So I'm so upset that I can't attend you meet in California I've decided to have my own mini-meet in Uxbridge,Ontario on Saturday. There will be a total of one car (mine) at the local Tim Hortons Doughnut shop. I phoned to reserve a parking space but they told me first come first served. Called the local 5* dealer for prize donations and he is willing to give me three old 1999 M brochures.( He said one had a coffee stain on it) plus my old air filter that I didn't need after I had installed the K&N. Great prizes. I've got an old 1957 rusty Chrysler hub cap that I plan to turn upside down for donations and squat in front of it with a sign saying, "Need money for Zaino Polish" Should be a good day. Sigh!!!
Just in case he hasn't called you yet. He was supposed to do my car first this am at 8:30-9. Called me at 9:30 saying he felt like an idiot as he went to his Wednesday appt. in La Jolla. He won't be getting to me until around 11 I think. Don't know what his plans are after that as he was supposed to go somewhere else between my appointment and yours.
cripes. Ok. Well, I guess I can go get my oil change this morning then. So much for earning our respect. lol. I wonder if/when he'll call me to let me know he's late.
You won't be alone, I'll join you at my local Tim's, so let me know what time you will be there and I will do the time conversion and lift a cup with you. I do have prizes, as we have won, numerous cookies and muffins in Tim's contest in the last month, so I intend to party!!!!!! I,m surprised that anyone recognizes that I have an M. The weather has been bloody cold the last couple of weeks and we have one day of warmer weather and back to the deep freeze to-morrow, so I don't know when I can get it clean again. I hope everyone in Cal has a great time on Saturday and the weather is sunny and warm. Have fun and good luck!!!!
Any sign of him? He was supposed to be here an hour ago (although I know he's going to be late) and hasn't called. At least if he's made it to you I know he's not sitting in a bar in Santee.
Hey guys (glenn, blonda, mrl) I just got back from Big O tire for my oil change and tire rotation, and I have glowing recommendations. Cost me about $12 to have the oil changed, tires rotated and pressure checked. I provided my own oil and filter, so the charge was just for labor (although they have a $16.99 special for the same work with 10w-40 pennsoil). Geoff the counter guy is super nice and the work was done quickly and professionally. Geoff also told me that their equipment is set to 80 lb/ft of torque for tightening, which is what the spec on the M is. Overall a nice experience with these guys. Also, there's a starbucks in the Albertson's across the parking lot. Bonus!
"I went to LaJolla by mistake and started on a job"??? "Now it's too late (1pm) to start another"?? What the heck kind of excuse is that? How the frell (those of you who have seen the sci-fi show Farscape know what "frell" is a substitute for) do you make a mistake and go work on another project? Would't the person there say "hey, you're not supposed to be here today"? I think maybe he got a better offer and decided he could just push us back a day or two without any affect. I don't like that way of doing business and I won't use him now. If he needed to fit another appointment in he should have called and explained that he had an important job in another part of town and would it be ok to reschedule. But to make up excuses is...well...inexcuseable!.
I just missed your call. He did call me at 12:30 and tell me he's running later than he thought and asked to reschedule mine to tomorrow a.m. since I had the most "dings" to fix and was afraid he'd keep me too long at work today. I was under the impression he was keeping the rest of his appointments today though. Hopefully he was on his way to your house. Sorry didn't ask, but I was weak with hunger as I was waiting for him to arrive or call before I went to lunch!
My sneaky suspicion is that he got a big job at a dealer or something and is flaking on all of his appointments today. I just talked to him and he's still working the job in LaJolla and says he won't have time today to do my 5 minute ding. My guess is that he hosed everyone today. I guess I'm just disgruntled because the car is all zaino'd up and I just got the tires rotated and the oil changed...and I was looking forward to removing that darned dent.
Oh! I finally carded that gold M in the office depot parking lot. The people inside say they don't know whose car it is, and it doesn't belong to anyone at Big O. The only other thing on that side is the Jack in the Box, and I doubt anyone working there has a $30k car.
Well he didn't tell me that! That is kinda flakey. I don't have the energy to find someone else so I'm gonna keep him scheduled for tomorrow. I'm taking my missed lunch hour to get my tires rotated today -- I paid the extra $$ at discount tire so will use them for the freebie.
speaking of which....my car eats front tires. Alignment is perfect. I know that performance tires don't wear well, but the fronts have worn rapidly since the last rotation. Backs don't seem to wear at all. My Goodyears were worn on the front at 28k.
Liar, liar... sound like a salesman to me. I work with a few. Some of the best are the biggest liars in the world. That's it...no tip for him (like I was going to give him one anyway). I'm gonna have to make him wait in the parking lot for me awhile tomorrow..."oops sorry...had to take a call"
Don't make him wait to start, but make him wait for payment. it's not like he can get into your building to track you down. Believe it or not, I'm successful at my sales/marketing job by being honest. Some of these guys should try it. The liars underestimate the value of relationships and trust, and the intelligence of the person they're lying to. Mighty strong words from a jobless derelict, huh? lol
Hey, I have an explanation for your tire wear but I'm sure you don't want to hear it....speed racer.
my leaking power steering was getting worse---brought it in this am for new power steering lines---have to wait till thursday for part to come in---the worst is I have to pay for a rental for 4 days----
negative 2* is now rated negative 3*---
got a ford focus for a rental--handles pretty well and pretty peppy for a 4 banger---but it is louder than the M which surprised me--I thought the M was noisy but the focus has major engine noise and tranny whine--whatdya want for 14K---
The transmission on the Grand Caravan is still leaking. I guess the dealer really did need it for another day. cripes. If I didn't think I'd have to pay again I'd take it to another dealer. This is nuts.
I drove today in the first heavy rain we've had since I installed my Aircharger. When I got home and popped the hood, the underside of the filter was slightly damp. There was also water on top of the battery. If the engine sucked in any water, it did not miss a beat. I agree with sdmike2's recent post that rain should not be a problem with this setup. If you've been thinking of getting an Aircharger, don't let the water worry hold you back. Do your M a favor and let 'er breathe!
I just got back from getting my tires rotated at Disc. Tire -- which only took an amazing 25 mins. by the way. They had the April issue of Car & Driver and I managed to wrestle it away from this 3-year old boy that was drooling on it, so I could see the article that had been mentioned about the Special. They said the extra 5 ponies came from reduced back pressure from the new dual exhaust system. They were very impressed with the brakes. Said the skid pad test came out only 4-feet farther than the Porsche Carrera. 19 feet shorter than the standard M. Can we fit those brakes on a regular M?
what's different about the special brakes?? Obviously something! That reminds me, scotian was going to post a review of his "disappointing" cryo treated rotors. Did I miss it?
Blonda...enjoying your vacation? lol Oh! did you tips come in yet? I know you take the plunge at Ed's thursday.
Scotian's review of the brakes is on the club board. He likes them. They mentioned the difference on the Special brakes in the article but I'm incapable of absorbing that type of "technical" detail.
Don't know if the tips came in today or not yet. I expect today would be the day as I ordered them Thursday and paid extra for 3rd bus day delivery. Their web site says in big red, bold letters not to call on order status until at least 7 bus days after the order is placed.
Unofficial vacation is going well...as you can see I'm getting a lot done at work (on my car) and spending a lot of time on the computer (on this board)
I'm not sure what all I posted on the club board, except that they look great but that the sort-of-special-ordered hole pattern I ended up with was problematic.
Oh yeah...I did remember one thing C&D mentioned re: the great brake performance on the special....the monster wheels and rubber that came on the special didn't hurt any.
My golf partner came down with strep today so I'm not playing tomorrow morning. I guess you can send the ding guy my way when you're done with him. Don't keep him too long.
Mike, check the lines from the trans as they connect to the drivers side of the radiator. My 96 Caravan was leaking trans fluid there at the rubber hose. There are two small (1/2 in)rubber hoses from the trans to the radiator and 4 hose clamps. The top clamp is just below the radiator cap. I cut 1/2 inch off the leaking hose and reconnected it. No more leaking. The dealer may loose a couple more stars on this one. Might save you a trip.
On the 300 (not so) Special. I am thinking of the drive gears, and running on an empty tank should help performance though if the Extra 70 pounds can take off any gains that the gears and exhaust added. I should have given My M to C&D to test:) Kind of glad I didn't wait for the special and got 3 years (and counting) of enjoyment out of mine.
Good suggestion. I've only stuck my head in enough to see the drip coming off the left axle, I didn't look up higher to see if the source was a higher leak running down to the low point. You'd think the dealer would have checked that out instead of draining the tranny and replacing the gasket again. I'll crawl underneath tomorrow.
I will try to bring in some extra parts, any that I can fit in my front trunk space. Anyone interested in seeing what some of the stuff we have been talking about looks like? Show and tell.
According to the article they put the Euro spec brakes on the car. They include: Stiffer front calipers, Outboard vented rotors (I've looked at mine and am not quite sure what that means) High performance linings. Plus the big Michelins. Also the 02's have an electronic brake proportioning system added.
These items should be available at the parts counter and totally interchangeable with the stock parts.
I can vouch that the brake feel is light years ahead of the mushy feel my 98 Intrepid had. You press the brake pedal on the Special and there are no doubts you will stop in a hurry.
Its kind of hard to check from underneath. Try from the top removing the two screws that hold the air filter to the radiator support and loosen the hose clamps and remove the whole filter assembly,hoses and all. You should then be able to see the both rubber hoses where they connect to the trans and radiator from the top. Mine was so covered with fluid I had to spray brake cleaner from the top hose on the radiator to the bottom to remove all the trans fluid. Once I cut the hose and retightened the clamp, it then became easier to tell if new fluid was leaking anywhere else. If you dont see fluid coming down the engine side of the radiator, this is probably not the source of your leak.
I'm shopping for used 99-00 300Ms and am finding out that not all the owners can tell me if they have the upgraded Infinity stereo system. Can someone tell me a quick way to ID that so I could pass the info to the car owners? Thanks!
Is he planning on going to your house after or did you cancel? He's not here yet, but I'll ask. I'll post right after he leaves and let ya know how it went.
The 99 M's didn't have the 4 CD changer option available. The upgraded stereo has an amplifier under the carpet in the trunk...right side near the fender wall. The 2000 would also have the amp in the trunk as well as the 4 CD changer.
I'm still on his schedule, but he's supposed to call me on my cell phone when he's done with you. I'm not sure where I'll be (golf course, home, detailing place) so he'll have to track me down. lol
He got here about 25 mins. ago. By the time I got out there he already had a bunch of dings marked -- some I didn't even know were there (he's not charging me to fix those). Seems like a nice guy. Told me at least 3 times how nice my car was. I told him he'd like yours too. He will call you when he's about done with me, but I'm thinking it may take as long as a couple hours. The one on the quarter panel is going to be the tough one for him. The door dings he said he may have to drill a hole in the side of the door as an entry (needs to check the electrical stuff in there) then plug it. I told him to go ahead as it will make it easier to fix the next dings. He's going to touch up some scratches for me too.
I'm supposed to have my install done tomorrow but still haven't received the tips. Where did you order your's from and how long did it take to get them? I ordered on Thurs. and paid the extra $$ for the 3-day Fed Ex delivery. If they don't come today I may have to push the install back to Friday and hope they arrive tomorrow. (Grrrr!)
The 320-watt Infinity upgrade has two additional speakers that are housed just ahead of the door handles on each rear door. I have the base stereo, but the upgraded head unit and 4 CD changer (I swapped my old head unit with my brother who was trading in his neon.) Also, the points regarding the amplifier locations are valid, it is just easier to check the doors, IMO.
Our topic for Wednesday, March 13: Stump the Technicians! Join us with your maintenance & repair questions this Wednesday from 5-7pm PT/8-10pm ET. Some of our contributors from the Maintenance & Repair board will be waiting to hear your problems, and making Herculean efforts to solve them.
kirstie_h Roving Host Edmunds.com
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name. 2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h) Review your vehicle
is a term a Buick dealer shop manager used to describe the mechanics/techs he employed after I explained several things they did wrong to my car years ago.
I have the luxury package. I do like the trim around the upper console. What about the center console..sent mail to Joshua Tree wood asking for a sample. We will see..
Road trip completed. It rained all the way down, and the traffic was terrible all the way back. The M performed flawlessly all the way. My little guy played his Linkun Park CD and the edgy sound kept me from drowsing. I think the driver's seat is a very comfortable one for long trips. The myriad adjustments allow a perfect position. We convoyed with the wife's Grand Voyager on the way down and had a lot of fun with a pair of walkie talkies. We made her call sign "shoebox" and we were, of course, "silver bullet". We went to the Air Museum in Galveston and spent over two hours there. Very interesting, especially the Hall of Fame.
Got my tint last week. Looks great. Don't listen to AM much so won't miss it. Thanks 300michael for recommendation of AutoTint. They did a great job no complaints.
I just borrowed a digital camera from someone at work and took a picture of my "dismantled" M that the Ding guy is working on. Thought it would be fun to post. How do I go about posting it directly on this board?
Comments
Called the local 5* dealer for prize donations and he is willing to give me three old 1999 M brochures.( He said one had a coffee stain on it) plus my old air filter that I didn't need after I had installed the K&N. Great prizes. I've got an old 1957 rusty Chrysler hub cap that I plan to turn upside down for donations and squat in front of it with a sign saying, "Need money for Zaino Polish" Should be a good day. Sigh!!!
Frell
M
Oh! I finally carded that gold M in the office depot parking lot. The people inside say they don't know whose car it is, and it doesn't belong to anyone at Big O. The only other thing on that side is the Jack in the Box, and I doubt anyone working there has a $30k car.
speaking of which....my car eats front tires. Alignment is perfect. I know that performance tires don't wear well, but the fronts have worn rapidly since the last rotation. Backs don't seem to wear at all. My Goodyears were worn on the front at 28k.
Hey, I have an explanation for your tire wear but I'm sure you don't want to hear it....speed racer.
negative 2* is now rated negative 3*---
got a ford focus for a rental--handles pretty well and pretty peppy for a 4 banger---but it is louder than the M which surprised me--I thought the M was noisy but the focus has major engine noise and tranny whine--whatdya want for 14K---
I'll let yas all know how it works out-
Easyrider
If you've been thinking of getting an Aircharger, don't let the water worry hold you back. Do your M a favor and let 'er breathe!
MOPAR or no car!
Blonda...enjoying your vacation? lol Oh! did you tips come in yet? I know you take the plunge at Ed's thursday.
M
Don't know if the tips came in today or not yet. I expect today would be the day as I ordered them Thursday and paid extra for 3rd bus day delivery. Their web site says in big red, bold letters not to call on order status until at least 7 bus days after the order is placed.
Unofficial vacation is going well...as you can see I'm getting a lot done at work (on my car) and spending a lot of time on the computer (on this board)
To be continued...
http://ritchiefamily.com/car/sdshow/ugly-chevy-concept-tire2.JPG
M
Mike
Stiffer front calipers,
Outboard vented rotors (I've looked at mine and am not quite sure what that means)
High performance linings.
Plus the big Michelins.
Also the 02's have an electronic brake proportioning system added.
These items should be available at the parts counter and totally interchangeable with the stock parts.
I can vouch that the brake feel is light years ahead of the mushy feel my 98 Intrepid had.
You press the brake pedal on the Special and there are no doubts you will stop in a hurry.
http://pc99.detnews.com/autosconsumer/autoreviews/index.hbs?myrec=144
Should have been in the 300M Special?
fastdriver
Our topic for Wednesday, March 13: Stump the Technicians!
Join us with your maintenance & repair questions this Wednesday from 5-7pm PT/8-10pm ET. Some of our contributors from the Maintenance & Repair board will be waiting to hear your problems, and making Herculean efforts to solve them.
kirstie_h
Roving Host
Edmunds.com
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
Wish I could be at the Carlsbad meet. Have fun!
Silver Bullet