dual exhaust and bore out your throttle body as quick as you can, and make sure to get a custom clock face from Scotian (a board user). lol! Also, run (don't walk) to http://www.300mclub.org and join.
Here is a link to a page I keep up with various types of car information. You'll find a MS word document with the K&N and Bosch part numbers for the M, as well as a link to an oil filter study that will help point you in the right direction (and away from Fram).
http://www.ritchiefamily.com/links.htm
Sibe
Another pic here
So tell us what color you got and the extras on your "M".
I have taken a few long trips with my wife, two twin toddlers and all their stuff. It is amazing how much you can stuff in this car.
M look smoother. Good Job!
BTW, I just removed the side tags and kept the tag on the rear.
As for getting the wood/leather wood steering wheel for our M, I have no idea what's going on. My wife has called the dealer and spoken to the same guy for the past two days about this, and he always promises to call her back but never does. She's going to try again tomorrow but if he doesn't give her an answer or call her back, she said she's gonna call the general manager or something. I really don't know, we might never even get the weatherstripping and regular steering wheel they were supposed to order in the first place. All the Chrysler dealers here in Delaware are morons!
The slower my computer loads, the sooner I am going to have to buy a NEW COMPUTER!
Are you getting even with me for the "paper work" remark at last nights chat?
Another one bites the dust.
-M
Stopped by my 5* tonite to ask about the 300M Special. I wasn't suprised to learn the salesman I talked too knew nothing about it.
Just as I was about to walk away shaking my head, yet again... he pulled a suprise out.
"But, I do have a 2002 300M in the back!"
Now he had my attention.
He took me to see a 2002 Steel Blue Pearlcoat/Taupe Leather 300M, non PHG. It had luxury group wood trim etc..., Chrome 17" wheels w/ Michelins Energy MXM same as 2001's, moonroof, full size matching chrome spare, 4 cd changer 11 speaker infiniti 360W, leather shifter knob , etc... Same goodies as a fully equipped 2001. Still has chrome window trim. Side mirrors were a gloss black. No real suprises. Had the new grill with wing on top.
Sharp looking car. MSRP $ 31,250 dealer price $32,150.
Couldn't drive it as it wasn't "officially available yet" I was told. Still sitting in it with the fresh off the truck smell was nice.
Also saw a 2002 Concord Limited they had. Still looked like a LHS to me. Salesman asked me what i thought of it. I pointed to the trunk, "See that big, round, bulbous butt". Then I pointed to the 300M "see that short, sweet, sexy [non-permissible content removed], Thats what I think"! ;-) LOL
OK, So am I the first to see the new model year 300M?
beside otto I mean.:-)
Gave the salesman a club card wiper card. He'd never heard of us. So I gave him the downlow bout the club.
He said he was impressed about what I knew about the 300M model. I owe it all to you guys here and in the 300M Enthusiasts Club. 8 months ago when i bought the car i didn't know jack about the difference between the models without looking over the car and a brouchure.
Thanks folks, I truly enjoy being an 300Mer!
tnsc_300M
After I return from Disneyland next week, I will start looking a little harder for a new computor(Dell has great deals with free shipping and free CD-R or $150 off).
DC is the only company asking us owners to pimp for them by putting their name on the sides of our cars!
I did kept the rear Chrysler tag on to keep people from asking me what make is my car.
It's all cool. Different strokes right?.
The cup holder is another issue. Dealers are notorious for not being able to "hear" or fix rattles. If I were you I'd take the center console apart and remove the cup holders, and put the unit back together. If something was loose, broken, or smacking against something else you should be able to tell. I have a rattle that comes from behind my overhead computer display. I'm sure it's a connector beating on the plastic, so I just have to take it apart and pad it a bit.
As for the front end, go push on the hood to bounce the front end a few times. Sounds likeit might be the springs. Should be warrantied. Mine creak a bit when I get out of the car (ok..no jenny craig jokes please).
I drove a PHP at a different dealer with phases78 when he came to visit couple months back.
My next 300m or 300N will definetly have PHP/PHG on it.
The 5* new car sales mgr. is supposed to get in touch with me re: 2002 M Special. I'll ask him about whats up with PHP vs. non PHP models and their sales and report back what he tells me.
tnsc_300m
After comparing the S&B to the K&N, I decided to install the S&B. Here's why: The S&B appears as though it will be more free-flowing. It has much deeper pleats and its pleats seem to be spaced a bit further apart (the "V" at each pleat's apex is a more obtuse angle). I know that eyeballing something like this isn't always an accurate measure of the end result, but the S&B appears to offer a more unobstructed airflow path, as well as significantly more filtering area than the K&N. I'll let you know if I can feel any difference once it's been on a few days, but, at a minimum, knowing the right part # gives you another option to the K&N.
Here's some additional info. The parts label on my S&B indicated: "66-2070 BMW 92-99." Unlike the K&N, the S&B was not packaged with a separate foam gasket. Rather, the gasket that was built into the filter itself was somewhat taller/thicker than on the K&N--I had to push pretty hard to get the filter box to click closed, but it was clearly well sealed. Finally, apart from the depth and angle of the pleats, I noticed one other difference: my K&N had black adhesive goop/rubber extending into the pleats about 1/4" all around. The S&B filter was unobstructed at the edges, with the pleats being free of any of this black stuff. This might make some small difference in flow (or maybe it's just an aesthetic issue)
"I just received some great news from Ace Buzz Patroller BASS. The next generation LX cars will be available with manual transmissions! Best of all you'll be able to get the 5-speed with the all new 5.7 liter HEMI.
The option will definitely be available on the 300N and it should also be offered on the Intrepid R/T. No word if the Concorde and regular Intrepid will get it, but I'm guessing that if the 5.7 ends up as an option for these cars the 5-speed will be too. I can hardly wait!"