Chrysler 300M

fuzzywuzzy

Thanks all. The rims are nice. To answer some of your questions:

There are 2 different versions of my rims. The ones I got, & the ones with the rivits. You can get either one. I guess they just put the pic of the rivited ones on the website all of a sudden.

The rims are 18X8.

After much hassle with Dunlop due to 2 sets of defective tires, I returned them, & did some major ranting. To my suprise, they not only refunded my money, but gave me 4 new tires free of charge. This has been why I've been waiting 2 months for the tires.(free but took forever to get) I really thought that was a good thing for them to do. Some manfactures do care. Anyway they are SP Sport 9000's. Size 245-45ZR18. The ride is a little harsher, howerver the Max PSI on them is 51psi, I have them at 41 cold. When hot they are 46-47psi.

bigmike5

FYI--In the local paper a L-ville dealer was offering two 01Ms loaded, except I am not sure about PHP, but with hole and 4 CD changer for $27,900.

fuzzywuzzy

The bulbs are not as bright as the stock lights. I will admit that. They are close. For my type of driving I like them. I drive very dark roads at night. They light the road better. Also, other's would say they blind traffic, but with the 300M this is NOT true. The design of the reflectors on the 300M, takes away any glare.

fuzzywuzzy

The moonroof deflector does keep wind from getting inside the car. Howerver I do not know how it compares without it. It was the first thing I added to the car. Put it on the when I picked it up from the dealer. I have never driven with out it. It is a vent visor. It does stick to the paint, with the 3M tape. Also the side deflectors are vent visor, & also stick with the 3M tape. I couldn't find ones like that that did not use 3M tape.

fuzzywuzzy

I have both the 00, & 01 manuals. The differences are:

00-you cannot program the locks to unlock all 4 doors with 1 press of the keyfob.

01-you can

00-you cannot program the lights to flash, or horn to chirp when you disarm the alarm.

01-you can

These little things I would love to do.

fuzzywuzzy

Anyone have any info on installing a real alarm system on a 300M? I would like a shock sensor, glass sensors, starter kill, & a really loud alarm. If I could add to the factory one it would be cool. I know nothing about alarms. I never had one. What are good brands, bad brands etc. I do not want remote start.

Thanks

fastdriver

LOL..... I have everyone's wheels spinning! Trying to reach the dealer now to see if I am getting the car this Wednesday. Yesterday turned out be beautiful here in So. CT. I Zainoed Christine for the last time- maybe. Had to use Z-5 because I have been bad and brought her several times to the car wash. Hey, after 3 years of handwashing, I figured it was time for the brushless wash. It's supposed to snow today, so I don't see any Z-2 going on. It's been such a LONG winter that I almost forgot how could Christine could look all "dressed" up! WOW! LOL.. Now that I am a Zaino "pro", the new car will look perfect! I already told the dealer NOT to wash it. They said that they would leave the white plastic on it because I bought the car in RI on Saturday and have to drive to CT to bring it home. RI seems to use ROCKS on their highways in the winter. Nothing like getting sandblasted as you drive on the highway. I also told them NO dealer stickers OR front license plate holder. They have agreed to all these things. I told them that I would still give them an excellent rating for "cleanlinees of car at delivery" even if it looked like crap because I don't want anyone touching it!

The suspense builds! What prize could I come up with? Some Motor Trend Car of the Year stickers?? I have several of those- NOT on my car! LOL...

fastdriver

rklass

Lexus SC430

rklass

No wonder you are experiencung harshness!
Your new tires should be set at the recommended factory pressure (30psi). The pressure indicated on the sidewall is the MAXIMUM recommended safe pressure for the tires.
41 psi will result in harshness, premature wear on the center ribs and greatly reduced traction on wet roads.

easyrider300m

the new Jeep--if not a Jeep , then another SUV---I bet I'm close--

dustinnewton

http://www.macneilauto.com/store/Notape.html

Their website is currently not functioning very well, but when I bought a set of these for my minivan, they had the for the M as well. They are flexible and have a thin edge that fits up into the window channel in the weatherstripping. It is a very firm fit, and the ones on my van have been there for 6 months and haven't even remotely come close to falling off. It's a very clean look since they don't stick to the outside. Plus, they have a light smoke tint as opposed to the deep smoke tint on other models. It doesn't feel like the window opening is smaller with them on. My father-in-law has the stick on ones on his truck, and I don't care for them in comparison to the Weather Tech models.

fuzzywuzzy

No. The factory rating is for factory tires. I do not have factory tires, nor size, nor rim. These tires require a high pressure to comply with the load specs of the car. If the tires were at 30psi, they would be too soft, & not support the load weight of the car.(people luggage etc) And the ride is not HARSH, just a little harsher, not much. The dunlops are quiet though. If anything I have noticed bad wear/performance from tires that were lacking air pressure. I might be wrong, you might be right, but my experiences with these tires, (Had a stock size before) & air pressure have been good.

fuzzywuzzy

Are they wide like the pic. Are they light as the ones in the pic. I like the dark ones. Also the black trim on the 300M, blends in to the stick on delfectors. Look at the pics of them on my site. You really can't tell they are the stick on ones. I do prefer the ones that stick in the window channel, but cannot find them in the dark color I have now.

scotian

I installed a real alarm in Emmy. While I cannot say whether I bought the best alarm or not since after $100 they all seem to do the same features and options (and there really are only so many things you can have a car alarm do), I can help you a lot with what wires to tap into to do certain things.

My installation consists of the alarm in the trunk with a ribbon cable running from it to beneath the instrument panel, where there is a teeming mass of wires, connectors, and wire labels to keep the chaos somewhat organized. When the weather gets warm, I'm going to slightly modify my wiring so that the first push of my alarm remote door open button will unlock all doors (on my alarm, that is one setting I can't modify).

Three related pics start here:

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/ViewPhoto?u=1280646&a=9790406&p=32521986&f=0

tictac3

Hit a pothole doing 45-50 last week. Did not see it coming so I don't think it was that big. Shook car though. Problem did no arise until Friday night when I took it on the interstate. Got up over 60 mph and it felt as though I was driving on a milled road surface. Went away at 70. Took car to Goodyear dealer to check tire and alignment. Tire ok. Alignment ok. Aluminum rim not ok. Inside edge of rim bent in though no air loss. Since its aluminum, could not hammer it back into shape. Result -- $355 dollars for new rim. Question - why aluminum and not steel. I know its lighter but is it as durable?

fuzzywuzzy

This I will let a shop do. I do not have time. I would also like remote start. I was reading on DEI's website, there a new 555 series that will allow this to be done. I'm trying to get more info on it.

rklass

Bummer on the wheel, Jason!
You can have alloy wheels repaired. Try the Wheel Collision Center, Bath, PA or Ye Ole Wheel Shop. 800-526-8260.
They can fix just about any wheel damage, and it might be worth it to have a spare.
I got the full size spare w/matching wheel option on both the '01 M and '01 Sebring LXi sedan. It gives us more options in case of a tire/whwwl problem.

Jason, be very careful about adding a remote starter to the 300M! The multiplexed wiring is very touchy about added loads to some circuits.
My brother put a remote starter on his '99 M, and it added a whole bunch of weird electrical gremlins; like not being able to turn off the headlights!

scotian

That's no fun!

fuzzywuzzy

I spoke to the DEI people. They have a module that hides away, but still needs the extra key to be in the car. The only difference from having it taped to the steering column is it's in little box, that you can hide. So much for that.

fuzzywuzzy

Ok, I have a price. A viper 550. This has a remote start plug in, if I want it down the road. Price I got from a good shop is $350 completely installed. But I get 10% off because i'm a repeat customer.(windows were tinted there)They claim they put one on a 300M before. I heard there work is great. As is service. It has shock/glass sensors, A loud alarm, unlock/lock, trunk release, panic, unlocks doors when the key is pulled out of ignition, 1 button lock, unlock of all 4 doors, parking light/chirp when it’s armed/disarmed.

intrepidspirit

I recall you said in one of your "teasers" that Racefan might be happy with your choice. I remember last year Racefan was enthusiastic about the new Sebrings (2001).

So I'm guessing Sebring. I don't know your profile, but I'll go out on a limb and say the coupe!

race9fan

hmmmm you've got me thinking now, fastdriver said in a message to ottowrkr that "this was totally unexpected, wait til you see what i've done now, i think you'll be surprised, and that racefan might be happy about this maybe" why would he be telling otto this if it wasn't a DC product...now it is a 2 door with dual exhaust with one option from the factory he didn't say that this was the only option available, does the new stratus R/T coupe have dual exhaust or the top of the line sebring ???

Race

race9fan

final guess i have it down to three the GTP coupe, CL or the corvette. i don't think any DC car has dual exhaust unless its a Mercedes coupe and he wouldn't buy one, so i'm going to narrow it down and go with LALarry and say the Acura CL but not a plain ol CL the Type S...is he going to be the first with one of those too, we'll see. wouldn't it be something if he put up pics of an XK8. :~)

Race

rstilp

I see a lot of testimonials on Zaino products on this forum and once in a while someone will mention using Meguiar's. Since I can buy the later locally and really like the results I wonder about trying Zaino. Is there that much difference or are they pretty much the same. It's almost detail time in Northern IN. Thanks for any input. Rick #12

thill381

I just bought a 2000 300M last Tuesday. A friend of mine owns a CPDJ dealership (oops I guess thats CDJ as plymouth is dead), and he told me there is a $2,000 rebate on the 01'.

He had just bought a Cinimon 2000 w// chromes, roof, spoiler and a Naxos exhaust on it. When he told me what I could buy it for I couldn't pass it up.

Look forward to joining the 300M owners club and talking to everyone.

race9fan

i was a long time mequiars user, this board introduced me to Zaino and i am hooked. nothing beats Zaino for a deep shine that glows. darker colors look the best but they always have. all you need is some Z-1 apply that before it dries put on a coat of Z-2 let it haze and buff. after and between washes i use z-6 a spray gloss enhancer that you wipe on. why some people here say its hard i don't know, 10 times easier than other waxes, and no wax dust. it will cost you $35 for the first order but all i use now is the Z-6, did it last weekend and it has a slick deep shine.

Race

rscheller

In Oct 99, I bent two razorstar wheels (right front and right rear) on my 99 300M when I hit a piece of 4x4 wood on a crowded freeway at 70mph. As your situation states, my tires survived OK but the razorstars were trashed. No other damage either luckily.

I was only a couple miles from my 3.38* dealer, so I wobbled it in there where they had to order and then replace the wheels. I also got most of the cost of their labor and the two new wheels (about $600) covered by my insurance. I still have the two bent wheels in my garage... saving them for what... I don't know... but I kept them.

Now every time I hit a pot-hole, I wonder if I've bent a wheel.

Rick

The Consummate 300M Pages

fcm

One Chrysler product with true dual exhaust is the... VIPER.

Be careful with remote starters. They used to be good ways to start car fires.

I put 4 coats of Zaino on it last summer and water still beads off. It still sparkles like a diamond in a goat's @#*!%. Waxes never seemed to last very long, silicon polishes were a little better.

f

alexdykes

I was told I should post a note here to see who does the custom clock faces for the 300M. Does anyone here know about this?

Alex

race9fan

scotian does them
sjensen666@hotmail.com

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1280646&a=9486000

intrepidspirit

I think I remember Racefan talking about the Monte Carlo last year. Also, a true "Racefan" would probably have an affection for the Monte Carlo -- driven for many years by Dale Earnhardt. And the Monte Carlo is a coupe and comes with dual exhaust...could Racefan's new car be a Monte Carlo?

race9fan

now you may be on to something, forgot about the MC and GM points would work on that, it is also the name of a casino and Fastdriver does frequent the casinos...hmmmm he was seriously considering the buick regal so i guess it could be anything...but i'm still going with the acura cl type s.

Race

drivem

Lucky us. We're ordering a 300M from the factory. Thought we were all set on colors: Bright Silver Metallic with Dark Slate interior, but what beach15 wrote in #1209 has caused us to reconsider. We may live in Syracuse but we do get plenty of hot summer days and like beach15, don't relish entering a steaming car. Anybody know how the silver goes with the Light Taupe interior? Maybe we should change our minds and get our second choice, Garnet red as that should look fine with any of the interiors.

Yes, we also got the 2k discount...it's a northeast regional deal and we had to dig for it!

Have been reading your helpful messages for the last couple of weeks. Looking forward to joining in.

race9fan

beach has the black exterior, that color absorbs heat...i have the silver with agate same as dark slate, silver is like aluminum foil it reflects the sunlight, plus with tinted windows and a sunshield your buns won't get toasted...on the other hand the light taupe is beautiful just not as sporty looking, more elegant looking. have fun

Race

beach15

It's nice that someone acknowledged my advice on the colors. I don't know whether it is strictly because of the dark agate leather but I really think that it's the combination of the really dark paint and interior. Maybe a lighter color exterior like silver would help but I still wouldn't recommend the dark inside. It always looks dusty and is very hard to keep clean and those dark leather seats will have your backside hot and sometimes wet if they sit in sunlight even for a little while. I still wish that I had the lighter colors.

My advice would be of the two, get the bright silver and the lt. taupe interior. Together they do match rather well and when those sunny days arive you'll be much happier that you opted with the lighter shades. Better yet, the silver color hides most everyday dirt and dust, usually looking good even without being washed for a while. Too me, the dark garnet red looks funny sometimes because it seems to change colors when viewed from different angles. It's also a dark color--just what you should stay away from if you don't like being broiled every time you get in the car. Well, good luck! I love the 300M and just wish I had one of the better examples.

beach15

Lately, I haven't been hearing nearly as many of the rattles and creaks in my M. Maybe it's the weather or maybe they'll eventually disappear? I can still hear some of the noises like behind the gauges but they're usually less noticable than before (and sometimes the car is having a good day and they're not even there!!)

Lately, I've been kicking myself for not waiting another few months and getting a 2001. That way I could have gotten any colors, had the new and improved features, and still got an equal or better deal (judging from what I have been reading on here). I wish my car had the much better Michelins, the steering wheel radio controls, and that I was able to unlock the car with one press on the remote and hear a confirmation beep when doing so.

What kind of duster is good for this car? Mine always sits outside and looks dusty even if I wash it. I still have to get some Zaino and really shine this thing up.

denverm- It does seem strange that I would even consider another M considering the problems I've had with mine now but there is just nothing that compares to a 300M. Acura, sure they're nice cars and are very well built but they are ugly and lack the character of a 300M. Or maybe I'm just nuts? Who knows?

Weatherstripping- I got in the car today and those strips are looking pretty bad. All four hang down with the driver's door being the worst. I should make and appointment soon before anything starts to leak. Should I request that the 2001 seals be used since they are bigger and stronger or will they use these anyway?

I want to add a sunroof deflector sometime. How much does it help? All I know is that when I open the roof in either vent or fully slid back positions the wind noise and booming is just too loud and distracting.

On my front driver's side Eagle LS tire I noticed two red lines, each between the tread. Any idea what this is? One is very visible and the other looks like it is just wearing through. The car has 6,500 miles and I have not had the tires rotated yet.

heymista

I live in south Louisiana (hot and humid), and I need a car with great air conditioning. I like everything else about the car. Can any 300M owners that live in a similar climate provide some information pertaining to the quality of the A/C in this vehicle? I have a Toyota Avalon which has super a/c. Although I love the looks and performance of thw 300m, I do not want to sacrifice the quality a/c. It sounds trivial, but I spend a lot of time in and out of my car during summer. Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks

pjyoung

In my opinon, Zaino is the all around better deal. It is VERY easy to apply, it lasts a long time, it holds up well in harsh winter weather, and it shines extremely well (better on a dark color, but white still shines), and a little goes a very long way. YOu can only order Zaino by mail or a local distrubutor, but Sal Zaino will turn an order around quickly - even if paying by personal check, the order is received in just over 1 week. Try it and you'll see.

pjyoung

here in Kansas, we get 100+ degree days and believe it or not, quite a bit of humidity. I never take my M off of the "auto" setting and I am completly comfortable. For what it's worth, my car is white with a light beige interior, but the AC is superb, IMHO.

lalarry

How much longer will FastDriver keep us in suspense? I certainly hope that it's worth the wait, and his announcement doesn't make us "LOL"!

P.S. I was right about Gladiator. Maybe I'll be right about FastDriver's new ride as well!

Evandermel

Fastdriver,

Here I am doing my once in a while skim, and you go and steal the show big time. What are you getting?

Your posting sais only one available option and two doors. That means Plymouth (oops Chrysler) Prowler, Honda Accord V6 coupe, and either Acura CL (P or S type) as best as I can tell. Option 1 is pretty unlikey for daily use.

Did I guess right?

To keep things on topic for anyone getting a new 300M, in the northeast there is a $2K rebate and $1K dealer incentive on, one should be able to get one for about $3K under invoice at an honest dealer. Prices of used ones are depressed accordingly, Y2K are down to about $20K and 99's are going for $17K retail from dealers. Probably a good time to buy if one is in the market, but a bad time to sell as used prices have dropped about $3K since December.

Fastdriver, please let us know!

Erik V.

race9fan

i'm going one step further with my guess not only is it a 2001 Acura CL Type S with navigation system, the color is San Marino Red!!!

funroads

Evandermel,

Do you happen to know of anywhere on the Web where there's documentation of the $2K NE incentive and the $1K rebate?

It sure would be nice to walk in w/ some sort of proof.

race9fan

yeah we are definitely upside down in the 99-00's but in this car i don't mind at all, i hope to get every bit of use out of this one. i may keep this one forever!!! i have been trading every 2 years with good fortune but there isn't anything on the road i would rather be driving this go round. i need a few more years supply of Z thats all.

Race

fastdriver

I hope you won't be LOL... when I post the pics of my new ride. Then again, you can't make everyone happy. As long as I'm happy and not always at the dealer! I have to say that Christine looked GREAT after I Z'd her yesterday. Then it snowed today in So. CT!! The dirt will slide right off so I'm not too worried. I should know tomorrow if the car will be ready on Wed. or Thurs. The battery in the digital camera is all charged and ready to go! LOL.. The pics might not be great because I already told them NOT to wash the car and to leave the white plastic ON the car so that I won't get any chips on it from the dealer in RI back to CT.

I didn't think this replacement car would get this group so curious! I figured you'd all be THRILLED to see me go after all the problems I had with Christine. If the new car goes STRAIGHT from day one, I'll be thrilled! It has Michelin tires.

I love all the guesses. I don't mean to keep you in suspense, but I want my first impressions of it to be unbiased on the 90 mile trip home. I can't wait to put the Zaino on this car. It should look as good as the 300. My 300 was the FIRST car that I EVER named. It happened one day when I was on the computer and had the TV on. That movie was on TV- red Plymouth Fury that was possessed! I thought- by God, that's MY car! Hence the name Christine. I never knew that was a Stephen King novel until someone mentioned it here! Then, I was really scared. ;-)) Hope I don't have to name the new car Christine II!! LOL.....

Just a few more days and then you can all sling your barbs at me for my decision. It's okay though. Christine has given me a tough skin!

fastdriver

easyrider300m

fastdrivers new ride is an suv because he stated that it didnt have 4 doors----then he stated that it wasnt a 2 door---that leaves a 5 door---like a minivan or suv--as I cant see him driving a minivan, I would guess it to be an SUV---Maybe a jeep wagoneer or Lincoln Navigator---well, time will tell--winner should get a point in our trivia contest---

Easyrider300M

easyrider300m

http://www.hummer.com/h1/4dot/gallery/index.asp

Does it come in inferno red!

300michael

It gets over 120 here in Phoenix and the air on my 300M still keeps me cool and colective. (sounds like a comertical).

Otto, any news on the 2002's yet? Are they going to change the tranny?

race9fan

Fastdriver said it's NOT a four door, rklass said it was a TL i said good guess but that's not a 2 door car...so it's a 2 door so the suv is out!!!

easyrider300m

http://www.hummer.com/h1/4dot/gallery/index.asp

Does it come in inferno red!