Still in FL.....Well i'm on the turnpike each day at around 7:30am, & 5:30pm. I get on at Coconut Creek Parkway, & get off at Glades road. A red Ford Escape, I'll watch out
I also saw 1 of these. It was on the road, & had dealer plates. I only saw it from the front though my rear view mirror. I knew it was a 2002 because the wing on the grill was all the way on the top. Looked strange.
I'm not sure yet if I'm happy or pissed that the price of the 2002 is (seems?) to be much lower than the 2001. It's like being on an airplane and realizing the guy next to you paid $1000 less for his ticket.
It may be too late to get hotel reservations, but if you live close by, drive in and celebrate with us.
We're staying at the Best Western Inn in Morgan Hill, CA. We'll all be meeting there at 7:00 PM on Friday evening August 17th, then head for the Round Table for a pizza and beer get-together.
We'll gather again on Saturday morning at 8:00 AM at the Motel and then car pool to the races at Laguna Seca, shopping, sightseeing, cruising, whatever you want to do for the day. There are many wineries nearby, an outlet mall, and Cannery Row in Monterey. There should be something for everyone.
We'll gather again late Saturday afternoon at the Motel to judge the cars in 4 categories, and then have our Awards Dinner immediately afterward.
Sunday morning we'll caravan to Monterey and do the "17 Mile Cruise" down California Highway 1 through some of the most breathtaking scenery on the planet.
If you can make it and haven't committed yet, drop me a line: prez300mclub@hotmail.com
Try doing a Yahoo search on ANYTHING with "300M" in it, even just "300M" and we come up #1. DaPrez has been working hard behind the scenes to make this happen.
Give me a break! I'm dyin' here in 100 degree heat and some of you lucky M'ers get to meet in one of the most beautiful places on earth. When I did the 17 mile trail in 1970 there was a Dodge Daytona (with the large wing)parked at one of the homes. Funny how you remember things like that. You might add the Laguna Seca public golf course to the list of options. They used to reduce the fees after 4:30. Hint! All the greens break toward the ocean. ;>) Have a great time, my friends. Take some pictures and post please.
Just a quick post, I got to run. Attended the big Street Rod show in L-ville this weekend. What a gas--great cars more than 10K of them and many were ultra awesome. The show comes here again for the next couple of years and might be a good choice for a gathering if the Detroit cruise goes well. Lots of businesses were in booths selling great parts, etc. for mods.
Phases--Didn't like the way the chrome grill came out, too many bumps and uneven places, and was going to try again when I saw some Gold colored stuff, single sided and bought it instead of the stuff you used. I did the whole grill area in less than a half hour, no mess, only had to cut the strip and peel the backing, and use my thumb as a guide in putting it on. It stuck really well. I like the look, but the wife thinks I have gone off the deep end. Anyway, if I can get to end of a roll of film I will ask Mike to post a picture, but single sided worked well because of the little edge that is on each horizontal cross member. I am debating trying to work something on the verticle members.
Final question: What happended to Tandee? Never see a post from her anymore. Anyone know? Tandee are you out there?
I got a small dent on my hood and went to a local dentless repair place. They indicated that the hood is made out of aluminum, but I remember reading that it was steel (I think the LHS is aluminum, though). Does anyone know the answer?
well i should finish up here by friday i hope, maybe run into the weekend but whatever. suicide doors are gonna be winter project, right now i'm getting rims, but the gas door thing is still on. hopefully that will work out good. 01' lights are on the way, gotta modify them, DID'nT HAVE TIME TO MAKING DRAWING OVER HERM, but thats a top secret project me and herm are working on. hood scoop will go functional sometimes early this fall. right now i'm all interior work, oh and my solenoids are in for the back doors, will put those in. so just wanted to give ya heads up of plans cuz i'm bored as hell right now. its 103 outside!
I thought the 300m was steel and the Concorde was aluminum. My mom has a 2000 Concorde and the hood definiately feels lighter than the one on my M. I can't vouch for the LHS.
I noticed that a lot of you M'ers like to shave off the letters from your trunk and add a winged emblem in the center...so I thought you'd like to see what the rear end of a stock LHS looks like...
Now all I have to do is lower the emblem to cover the trunk key-hole...
I wish they would have made the trunk lid out of aluminum too. Its interesting to note that for 2001 the LHS is 20 lbs lighter than the 300M per DC's website.
I got an estament of 3 days to do the painting from a very reputable shop, and took them in last Wednesday at 12:30 pm. I called today and they said they were getting ready to paint them. He couldn't give me an answer why they were sitting there for the last 3 days. I told him I needed them done by this Wednesday, because I am leaving town for 3 weeks. I plan to call first thing tomorrow to talk to the painter himself to find out what is going on. I had already preped them for them. I would hate to drive to California with about 16 holes in my hood and trunk. Rogor with I win a contest for the most termited vehicle?
I've been thinking that DC didn't really know what they had when they first released the M. It was almost just a sportier LHS that would fit in european garages. I think by the time they got to the '01 they realized that people were putting chrome exhausts on them and stepped it up a bit. Now they finally get what we're up to here and are coming out with a "special", which is what the car should have been in the first place. It took them 4 years, but at least they're learning.
I agree on those tips, the 99 M's should have had em... what was Chrysler thinking ? That was part of my reason for going to the Borla...
Who else here has a Borla ? I had a question about the venturi's ? If there was a HP loss with the venturi's compared to without... I would think there would have to be since its an added restriction, but how much power am I losing having them there ?
What is the inner diameter of the venturi's? If they are more then and 1/8" thick then you might start loosing some, If they are more then 1/4" then you are talking serious reductions.
I added a single venturi to my Borla system. I didn't measure the amount of constriction, but I'd say it was less than 1/4". I didn't notice any difference in performance, only a reduction in the exhaust resonance in the cabin.
As I understand aerodynamics, a narrowing in a pipe such as this doesn't always result in a flow reduction that's directly proportional to the decrease in the cross-section. At the point where the pipe opens up, the lower gas pressure "pulls" the exhaust gases through the constricted portion, accelerating flow. So, within certain limits, a constriction--in this case the annular venturi--doesn't substantially affect the amount of gas restriction.
I'm beginning to wonder if I missed the club meeting where the secret sign was given out....
There is a core group here that is quite proficient in their postings which as a potential 300-M owner I find for the most part interesting and helpful. However, those of us that are not part of the core group that wander into the board and post what we feel are legitiment questions or comments are for the most part ignored.
Sorry if you got the impression you were being snubbed. Nothing intentional.
I don't think any of us, even otto knows yet when the 300M Special will be built. They have said it will be a 2002-1/2 model, so best guess would probably be early next spring. When the news leaks, you'll surely see it here first.
Thanks for stopping by. Many of us here also belong to the Chrysler 300M Enthusiasts Club at http://www.300mclub.org . The club was started by a few of us who "met" in Edmunds Town Hall last summer. We try to keep the latest information on the Special and other things of interest posted on the web site.
Yours 300Mly, Roger Waters, President Chrysler 300M Enthusiasts Club
I doubt you're being ignored but you've been asking the same question... "When's the 2002 300M special becoming available and what will the pricing be?". I'd guess the answer is "nobody knows yet". I do recall someone saying it would be available mid-2002 model year, so that would put around March/April 2002.
I actually heard it could be available as early as November, with only 20hp more instead of the original promised total of 300hp. I'll check my resources when I get a chance!
OK.....maybe you guys aren't some double secret society after all....a couple of more questions.
Since it appears the Special is six or more months off and I need to replace my wife's 320MB by the end of November (lease is running out)that puts us in the position of ordering a 2002.
We have driven (rental on vacation for a week) a 2001 300-M that did not have the handling/brake option package. What does that package do for ride comfort??? What brand of tires come with this package???
We have seen all the 2001 exterior and interior colors up close and personal...are there any new colors for 2002???
Our rental 300-M had a sunroof which compared to other cars we have owned seemed extremely noisy when open...does anyone have experience with a sunroof defector???
tropical Noo Yawk: for lack of all edmunds.com screen names, this mesage is addressesd to Martin B., Ontario, CA; Jeff B., Springfield, VA; Les B., Santa Fe, CA; Tom G., Chandler, AZ Just a quick post to let youse guys know that your membership packages will be going in the U.S. Mail tomorrow morning. Tire wear: My fronts are begining to show wearing on the edges...I haven't yet had tires rotated (..please, no flames my way, please....) but will be doing next erl change. eMily has 9,400 miles on her. avalanche dude, I tried to call you at home over the weekend--I try to call at least one club member to get a voice to connect to the name at the 301-777-#### number, but person who answered said no Osman there! Maybe I have really wrong number....in any case, I tried, bud...Also tried Michael A. who also lives in Noo Joisey like me.... I did get to speak to George P. from New York (Staten Island, actually..) who is recovering from quadruple bypass surgery..... Later my fellow M nuts..... Doc
Now thats response heh! I see you asked about the build date four times. Wow. My guess is people here only answer if they know a definite answer. Which in my opinion is the right thing to do. And we didn't pay attention that nobody anwsered your questions. Hope we didn't offend you!!
The package gives you bigger rotors and vented rotors all around (only two are vented on a non-PHG model). The suspension is firmer, so you will probably feel the road more and have more control.
All 300M's come with Michelin tires.
Some people here have removed the sunroof deflector that pops up when the glass is opened and reported less noise. However, around 35-40 there is wind buffeting which is remedied by opening another window.
As for colors, someone else will have to answer. Historically I have only paid attention to black and silver.
If your replacing your wifes MB E320 then, I am going to get yelled at by saying this but you will notice a difference in quality. Driving a 300M is nothing like driving a MB. You'd be better off getting another MB. The 300M is a good car. For the most part trouble free, but compared to the ride, features, quality, & quietness of a MB, you will be disapointed in the 300M. I know I can tell the difference, & at the time if I could aford a MB that's what I'd be driving.
and all, the wipercard4z.pdf file is on the Club website under the heading "New addition...". Was placed there in response to many who have run out of this small, yet excellent way to promote our Club "in the field". Hope this helps folks out...... Also, got email from a fellow 300m enthusiast in---Saudi Arabia! He's a REAL Doctor! Asked him to send pix of himself and his M with some 'typical' Saudi Arabian scenery in the background. I don't know if he's a member yet, though; but thought: W O W, ain't the web a wunnerful thing?!
This is a very egalitarian board, IMO. I have posted many requests for advice, and have consistently received knowledgeable assistance, wiring diagrams, etc. I probably get a lot more out of this board than I contribute. I have never posted a picture, but enjoy viewing others. Hang in there with us. We love to talk about our M's.
Wow! I have a potential buyer for my chrome Razorstars when I get my new wheels (I'm thinking about buying TSW Imola's in 17" x 8" size). But I need the answer to a question: will my 17x7 Razorstars fit a Concorde LX which has 16" wheels stock? I would think that they would fit fine, but if anyone knows for sure, please let me know. Also, what would be a fair price for them (the Razors have 30K miles on them, but they look fine, no blemishes or scratches, etc).
adplusone: try a PHP car before you buy one without it. The extra braking power alone is well worth the additional cost, not to mention the improved handling.
I have the PHG and it's GREAT. You have alot of steering control, unlike my last car which was Infiniti J30t, it had Variable effort steering and it always had bad oversteer. I recommend getting the PHG! As far as road noise, only bad on coarse roads. Otherwise, it's quiet.
Sorry guys, I have to agree with fuzzy on this one. If you're coming from an MB, I think you'll probably be disappointed in the quality, feel, ride, and most of all, quietness of a 300M. Don't get me wrong, the 300M is a nice car for it's price class and it is still probably one of the best looking cars in the world, but after a month or so, you start to see how the put that "value" into it.
Then again, from my own experiance, and recent reviews I've read, many MB cars have quality that is clearly lower than even a lot of American cars. Several professional reviewers comment on how MB & the cost accountants have started to produce vehicles that creak, squeak, and rattle and don't feel at all worth the price that they demand--kind of like what our 2000 300M feels like some days.
Overall, the 300M is a very nice car if it's at the top of your price range. I like my wife's and think it is a great looking, nice driving car for a Chrysler, even though her words for it every day are "I hate it!". What she thinks- Nice looking car but overpriced and terrible quality, pretty much junk. I told her it isn't really all that bad, and at least it still runs everyday (albeit with many different noises) and that I'd take it anyday, but she just doesn't like it. Oh well, what can you do.
As for the Performance Suspension, I'd say get it if you buy/lease an M. We have the base "soft" suspension and I think the PHG's brakes, steering, and suspension make this car very fun to drive, even if it does make the ride a little bit stiffer or noisier. So what, the base suspension feels floaty sometimes and over bumps, the car seems to wiggle a bit, not to mention that there's already significant road noise--probably the crapola Goodyears though.
My opinion, make sure you do your homework on this car, or any for that matter, before buying. The 300M is a great car for the money, but if you have more, go up a notch or two. Even after our problems with rattles, creaks, loose pieces, engine knocking & tapping, and poor transmission performance and slipping, I'd probably get another. Either way you go, good luck!!
Oh, as for the colors, they have added Onyx Green and Light Almond for 2002, in place of Shale Green and Champagne. Here's what they look like:
I can't add anything to the speculation on the arrival date or specifics of the new Special. I did have some other comments that I hope might help. I just rolled over 5,000 miles on my '01 300M, so my experience is more limited than some of the other old timers on this board. My car has every option except the Smoker's Group.
First, I'm going to respectfully disagree with those who claim that you'll see a big quality difference between the 300M and M-B cars. I've owned two Mercedes, including a first-generation E-class and a C280 (still own the latter). Yes, they're well built, especially the E-class, but I have found my 300M to be defect-free, with no rattles or shakes. My Mercedes have been anything but problem-free and I have yet to experience a visit to my Mercedes dealers where I didn't walk away from the cashier having felt violated.
The one thing I would note is that some of the interior trim pieces on the 300M are of a lesser quality--e.g., the hard plastic B-pillar covers, but I really don't think you get a substantially higher level of build quality with Mercedes. Maybe I'd be wrong with respect to the S-Class cars, but I think I'm on target with the C and E-class Mercedes products. For me, the reason is fairly apparent. North American workers are much less expensive to employ than their German counterparts and U.S./Canadian automotive productivity continues to lead the way, along with certain Japanese manufacturers. Dollar for dollar, Chrysler is in the position to build in a lot more quality than Mercedes or BMW. I may be fortunate in owning a '01 versus a '99 300M, since I understand that some significant changes have been made to address early quality control problems.
I did seriously consider the A6 2.7T, the E430 and the BMW 540I. All are better cars than the 300M, if for no other reason than their drivetrains. But, after looking at the difference in monthly payments and having experienced the outrageously inflated maintenance costs for the premium German marques, I could not rationalize the very substantial price difference.
As for the question of whether to add the Performance Handling Group, I'd personally vote "yes." The PHG includes a "firm feel" steering ratio with enhanced on center steering, firmer struts, taller jounce bumpers, outboard (vs. inboard) ventilated discs, and an unlimited speed computer. The tires on both levels of trim are Michelins, but you get the higher-performance Pilot HX MXM4 with the PHG, as opposed to the softer (and lower speed-rated) Energy MXV4 Plus with the standard suspension. I think you'll find the PHG-equipped 300M to be more comparable to the M-B state of chassis tuning than the standard package, but I'd encourage you to drive both before making your decision. The PHG is noticeably firmer and you feel expansion joints and other road surface irregularities more than with the standard suspension.
The 300M is a great car--there are others that may be faster, more luxurious, or quieter, but I don't think you'll find anything else approaching the 300M in overall value, quality and performance until you climb $10,000 or more up the price ladder. With the reportedly lower prices of the '02 models and the advent of the Special, it's certainly the first car I'd consider (but then I suppose that's already obvious).
Two additional differences....the performance handling group comes with V rated Michelin Pilot MXM tires. This is to handle to the other difference, the removal of the 118mph speed limiter. I know for a fact that the PHG is not limited to 120mph.
Oh, I saw a couple of weeks ago that Roger (Rogor2k) was bidding on a wind deflector on eBay. You might want to ask him if he got it, and if so how he likes it.
Yeah Scotian, I definently agree about the Razorstar rims they're gorgeous. I'm trying to find out if Chrysler actually cast these themselves or who OEM'd them for DC. I'd like a set of 4 (or 5) 18" x 8" Razorstar rims myself.
When they mounted my new Michelins today I took a close look at the unmounted rim. no obvious clues there. there's a small logo on the chrome that looks like " JIL ", and on the inside of the rim there's a Chrysler "pentastar" logo. No other clues I could see to identify who actually cast the wheel for DC. I did find out who does the beautiful chrome plating. In my old Badyears I found a barcode label that had come off the rim. Kuntz Electroplating in Ontario, Canada Check out www.kuntz.com it has images of our beautifully chromed split 5 spoke rims all over their site.
Yo Av, since you got that unmounted rim handy, do you see anything that ID's it's maker? I guess I just have a hard time believing DC did this wheel "strictly inhouse" and would like to find a source for these rims (hopefully in different sizes). thanks folks. tnsc_300m
Comments
http://www.autoextremist.com/cruise2000.shtml
-m
We're staying at the Best Western Inn in Morgan Hill, CA. We'll all be meeting there at 7:00 PM on Friday evening August 17th, then head for the Round Table for a pizza and beer get-together.
We'll gather again on Saturday morning at 8:00 AM at the Motel and then car pool to the races at Laguna Seca, shopping, sightseeing, cruising, whatever you want to do for the day. There are many wineries nearby, an outlet mall, and Cannery Row in Monterey. There should be something for everyone.
We'll gather again late Saturday afternoon at the Motel to judge the cars in 4 categories, and then have our Awards Dinner immediately afterward.
Sunday morning we'll caravan to Monterey and do the "17 Mile Cruise" down California Highway 1 through some of the most breathtaking scenery on the planet.
If you can make it and haven't committed yet, drop me a line: prez300mclub@hotmail.com
You might add the Laguna Seca public golf course to the list of options. They used to reduce the fees after 4:30. Hint! All the greens break toward the ocean. ;>) Have a great time, my friends. Take some pictures and post please.
Silver
Phases--Didn't like the way the chrome grill came out, too many bumps and uneven places, and was going to try again when I saw some Gold colored stuff, single sided and bought it instead of the stuff you used. I did the whole grill area in less than a half hour, no mess, only had to cut the strip and peel the backing, and use my thumb as a guide in putting it on. It stuck really well. I like the look, but the wife thinks I have gone off the deep end. Anyway, if I can get to end of a roll of film I will ask Mike to post a picture, but single sided worked well because of the little edge that is on each horizontal cross member. I am debating trying to work something on the verticle members.
Final question: What happended to Tandee? Never see a post from her anymore. Anyone know? Tandee are you out there?
I need the tires now I'd say. The pair that was rotated to the rear is bald as a slick.
The other pair is OK but will wear out in a couple of months.
Thanks again.
Now all I have to do is lower the emblem to cover the trunk key-hole...
http://www.automfg.com/articles/069802.html
I wish they would have made the trunk lid out of aluminum too. Its interesting to note that for 2001 the LHS is 20 lbs lighter than the 300M per DC's website.
Looks like this year I'll be driving to detroit!
-m
also note the stock chrome exhaust tips...now why didn't the early M's have those???
Who else here has a Borla ? I had a question about the venturi's ? If there was a HP loss with the venturi's compared to without... I would think there would have to be since its an added restriction, but how much power am I losing having them there ?
As I understand aerodynamics, a narrowing in a pipe such as this doesn't always result in a flow reduction that's directly proportional to the decrease in the cross-section. At the point where the pipe opens up, the lower gas pressure "pulls" the exhaust gases through the constricted portion, accelerating flow. So, within certain limits, a constriction--in this case the annular venturi--doesn't substantially affect the amount of gas restriction.
There is a core group here that is quite proficient in their postings which as a potential 300-M owner I find for the most part interesting and helpful. However, those of us that are not part of the core group that wander into the board and post what we feel are legitiment questions or comments are for the most part ignored.
Just an observation.....
I don't think any of us, even otto knows yet when the 300M Special will be built. They have said it will be a 2002-1/2 model, so best guess would probably be early next spring. When the news leaks, you'll surely see it here first.
Thanks for stopping by. Many of us here also belong to the Chrysler 300M Enthusiasts Club at http://www.300mclub.org . The club was started by a few of us who "met" in Edmunds Town Hall last summer. We try to keep the latest information on the Special and other things of interest posted on the web site.
Yours 300Mly,
Roger Waters, President
Chrysler 300M Enthusiasts Club
I'd guess the answer is "nobody knows yet". I do recall someone saying it would be available mid-2002 model year, so that would put around March/April 2002.
Since it appears the Special is six or more months off and I need to replace my wife's 320MB by the end of November (lease is running out)that puts us in the position of ordering a 2002.
We have driven (rental on vacation for a week) a 2001 300-M that did not have the handling/brake option package. What does that package do for ride comfort??? What brand of tires come with this package???
We have seen all the 2001 exterior and interior colors up close and personal...are there any new colors for 2002???
Our rental 300-M had a sunroof which compared to other cars we have owned seemed extremely noisy when open...does anyone have experience with a sunroof defector???
Martin B., Ontario, CA; Jeff B., Springfield, VA; Les B., Santa Fe, CA; Tom G., Chandler, AZ
Just a quick post to let youse guys know that your membership packages will be going in the U.S. Mail tomorrow morning.
Tire wear: My fronts are begining to show wearing on the edges...I haven't yet had tires rotated (..please, no flames my way, please....) but will be doing next erl change. eMily has 9,400 miles on her.
avalanche dude, I tried to call you at home over the weekend--I try to call at least one club member to get a voice to connect to the name at the 301-777-#### number, but person who answered said no Osman there! Maybe I have really wrong number....in any case, I tried, bud...Also tried Michael A. who also lives in Noo Joisey like me....
I did get to speak to George P. from New York (Staten Island, actually..) who is recovering from quadruple bypass surgery.....
Later my fellow M nuts.....
Doc
The package gives you bigger rotors and vented rotors all around (only two are vented on a non-PHG model). The suspension is firmer, so you will probably feel the road more and have more control.
All 300M's come with Michelin tires.
Some people here have removed the sunroof deflector that pops up when the glass is opened and reported less noise. However, around 35-40 there is wind buffeting which is remedied by opening another window.
As for colors, someone else will have to answer. Historically I have only paid attention to black and silver.
-m
Hope this helps folks out......
Also, got email from a fellow 300m enthusiast in---Saudi Arabia! He's a REAL Doctor! Asked him to send pix of himself and his M with some 'typical' Saudi Arabian scenery in the background. I don't know if he's a member yet, though; but thought: W O W, ain't the web a wunnerful thing?!
Doc
Silver
adplusone: try a PHP car before you buy one without it. The extra braking power alone is well worth the additional cost, not to mention the improved handling.
Lynn
Then again, from my own experiance, and recent reviews I've read, many MB cars have quality that is clearly lower than even a lot of American cars. Several professional reviewers comment on how MB & the cost accountants have started to produce vehicles that creak, squeak, and rattle and don't feel at all worth the price that they demand--kind of like what our 2000 300M feels like some days.
Overall, the 300M is a very nice car if it's at the top of your price range. I like my wife's and think it is a great looking, nice driving car for a Chrysler, even though her words for it every day are "I hate it!". What she thinks- Nice looking car but overpriced and terrible quality, pretty much junk. I told her it isn't really all that bad, and at least it still runs everyday (albeit with many different noises) and that I'd take it anyday, but she just doesn't like it. Oh well, what can you do.
As for the Performance Suspension, I'd say get it if you buy/lease an M. We have the base "soft" suspension and I think the PHG's brakes, steering, and suspension make this car very fun to drive, even if it does make the ride a little bit stiffer or noisier. So what, the base suspension feels floaty sometimes and over bumps, the car seems to wiggle a bit, not to mention that there's already significant road noise--probably the crapola Goodyears though.
My opinion, make sure you do your homework on this car, or any for that matter, before buying. The 300M is a great car for the money, but if you have more, go up a notch or two. Even after our problems with rattles, creaks, loose pieces, engine knocking & tapping, and poor transmission performance and slipping, I'd probably get another. Either way you go, good luck!!
Oh, as for the colors, they have added Onyx Green and Light Almond for 2002, in place of Shale Green and Champagne. Here's what they look like:
Onyx Green
Light Almond<http://www.autopacific.com/scores>
First, I'm going to respectfully disagree with those who claim that you'll see a big quality difference between the 300M and M-B cars. I've owned two Mercedes, including a first-generation E-class and a C280 (still own the latter). Yes, they're well built, especially the E-class, but I have found my 300M to be defect-free, with no rattles or shakes. My Mercedes have been anything but problem-free and I have yet to experience a visit to my Mercedes dealers where I didn't walk away from the cashier having felt violated.
The one thing I would note is that some of the interior trim pieces on the 300M are of a lesser quality--e.g., the hard plastic B-pillar covers, but I really don't think you get a substantially higher level of build quality with Mercedes. Maybe I'd be wrong with respect to the S-Class cars, but I think I'm on target with the C and E-class Mercedes products. For me, the reason is fairly apparent. North American workers are much less expensive to employ than their German counterparts and U.S./Canadian automotive productivity continues to lead the way, along with certain Japanese manufacturers. Dollar for dollar, Chrysler is in the position to build in a lot more quality than Mercedes or BMW. I may be fortunate in owning a '01 versus a '99 300M, since I understand that some significant changes have been made to address early quality control problems.
I did seriously consider the A6 2.7T, the E430 and the BMW 540I. All are better cars than the 300M, if for no other reason than their drivetrains. But, after looking at the difference in monthly payments and having experienced the outrageously inflated maintenance costs for the premium German marques, I could not rationalize the very substantial price difference.
As for the question of whether to add the Performance Handling Group, I'd personally vote "yes." The PHG includes a "firm feel" steering ratio with enhanced on center steering, firmer struts, taller jounce bumpers, outboard (vs. inboard) ventilated discs, and an unlimited speed computer. The tires on both levels of trim are Michelins, but you get the higher-performance Pilot HX MXM4 with the PHG, as opposed to the softer (and lower speed-rated) Energy MXV4 Plus with the standard suspension. I think you'll find the PHG-equipped 300M to be more comparable to the M-B state of chassis tuning than the standard package, but I'd encourage you to drive both before making your decision. The PHG is noticeably firmer and you feel expansion joints and other road surface irregularities more than with the standard suspension.
The 300M is a great car--there are others that may be faster, more luxurious, or quieter, but I don't think you'll find anything else approaching the 300M in overall value, quality and performance until you climb $10,000 or more up the price ladder. With the reportedly lower prices of the '02 models and the advent of the Special, it's certainly the first car I'd consider (but then I suppose that's already obvious).
Oh, I saw a couple of weeks ago that Roger (Rogor2k) was bidding on a wind deflector on eBay. You might want to ask him if he got it, and if so how he likes it.
When they mounted my new Michelins today I took a close look at the unmounted rim. no obvious clues there. there's a small logo on the chrome that looks like " JIL ", and on the inside of the rim there's a Chrysler "pentastar" logo. No other clues I could see to identify who actually cast the wheel for DC.
I did find out who does the beautiful chrome plating. In my old Badyears I found a barcode label that had come off the rim.
Kuntz Electroplating in Ontario, Canada
Check out www.kuntz.com it has images of our beautifully chromed split 5 spoke rims all over their site.
Yo Av, since you got that unmounted rim handy, do you see anything that ID's it's maker?
I guess I just have a hard time believing DC did this wheel "strictly inhouse" and would like to find a source for these rims (hopefully in different sizes).
thanks folks.
tnsc_300m