Of course the two cars are comparable. Car&Driver did just that about 1 1/2 years ago when they tested a bunch (9 to be exact) of near luxury sedans. The 300M was beating the Lexus ES300 and was coming in 2nd behind the Acura 3.2 TL with just one point difference. To me that is very comparable.
300M had the trip computer, & MPG, DTE etc readouts.
300M had those cool indiglow gauges.
300M had tilting headrests.
300M had a better stereo. The CL-S has NO BASS. I will fix that though next weekend
CL-S, Has alot better seats. The seats in the TL are different. The CL-S seats are bolsted really well in the sides. They hold my big frame better.
Cl-S is smoother reving.
CL-S is QUIET. Compared to my 2000 it's a night & day difference. Maybe the 2001's-on are quiter the 99-2000's.
CL-S is smaller. Better to manuver around parking lots, or tight spaces.
Fastdriver will like this.....
The CL-S is easier to Zaino. Spent all day Sunday doing that. But I only got through the Dawn, Claybar, wash, Polish-loc, Z5, Z6 stage. Daylight ran out. I'll put some coats of Z2 on in the next few days.
No mods to this car. It's leased.
To anyone that is looking to get a 300M. The 300M is a great car. I really have no regrets about mine. My needs, wants, & style just changed. It all really depend's on what YOU want in a car.
When I said no comparison, I was referring to the QUIETNESS of the Acura to the 300M. Nothing more, nothing less.
fuzzywuzzy-
Congratulations! You're going to love this car. Yea, it doesn't have all the gadgets that the 300 had. After a while, you won't even miss them. Do you really need DTE and MPG readouts? Just look at the gas gauge. I always used a calculator to figure my mileage anyway. Get a small calculator and put in right in that pop-out dash tray. Perfect fit.
Like you said, needs, wants and style changed. I agree that it's smaller. If you don't need a 4-door to begin with, then there's no loss. Rarely is anyone in my backseat anyway. Those who have been back there say it's very comfortable.
As for z'ing it, the 300 used to take me about 45 min. to put it on and take it off if I remember correctly. I guess it's much less now. Haven't timed myself. I thought I only had 10,700 miles on it, but was surprised today when I saw close to 10,900 miles! I love to drive it. Does that red gleam. Kind of like sdmike2's Big Red! I could look at his pics all day!
You'll fit right in at http://www.acura-cl.com They are into their cars just like everyone on this board.
Look at the CL's headlights, don't they remind you of the M's The CL is a smaller sportyer car, the RL and the 300M are more of the same dementions. price wise the TL and the 300M are close.
Maybe it was an M like mine he tested, quieter then the current 300M's with my tires, and sound deadening. My M is still .4 slower then a type S (at least until I change the gears) for now.
I will start field testing the rear camera. I have it now so I can see the bumper of a vehicle 18" away. I am trying to get it down to 12". I figure between the rear camera and the backup alerts I have I should be pretty well pertected from hitting anything while backing up. Plus the 94 deg. angle of view makes it better then all three rear view mirrors to get an idea what is going on behind me. The only problem is I like the rear view, My dad (when with me) likes the Nav screen, My sister likes the Movies, and my mom doesn't like any of it (too distracting, she says). I may have to add more monitors to the car to satisfy every one on long trips.
Some of you have the Intrax, or other lowering springs on your Non PHP 300M. Did getting the PHP struts help cut down on the vibration? I thought someone did this.
I am a Chrysler nut and love their cars with a passion. I drive a 2000 Town & Country LX van with the 3.3L engine and love it (yes, i know, it is a minivan). I also really like the 300m because of it's sleek design, luxurious interior, and its excellent value but I have not gotten around to driving one. One of my friends drove his grandma's 99 300m and he said the power was excellent from the 3.5L V6.
What are the driving impressions from people who have the 300m? Is the 3.5L V6 comparable to some V8s, despite it being a 6 cylnder? What is it like at high cruising speeds?
All in all, I think it's got a lot of power compared to some of the competitors with V8. It's pluses are high end torque - it's got a lot of pull at higher speeds. Very useful when passing on the highway. However, off the line, it could definitely use some more acceleration - however, for me that might be a good thing
The M at cruising speeds inspires confidence and a lead foot. It really shows its true performance potential on the road. Around town, the stiff PHP suspension makes for a rough ride on bad streets, but on the road it's great.
A tester for Car and Driver, who doesn't read specifications before he drives cars, thought the M had a "nice, quiet small 8" in it and was impressed to see the V6. If I remember correctly, the DC 3.5 HO engine has a higher HP to displacement ratio than any other production engine. I also drive a minivan with the 3.3 litre engine and the M will run rings around it both off the line and at highway speeds. The M shines at high RPMs and high speeds. It's not as fast as some others off the line, but it still does 0-60 around 7.5 seconds. Not bad, but not incredible. However, from 65 to 100 it's a rocketship.
greetings from drpixel, VP of 'this thing of ours' (the Chrysler 300m Enthusiasts Club, International). I am--as many here will tesitify to---tool challenged.S0, my personal impressions of the 300m are purely from the gut. A little about my 300m--eMily. She's a 2000 Bright Silver Metallic with approx. 10,750 miles on her. Purchased in June of last year, I've had one or two small problems fixed by the dealership I bought her at. Since I'm a bit larger than the average bear, tipping the scales at a tad over 250 lb and being 6 foot, 6 inches tall, I went looking for a car that I could fit into and be comfortable driving. Even with the seat back fairly rfar, there's still room for people in the rear seats. While the ride COULD be a bit quieter (thanks to the Goodyear tires Chrysler chose to put on the car...), the changing of tire brand in the future will eliminate that problem. Gas mileage could be closer to what the sticker touts, but I didn't buy the car for mileage--got it for the LOOK! eMily si a non-PHP/PHG model with the ....'drool'....chrome Razorstars with the standard hole in the roof, full size spare with matching rim, smokers group and standard 240 watt boom box.
Originally, the S.O. did NOT want leather interior, but since I live in New Jersey where the winters CAN be un-bearable, the bun warmers have become a big hit. Since she's shorted than me, the memory function of the remote is a definite plus.
On the open highway, the car is a pleasure to ride in, handling curves with nary a problem, though I rarely drive over 70 mph. Brakes are a bit on the soft side, but IMHO adequate for the job. eMily has been lucky in that most of the problems that were associated with the 99 model are not existant in the 200 and up years--if you read back in this forum.
I don't know what it is about THIS car out of ll the others the misses and I have owned. Maybe I'm having my mid-life crisis? Like a lot of others here, I find myself looking out the door at eMily in the driveway and get that new car shiver all over again. I think a lot of us here get a similar feeling as well as having our S.O's think we're just a wee bit 'crazy' about this car. When it comes right down to it, why not be a little 'crazy', right? The decision to buy any car is based on so many things, but ultimately it will come down to how the car LOOKS, and the 300m certainly HAS that! Just my 2 cents worth, bud....
for the "dataheads" out there, since switching to the new website 'counter' we have been averaging 199.9 total hits to our web site; and averaging 98.6 unique hits to the club's web site. Someone here was nice enough to guess/and or edumacate me as to what each number means, but still--I thought some out 'there' might be interested. Denverm: downloaded the 'Member-Odometer' files--thanks for emailing them. Will try my hand (mouse?) and rotating the needle, et al.
Sorry to hear the bad news on the Buick. I have rented a LaSabre several times and have found the styling to be bland, but they are a very quiet car. I couldn't even hear the engine running on one and thought it had stalled. My last car was a Regal GS coupe. That car was one of my favorites and was a rocket off the line, but also suffered from Badyears and was slightly noisy. But it was very dependable and had very few warranty related problems. A brake sensor switch on the cruise control was the most notable. So, even though your folks are downgrading on style I think they will be getting a dependable vehicle. If the Regal had not gone to 4 doors, I probably would have gotten another one, since the M is the first non-GM car I have ever owned. But I could not take the appearance change when the Regal went to 4 doors and then when I saw the Platinum M that was all she wrote.
On the cost of a close out 01 M, seveal dealers in L-ville have advertised them as loaded at $26K, so $25K less the chrome wheels is in the ball park. I think if you look at the 99 Razorstars you will find them better looking that the later year wheels. Just mho. On the closeouts there were also incentives available, so you need to check that out on the Edmunds board site.
excuse me for misunderstanding your comment. For some reason I thought you were talking about the whole car. But it's pretty obvious you weren't. Again, sorry about that. I have always liked the TLs and CLs. I think they are very well styled cars and also seem like a lot bang for the buck. I personally however was going more for the more "American" styling of the 300M. Especially the interior.
And Acura has the rep for reliability. Not slamming the CL-S, but IMHO the 300M is real eye candy compared to the Acura, and the 300M to me is a lot better looking inside and out. The 300M still turns my head, and I barely notice the Acura when they go by. To each their own. And thanks sdmike & blonda for the Julian-TJ updates... didn't know about the lines coming back to the US for sure.
Went to the dealer this morning and they took care of it. The rattle is totally gone now. It was indeed the black plastic part at the end of the rear door. They test drove it and said they tightened all 4 door panels and sprayed the weather strips with silicone lube.
Tomorrow I will have had my 300M (steel blue, PHP, luxury group, chrome wheels, full spare, moon roof, side aribags, 4 CD stereo )for one year. Still totally loving it!
ahhhh...steel blue. My second choice. Would have been my first choice if my dealer would have had it in PHG. You hvae the taupe interior? Beauty beauty beauty.
No problem. It's hard sometimes to state exactly what you mean without confusing people.
I still look when I see a 300M too. This time I thought I'd go for reliability instead of looks, although that red and that Zaino shine and that Type-S on the trunk, does turn heads too! ;-))
Almost 10,900 miles since 3/28/01 and loving every minute/mile of it.
fastdriver
PS- Stay safe and alert with these new warnings issued tonight.
My attitude about the 300M and LH's in general is that, save for the road noise, they are very good cars. They have a quality that I guess I'd describe as "balanced". They don't excel in any one area, but overall they are very competent.
I've owned a 93 Vision TSi, and currently have a 98 Intrepid ES, with an M Special coming. The first two cars certainly didn't suffer from any build quality issues. That says a lot about the Brampton plant crew. There have been minor component type problems but neither car ever left me stranded.
To me a car is like anything else, as long as the vehicle meets your expectations you'll be happy with it. If not, you'll look elsewhere the next time. I'm realistic about the the LH's shortcomings, and strengths. I've found the strengths outweight the weaknesses in my mind and gone back to buy again. If the 300N turns out to have the same qualities as the 300M, I'll probably get one of those in a few years. Time will tell.
Yes, I have the taupe. First wanted to go for black but they didn't have that. But now I am very happy with the taupe. I think it works better with the wood trim. What colors do you have?
On a different note. I was just wondering: What is the usual mileage when you get a car from a dealer lot? Mine already had 180 miles on it. It did have a factory sticker on it saying that it had been selected by Chrysler for Q/A testing and because of that would have up to 65 miles on it. I did get mine through the Costco dealership program and got (I think) a good price on it: $29890. Of course that is nothing compared to how little cruzer42 paid. But back then (and maybe now?) that was under the carsdirect.com price.
1: drivers window creaking on opening and closing: they ordered a window regulator--2nd time this same problem occurred
2: rear door lock making loud buzzing on closing--they ordered actuator
3: raspy front speakes when bass set to high--ordered new woofer---(is the center speaker a woofer--I would think they should replace both door speakers
4: steering wheel peeling on the top---they ordered new wheel
5: front seats moving a quarter inch on accel and decel--couldnt duplicate---does anyone have the TSB for this problem so I can point them in the right direction
6: front passenger door lock switch is black--all others in the car are chrome--they tell me this is the same on all M's--DocPixel--can you check your front passenger door lock button to see if its chrome or black--are they giving me the runaround-
At least they did a nice wash job on the car and left the interior as they found it---with the warm weather around here lately, the birds have been out in droves and have been using my car for target practice. Cant wait till they head south for the winter!
Other than the small stuff above, Lolita is holding up well at 27K (2000model)
I had to drive a Cheep again today--I hate that truck--was glad to get back into Lolita's saddle again-- ;-)
1. My driver's window was noisy, too. Dealer tried adjusting it twice, which either worked for only a short time or not at all. The new regulator did the trick.
2. On my '00 M, the electric door lock switches on both front doors are chrome, as are all the window switches on all doors. I think on '01's they went to black, but I'm not sure.
3. Maybe you blew a woofer by turning the volume up to "11"!
I recently picked up a Phoenix Gold zx600ti, and a plexi sub box with 2 12" Phoenix Gold Subs... Problem is the subs sat for a while not being played... one of them is making some strange noises ... like the woofer isnt moving like it should... Do subs dry up ? Is there any way to save the woofer or should I just buy a new one... BTW the one woofer in the box slams... Its just what this system needed... Bass... Planety of it too...
On another note... Im in Sao Paulo, Brazil for the next three weeks... couldnt believe it but I saw a nice white 300M my first day here... must be a sign of a good trip...
My 5* Dealer called yesterday to tell me my "Special" should be shipped from the factory on December 14th. ottowrkr, any way to confirm this? He was originally going to get a Blue one in first but they switched that one with mine only a week later. I wanted to test drive one first but if ottowrkr asys he likes it, it's ok by me.
I find myself looking all over the place for other 300M's on the road (I have a 160 mile daily roundtrip ride to work). There aren't many on the road up here in NJ. I saw a red one yesterday. Nice.
Does anyone know of a source of quality wood dash kits for the 300M? I have an '01 with the Luxury Group, so it's the real walnut trim. Most importantly, I don't want one of the kits that covers everything--I'd just like to do the center console and the dash area including the radio/cd player/HVAC controls. Any ideas? Thanks!
arby500: congrats on your imminent delivery of your "Special"! Like you, whenever I see another 300m on the road, I look--AND toot the horn to each one I see. My wife also points them out to me, too! As far as New Jersey 300m's, there are 8 club members from New Jersey, one of which is an LHS owner. We also have 15 New York members, too. Whereabouts in New Joisey are you from? easyrider300m: methinks the negative 2 star dealer is wafting combustion by-products up your lower alimentary canal exit point! ¤ ALL my switches are chrome. ¤ My window also makes noise, but I think that its more the window sticking to the gasketing after it sits for a few days. ¤ My seat also moveD--1/16th star dealer fixed it -- something about a seat rail/brace, and some here mentioned something about screws? ¤ Steering wheel: mine also 'peeled' and was replaced. The replacement wheel doesn't match the texture of the center of the wheel, and has a much smoother texture-someone here likened it to 'cardboard'.
..fastdriver: ... what's this about warnings issued last night? Being 1500 feet from Gound Zero in Noo Yawk doesn't do the doctor's heart any good hearing this! ..inquiring minds want to know! Last but not least, a warm drpixel welcome to our newest members: #208 - Duane M., #209 - Jeffrey W., and #210 - Tim B.
I saw pictures of a silver "Special" on the yahoo club site. They were taken from the inside of the factory (I think). Sweet! The guy that posted the pics also said it sounds REALLY nice when running. I like the "300M Special" side and rear badges too. The Dealer gave me the full Vin last night and told me my name will be on the window sticker.
I got mine from Joshua Tree, as I have the 01 with real trim. You have to order the whole kit, but if you e-mail Mike at Joshua, you might be able to order just pieces as they replaced a piece that was damaged on install. I believe the e-mail is www.woodtrim.com. I really like the look as I have the sandlewood interior on my Inferno Red. Hope this helps!!
Gorgeous, in my slightly biased opinion. lol. I have a picture somewhere of my odometer when I got it home. It had 50 miles on it...and that's after a 17 mile drive from the dealer. So..do the math.
If the woofer coil is rubbing and sticking at some point in its travel the current in the coil will greatly increase due to lack of back emf generated by the coil moving in the permanent magnet's field. Net result can be a blown amplifier and a burned coil. Speakers can be reconed, but it wouldn't make economic sense in this case.
Another common fault condition occurs when the amplifier is driven into overload (clipping) which generates high order harmonics which burn out the tweeter. Be careful with that volume and tone control(s). Good luck!
BTW, I had a girl friend from Sao Paulo one time. Very exciting and classy lady.
I can't wait to see real pictures of the Special. Although I love Big Red and I have no real desire to trade her in, it's always exciting to see a new addition to the family.
THIS IS A STEP BY STEP PROCEDURE:First you must open your hood,and remove the plastic cover on top of the front of the engine.it is held by 4 or 5 plastic push on clips.then,remove the screw holding the light assy.(it's about 5 or 6 inches long)we are doing one side at a time.Do the driver's side first.After removing the long screw that holds the light in the front of the engine,go to your tire and pull the rubber little grommet covering the hole,You will not miss it.it's oval in shape and is facing the front of the tire.you may turn the wheel all the way to the right and stick your head in there and look thru the hole,and you will see a nut,I think is a 12mm,get 12mm socket and an extention(since is hard to reach inside )remove the nut making sure you don't drop it.Next ,go down and remove the small screw holding the bumper half to the other half,once is done go to the light assy and pull the fascia(plastic bumper)off the assy,do it slow,and the light assy will move enough towards the front,so you can stick your hand and remove the bulb.Make sure not to touch it.since the life of the bulb would be reduce by half.(use a latex glove or a clean cloth free of oils)Don't forget your bulb must have a straight socket,not a 90 degree,since it won't fit.Plug and test the light to make sure it works.Reverse the procedure to install everything back.Do the same on the other side.Good Luck Difficulty Level from 1 to 5=2.5
In the past week there have been some potential 300M purchasers requesting feedback from posters to this forum. There were some comments about the low resale value of the M. Just wanted to add my $.02...
Hypothetically, if a $30,000 300M has a resale value of 50% after 3 years, it is worth approximately $15,000. If a $50,000 Lexus has a resale value of 60% after 3 years, it is worth $30,000. The 300M has lost $15,000, while the Lexus has lost $20,000 over the same period. And the monthly payments have been much higher for the Lexus based on the higher loan amount. So which is the better investment?
My point is that all production cars are a losing investment -- the more you pay for the vehicle, the more you will lose over time.
If you want to trade your car in every 3-5 years, the best ownership method is leasing (lower monthly payments -- no concerns over resale value). If you want to keep it 5-10 years, the best ownership method is purchasing (some residual value after it is paid off).
Comments
Hans
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1280600&a=14064999&f=0
Picked it up Saturday. First impressions.....
300M was alot better looking.
300M had more room.
300M had the trip computer, & MPG, DTE etc readouts.
300M had those cool indiglow gauges.
300M had tilting headrests.
300M had a better stereo. The CL-S has NO BASS. I will fix that though next weekend
CL-S, Has alot better seats. The seats in the TL are different. The CL-S seats are bolsted really well in the sides. They hold my big frame better.
Cl-S is smoother reving.
CL-S is QUIET. Compared to my 2000 it's a night & day difference. Maybe the 2001's-on are quiter the 99-2000's.
CL-S is smaller. Better to manuver around parking lots, or tight spaces.
Fastdriver will like this.....
The CL-S is easier to Zaino. Spent all day Sunday doing that. But I only got through the Dawn, Claybar, wash, Polish-loc, Z5, Z6 stage. Daylight ran out. I'll put some coats of Z2 on in the next few days.
No mods to this car. It's leased.
To anyone that is looking to get a 300M. The 300M is a great car. I really have no regrets about mine. My needs, wants, & style just changed. It all really depend's on what YOU want in a car.
When I said no comparison, I was referring to the QUIETNESS of the Acura to the 300M. Nothing more, nothing less.
fuzzywuzzy-
Congratulations! You're going to love this car. Yea, it doesn't have all the gadgets that the 300 had. After a while, you won't even miss them. Do you really need DTE and MPG readouts? Just look at the gas gauge. I always used a calculator to figure my mileage anyway. Get a small calculator and put in right in that pop-out dash tray. Perfect fit.
Like you said, needs, wants and style changed. I agree that it's smaller. If you don't need a 4-door to begin with, then there's no loss. Rarely is anyone in my backseat anyway. Those who have been back there say it's very comfortable.
As for z'ing it, the 300 used to take me about 45 min. to put it on and take it off if I remember correctly. I guess it's much less now. Haven't timed myself. I thought I only had 10,700 miles on it, but was surprised today when I saw close to 10,900 miles! I love to drive it. Does that red gleam. Kind of like sdmike2's Big Red! I could look at his pics all day!
You'll fit right in at http://www.acura-cl.com They are into their cars just like everyone on this board.
fastdriver
Or do all CL-Ses come with that?
What are the driving impressions from people who have the 300m? Is the 3.5L V6 comparable to some V8s, despite it being a 6 cylnder? What is it like at high cruising speeds?
Thank you for your info!
-Adam
(16/M/CA)
Silver
A little about my 300m--eMily. She's a 2000 Bright Silver Metallic with approx. 10,750 miles on her. Purchased in June of last year, I've had one or two small problems fixed by the dealership I bought her at. Since I'm a bit larger than the average bear, tipping the scales at a tad over 250 lb and being 6 foot, 6 inches tall, I went looking for a car that I could fit into and be comfortable driving. Even with the seat back fairly rfar, there's still room for people in the rear seats. While the ride COULD be a bit quieter (thanks to the Goodyear tires Chrysler chose to put on the car...), the changing of tire brand in the future will eliminate that problem. Gas mileage could be closer to what the sticker touts, but I didn't buy the car for mileage--got it for the LOOK! eMily si a non-PHP/PHG model with the ....'drool'....chrome Razorstars with the standard hole in the roof, full size spare with matching rim, smokers group and standard 240 watt boom box.
Originally, the S.O. did NOT want leather interior, but since I live in New Jersey where the winters CAN be un-bearable, the bun warmers have become a big hit. Since she's shorted than me, the memory function of the remote is a definite plus.
On the open highway, the car is a pleasure to ride in, handling curves with nary a problem, though I rarely drive over 70 mph. Brakes are a bit on the soft side, but IMHO adequate for the job. eMily has been lucky in that most of the problems that were associated with the 99 model are not existant in the 200 and up years--if you read back in this forum.
I don't know what it is about THIS car out of ll the others the misses and I have owned. Maybe I'm having my mid-life crisis? Like a lot of others here, I find myself looking out the door at eMily in the driveway and get that new car shiver all over again. I think a lot of us here get a similar feeling as well as having our S.O's think we're just a wee bit 'crazy' about this car. When it comes right down to it, why not be a little 'crazy', right? The decision to buy any car is based on so many things, but ultimately it will come down to how the car LOOKS, and the 300m certainly HAS that! Just my 2 cents worth, bud....
Doc in --yuch--smokey Noo Yawk.....
Doc
Denverm: downloaded the 'Member-Odometer' files--thanks for emailing them. Will try my hand (mouse?) and rotating the needle, et al.
Doc
On the cost of a close out 01 M, seveal dealers in L-ville have advertised them as loaded at $26K, so $25K less the chrome wheels is in the ball park. I think if you look at the 99 Razorstars you will find them better looking that the later year wheels. Just mho. On the closeouts there were also incentives available, so you need to check that out on the Edmunds board site.
excuse me for misunderstanding your comment. For some reason I thought you were talking about the whole car. But it's pretty obvious you weren't. Again, sorry about that. I have always liked the TLs and CLs. I think they are very well styled cars and also seem like a lot bang for the buck. I personally however was going more for the more "American" styling of the 300M. Especially the interior.
Hans
Tomorrow I will have had my 300M (steel blue, PHP, luxury group, chrome wheels, full spare, moon roof, side aribags, 4 CD stereo )for one year. Still totally loving it!
Hans
No problem. It's hard sometimes to state exactly what you mean without confusing people.
I still look when I see a 300M too. This time I thought I'd go for reliability instead of looks, although that red and that Zaino shine and that Type-S on the trunk, does turn heads too! ;-))
Almost 10,900 miles since 3/28/01 and loving every minute/mile of it.
fastdriver
PS- Stay safe and alert with these new warnings issued tonight.
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/ViewPhoto?u=1280646&a=13923132&p=57020135&f=0
Does modifying the TB void the warranty?
I've owned a 93 Vision TSi, and currently have a 98 Intrepid ES, with an M Special coming. The first two cars certainly didn't suffer from any build quality issues. That says a lot about the Brampton plant crew. There have been minor component type problems but neither car ever left me stranded.
To me a car is like anything else, as long as the vehicle meets your expectations you'll be happy with it. If not, you'll look elsewhere the next time. I'm realistic about the the LH's shortcomings, and strengths. I've found the strengths outweight the weaknesses in my mind and gone back to buy again. If the 300N turns out to have the same qualities as the 300M, I'll probably get one of those in a few years. Time will tell.
TS
On a different note. I was just wondering: What is the usual mileage when you get a car from a dealer lot? Mine already had 180 miles on it. It did have a factory sticker on it saying that it had been selected by Chrysler for Q/A testing and because of that would have up to 65 miles on it. I did get mine through the Costco dealership program and got (I think) a good price on it: $29890. Of course that is nothing compared to how little cruzer42 paid. But back then (and maybe now?) that was under the carsdirect.com price.
here's what needed repair and the result:
1: drivers window creaking on opening and closing: they ordered a window regulator--2nd time this same problem occurred
2: rear door lock making loud buzzing on closing--they ordered actuator
3: raspy front speakes when bass set to high--ordered new woofer---(is the center speaker a woofer--I would think they should replace both door speakers
4: steering wheel peeling on the top---they ordered new wheel
5: front seats moving a quarter inch on accel and decel--couldnt duplicate---does anyone have the TSB for this problem so I can point them in the right direction
6: front passenger door lock switch is black--all others in the car are chrome--they tell me this is the same on all M's--DocPixel--can you check your front passenger door lock button to see if its chrome or black--are they giving me the runaround-
At least they did a nice wash job on the car and left the interior as they found it---with the warm weather around here lately, the birds have been out in droves and have been using my car for target practice. Cant wait till they head south for the winter!
Other than the small stuff above, Lolita is holding up well at 27K (2000model)
I had to drive a Cheep again today--I hate that truck--was glad to get back into Lolita's saddle again-- ;-)
Easyrider300M
2. On my '00 M, the electric door lock switches on both front doors are chrome, as are all the window switches on all doors. I think on '01's they went to black, but I'm not sure.
3. Maybe you blew a woofer by turning the volume up to "11"!
This is for Model Year 2001 but I have heard other Model Years having the work done as well.
This link will take you to a list of 2001 TSBs:
http://www.alldata.com/TSB/12/011239EO.html
I recently picked up a Phoenix Gold zx600ti, and a plexi sub box with 2 12" Phoenix Gold Subs... Problem is the subs sat for a while not being played... one of them is making some strange noises ... like the woofer isnt moving like it should... Do subs dry up ? Is there any way to save the woofer or should I just buy a new one... BTW the one woofer in the box slams... Its just what this system needed... Bass... Planety of it too...
On another note... Im in Sao Paulo, Brazil for the next three weeks... couldnt believe it but I saw a nice white 300M my first day here... must be a sign of a good trip...
I find myself looking all over the place for other 300M's on the road (I have a 160 mile daily roundtrip ride to work). There aren't many on the road up here in NJ. I saw a red one yesterday. Nice.
easyrider300m: methinks the negative 2 star dealer is wafting combustion by-products up your lower alimentary canal exit point!
¤ ALL my switches are chrome.
¤ My window also makes noise, but I think that its more the window sticking to the gasketing after it sits for a few days.
¤ My seat also moveD--1/16th star dealer fixed it -- something about a seat rail/brace, and some here mentioned something about screws?
¤ Steering wheel: mine also 'peeled' and was replaced. The replacement wheel doesn't match the texture of the center of the wheel, and has a much smoother texture-someone here likened it to 'cardboard'.
..fastdriver: ... what's this about warnings issued last night? Being 1500 feet from Gound Zero in Noo Yawk doesn't do the doctor's heart any good hearing this! ..inquiring minds want to know!
Last but not least, a warm drpixel welcome to our newest members: #208 - Duane M., #209 - Jeffrey W., and #210 - Tim B.
Doc
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1620463&a=12377755&p=45322279&Sequence=0&res=high
Gorgeous, in my slightly biased opinion. lol. I have a picture somewhere of my odometer when I got it home. It had 50 miles on it...and that's after a 17 mile drive from the dealer. So..do the math.
Another common fault condition occurs when the amplifier is driven into overload (clipping) which generates high order harmonics which burn out the tweeter. Be careful with that volume and tone control(s). Good luck!
BTW, I had a girl friend from Sao Paulo one time. Very exciting and classy lady.
Silver
Thanks
http://pub88.ezboard.com/f300menthusiastsclubfrm1.showMessage?topicID=83.topic
And here's the info:
THIS IS A STEP BY STEP PROCEDURE:First you must open your hood,and remove the plastic cover on top of the front of the engine.it is held by 4 or 5 plastic push on clips.then,remove the screw holding the light assy.(it's about 5 or 6 inches long)we are doing one side at a time.Do the driver's side first.After removing the long screw that holds the light in the front of the engine,go to your tire and pull the rubber little grommet covering the hole,You will not miss it.it's oval in shape and is facing the front of the tire.you may turn the wheel all the way to the right and stick your head in there and look thru the hole,and you will see a nut,I think is a 12mm,get 12mm socket and an extention(since is hard to reach inside )remove the nut making sure you don't drop it.Next ,go down and remove the small screw holding the bumper half to the other half,once is done go to the light assy and pull the fascia(plastic bumper)off the assy,do it slow,and the light assy will move enough towards the front,so you can stick your hand and remove the bulb.Make sure not to touch it.since the life of the bulb would be reduce by half.(use a latex glove or a clean cloth free of oils)Don't forget your bulb must have a straight socket,not a 90 degree,since it won't fit.Plug and test the light to make sure it works.Reverse the procedure to install everything back.Do the same on the other side.Good Luck Difficulty Level from 1 to 5=2.5
Good luck
Hypothetically, if a $30,000 300M has a resale value of 50% after 3 years, it is worth approximately $15,000. If a $50,000 Lexus has a resale value of 60% after 3 years, it is worth $30,000. The 300M has lost $15,000, while the Lexus has lost $20,000 over the same period. And the monthly payments have been much higher for the Lexus based on the higher loan amount. So which is the better investment?
My point is that all production cars are a losing investment -- the more you pay for the vehicle, the more you will lose over time.
If you want to trade your car in every 3-5 years, the best ownership method is leasing (lower monthly payments -- no concerns over resale value). If you want to keep it 5-10 years, the best ownership method is purchasing (some residual value after it is paid off).
Again, just my $.02...