Chrysler 300M

300michael

without changing a model is a long time in the current(4/98 to 3/04)market. I wonder why they are waiting so long.

bluestec

In light of the recent post from ottowrkr about the upcoming LX-

Go to the following URL and find "October 3, 2001: News from Brampton". If it isn't on that page (it may be updated by the time you go there), check the archives. Towards the end of that page are numbers with "1" being the current page, "2" the previous news page, etc.

http://www.allpar.com/cgi-bin/news/view.pl

sdmike2

"He went on to say that he had recently driven a
test mule with a 300M body and was very impressed with vehicle dynamics
and noise levels, as were some members of the public that were shown the
vehicle to gauge their reactions. Sorry no more specifics about the test mule."

I wonder if he meant the market research project that I participated in. I DID notice that the fit and finish of the car was excellent, but I would expect that from a hand built prototype. However, there was no way for us to tell the "dynamics and noise levels" of the car(s) since we didn't get to drive them...only view them carefully.

sdmike2

I need some specifics on the Phoenix meet as soon as you get them. I need to get it on my calendar ASAP. My wife is now scheduling things for November.

M

guesswho1

hey i'm in the market for a new digi cam, what kind do you have, your pics are always excellente?

do any of you have a nikon coolpix digi cam?

ottowrkr

The mule he told us he drove was a current 300M body with the running gear of the LX car. When he said he was impressed with the noise level, it made me wonder why as the body is just a standard body that all you guys have?. Sdmike2 what you saw at that market research were not mules but pre-production evaluation cars .

300michael

The date is still November 10, 2001. The most likely area is going to be in north Scottsdale Near Scottsdale and Bell Roads, if you know the area. The plan is from noon until 3pm. The place has a Great Indoors (for those not interested in the cars can shop, til they drop)and is located behind a large shopping center. I will be bringing some service, and diagonsic manuals people can look at, along with drinks and donuts. I will send more details with maps of the location. (ps I will get with you on the shirts next week)

splatt

That my father is in Scottsdale, w/o an M and I'm on the other coast with one I missed the meet last Sept, but will have to get to the next one...

So no one knows about the HID lamps though?

sdmike2

Several people here did a lot of research into HID lights for the M and the results were pretty mixed on whether or not the aftermarket HID kits would work. A couple of people in here (scotian is one, I think) have replaced their stock lights with Xenon's (or ones that are supposed to be). Hang tight and I'm sure someone will respond.

sdmike2

I have a Fuji Finepix 1400 and love it. It was pretty cheap (under $300), small, and takes great pictures. It also has a 3x optical zoom and a 2x digital. (make sure you get an optical zoom, not just a digital one), and it downloads quickly via a USB connection. It also comes with some nice HP photo viewing and printing software. It comes with a 4MB card good for 30+ pictures, but I bought a 64MB that will get me hundreds. I also got some good rechargeable batteries for it. Here is a link to lots of digicam information.

http://www.megapixel.net/html/issueindex.html

These guys have a good price on it ($225), but watch out for shipping charges. Don't get their "executive pack" which will cost you $40 for $15 worth of stuff.

http://www.beachcamera.com/sectionhome.asp?category=Cameras

sdmike2

Maybe the LX chassis and tires are quieter?? Who knows. Wouldn't think so. The base 300 that I saw had Goodyear tires on it, so maybe he drove the 300N with the 5.7 litre engine and the Michelins. But then again, I wouldn't expect the 5.7 to be that quiet.

sdmike2

After some production difficulties and delays, it appears that we'll get club hats in the next couple of weeks. Here is a picture of the "putty & navy". There will also be black/black.

Hat Image

splatt

Actually I was more curious about the headlights for the 2002 models. Since it's now a factory part, it would be nice to be able to just swap the whole headlight assembly...

But the price may make it not worth while...

Though anyone's opinions on the eaglights 9005XS/9006XS lights would also be welcome

splatt

oooh nice That's a reason in and of itself to joins

guesswho1

fuzzywuzzy

No one can know for sure if the Real HID lights from the 2002 1/2 special will fit a regular 300M. The special hasn't even been built yet, so the parts are not avaiable. I dought they will be avaiable in a dealers parts deparment for at least another year. There are some company's that have a real HID conversion kit. But the debate is that they are not legal, & a true HID system requires auto leveling. The kits just replace the bulbs, & balastic, & reflectors. The fake HID bulbs from like eaglight are ok at best. I have a set of the low beams, & fog lights in my M. They are good for me. I can see better with them. But that might just be my eyes.

bluestec

Here's something I find interesting - the DC Canada site has been updated for MY 2002 whereas the U.S. site seems only to have updated the "Build Your Own" part for 2002. The Canadian site includes info about the 300M Special including a view of the interior with a description of the differences from the standard 'M interior.

URL for 300M:

 http://www.daimlerchrysler.ca/CA/02/EN/CHRYSLER/1,,CA-02-EN-CHRYSLER-300M,.html

 

Special interior:

 http://www.daimlerchrysler.ca/CA/02/EN/CHRYSLER/1,,CA-02-EN-CHRYSLER-300M-INTERIOR-SEATING,.html

easyrider300m

I checked out the above link for 300M . The 18" wheels for the Special appear to be painted aluminum, not chrome. Does anyone know if 18 Chromies are available on the special?--The duals looks simple yet nice. I like the description of the M on the Chrysler site: "muscular elegance" I think that sums up the M very well.

SDMike: Hats look superb. Any price yet? I think I'll take one of each color. And you nonmembers: its time to join the 300M Enthusiasts club. The apparel alone makes the membership worthwhile. And you also get a nice decal for your M, a wall certificate, membership card, and membership in a club worthy of its name with many other benefits. No more excuses: http://www.300mclub.org/

ottowrkr

Fuzzywuzzy -you said 'No one can know for sure if the Real HID lights from the 2002 1/2 special will fit a regular 300M" I DO. They are exact same size as the regular light. The only thing I have to see is how the are wired up. Oh yeah the real problem PRICE !!!

Easy - sorry no chrome, just painted .

ottowrkr

http://www.daimlerchrysler.ca/CA/02/EN/CHRYSLER/300M/EXTERIOR/EXTERIOR_MIRRORS/ext6_p1_300m.jpg take a look

300michael

I like the mirrors, but since I already have the side marker lights I will probalby for go them. I may try to install some LEDs into my current one's should have the same effect.

300michael

Yes the price will be the major factor. The current ones run about $250 each. When you had HID plus all the rest of the parts need to hook them up, I believe the price with probably triple.

grunschev

Due to my current financial situation, I was interested in possibly trading down to a smaller/cheaper car. But it looks like I'll be keeping the M for a while longer.

I agree with Scotian in that I have *never* been concerned with resale value. My first car was a hand-me-down 1967 Chrysler Imperial. I replaced that with a new 1978 Plymouth Arrow and replaced that with a new 1987 Pontiac Grand Am, which was replaced by a new 1999 300M. The original goal for the M was on the order of 15 years and 250k miles.

Between the combination of my current finances and all the 0% financing offers, I was considering trading the two and a half year old out of warranty M for a new Sebring if I could keep the payments the same or lower.

They were very hot to deal with me, but the big problem is the trade-in value. Although they all raved about my car (particularly the 18" wheels), they were only willing to give me 16k for it. That's a '99 with everything except smoker's option and full size spare, with 38k miles.

The amazing part was that they actually found me the Sebring I was after. I didn't think they could do it. I wanted the LXi with the Enthusiast package and the bigger wheels. It also had to be the right color (that silvery light blue) and have a sunroof. They searched 5 states but found it and said they could have it here by Monday.

In any event, I'll "suffer" through with the M and go back to the original plan to drive it until about 2012.

Igor

sdmike2

Sorry, no price information yet. That will have to come from the prez. It should be less than similar hats, but not nearly as big of a discount as the shirts. Those shirts that we're selling for under $20 are as nice as ones you'd pay $40 or $50 for.

rogor2k

I'm going to try to price the hats around $15 to $17, shipping included. I'll have more info and final pricing next week. Start saving your pennies. We just ordered a small quantity to start (30 total) so if they go fast, we'll do a follow on order right away.

We have a new order of shirts on the way for anyone who missed out on the first go-round. Sorry, we can't sell them to non-members. We're locked in to trademark agreements with DC. These are GREAT looking shirts - just ask anyone who has one or more.

easyrider300m

just curious: who was responsible for the design of the club logo---I think it was the perfect design for our club---

Easyrider300M

scotian

They are much more blue than I would like, but I've kept them in.

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1280646&a=13453872&f=0

silverbee

Still looking for the paint code for my 01 bright silver metallic.Know you guys have probably posted it before but every day someone new comes to the board and we are not that up on all the posts.don't spend a lot of time on the web but do enjoy my car as much as all of you and enjoy reading allyour posts when I have time.Thanks for the infoLater

denverm

The Club logo was designed by the good DrPixel, who also designed the web site, the membership cards, and I think the certificates. I think the Board may have given some feedback on some of those designs, but Glen mainly came up with the designs, and he cranks out all the cards for members, etc.

ceikost

open the driver's door and on the lower right (aft) corner is a label with all sorts or good info. including the paint code.

beach15

The car has turned 15,000 miles and is getting an oil and filter change, but I wonder about the other things it says in the book. First, it has change differential fluid and then it says replace air filter. My question is, is either of these really necessary? My father (who thinks rotating tires is one of the stupidest things to do) said this, "It's front wheel drive, there is no differential." Well, is there and where is it? Does the fluid need changed and if so, should the dealer do it? I think you were all talking about this not too long ago but I don't know for sure. Also, the air cleaner is "inspected" by me at oil change time and is still white-colored without much dirt, it's pretty clean. So, does it need to be replaced too?

300michael

Yes the car has a differental. All cars have them, front and rear wheel drive (makes no difference. It is listed in the Service manual for the following at 15,000 mi.
Oil Change
Adjust drive belt tension
Change the differential fluid
Replace engine air cleaner element (air filter) (it is recommended by DC to the owner but not required to maintain emissions warranty.
The above is off a 1999 service manual.

300michael

I like the blue tenge they give the lens (reflecting) when off and the whiter light when on. I dislike the way the have a center bright spot (more then the standard bulbs) and lesser side light (due to the placement of the filiment)of them.

300michael

I have updated the site with a little more information. So far 7 have signed up with 4 more thinking about it. The site is www.300M.homestead.com/basic.html for those interested. The date will be November 10th from 12 noon until 3 PM (or when the last one leaves). Hope to see more of you there.

phases78

correction, you have 5 thinking about it. if i can (you know how it is in the army right now im sure), ill definately be there! By the way, your site is 'temporarily unavailable' untill u upgrade to homestead personal. you could just do what i did, and cut it back to three pages under the 6 mb (i think) is the criteria..

http://phases78.homestead.com/300m.html

phases

silverbee

Hey thanks for the info ,I was crawling all over the engine looking for it.Cheez.Now I can get my spoiler!!Later

silverbee

Looking at all the pictures you guys have posted I must have been the only one to buy a green colored one(99)I liked it at the time but now that I have a silver one it sure is a lot easier to keep clean.Especally up north here> I envy you guys in the warmer climates they always look good Plus you don't have to put up with the salt. Later

300michael

Sorry I posted the wrong site, the correct one is http://www.300Meet.homestead.com/basic.html ,my apoligies to everyone who has tried to view it.

jona57

Igor-

The lure of a new car will soon fade. My father-in -law has a new Sebring & I have an 01 M so I know the 2 cars well. The M is so much better than the Sebring I fear you would regret trading in your M within a month. Also, as you have painfully discovered, depreciation is a powerful financial hit. If your M is in good shape, keeping it for another 10 years would also be your least expensive option.

Jon

ruski

Hey, I was checking out the 2002 Altima at Plantation Nissan when I saw a very nice silver 300M with great looking wheels making a U-turn on Route 441, right in front of the Nissan dealership.

That V6 Altima is quite nice. Just as nice a 300M minus heated seats, minus power passenger seat, minus memory seats. But the engine really pulls. An I was able to take some sharp turns at speed and make it drift a little, just like the M.

Now I have a problem: providing I can afford it, how can I choose between the Altima, 300M, and a GTP? I am not even talking about TL-S, because I doubt I can afford it.

ruski

did anyone notice? 5/100 warranty

is the US going to get that?

ottowrkr

we have had that since 2001 model year. Dont know why the U.S does not get this also

avalanche165

learning how to paint for the last month, my painter did a chameleon job on an Alero. i was ovservering and he was showing me all the do's and do nots. turns out its actually easier to put on chameleon paint than it is like triple black or Sterling white. PLUS, we can paint the doors one day, the back another day, the hood next week, etc... whereas with a normal color you better be painting it all at the same time or else you get different hues. anyway point being the Alero was HOT. i mean just insane. so....i'm looking around right nwo for color combo's. gonna do a chameleon deal this winter. end of november, december, after i finish teh interior. whadda guys thing? any special likes on the colors?

avalanche165

for those wondering what the heck this is...its called a ton of things..

color changing paint, theres a kind called chromalusion, and deep set, 817 apox, and some others.

but what this paint does is change color with light and temperature.

this is an rc car i did myself for my friend chad....its a replica of his real car...

scotian

Well, the buzzing noise at acceleration I noticed after getting my car back from a new rack & pinion was the detached air plenum. I reattached it to its anchor and the noise was gone.

That means that they took all of the air stuff off to replace the r&p, which makes sense, and it also means that it was the dealership that left my heater plug hanging forward to be chopped off by the A/C pully and belt. Which I noticed today also snapped the belt in half! I found the belt, but not the plug. Lordy, lordy.

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/ViewPhoto?u=1280646&a=13301166&p=54971566&f=0

Also, I noticed that when they replaced my door panel they installed the electric mirror control buttons incorrectly so they push in at the bottom.

Oh, when will it end!?

fuzzywuzzy

Yeah that was me. I was checking out the umm... Acura dealer. Gee, we might have seen each other & didn't know it. I was also looking at the Nissan's. Email me, Have some info for you. Jtalbot@broadwaytrading.com

fuzzywuzzy

That's what I'm talking about! There's NO EXCUSE for that. Someone should be fired. That would not happen in a Acura, or BMW, or MB shop. Infact the car wouldn't even be there in the first place!

ruski

so you had bad service experience at Massey Yardley?

I have had good experience at Hollywood Chrysler, but those were generic scheduled services.

fuzzywuzzy

The dealer was fine untill the summer started. Don't know what happend. HOW can they put a hole in a door panel & not notice they did it?? Then try to say it was like that. The thing that got me, was I was fighting with the service guy about the diff fluid change when I got the tranny service done at 30K miles in June. They kept swearing up & down the 300M didn't have one, & no front wheel drive car did. Was funny to see that face when in fact I was right.

herrmdogg

What's up guys,

Long time no post I know, not that anyone cares but ... Kameleon paint is made by Valspar/House Of Kolor and DuPont makes Chromalusion. It's pretty much a brand preference and color selection depending on who you go with because I have seen several of both brands side by side and they look identical. If it's a ton of colors that you want, DuPont makes a 36 color switcher in the Chromalusion line thats really nice if you like all that color. I am using House of Kolor Kameleon with navy blue to crimson red. Here are a few links to each of the manufactures websites:

http://www.houseofkolor.com/

http://www.dupontautomotivepaint.com/

Dupont has a really great price right now on Chromalusion ... $573.61 per quart ... I remember when it was $768 a pint !!! I know a guy that has the Purpleen color and another guy that has the Plum Blasberry ... those colors are nnniiiccceee.

I have also talked to people that spray it and they say it is VERY easy to spray, there is not base coat required and if you get a scratch or have a wreck, since the paint changes color, there is no need to spend all the time to make sure it matches up like with a marble paint job or something similar with designs that have to be exactly remade to match the current design.

Well there is my 2 cents on color changing paint.

http://members.cardomain.com/herrmdogg

HerrmDogg