SDMike--Tried to send you some photos at mike@ritchiefamily.com and got a "not recognized" message from my server. Have you changed addresses or is my server screwed up? Same with Beach? If its my server I will try again tomorrow. They are photos of the gold grill and of Detroit meet. Also did see a note in the Newspaper yesterday amid all the bad car news that said DC is committed to producing the Crossfire. We want the 300N, not another untested design.
You only have to be told of the buy back if you are the one who is the first to purchase it after it was bought back, which you are not. The vehicle can only be bought back from the original owner, hence if you are the third owner the owner before you is the one that the disclosure was given to. In addition to disclosing the buy back and reason for it DC also offers the new owner a 12mo/ unlimited millage warranty from the time of purchasing the buy back. Since you are the second person to buy it after the buy back you really don't have any recourse.
Sorry mike with all that rain I could not really get a good look at your brakelight. yeah there sure was a lot of cars in that parking lot. But it was good to meet you guys.
No, & since you have over 30K on them, even if you made a stink about it, they will not replace them for free. If you had like 10K miles that's different.
I killed my mike@ritchiefamily.com e-mail address because I was getting like 20 spam messages per HOUR. Rendered that account useless. You can send the picture to me at mritchie@vicinity.com if you still need it.
Did you guys know that for 2002 model LH cars ,DC is using Auto trans fluid in the power steering system.Also the 3.5 low output engine used in the Intrepid ES and Concorde's is rated at 234H.P. Still looking for the manufacture of the razorstars.
ok, so since we're talking brakes here, what has everyone done so far as to upgrade the rotors / pads? my rotors at least need to be resurfaced as they are showing warping ( really noticable during braking ), so I'd like to look at the costs of alternatives as far as braking upgrades. If anyone has any specific experience of the level of difference between the stock rotors ( PHG and non-PHG ) compared to some aftermarket slotted / cross-drilled rotors. also, any recommended pads?
Well its been a week since my 5* installed the Borla. I keep waiting for my wife to notice. She has driven it to work 3 times thats a round trip of 45 miles each time. On Sunday we went out cruising put almost 80 miles on it. We were playing the radio kind of loud but I turned it down to talk occasionally. I never really stomped on the gas. I figure she will notice a difference when she does. I drove it today because I wanted to do another coat of Zanio (my 3rd coat of Z2} since spring. I really love the Borla and it is definitely not to loud for my taste or my wives. Happy motoring to all sel714
do they use the aft 4 in the power steering on the 02? would it hurt to use it in an 00---are they still using atf4 in the trannies in 01 and 02's as they did in the 00---hows the line doing--are they still pumping out the same number of vehicles or has it tapered off---the auto companies' stocks are looking nervous as consumers may tighten their wallets---
Keep up the good work---we need a spy among us ;-)
Hi folks, Went to my 5* today to check around for any irresistible 300M deals. None Yet, IMHO. While there picked up the 2002 300M brouchure which prominently mentions the 300M Special throughout. I think someone else has already mentioned only 5 more ponies, with Premium fuel (255) :-( The following is the things I personally found interesting about the Special. -Steering ratio is 17:1 -Overall gear ratio 3.89:1 -18" x 7.5" Aluminum Rim ( non-chrome ) with 300M Special center cap -245/45-ZR18 96Y Michelin Unidirectional Performance Tires ( a quick check of Michelins web site shows that to be the new Pilot Sport, UTQG Rating 220AAA, Maximum Performance tire, $262 ea. at tirerack.com) -Ex. Lg. vented Front disc w/ 4 piston caliper and air scoops, higher friction brake pads, (not sure how much different this is vs. PHG brakes) -External side mirrors with built in side marker lights, tilt down in reverse -Neutral Color Metallic ( Med./Dk. Gray ) Lower body side moulding all around -Dual Exhaust -Black/Silver High tech carbon fiber interior trim ( where wood trim is currently ) -150 mph speedo ( just for you denverm :-) ) -HID Headlamps (2.5x brighter than Halogen, finally) -"Waterfall style seats on 300M special" looks like extra stitching in the seating area -Two Tone Interior (shows Dk. Slate Gray /Lt. Taupe combo in pic. looks nice) -300M Special Sport tuned suspension -4 disc CD changer, 360W, 11 speaker Infinity sound system included in special package as is: -Smokers group, Vehicle Info. Ctr. w/ Tire Pressure Monitor, Matching full size spare tire/wheel, all other standard 2002 300M w/PHG features.
The Sales Manager I asked about it said he thought the $ difference for the 300M Special would be about $1000 more than a fully loaded 2002 with PHG. The 18" Wheels, hi perf. tires, dual exhaust and real HID Headlamps would easily set you back that much aftermarket. He also said that they are pushing to have some on the lots in Late Sept. probably Oct. I told him we've been hearing Nov. He reasserted it should be a little before that.
Otto, have you seen the 300M Specials on the line yet ? Also, thanks for the update bout the Razorstars!:-)
The modest HP increase might be to keep things safe while upgraded parts (beefed up trans, brakes etc) are put into service (this is how Corvette upgrades have been going). Then maybe for 2003 300HP?? Or testing has revealed that the FWD trans can't take the torque and 300 HP will be delayed to the 300N with rear wheel drive.
Russ Klass--I read the book again--I do it about every 3 months because of my age--and there is no mention anywhere of heated mirrors on the 99M. That was my original recollection when the issue of the directional signal mirrors came up. I think I read somewhere that you needed the heated mirror wiring for the system to go on the vehicle. Muth may have a more generic model for those of us not so fortunate to have the heated mirrors. Course, I would rarely use them in KY, but I can see where it would be nice to have heated mirrors in Buffalo. Has it stopped snowing there for the summer yet? or in the alternative has winter started coming on yet?
Did you see in USA Today on Monday that DC has committed to producing the Crossfire?
I bought cross drilled rotors for my PHP M. I have had them since last november. They are great. Not a sinlge problem with them. I did have to experment with pads though. I had a set of very hard pads on. Boy did that 300M stop, but also had alot of noise. I have the Mopar priemium pads on now, & been running them since May. I got the rotors at:
Here is a summary on some info I ran across last night....
Good-bye, cab-forward styling. Chrysler group's full-sized car program, code-named LX, will use major components from the next-generation Mercedes-Benz E class, which debuts in September at the Frankfurt auto show. The full-sized Chryslers and Dodges will bow in the 2004 or 2005 model years. The switch to rwd dictates a new approach to styling that will greatly change the appearance of the Intrepid, Concorde and 300M replacement, which likely will be called 300N. Also planned is a performance model for Dodge, the Charger R/T. The cars are expected to be shorter than the 2001 Intrepid and Concorde, but the wheelbase likely will be longer. The LX cars will offer the stability control system developed by Mercedes-Benz. The vehicles won't share the E-class platform, but they will use a common electronic architecture as well as Mercedes-Benz transmissions, steering columns, and ride and handling components. In what could be a risky strategy, the full-sized Chrysler and Dodge cars will be repositioned by pricing them a little higher than the current models. The automobiles will be aimed at more upscale buyers and away from the mainstream sedan segment led by the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Ford Taurus. This repositioning will allow the Chrysler group to market stability control, for example, at an audience that has deeper pockets. The model lineup will be expanded. Some Chrysler models will be offered in sedan and convertible body styles, while the Dodge line will offer sedans and coupes. The Dodge models will continue to look sportier than the Chrysler vehicles and be priced below them. The V-6 engines in today's cars will be carried over, and the 5.7-liter V-8 may be offered. The introduction of the LX cars will be staggered, with the sedans coming in the 2004 model year and the coupes and convertible a year or so later...stay tuned for more details!
Fuzzy--I saw a program on TV about 3 wks ago that was all about police radar and lasers and the guys who try to develop technology to beat em. One guy had a product, I think it was called "Laser Buster" or something like that and it made the car absolutely invisible to the laser gun being shot right at it. Each time the reading on the monitor came up 000. I found it fascinating since it worked whether coming or going. I don't usually go fast enough, often enough, to get one, but it was quite clear that the one they showed really worked. The State Trooper who was on the show and running the laser could not believe it, he kept shaking his head while the developer kept saying "Yes!!!!" as the 000 came up.
Just took my 2000 garnet/agate/non-PHP 300M into the dealer this morning -- only the second trip in 19 months. I've got the dreaded door-seal shrinkage in all 4 doors so we'll see what lead time is on them these days.
While I'm in, I'll have them look into the lights flickering on and off. Happened to me last week for only the second time. Is there a fix for this other than the headlamp dimmer switch?
My only other trip in was for the front-end shake and pull caused by the $#%@ badyears. Didn't start at all until 13K miles so nobody in my area will even consider talking to Goodyear about them. I didn't see it earlier becuase the shop where I've had 'em rotated has the Hunter 9700. The closest to help I got was a referral to a real Goodyear dealer an hour's drive away. How does Goodyear stay in business??? Gotta say that the Yokohama Avid T-4s are looking pretty good right now, even if the OEM Goodyears only have 14K on them.
So it looks like I've got the standard 300M issues. Even so, this is a great car, by far the best quality car I've purchased new.
Chrysler Group Plans to Set Up High-Performance Car Tuner Similar to AMG Stuttgart / Auburn Hills, 08/20/2001 - The Chrysler Group intends to enter the high-performance automobile segment, which is why it plans to set up a business unit similar to Mercedes-AMG GmbH. The aim is to increase sales of special Chrysler vehicles. The first models to be tuned include the Dodge Viper and the Chrysler Prowler.
Chrysler is looking more & more like MB every day. This sounds like when the LH series dies, so will Chryslers great prices. Bang for the buck was an important feature in alot of our decsions to buy.
if there is in fact something you can legally do that kills those laser readings, i'm in on it. i hate being instant tagged by those suckers. then again, the chance of that kind of stuff being legal is, umm, zero to none by my guess. if there's more to be heard about that stuff, i'm interested.
All 4 were replaced. I don't remember the exact cost, but it was between $400-$500 with the pads. An improvment over the PHP brakes. No fade, & great pedal feel.
Today is Wednesday, our regularly scheduled chat room session is tonight at 10:00pm EST/EDT. The hot tub is closed for repairs, but the pool ans swim-up bar will be open. Casual swim trunks required....go the the greatest little 300m Club on the web.
BTW, I'm hoping to be able to move up a slide presentation of the photos from the Monterey event this evening. I will most likely link it from the existing announcement FOR the event and change the text...no promises, but there's better than a 50-50 chance I'll be able to do it....
My 99LHS has heated mirrors. I am sure the 99M's must have had them also. The only difference I remember is that the M's weren't "fold-away" and the LHS mirrors were fold-away in 99.
Kinda wierd. The M is promoted as the "Euro" spec car as opposed to the LHS, yet in 99 the LHS got the fold-away mirrors, just like the Euro cars.
As a NJ resident I read about those "spot" instant on lasers. That's gonna be a major problem on the ol Parkway! Does anyone know if any of those laser "blinders" (the links scotian posted) REALLY work??????
I agree with your choice -- I was resigned to putting up with my Badyears until they needed to be replaced, but last week I got a flat and the cut in the tread is too close to the sidewall to repair. So I, too am leaning heavily towards the Yokohama Avid T4 and will probably order a pair this week. I have only 9000 miles on the Badyears...
fuzzy
Bang for the buck was a MAJOR part of my decision-making process in purchasing my two M's (2000 & 2001) -- along with unique and relatively exclusive styling...it will be interesting to see if the "de-Chryslerization" process undertaken by DC will result in less innovative, cookie-cutter styling as well as higher prices...
That's strange, our car seems just like yours albeit with a lot more issues of it's own. We just took ours in for the door-seal shrinkage but I'm not sure what they fixed. And guess what, twice (if not more) times now, our inside lights have been flickering and it wasn't the switch that caused it. Even wierder, our car just hit 13,000 miles when we started to have front end shake and vibration both down the road and when applying the brakes. This is probably due to both the crapyears and whatever the dealer did last week when the car was there for, among other things, pulling to the right. I wish I had the money right now to get some new rubber because this nasty tire roar and shaking is getting a little old after about 10 months.
300mlover & others- Just for future reference, what is the phone number to Chrysler in Auburn Hills? I have the 800# from the ask.chrysler.com site and the address but I was wondering if there was another for discussing and/or resolving problems. Any idea?
Higher prices are a given! There using MB parts, expensive parts like trannies, & drivetrains brakes, etc. The price has to go up, how much we'll have to see. I'll guess now and say a base 300N with the V8 will sticker in at about $39-$41K. We should get a pool going
Fast driver should have it. Your shaking problem should be tire related. Unbalanced, or a miss aligned car will do it. I have experinced that same thing you did with the steering wheel. When you let it go, it shakes side to side. That was when I had problems with the 245 tires on the factory wheels. It had to be the dunlop tires I was using, because no one else seem to be having problems.
My M started to pull right after a tire rotation at about 13K. The dealer did an alignment and really put some effort into ensuring it wasn't the front end. The capper was when they switched the front tires and the car started pulling to the left. So I had them UN-rotate the tires which got the vibration under better control and cured the pull.
Right after all of that, there was very little shake and it tracks straight. I had kind of forgotten how sweet this car is to drive and I'm sure I won't be able to put up with the shaking for more than another month or so. I'd do it right away but I just had to put new shoes on my Explorer this month (No, I got rid of the Firestones 5 years ago).
easyrider300m- not sure what level of ATF we are at now but if 4 is the latest them yes it is 4. No I would not use it in your 00 M ,not sure if made any internal modifications to the rack and/or pump for 02. Use what your manual says.As for the line , it is not working this week-1 week LAYOFF as orders are low .We did lose the third shift back in May and now build 978 cars on two shifts. Hopefully DC does something , maybe a better job of marketing our cars. Our Concorde won a J.D Powers award for the best Full-size car , beating out Buick LeSabre and the Mercury Grand Marquis. The Intrepid came second to the Toyota Avalon and beat the Honda Accord in the Premium midsize segment and the LHS tied for third in the Entry Luxury segment with the BMW 3-series. Does DC use this info to market our cars ??? Not that I have seen. Do they use Nascar to sell Intrepids? NO (they don't even put Intrepid on the race car) , every TV commercial during Nascar is for the Ram or Caravan .What gives? Its like they really don't want to sell these LH cars.
tnsc_300m. -Nope no specials yet,you will have to wait till at least Oct. from what I have heard( don't worry guys cause when I hear they are coming you will find out ASAP). We have not even started to build any Intrepid R/T's yet. Not sure why??Last week they trailed one 300 with dual exhaust .Just to see how the fascia fit . Looked good .
I hear you guys lamenting that the Germans were making us look like them...I fear the opposite is happening! It strikes me that they are trying to cheapen Chrysler by killing off anything that might remotely compete with MB!
I might welcome a 300AMG offering, fat chance we'll see it though! Didn't they not want to build 300N and 300HemiC for fear of MB competition?
Got Emmy back. They replaced the window switches in the driver door because one window didn't respond for a while. The switches did work after they looked at them, but replaced the unit anyway. When they put the new ones in, they sliced off a 1-1/2" bit of the door panel material aft of the switch trim.
Keep your cars away from the dealers as much as possible!
let me know how you like the Avids--i had the avids on my Mark8 but they were the more expensive v rated ones---same tread design though---not sure if they use the same formula for the rubber on the T rated---good quesion to ask Yokohama directly----real quiet tire and grips well and handles great---will probably get them when my Badyears wear out
Well, my name appeared somewhere, and I think it was changed. There were some colors to click on which put numbers in the text edit box. I have no idea what happened. Maybe it works better on a Win box...
great job on the stitching--great alternative to replacing the wheel when in wears--it almost looks factory----does it come in the agate color or something close?
Comments
They are photos of the gold grill and of Detroit meet. Also did see a note in the Newspaper yesterday amid all the bad car news that said DC is committed to producing the Crossfire. We want the 300N, not another untested design.
are the brake pads covered under warranty?
what are the good brake pads for PHP (brand, model number)
Thanks
I'm at 32K and I was just told that I have 30% left, so they'll last a while yet.
Do they usually get "less grippy" as the material gets scraped away, or are they consistent until it's metal against metal?
I will post some pics tomorrow.
Mike
I will post some pics tomorrow.
Must be all these brakings from 120mph...
I am not sure how much of the pad I have left.
Happy motoring to all sel714
Keep up the good work---we need a spy among us
;-)
While there picked up the 2002 300M brouchure which prominently mentions the 300M Special throughout. I think someone else has already mentioned only 5 more ponies, with Premium fuel (255) :-(
The following is the things I personally found interesting about the Special.
-Steering ratio is 17:1
-Overall gear ratio 3.89:1
-18" x 7.5" Aluminum Rim ( non-chrome ) with 300M Special center cap
-245/45-ZR18 96Y Michelin Unidirectional Performance Tires ( a quick check of Michelins web site shows that to be the new Pilot Sport, UTQG Rating 220AAA, Maximum Performance tire, $262 ea. at tirerack.com)
-Ex. Lg. vented Front disc w/ 4 piston caliper and air scoops, higher friction brake pads, (not sure how much different this is vs. PHG brakes)
-External side mirrors with built in side marker lights, tilt down in reverse
-Neutral Color Metallic ( Med./Dk. Gray ) Lower body side moulding all around
-Dual Exhaust
-Black/Silver High tech carbon fiber interior trim ( where wood trim is currently )
-150 mph speedo ( just for you denverm :-) )
-HID Headlamps (2.5x brighter than Halogen, finally)
-"Waterfall style seats on 300M special" looks like extra stitching in the seating area
-Two Tone Interior (shows Dk. Slate Gray /Lt. Taupe combo in pic. looks nice)
-300M Special Sport tuned suspension
-4 disc CD changer, 360W, 11 speaker Infinity sound system included in special package as is:
-Smokers group, Vehicle Info. Ctr. w/ Tire Pressure Monitor, Matching full size spare tire/wheel, all other standard 2002 300M w/PHG features.
The Sales Manager I asked about it said he thought the $ difference for the 300M Special would be about $1000 more than a fully loaded 2002 with PHG.
The 18" Wheels, hi perf. tires, dual exhaust and real HID Headlamps would easily set you back that much aftermarket.
He also said that they are pushing to have some on the lots in Late Sept. probably Oct. I told him we've been hearing Nov. He reasserted it should be a little before that.
Otto, have you seen the 300M Specials on the line yet ?
Also, thanks for the update bout the Razorstars!:-)
tnsc_300m
Did you see in USA Today on Monday that DC has committed to producing the Crossfire?
http://www.kvrperformance.com
They are the stock size, just drilled. No one I know makes bigger rotors, or different calipers yet.
Good-bye, cab-forward styling. Chrysler group's full-sized car program, code-named LX, will use major components from the next-generation Mercedes-Benz E class, which debuts in September at the Frankfurt auto show. The full-sized Chryslers and Dodges will bow in the 2004 or 2005 model years. The switch to rwd dictates a new approach to styling that will greatly change the appearance of the Intrepid, Concorde and 300M replacement, which likely will be called 300N. Also planned is a performance model for Dodge, the Charger R/T. The cars are expected to be shorter than the 2001 Intrepid and Concorde, but the wheelbase likely will be longer. The LX cars will offer the stability control system developed by Mercedes-Benz. The vehicles won't share the E-class platform, but they will use a common electronic architecture as well as Mercedes-Benz transmissions, steering columns, and ride and handling components. In what could be a risky strategy, the full-sized Chrysler and Dodge cars will be repositioned by pricing them a little higher than the current models. The automobiles will be aimed at more upscale buyers and away from the mainstream sedan segment led by the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Ford Taurus. This repositioning will allow the Chrysler group to market stability control, for example, at an audience that has deeper pockets. The model lineup will be expanded. Some Chrysler models will be offered in sedan and convertible body styles, while the Dodge line will offer sedans and coupes. The Dodge models will continue to look sportier than the Chrysler vehicles and be priced below them. The V-6 engines in today's cars will be carried over, and the 5.7-liter V-8 may be offered. The introduction of the LX cars will be staggered, with the sedans coming in the 2004 model year and the coupes and convertible a year or so later...stay tuned for more details!
http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/news/WABC_082001_njlaserspeed.html
While I'm in, I'll have them look into the lights flickering on and off. Happened to me last week for only the second time. Is there a fix for this other than the headlamp dimmer switch?
My only other trip in was for the front-end shake and pull caused by the $#%@ badyears. Didn't start at all until 13K miles so nobody in my area will even consider talking to Goodyear about them. I didn't see it earlier becuase the shop where I've had 'em rotated has the Hunter 9700. The closest to help I got was a referral to a real Goodyear dealer an hour's drive away. How does Goodyear stay in business??? Gotta say that the Yokohama Avid T-4s are looking pretty good right now, even if the OEM Goodyears only have 14K on them.
So it looks like I've got the standard 300M issues. Even so, this is a great car, by far the best quality car I've purchased new.
Stuttgart / Auburn Hills, 08/20/2001 - The Chrysler Group intends to enter the high-performance automobile segment, which is why it plans to set up a business unit similar to Mercedes-AMG GmbH. The aim is to increase sales of special Chrysler vehicles. The first models to be tuned include the Dodge Viper and the Chrysler Prowler.
http://www.radarscramblers.com/blinder.htm
http://www.gadgetonline.com/ECM.htm
http://www.ca-automotive.co.uk/evo_1.htm
http://www.installer.com/radar.html
http://www.allbmwparts.com/laser/k40.htm
http://www.laserbuster.com/
http://www.lidatek.com/
http://www.blinder.dk/
BTW, I'm hoping to be able to move up a slide presentation of the photos from the Monterey event this evening. I will most likely link it from the existing announcement FOR the event and change the text...no promises, but there's better than a 50-50 chance I'll be able to do it....
Doc
Kinda wierd. The M is promoted as the "Euro" spec car as opposed to the LHS, yet in 99 the LHS got the fold-away mirrors, just like the Euro cars.
I agree with your choice -- I was resigned to putting up with my Badyears until they needed to be replaced, but last week I got a flat and the cut in the tread is too close to the sidewall to repair. So I, too am leaning heavily towards the Yokohama Avid T4 and will probably order a pair this week. I have only 9000 miles on the Badyears...
fuzzy
Bang for the buck was a MAJOR part of my decision-making process in purchasing my two M's (2000 & 2001) -- along with unique and relatively exclusive styling...it will be interesting to see if the "de-Chryslerization" process undertaken by DC will result in less innovative, cookie-cutter styling as well as higher prices...
300mlover & others- Just for future reference, what is the phone number to Chrysler in Auburn Hills? I have the 800# from the ask.chrysler.com site and the address but I was wondering if there was another for discussing and/or resolving problems. Any idea?
My M started to pull right after a tire rotation at about 13K. The dealer did an alignment and really put some effort into ensuring it wasn't the front end. The capper was when they switched the front tires and the car started pulling to the left. So I had them UN-rotate the tires which got the vibration under better control and cured the pull.
Right after all of that, there was very little shake and it tracks straight. I had kind of forgotten how sweet this car is to drive and I'm sure I won't be able to put up with the shaking for more than another month or so. I'd do it right away but I just had to put new shoes on my Explorer this month (No, I got rid of the Firestones 5 years ago).
tnsc_300m. -Nope no specials yet,you will have to wait till at least Oct. from what I have heard( don't worry guys cause when I hear they are coming you will find out ASAP). We have not even started to build any Intrepid R/T's yet. Not sure why??Last week they trailed one 300 with dual exhaust .Just to see how the fascia fit . Looked good .
bigmike- all 300's have heated side mirrors
I might welcome a 300AMG offering, fat chance we'll see it though! Didn't they not want to build 300N and 300HemiC for fear of MB competition?
http://www.stratusphere.org/ubb/Forum20/HTML/001420.html
A must Read!
http://www.stratusphere.org/ubb/Forum20/HTML/001402.html
I used the "baseball stitch"
Got Emmy back. They replaced the window switches in the driver door because one window didn't respond for a while. The switches did work after they looked at them, but replaced the unit anyway. When they put the new ones in, they sliced off a 1-1/2" bit of the door panel material aft of the switch trim.
Keep your cars away from the dealers as much as possible!