I have noticed the problem in my 2001 since I got it. I have also heard of others having this problem and it appears that Chrysler is willing to accept a certain amount of movement. I don't remember the distance allowed but mine "feels like" it moves about 1/4". I think it has to do with the gear backlash in the seat motor / drive assembly. It's something I just live with because it only seems to do it when change in motion is sudden. Gradual starts and stops don't seem as bad.
Silverbullet - I think my pic looks like about 132 or 133 mph. The car goes faster, and I've had it faster, but I've never really been able to see exactly how fast it goes; conditions just haven't allowed me to keep the pedal to the floor (it's amazing how quickly you eat up the highway at that speed!). Just after snapping this pic I had to back off a bit for a curve. Wind and road noise were higher, but still not real bad (smooth blacktop). Sorry about your nephew. This is not a comfortable cruising speed for me, but 100 feels very good.
Sirharper - I had to do three runs at it before I got a decent photo.
300mlover - Check out http://www.radartest.com , which rates the Bel 980 and the Passport (8500?) the highest and gives lots of info. Mykem's explanation is very good. On this trip my alarm suddenly went off at a very high level, and I immediately put the brakes on, then saw a trooper going the other way on the interstate. Did I reduce my speed in time before he locked onto me, or did he just not have a good spot to turn around and pursue me? Probably the latter. A while later I saw another trooper coming toward me, put on my brakes, and then immediately the alarm went off, again at a very high level. The last speeding ticket I got, about three years ago, was one of these head-on moving radar shots (I didn't have a detector then). I suspect that instant on radar is tough to beat when there's not a lot of traffic for you to pick up the cop trying to tag people ahead of you. You can see what the Bel looks like on my dash at http://btjdesign.com/300m/radar.html I think I paid $237 for the Bel over the web a few weeks ago, and the lowest price I found on the Passport was around $300.
OK, now this is just great! I took my M in for this right before my 36K miles were up. they found it was fine. Now today at over 40K miles, it seems the right rear doors is shrinking. There's a nice 1/2" gap there now. the others are fine, no gap. My extended warranty does not cover this. So, has anyone replaced there own? Anyone know the part # of this, so I can get a price from the dealers parts shop.
I hope you did not take offense to my missing with you. We all have a cheap streak to us! I always take the Equal(for my morning coffee) while at a resturant!
No offense taken at all - I expected to get a few laughs about it. I did see some folks at the rest stop trying to sleep in the front seats with the backs reclined, and I felt like I had pretty luxurious accomodations in comparison!
Well, our major site re-launch has slipped a week and I have been working 14 hour days plus a 2 hour commute each way. Were launching Sunday night but still have issues to resolve over Saturday. Much as I want to make it, I'm going to miss the gathering.
Take lots of pics and have a great time, its nice area to play in.
It has only happened twice on my 2k. I made a small adjustment, back and forth and the slack went away. If someone has deeper knowledge of the motor and gear mechanism, maybe there would be an explanation. I would think for safety reasons the seat would have to be secure after adjustment.
I've read through the latest posts about the seat issue..
I also had the problem. I took my 01 into the dealer (non5*), and the Manager of the Service department told me that they are having problems with the lower seat bracket. He did not state if it was a big enough problem that Chrysler would do a recall...
He replaced mine in a few hours with a new one, and have not had the problem..I can see concerns about saftey, which I brought up..the last thing that Chrysler needs is a major law suit if something happens during an accident to a fellow M'r..
But if you take the car in, have them replace that lower bracket, it should go away..
WWWWEEEELLLLLLLL I rear-ended some guy in a black GMC Jimmy today at a light. I must STRESS the importance of NOT HAVING AN AIR SUSPENSION. It makes you want to play with it all the time which takes your focus off of driving. I was (as usual) showing off my ability to play Twister with my car, when all of the sudden WHAM !!! I was already stopped at the light but when I was messin around, I guess my foot came off the brake and I didn't realize I was moving (it's hard to when your car is bouncing every which way) and I ran into the guy in front of me. It was some old man that hopped out with his ATTITUDE in front of him (obviously because I was driving a car worth at least 3x what his old Jimmy was and I being only 1/3 his age). He looked at the rear of his vehicle first. The bumper was metal, but had that plastic covering the top of it and that plastic part had popped up. He just hit it with his hand and it popped back into place. Now on to more imporant things ... MY RIDE !!! I looked at my car and saw A LOT of black marks and of course got scared at first. I looked closer and ran man hand across the black marks and realized it was dirt/grease, so I was relieved to say the least. So I will be suing him this weekend for driving a POS and because I think I have internal bleeding (LOL JK). He looked at me and said "I'm OK if you are" so of course I said I was OK too and apologized and we went on our way. I just thought you guys might like to know I banged up my ride today, YIPPEE !!!
WWWWEEEELLLLLLLL I rear-ended some guy in a black GMC Jimmy today at a light. I must STRESS the importance of NOT HAVING AN AIR SUSPENSION. It makes you want to play with it all the time which takes your focus off of driving. I was (as usual) showing off my ability to play Twister with my car, when all of the sudden WHAM !!! I was already stopped at the light but when I was messin around, I guess my foot came off the brake and I didn't realize I was moving (it's hard to when your car is bouncing every which way) and I ran into the guy in front of me. It was some old man that hopped out with his ATTITUDE in front of him (obviously because I was driving a car worth at least 3x what his old Jimmy was and I being only 1/3 his age). He looked at the rear of his vehicle first. The bumper was metal, but had that plastic covering the top of it and that plastic part had popped up. He just hit it with his hand and it popped back into place. Now on to more imporant things ... MY RIDE !!! I looked at my car and saw A LOT of black marks and of course got scared at first. I looked closer and ran man hand across the black marks and realized it was dirt/grease, so I was relieved to say the least. So I will be suing him this weekend for driving a POS and because I think I have internal bleeding (LOL JK). He looked at me and said "I'm OK if you are" so of course I said I was OK too and apologized and we went on our way. I just thought you guys might like to know I banged up my ride today, YIPPEE !!!
I was thinking black for the sides and charcoal for the top and bottom. The black looks noticeably darker than agate, and charcoal might as well. Maybe charcoal/grey...
Yea..They only will do the seat bracket..I tried to get a new seat out of them..(Not that my 01 M needed it)..but as you know, after a few months, the seat does look used...
There was no way that they would replace the seat..But I tried hard!..
Took the car in again on Monday and my 5* changed their tune and decided it was my "warped rotors" that is causing the shimmy and not my rack. And since rotors are only covered for the first 12k miles it will be "only $179" to turn them and install new pads. WHAT!!! I said. NO WAY am I paying for new brakes. So I called Detroit. They called thier Zone Rep. And Monday I am getting new rotors and pads at no charge. I guess this is good news. But we (me, 5*, Detroit, Zone Rep, You all) know that this isn't going to fix my problem. What it will do is probably mask the issue for another 1-3k miles. Then it will be the tires again you know. I am sending the letters out for Arbitration as soon as I get my car back and feel any vibration at all. The sad thing is if they (arbitration board) decide in my favor to have Chrysler buy back my car it really isn't a win for me. Reason being they don't even make my car anymore! Stone white with the Camel interior. Hmmm....maybe I wait for the 300 Special. Now there is an idea!!! Or I run to the nearest Lexus dealer. Nah, I love the 300M tooo much!!!
HAHHAHAHAHAAHAHH, sry i don't mean to be mean but...HAHAHAAHAHH.
i can picture you doing a pancake, then pulling up dogleg, giving someone the look...then BAM. lol. well when i read the title my stomach flipped thinking you mashed the front end or something. oh well the chromalusion will cover that up nicely
No matter which colors you choose (I have one of the 2-tones....brown and tan for me) ask them to include a second thread kit (wheelskins will throw in an extra one free if you ask)..then you can do a "baseball" stitch...looks a lot better. If you want pics or directions on how to do the stitch, let me know....
hey what window was it? that #$@% happened to my rear window, someone tried to pull it down, good thing i got cameras runnin around the caR
jk, yea and it messed up the whole window motor, lickily i got this done under warranty and said nothng about the incident...you still under warranty T?
I also have the seat problem on my 2000 (March) M. I find that if you adjust the seat position just a little it gets better. I hear some people on this board actually got a new seat, although in some cases it was a 99m and the leather didnt match. I might wait till my warranty is almost up and then hope they give me a new seat. My drivers seat shows a lot of stretch marks which makes it look a little more worn than the back seat. Do you guys also find stretch marks on the seats?---
I guess the posts here will drop off this weekend now that a lot of members are at the 2 meets. Hope some of them brought laptops to keep us posted. They should have brought video cameras to make a nice video to sell to club members at a nominal fee.
I have extended warranty. Covers the motor, but not it being off track. I checked with the dealership today and they said the piece isn't seperate...says I have to get a whole window (driver's front). I am going to take it to a glass place to see what they can do.
I have a window off track too.. havent gotten around to bringing it into the 5* though... I can grab the window get it back on track and close it ok so Im living with it till I get time... You know a window sounds kind of expensive... Id hate to do that since I'd have to get it tinted again too...
anyone see pics of the 2002 Cadillac CTS? Saw an article today in USA Today newspaper----its smaller than the Deville and totally different styling---somewhat like the M with a chiselled look. And they said it would have German type handling more like a BMW. From the side view, the rear looks similar to the M with the chopped off look. The fronts not bad either. Also they stated it would come with an optional manual tranny. And the price will be about $34K. If it comes with the famed Northstar engine, the car could be a major hit among near luxury level car buyers. They are gearing toward a younger buyer. This could give the M some serious competition until 2004 300N is released. Anyone else see a review of the CTS? Comments?
OK, traley's extended warranty doesn't cover the window off track, and I think it was fuzzy's that won't cover the shrinking door weather stripping. Do you guys have DC extended warranties or from some other company? I've thought I might buy one before the regular warranty expires, but if there's so much that isn't covered, I wonder if it pays . . . . Seems to me like both of those items should be covered.
I've got a laptop here. Tonight there were five members and four cars, expecting more locals tomorrow to join in. Here now are Roger and Paulette, Jeff, Michael, and me. Cool listening to the duals and checking out all their other mods, including Michael's hood scoop. Went for dinner at Round Table Pizza and had a spirited discussion about everything M for a couple hours or so. Will take some pics tomorrow and try to put them up. Also heading to Laguna Seca for the races tomorrow, where Jim is racing. Great fun to meet these folks!
When I go to that site, most of the images don't load and none of the links work. Maybe they're having a temporary problem with their server, but I'd say it's not a good sign for them to actually have a chip that works.
that caddy is a 2003 model to be released in Jan2002--here is a link to the caddy site--click on link to the CTS--it takes awhile to load but its worth the wait---be sure to click on video link--it will be available in a 5 speed manual as well as automatic---and its rear wheel drive! looks very interesting
Another case of "let's see if we offer a manual, we gotta put a V6 in it, no way a V8, too much, think of the insurance, etc...."
Geesh, when are car makers gonna learn to save money by offering either tranny with the same engines. Maybe just reprogram a Northstar V8 for a little more performance and couple with a 6 speed and put it in a sportier body and go. Well at least it's RWD.
I hope Chrysler doesn't change their minds and offer the 300N with V6 and manual or V8 hemi and automatic. Copying the model shown to us by the Lincoln LS and others.
Well, the pages use style sheets which are not supported very well on all browsers and, if you look at the source of the page, half of it is written in spanish! It is a very poorly designed and coded site but, I have heard of chip tuning before, they either take your ECU and change the program or send you an exchange unit. With something like this it might not be a bad idea to have a spare ECU from oem car parts to test with. Heck even call the guys at So Cal speed and see what they have to say. With my new Z rated rubber, it's a shame to be limited to 118 mph.
Rechecked this site with Netscape 6, works fine in this browser. It probably was coded to support MSIE so that would work best. They do have you send your ECU to them in So Cal. then in stall the chip set and ship it back to you. They claim it does not void the warranty but, I would imagine opening the ECU is probably listed as a major no no in the warranty terms book. If you had the extra cash get a spare ECU from oem and send them that. If you ever needed dealer service slap the stock unit back in.
My 99 has a slight drivers, maybe 1/8", front to rear seat movement. When I asked my 0.7* dealer to fix it, they said it was within Chrysler spec. I asked them "what is the spec" for this, they never could come up with an answer.
Edmunds has a write up on it on their homepage. It is listed under reviews and than as a "first look" preview. There is one picture as well(front end looks like a miny Cadillac Escalade, too bold).
Just got back from my 5* dealer...for an oil change and tire rotation. Mentioned to the service manager about my melting steering wheel and before I could finish my sentence, she says, "We'll get you a new one". I thought for sure I was going to have to put up a fight, but I guess not. Hey Doc, I believe you have the steering wheel issue, if you want to try to get it replaced, I went to Fullerton on Rt.22 in Somerville. They had 3 2002's there. The Onyx green is really a sharp color, but I didin't notice any major chages other than the small exterior ones. I did notice that one of the items on the sticker was "tire pressure monitoring feature". Anyone know what this is? Well anyway, made an appointment for next Sat for my wheel, still debating if I want to get a Wheelskin or not!LOL
I have Internet explorer and the site loaded fine. Kind of content-free, though. Anybody can produce a chart and a bold-[non-permissible content removed] claim. Do you really think they pulled the engine out of an M and tested it on a dynomometer? Where's the 0-60 and quarter mile numbers? I want to see an independent test lab report before I would even think about changing out my chip. Oh, and I would certainly keep the OEM computer and have a second one for the ASE mod. There, I feel better now after my Saturday morning vent. I'm just grumpy because I'm not in Monterrey with the M'ers. Peace!
I think somewhere on that site, it says they simulate the engine to make their chips. All of their torque/hp charts look very similar. Could they be fakes? I don't know.
If that means what I think, then that is crap and would like to see real data and on a real setup. Why can't we download a program to our cars over the diagnostic port or a special interface that plugs into the ECU? I wish someone would make that, instead of asking us to pull out our unit (or buy another) and send it to them, wondering if you'll ever get it back.
I'm sure Chrysler can program our cars to do all sorts of things with the DRBIII and their master computer linkup. They just made everything so proprietary no one else has access to the specfics to provide such a device.
Just ran by the dealer I just bought my new M from and they had three new 2002's on the lot. All Bright Metallic Silver, one with the Taupe interior, the other two with the Dark Slate. From the sticker price it looked like they were approx. $800 lower on the MSRP than what mine was.
One thing I did notice with the new 2002's was the seats. My seats, in the middle of the seat and on the back have the small holes or the small hole pattern, the 2002's I saw had a smooth leather with NO small holes in the seats. I personally like the look of the small hole pattern. Just found that interesting....
Comments
Sirharper - I had to do three runs at it before I got a decent photo.
300mlover - Check out http://www.radartest.com , which rates the Bel 980 and the Passport (8500?) the highest and gives lots of info. Mykem's explanation is very good. On this trip my alarm suddenly went off at a very high level, and I immediately put the brakes on, then saw a trooper going the other way on the interstate. Did I reduce my speed in time before he locked onto me, or did he just not have a good spot to turn around and pursue me? Probably the latter. A while later I saw another trooper coming toward me, put on my brakes, and then immediately the alarm went off, again at a very high level. The last speeding ticket I got, about three years ago, was one of these head-on moving radar shots (I didn't have a detector then). I suspect that instant on radar is tough to beat when there's not a lot of traffic for you to pick up the cop trying to tag people ahead of you. You can see what the Bel looks like on my dash at http://btjdesign.com/300m/radar.html I think I paid $237 for the Bel over the web a few weeks ago, and the lowest price I found on the Passport was around $300.
Peace!
If I can help you and others, I will add my name to your list by Emailing you.
Take lots of pics and have a great time, its nice area to play in.
Keith
Silver
Silver
Town Hall \ Aftermarket & Accessories \ Radar/Lidar detectors
I have tested a V1 against an 8500 and found that the V1 rules, if you don't mind the extra falses, and spending more money.
I also had the problem. I took my 01 into the dealer (non5*), and the Manager of the Service department told me that they are having problems with the lower seat bracket. He did not state if it was a big enough problem that Chrysler would do a recall...
He replaced mine in a few hours with a new one, and have not had the problem..I can see concerns about saftey, which I brought up..the last thing that Chrysler needs is a major law suit if something happens during an accident to a fellow M'r..
But if you take the car in, have them replace that lower bracket, it should go away..
Hope this helps.
http://www.wheelskins.com, http://www.wheelskins.com/colors.htm
I think charcoal is closest to agate. I'm thinking of the two-tone skin. My first instinct is to go black/charcoal.
Suggestions, anyone, as to which top/bottom/sides color combinations would look good in this car?
P.S.
DO NOT GET AN AIR SUSPENSION !!!
http://members.cardomain.com/herrmdogg
HerrmDogg
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1280600&a=9485515&p=44752678&Sequence=0&res=high
Not sure how the charcoal will match
P.S.
DO NOT GET AN AIR SUSPENSION !!!
http://members.cardomain.com/herrmdogg
HerrmDogg
There was no way that they would replace the seat..But I tried hard!..
i can picture you doing a pancake, then pulling up dogleg, giving someone the look...then BAM. lol. well when i read the title my stomach flipped thinking you mashed the front end or something. oh well the chromalusion will cover that up nicely
ARGH
jk, yea and it messed up the whole window motor, lickily i got this done under warranty and said nothng about the incident...you still under warranty T?
I find that if you adjust the seat position just a little it gets better. I hear some people on this board actually got a new seat, although in some cases it was a 99m and the leather didnt match. I might wait till my warranty is almost up and then hope they give me a new seat. My drivers seat shows a lot of stretch marks which makes it look a little more worn than the back seat. Do you guys also find stretch marks on the seats?---
I guess the posts here will drop off this weekend now that a lot of members are at the 2 meets. Hope some of them brought laptops to keep us posted. They should have brought video cameras to make a nice video to sell to club members at a nominal fee.
Easyrider300M
Covers the motor, but not it being off track.
I checked with the dealership today and they said the piece isn't seperate...says I have to get a whole window (driver's front). I am going to take it to a glass place to see what they can do.
http://asechips.com/RECUADRO%20DE%20AUTOS/Chrysler/CARS/300%20M.html
Comments ????
http://www.cadillac.com/homesite.htm
Geesh, when are car makers gonna learn to save money by offering either tranny with the same engines. Maybe just reprogram a Northstar V8 for a little more performance and couple with a 6 speed and put it in a sportier body and go. Well at least it's RWD.
I hope Chrysler doesn't change their minds and offer the 300N with V6 and manual or V8 hemi and automatic. Copying the model shown to us by the Lincoln LS and others.
Sorry, I had to vent about that.
Rechecked this site with Netscape 6, works fine in this browser. It probably was coded to support MSIE so that would work best. They do have you send your ECU to them in So Cal. then in stall the chip set and ship it back to you. They claim it does not void the warranty but, I would imagine opening the ECU is probably listed as a major no no in the warranty terms book. If you had the extra cash get a spare ECU from oem and send them that. If you ever needed dealer service slap the stock unit back in.
It sounds really good!
They had 3 2002's there. The Onyx green is really a sharp color, but I didin't notice any major chages other than the small exterior ones. I did notice that one of the items on the sticker was "tire pressure monitoring feature". Anyone know what this is? Well anyway, made an appointment for next Sat for my wheel, still debating if I want to get a Wheelskin or not!LOL
Silver
I think somewhere on that site, it says they simulate the engine to make their chips. All of their torque/hp charts look very similar. Could they be fakes? I don't know.
See Reason 4
http://asechips.com/10 reasons.html
If that means what I think, then that is crap and would like to see real data and on a real setup. Why can't we download a program to our cars over the diagnostic port or a special interface that plugs into the ECU? I wish someone would make that, instead of asking us to pull out our unit (or buy another) and send it to them, wondering if you'll ever get it back.
I'm sure Chrysler can program our cars to do all sorts of things with the DRBIII and their master computer linkup. They just made everything so proprietary no one else has access to the specfics to provide such a device.
One thing I did notice with the new 2002's was the seats. My seats, in the middle of the seat and on the back have the small holes or the small hole pattern, the 2002's I saw had a smooth leather with NO small holes in the seats. I personally like the look of the small hole pattern. Just found that interesting....
Todd M.
Tulsa, OK