Those guys are crazy. When we build a special we use the same wire harness every 300M gets. The lights are not computer controlled . Will they work on older 300's you bet. I think Wire2 can back me up on this. Ok I have the part # for the lights the right side is #04805767AA the left is #04805766AA . These are the numbers we use in the plant, see what your dealer can find out using the plant part number
Yeah, I know, I could actually car less if this car were to shake itself apart, I was just stating a fact about what's happening. With the queen and M owner, you never know from one day to the next if the car's getting the boot or is staying for quite a while. We know that it's the Crapyears but they still aren't all that worn and replacing tires can be pricy.
I keep saying though, maybe with some of a yet to happen Insurance settlement, a nice new set of very quiet and smooth Dunlop SP Sport A2's (or something similar) would transform this car to a level that may outweigh the problems we've had or are having. Eliminate a lot of the road noise and smooth out the shakes, all with a new set of treds. Oh well, maybe someday...
Yeah, thanks guys. I thought they were full of it, but I was in shock so I decided to just walk away, tell it like I heard it, and see your responses. I got the answer I expected from you guys, because yeah everyone uses a relay to control lights and other high current devices (e.g. cooling fans) to supply 12V or not to the device. As I am an electrical engineer, I didn't buy it. I just said ok, time to go get some more ammo on this one.
I figured the wiring harness would be the same when the input connector on the ballast looks just like the one on the regular bulb.
I might go across town and use the part numbers you guys gave me and try again. Although I'm tempted to tell them they are full of it and bug them some more. This one knocks a star or two off their 5 star status in my book.
No Haggle Price: $29,649* Destination Charges, Dealer Prep: $0 MSRP: $33,880 Factory Invoice: $0 Savings from MSRP: $4,231
This is at Carmax in Norcross, Georgia. If you want a Special, this is one pretty good price. I never thought that they'd be dicounting a Limited Edition model so much, but demand must not be ultra-strong?
Thanks for the option posts! I forgot that I had a handful that I had to either exercise or lose before the end of the month. It's only $700 (not the "retirement" level I was hoping for when I got them...lol), but it's enough for my wood trim kit.
I would concur with ottoworker the maintenance man in the plant in Toronto on the light function due to what I have seen.
My special was delivered last Friday with one HID on the driver's side and a standard Headlight on the pass. side. They both lit. The dealer has ordered the lens/bulb/ballast assembly and found them to be on national back order. Someone is buying them! No word yet on when I will actually take delivery of the car since the parts are not ava.
Since Wire2's pics are of a passenger side HID I guess we know whose car snuck by while he and otto were snapping pictures.
Perhaps you two should remember why DCX lets you in the plant in the first place.
Neither of those guys are responsible for installing headlamps. If you weren't joking, go grind your axe somewhere else. Both of these gentlemen have been a great source of information about our cars and have taken their own personal time to help many of us out.
- hey soonerb - those guys at DC are the best source for info that you could ever ask for. I'm 100% sure they are a couple of the most loyal and hard working folks at the plant. They take pride in their work and their product - to the point that they share info with all of us. I lurk here and contribute at www.dodgeintrepid.net on a regular basis. Show some respect for their efforts, please. - I have the R/T, had my exhaust system replaced for a rattle/buzz/whine and after much checking I've found that the new "improved" system is way too quiet and restrictive. I really don't want duals. Has anyone found a good replacement setup for a single system? Should I replace everything after the 1st muffler, and with what? Any ideas for me? Please help. BTW the Borla, while it sounds like a good system is waaaaay to pricey when they figure in shipping to Guam. So I need to do a custom system. I'm looking for some sound but don't want the dreaded interior resonance. HELP!
I saw the first instrumented test of the 300M Special yesterday--Car and Driver. They pegged its 0-60 time at 8.0 seconds, slightly slower than the '99 they tested at 7.9. They did praise the car's brakes and handling, but carped (I think rightly so) about how Chrysler has fallen behind the 300M's competitors in power delivery.
C&D attributed the performance reduction to a weight increase that more than offset the modest power increase and lower gearing. I wonder also if the new wheel/tire combination isn't heavier, which can considerably inhibit acceleration.
Don't get me wrong--I think the Special's a nice car--but Daimler/Chrysler really needs to get its powertrain act together if they want to continue to appeal to performance-minded buyers in this market segment.
Soonerb; On behalf of of the plant, I apologize for your inconvenience of having to wait for the right lamp [non-permissible content removed]'y. I assure you, the line was stopped when I took the pic, and it went back into the stock rack (which holds 50 at a time). Anyways, can you get your registration out and email me the VIN? I'd like to follow it up to see which of 2 shifts, and which operator made the mistake. We're probably not going to fire anyone, but we don't want it to happen again. I'm actually very surprised it wasn't caught down the line when the lights are aimed while turned on. And just a confirmation, all 300M front wiring harnesses are identical, the HID's actually draw only 3 amps each, to the halogen's 5.
We've got lots of orders for Specials, every 14th car on the line is one. I'm guessing the price on that one is reduced because it's their demo, and may have 3-5K on the odometer.
Are you sure about the eight second time. That sounds like a least a half second slower then I would expect. I guess I will have to change back to One inch exhaust pipes and very restrictive mufflers. And put in a clogged air filter to increase performance:( Time to go test drive another special with a Gtech meter.
I think they've solved the problem, now we just have to get the factory tooled for it and otto & bluebaron cranking out those 5.7 Hemis with the MB RWD trannies.
Glad I could remind you about the options. I learned to get the $$ on those when you can when I was laid off 3 years ago from my previous employer!
btw - I didn't take it out and compare it with what's in the car last night, but the JT wood kit looks really nice and identical to what's already in there. Hoping it will be warm enough and I'll find enough time this weekend to at least get part of it installed.
Thanks. It looks like those may be what I'm going to go with. Can't find anything else to fill that space that's any nicer (except square ones without the rolled ends). Hoping it will come out looking "badass with class".
That wet stuff is falling today for the first time in forever. It's getting it out if its system before the SoCal meet. Boy I like that California Water Blade!
Cars reflect their owners personalities? That explains the guy I saw this morning driving a magenta Toyota!
btw - my license plate, PANTHR M is my description of the car. Like a black panther sitting on it haunches, cat eyes. Panther in motion = aggressive elegance.
Just spoke with the owner of the muffler shop. He recommends I go ahead and keep the stock collector and put the Dynomax in, then have me drive the car for a few days to see how I like it. Since the collector is in the front anyway, it would only cost me the price of the Magnaflow if I decide to change it out--no additional labor. Hopefully I can get it done before the SD meet then I can listen to some of the other systems with the Magnaflow. He's going to call me back with a quote.
Otto: Thanks for checking, no hurry. I suspect they are left off to discourage people from screwing with the aiming. Those HID's are potent and if mis-aimed could be nasty to fellow motorists.
99_300m_ric_va: Good side splitter story there about the headlights. I do wonder at times how some dealers survive in the world. I'm not sure if changing out the speedo would be hard or not. If the timing signal is picked up by an optical sensor and passed to the drive train module it might be just a matter of reprogramming a few variables in the computer. It's just an issue of modifying the output voltage to the speedometer for a given rpm off the output shaft
I spoke with my general manager friend the night before, I guess because I knew they were lying to me. He told me I have to take the car back. They will stop paying for my rental car. He said they have done all they can so....now was the time to get a lawyer. Well thats exactly what I did. Fabulous guy who says hes gonna get my money back. Well except for the 5908 miles I put on it before this crap started. And guess who is paying his fees. NOT ME!!! THE MANUFACTURER. Well now I have to decide what kind of car I want to get next. The sad story is: This new dealer had my car for 23 days trying to fix it. Dick Schmidt the district manager would not allow them to do anything else on it. I think he believed if they told me enough times it was fixed that I would believe them! Guess they don't know me very well. I hope my car costs him his job.
Mike- Have you ever priced the Lorinser roof wing or a similar offering from a company called EGR? nc300m posted a pic above of the M with the Lorinser works on it and I have always thought that the roof wing looked sharp, but I know that generally Lorinser products are off the planet in cost for what you get. Just wondering if you [or anyone else] ever got a price quote on one?
Yep--I'm sure. The Special did an 8.0 second 0-60 and was also slower in the quarter mile (though I don't recall the time). I was also surprised. I would have expected that the gearing alone would have knocked the 0-60 time down to the 7.0 to 7.5 range.
It's possible that they got a dog, but I don't think so. The advertised power difference is minimal,and may be imaginary. The dual exhaust and body add-ons add weight. And, finally, larger wheels and tire generally require more power to get them rolling.
Arby--StevenW is right. It was in the printed version; I haven't checked on-line. It was not a full test, but a one-page article with test numbers
I never checked into anything like that. The local "sharp PT Cruiser" has a wing over the windshield that looks awesome with his purple ghost flame job on inferno red. Not sure how something like that would look with an M.
Sorry all who are tired of seeing this, but I occasionally get an email from someone interested in the event that just happened to see it posted here.
On Saturday, March 16, we will be holding a 300M Enthusiasts Club meet in Carlsbad, CA. Anyone can attend! The event should last 4 or 5 hours and include socializing, door prizes, awards, and a coastal cruise. If you live in the southwest and are interested in attending please email me at mritchi1@san.rr.com or check out the meet information site at http://www.ritchiefamily.com/sdmeet.htm
Today I saw one with a vinyl roof.. Yesterday I saw one with chrome cladding all the way around the bottom half of the car. Its scary what some people call MODS. Rick
The rattle/buzz/whine was in the middle of the three mufflers(?). Not sure which is a muffler, resonator, or collector! There are 3 after the cats, and it was in the middle one. The acceptd method (by the dealer) is to replace the entire system. OK, sounded good to me. The fix by the manufacturer eliminated the potential for the noise, I guess, but also made it very, very quiet. No more R/T rumble from the pipe. Seems choked also, perf seems off a bit ... maybe just in my mind because I can't hear it now. But the tech center guy did alot of checking and the bottom line is that this is the only system available and there is nothing more to be done. So there are the details, anyone with ideas? If I join and pay dues, then will someone talk to me? :-) J/K Thanks.
Blonda-Really take care when installing you J.T. kit. The prep is very important and once you stick it on it don't come off. I used a hair dryer to soften up the parts. Just take your time and it will install just fine. Took "Beast" in for an oil change yesterday and the sevice manager and mechanic both commented on how great the kit looked.
Had to go to London, Ontario today, a trip of 160 miles there and back. This was my first semi sorta long trip in the M and it was flawless. What a nice machine to pound the highways with. Did around 80-90 miles per hour there and back and felt that I could have had a nap on the way. I love my car.
I to would like to say SORRY as well. I read about your car at work in a report ,and it makes me mad that this happened . I find it hard to believe that nobody noticed this when the car was being built and inspected. Please send wire2 your info, as letting the people responsible for this know is the first step so this never happens again. I hope they can get you a light fast , as I really think you will like the car.
Comments
http://www.300mclub.org/chat.htm
I keep saying though, maybe with some of a yet to happen Insurance settlement, a nice new set of very quiet and smooth Dunlop SP Sport A2's (or something similar) would transform this car to a level that may outweigh the problems we've had or are having. Eliminate a lot of the road noise and smooth out the shakes, all with a new set of treds. Oh well, maybe someday...
-beach
My Dad pointed out to me that I forgot to add a picture of the light pattern from the HID lights on our garage door. It's on the site now.
I'd also like to suggest to 'ric_va, print out the first picture on my webpage and show it to the techs. He may notice the HIDs are working
;o)
http://www.custommopar.homestead.com/HID.html
I figured the wiring harness would be the same when the input connector on the ballast looks just like the one on the regular bulb.
I might go across town and use the part numbers you guys gave me and try again. Although I'm tempted to tell them they are full of it and bug them some more. This one knocks a star or two off their 5 star status in my book.
2002 Chrysler 300M Special 4D Sedan
Stock Number: 1263203
Exterior Color: Bright Silver
Interior Color: Dk Slate Gray Leather
No Haggle Price: $29,649*
Destination Charges, Dealer Prep: $0
MSRP: $33,880
Factory Invoice: $0
Savings from MSRP: $4,231
This is at Carmax in Norcross, Georgia. If you want a Special, this is one pretty good price. I never thought that they'd be dicounting a Limited Edition model so much, but demand must not be ultra-strong?
http://www.acura-tl.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=34422
M
Now that I'm in, everybody's gone. Bummer.
My special was delivered last Friday with one HID on the driver's side and a standard Headlight on the pass. side. They both lit. The dealer has ordered the lens/bulb/ballast assembly and found them to be on national back order. Someone is buying them! No word yet on when I will actually take delivery of the car since the parts are not ava.
Since Wire2's pics are of a passenger side HID I guess we know whose car snuck by while he and otto were snapping pictures.
Perhaps you two should remember why DCX lets you in the plant in the first place.
- I have the R/T, had my exhaust system replaced for a rattle/buzz/whine and after much checking I've found that the new "improved" system is way too quiet and restrictive. I really don't want duals. Has anyone found a good replacement setup for a single system? Should I replace everything after the 1st muffler, and with what? Any ideas for me? Please help. BTW the Borla, while it sounds like a good system is waaaaay to pricey when they figure in shipping to Guam. So I need to do a custom system. I'm looking for some sound but don't want the dreaded interior resonance. HELP!
C&D attributed the performance reduction to a weight increase that more than offset the modest power increase and lower gearing. I wonder also if the new wheel/tire combination isn't heavier, which can considerably inhibit acceleration.
Don't get me wrong--I think the Special's a nice car--but Daimler/Chrysler really needs to get its powertrain act together if they want to continue to appeal to performance-minded buyers in this market segment.
I assure you, the line was stopped when I took the pic, and it went back into the stock rack (which holds 50 at a time).
Anyways, can you get your registration out and email me the VIN? I'd like to follow it up to see which of 2 shifts, and which operator made the mistake. We're probably not going to fire anyone, but we don't want it to happen again. I'm actually very surprised it wasn't caught down the line when the lights are aimed while turned on.
And just a confirmation, all 300M front wiring harnesses are identical, the HID's actually draw only 3 amps each, to the halogen's 5.
Time to go test drive another special with a Gtech meter.
btw - I didn't take it out and compare it with what's in the car last night, but the JT wood kit looks really nice and identical to what's already in there. Hoping it will be warm enough and I'll find enough time this weekend to at least get part of it installed.
What type of rattle/buzz/whine did your R/T have that caused DC to replace it?
btw - my license plate, PANTHR M is my description of the car. Like a black panther sitting on it haunches, cat eyes.
Panther in motion = aggressive elegance.
99_300m_ric_va: Good side splitter story there about the headlights. I do wonder at times how some dealers survive in the world.
I'm not sure if changing out the speedo would be hard or not. If the timing signal is picked up by an optical sensor and passed to the drive train module it might be just a matter of reprogramming a few variables in the computer.
It's just an issue of modifying the output voltage to the speedometer for a given rpm off the output shaft
Fabulous guy who says hes gonna get my money back.
Well except for the 5908 miles I put on it before this crap started. And guess who is paying his fees. NOT ME!!! THE MANUFACTURER. Well now I have to decide what kind of car I want to get next. The sad story is: This new dealer had my car for 23 days trying to fix it. Dick Schmidt the district manager would not allow them to do anything else on it. I think he believed if they told me enough times it was fixed that I would believe them! Guess they don't know me very well.
I hope my car costs him his job.
I'll let you know.
It's possible that they got a dog, but I don't think so. The advertised power difference is minimal,and may be imaginary. The dual exhaust and body add-ons add weight. And, finally, larger wheels and tire generally require more power to get them rolling.
Arby--StevenW is right. It was in the printed version; I haven't checked on-line. It was not a full test, but a one-page article with test numbers
Doc
On Saturday, March 16, we will be holding a 300M Enthusiasts Club meet in Carlsbad, CA. Anyone can attend! The event should last 4 or 5 hours and include socializing, door prizes, awards, and a coastal cruise. If you live in the southwest and are interested in attending please email me at mritchi1@san.rr.com or check out the meet information site at http://www.ritchiefamily.com/sdmeet.htm
Thanks!
Yesterday I saw one with chrome cladding all the way around the bottom half of the car. Its scary what some people call MODS.
Rick
Did around 80-90 miles per hour there and back and felt that I could have had a nap on the way.
I love my car.