Chrysler 300M

sdmike2

Thanks for the info. I was thinking the same thing...it still looks great, but it's not a dark "show the dirt" color. It also looks classy with the light taupe. My only issue is that it doesn't have PHG, which I wanted. I'm trying to convince myself that the savings outweigh the ability to go over 118mph (which I'd probably only do to test if I could).

-M

mrl859

sdMike2:That looks just like the one I got from noway in November from Ken Emmons. Go for the PAP. If they don't have one, they can dealer trade as they did for me. It's an awesome car. BTW, when I got mine, there was a 5K rebate on a lease. I wonder if that's still on?

sitedrifter

I have a Brand new 2001 300M has valve tapping noise when the engine is cold. The tapping lasts for about 3 to 5 seconds then goes unaudible. The vehicle has 600 miles on it and the dealer tells me they want to add EOS (Engine Oil Supplement) to clean out any dirt in the engine... I said WHAT? They said that Star Tech (Chrysler) said to do this. Anyone have any suggestions on what I should do? Anyone else have this problem with their 300M or similiar car with the 3.5 engine?

Thanks

Mark

pjyoung

I only hope that it if it comes with a cargo net, it is installed on delivery, lest another saga of Christine II could be in the offing....

sj6

I have an '01 that has does the same thing since new. I now have about 1200 miles on it. I have had numerous other cars (especially Miatas) that have done this "pump up the lifters" activity and have never had a problem. The EOS sounds like an oil thickener of some kind. Some people try that or different viscosities of oil and are successful in getting rid of the noise. I wouldn't worry about it unless it drags on for more than 30 seconds.

fastdriver

denverm-

Nice car, but not the one. My aunt has one just like this. Nice car.

sdmike2-

LOL... NO SUV here, but two co-workers just got theirs this week! Nice.

Even if I could afford that, it wouldn't be in my garage. Those high performance things are not for me.

pjyoung-

You're ABSOLUTELY right! EVERYTHING better be the way it's supposed to be! Considering the car I'm getting and the dealer I'm getting it from, I KNOW things will be RIGHT! They don't need any "5-STARS" HYPE to FOOL people!! I'm sure if YOU went through the crap that I have these past 3 years, you wouldn't be so smug about it!

fastdriver

rklass

Brian, any '99 or '00 300M equipped with Michelin XGT V4 tires on 16" wheels has PHP. Non-PHP models have Goodyear Eagle LS tires on 17" wheels.The rotor diameter is the same for all 300Ms, but the brake pads and hoses are different.

sdmike2: The limiter is not the only difference on the PHG model. The tires are the MUCH superior, "V" rated, Michelin Pilot MXM tires, and the brakes are upgraded. There is also a higher effort power steering, firmer suspension bushings and a different shift mapping program in the transmission. The car has a much more "buttoned down" feel overall.
The way business is at the Brampton plant, you could special order one and have it in less than a month!

fuzzywuzzy

My guess is some BMW. Maybe a new M3 coupe??

fuzzywuzzy

The rotors are not the same size. The PHP is 11.7", the non php is 11. The fronts are different the rears are the same. The pads are different, & on the non PHP 300M there are 2 little brake caliper clips, between the top of the pads. The PHP 300M does not have these. The brake lines are the same. The Vin # should tell you also. AS well as the dealer sticker.

sdmike2

I know there are other differences, I'm just thinking that I won't notice. I currently drive a Mitsubishi Galant that is quick for a 4 cylinder (2.4 litre) but handles like a...um...mid sized mitsubishi! I think the Non-PHG 300 would be 100 times better handling than what I have, even though the PHG version would be 500 times better. I drove a PHG 300 yesterday and coming up on a light I told the sales person to "hang on" (which she thanked me for later). I did a 90 degree left turn at over 35mph and that car didn't roll, toe in, squeal or hop. It went around that corner like it could do it at 70. I was VERY impressed. However, I did notice a lot of bumps and vibrations on a semi-rough road. Seemed like quite a bit more than the non-PHG. Sooooo... my internal debate is do I go with the color/price that I want with the non-PHG, or do I go for a fully loaded inferno red with sandstone for $750 more. Maybe if I put them side by side...but they're at 2 different dealers. I also don't want to order one because I tried that route and got bent over by a dealer. I think at this time of the month with current incentives (expiring soon) I'd be better off picking one off a lot.

Thanks for all the help.

-M

rklass

Beg to differ Jason.
At least on the '99, the front rotors are the same, which is probably why they warped so easily.
I had 2 sets replaced, at Chrysler's expense, and they were the same part # as the standard rotors.
The clips on the standard pads are retractor springs, which the PHP pads do not have, another way to promote rotor warping from excess heat.
The brake LINES are the same, but the HOSES to the wheel hubs are a low-expansion type on the PHP for a firmer pedal feel.
I beliove the whole setup is different on the '01, but I haven't been able to find out any specifics to date.

rklass

Mike, I vote for the Inferno red/wSandstone...it's a beautiful color. My wife has an '01 Sebring LXi sedan in Inferno red and it's a real head turner.
What else comes on the "fully loaded" one?
$750 over 2 yrs is $20/month, and you won't have buyer's remorse!
Good luck whatever you decide.

drivem

Hope you are successful at finding the car you want on the lot. But just in case you can't here's what I found out: Called the mngr. of the 5* we factory ordered ours from on Tuesday. I told him we were concerned about that 2k rebate being honored on an order. He said a car does not have to be on the lot to get that rebate, and the order went in as "sold order protected" which locks it in. Good luck.

sdmike2

that's great information to have. I'm sure the dealer was just trying to move stock off the lot, which I understand. I just wish they wouldn't LIE flat out. I'm not an unreasonable person, so if they give me a good price on something they have and it's something I want I'll buy it. Sheesh.

rklass - The inferno red/sandstone M is FULLY loaded. I mean everything. It even has the smokers group and cold weather group. Now, who needs an engine block heater in San Diego? I think I can get the car for $5,000 of MSRP (unless they were lying to me...naaaa...a dealer would NEVER do that), but the invoice is about $34,500! My two stumbling blocks with that car are the sandstone interior (which I currently hvae in my mitsu and I'm tired of) and the price. Not getting the stereo upgrade and PHG would save me $1,000.

I have a couple more dealers to visit, and if I can't get exactly what I want (hmmm..maybe inferno red with taupe and without the cold weather and smokers group) I'll order it. I still wish I knew if there was any factory to dealer incentives right now. That's the missing piece of the financial puzzle.

I'll keep you all posted (although fastdriver's new car is MUCH more interesting)

-M

sdmike2

My father called today from back east (philly area) and I told him what I'm doing. He gently reminded me that he only paid $18,000 for his HOUSE in 1964. I told him the 300M is nicer than his house, and I'll spend more time in it. lol!

Oh, by the way, here is the latest addition to our family. Nicole Kathleenwas born on 3/19.

sj6

We have three '01s, one that has the PHG. The rotors on the PHG differ in that they are internally ventilated better--the flat part that the pad hits extends out away from the hub part slightly. On the Non-PHGs, the "hub" part is directly attached to the flat part that the pads hit (no gap). I hope that made some kind of sense, it's hard to describe but easy to see.

funroads

A friend just took delivery on a '01 that had been ordered to her specs; Luxury Group, PHG, Moonroof, Regular Wheels.

It arrived with the '99-'00 style shift lever (no chrome insert). She was surprised and pleased.

Does anyone know whether Chrysler has dropped the chrome insert? Or any other reason it might not have come in a newly built car?

fuzzywuzzy

That could be it. i only know of the 00. When I order my cross drilled rotors, I had to measure the current rotors. They were 11.7" I also measured a non php 300M, & they were 11. What sj6 said about the venting is also true on the 00's. The 01's I'm not sure about either.

denverm

Just discovered that now if you click on someone's user name, their profile includes links to their recently posted messages, called "Here's What I've Been Saying." May serve as a kind of poor man's search engine if you can recall who posted something you're interested in, and it hasn't been too long ago . . . .

fastdriver

sdmike2-

Congratulations! She's adorable.

fastdriver

rogor2k

My inside sources tell me that DC has discontinued the chrome shifter insert as a cost cutting measure.

Lucky me! I liked the chrome and installed one on my 2k 300M. Now I have a collectors edition. I have a mint condition plain leather version if anyone has anything to swap.

rogor2k

Nicole Kathleen is an Angel. How soon will she be driving?

funroads

A friend just took delivery on a '01 that had been ordered to her specs; Luxury Group, PHG, Moonroof, Regular Wheels.

It arrived with the '99-'00 style shift lever (no chrome insert). She was surprised and pleased.

Does anyone know whether Chrysler has dropped the chrome insert? Or any other reason it might not have come in a newly built car?

rogor2k

Just a reminder that you have until April 15th (Tax Day - we planned it that way!) to save $5 on your first years dues in the Chrysler 300M Enthusiasts Club.


New members are signing up every day. Become a member, sign up your dealer in our Member Discount program, and save 10% on all your future parts and service. For you stock market investors, that's a GREAT return on your money!!


We have some COOL things planned, so don't miss out on this chance to become a Charter Member AND save on your dues.


Come on over and check us out at http://www.300mclub.org. You can even pay your dues using PayPal. If you're a first time PayPal user, you can save an additional $5 (making your dues just $5 for the first year).


300Mly,


Roger Waters, President
Chrysler 300M Enthusiasts Club

fastdriver

FIVE hours and counting!! And the winner of the guess fastdriver's next car is....................

fastdriver

sdmike2

Thanks, I think she's a real cutie (but of course, I'm biased). Since you asked, Roger, she'll never drive, date, drink, or do any of those other things that can get a girl in trouble. lol! Excuse me while I go polish my shotgun.

There seem to be some differing opinions on the value of the PHG. I guess it's a matter of taste and cash.

sdmike2

The thing that puts a real crimp in the guessing is the "one option" requirement. The only thing that I looked at in my car search that only had one option was the Acura TL, but both that and the CL have been guessed. I was also thinking it could be a 315 hp Camaro SS, but you can get special factory exhaust and a couple of other performance enhancements. Same with the new Vette. I have to admit...I'm stumped.

-M

robr2

sdmike - LOL - I told my wife that our 16 month old daughter can date after she's married.

race - S2000?????

jona57

I have been considering a 300M but do not like the interior noise level for a $34K automobile. Does anyone have experience with aftermarket sound deadening like Ziebart? Is this stuff effective?

sdmike2

not practical for the northeast, and given fasdriver's experience with Chrysler the probability is low...

maybe?

sdmike2

one last GUESS!

drpixel

from drpixel...taking a break from the multiple web sites I've been banging the keyboard for....Good to see racefan9 posting, to. Its been a while since I've posted, but wanted to say howdy-doo to everyone.
Been having Lotus Notes problems here @daFed today.
Have received notification from my 1/2* dealer that tower strut(s){?} are in. Have had that 'rumble' noise from front end. The C.F.O thought it was the brakes. The mechanic--excuse me: automotive technician TOLD me about the TSB!--not bad for a 1/2* dealer, ay?
Have not had time to get to dealer, yet, but what exactly are they going to do; and MORE importantly is there ANYTHING else that they SHOULD be doing at the same time?..i.e: is is just a few parts they're replacing, or should they doing the whole enchalada?
LaLarry: Did you see your mug in the Mugshot gallery?--you van thank denverm (Brent) for his most excellent assist on this..am still technologically challenged, but am actively looking for a new pc. You (others too..) can respond to woik email to
glenn.beye@ny.frb.org

drpixel/Glenn in NJ

fuzzywuzzy

Tax day is the 16th this year, maybe we should give them 1 more day

lalarry

thanks for posting the mug, I was beginning to wonder. Any chance of our screen names being added along with the pics as some of them seem to have?

tj300m

Great looking kid. I thought the same way you do; no driving, dating etc. But that was almost 14 years ago. I have two girls(13+ and 10) who are still my joy, but things are getting interesting.

The oldest told ne she can't wait to drive my M in less than 2-1/2 years on dates...........

...AUGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

frankblue

I,m going to put my two cents into the fray....I think fastdriver's new car is a 2002 Acura TL Type S with a red exterior and parchment interior. I wouldn't doubt that he opted for the nav. system too. Acura has a good record in regards to quality...Heck free oil changes and a 260hp engine doesn't hurt either.

I remember something about fastdriver saying he was going to take the long way home in the new car, just like in the Acura commerical for the new TL. Hmmmm sounds like he was dropping a hint...

sdmike2

You'll have to sell it and get a Nova before that! LOL!

beach15

I too think that it is an Acura but he said it doesn't have foru doors--the TL does. Therefore, my guess would be a 2001 Acura CL Type-S in red with parchment leather and the navigation system. This car matches all the clues, is a two door, and is an Acura--much higher quality than Christine which he has had nothing but problems with.

bigmike5

I have the Ziebart sound deadener in my 99M. The dealer is a neighbor and he said he hit it real hard with that stuff, coat after coat. I have noticed a slight noise improvement, but if you are running Badyear tires on it the noise will still be noticeable. As far as a $34K car, see my post awhile back where a dealer in L-ville has two loaded 01s for $27,900. Definitely do not pay near $34K for an M, they can be had, loaded, for a lot less. My M is almost 3 years old now, and it has been the most fun car I have ever owned. Only problems have stemmed from the Badyear tires.

P.S. On Race's new car--I figure he has seen the 5year/60,000 Aurora light and is going to surprise all by going for an Olds.

race9fan

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! man i bet you're having a good one too, can't wait to see the pics ))

Race

beach15

Why do so many people here keep guessing that fastdriver got a sedan? He has said that it is a 2-DOOR! Come on, I don't guarantee that he got a new CL Type-S but at least it has 2-doors. Not that I even care, but think before you guess.

rscheller

The clues have been.

- two door.

- dual exhaust.

- only one available option.

The Acura CL Type S fits these clues.

I have a guess which fits as well... it's a .

Whatever it is, it's been fun guessing.

Rick

skerner

Hi - haven't been posting or reading for some time - sorry - now have 43K miles on my '99 300m. Feels like it's time for brakes - also tires are leaking and tread doesn't look great. I have the Goodyears - they've been ok - but have not been able to rotate the tires since the car has been new - every time we tried to do it the car shook badly or pulled to the left or right. So we just left well enough alone. Any suggestions on new tire replacements? No php and do alot of highway driving every day. Thanks for your help.
steve

awilks

I love my 2000 - 300M. It is a pleasure to look at and a pleasure to drive. The only thing that really bugs me is that only the driver's door unlocks when the car stops, the ignition is turned off and when I exit. Then, when I go to get groceries and other items out of the other doors, I find that they are still locked. I know this is perhaps a personal safety feature, but it is very annoying. Is there any way the unlocking feature may be re-programmed to unlock all doors?

race9fan

there are a lot of opinions on tires here, michelins are good but they don't last long enough for me...if you want a great tire that has great wet handling that lasts the life of the tire then get a set of bridgestones with the uni-t technology...i do mostly highway driving in my ram and it ate up the michelins in 30k, i switched to bridgestones the ride is better and they are lasting with 20k on them so far. the bridgestone potenza re950 is the tire i would buy if i wasn't looking for a v or z rated tire. i don't drive my m much but i can tell you with only 10k the michelins are not wearing well at all. dunlop would be my second choice.

Race

lalarry

Do you think fastdriver is actually going to buy MY dreamcar?? I'll be absolutely devistated if he gets his Jag before I got mine!

fuzzywuzzy

This really gets me upset too. On the 2000 there is no way to have all 4 doors unlock at the same time. On the 2001 models it can be done. I am talking to my dealer to see if I can get my computer updated to the new 2001 specs so I can get these little things programed like that. If not, I'm droping $330 for a Viper alram system with remote start. The heck with the factory

fuzzywuzzy

The Michelins are great, However some do not last past 20K miles. I had them, as well as dunlops. The Dunlops are nice, but not sure on wear yet.

rklass

Suggest you go to Tire Rack (tirerack.com) and look over their selection. Then phone them and discuss the choices with one of their knowledgeable reps.
Prices and service are great too!

rklass

Sheesh! Are we getting lazy or what?
The all-door unlock feature on my '01 is a nice convenience, but I managed 69,000 miles on the '99 without it.
I just made a habit of hitting the unlock switch on the door as I exited...Voila! all doors unlocked!