Since I'm now building stairs for the playhouse I've been using the van and my wife has been using my M. Well, she didn't pull into the garage far enough yesterday and the garage door scraped itself along the back bumper leaving two 8 inch long, 1 inch wide white marks next to the license plate. Before I resort to killing her, anyone know a good way to remove what I *THINK* is just white paint from the garage door?
Good 'ol G27 or any good polishing compound will remove that paint. Just go slow and remember to Zaino after your done. Susan drove Francesca for the first time a few days ago. No mishaps; but she couldn't resist telling me that she had a small fender bender to try and get my goat. I knew she was kidding; she's a terrible liar.
I know I've seen the TSB number for the drivers seat movement (the one that requires longer screws to correct) in this forum, but I can't scan thru 13,000 posts again to find it...Could someone post it here again? I've got 35,500 miles on my 99 and I took it in for final warranty work. All it needs is the seat movement, which, as is always the case, it wasn't doing the day I took it in. I also showed them what I felt was abnormal wear on the steering wheel, and they are replacing it with a new one. Otherwise, this car has been fantastic. My dealer is pretty decent, and I think that if I just show them the TSB that they will fix the seats without complaint.
Mike, bummer about the garage door. Try a Zaino Claybar first. It will pick up anything that is not ground in. I've got a little red paint on my bumper from a "parking by sound" person, and plan to claybar it after the next carwash. Another way to scrub harder material (i.e. bugs baked on) is pantyhose. Penalize the evil one by using hers! ;>) Silver
Mike checkout the Chrysler accessory catalog at your ?* dealer. They have pictures of the hitches and bike carriers that are hitch mounted. About $200 list for a two bike carrier with locks. This might be in addition to the hitch but will probably fit any hitch.
Wow, I don't know how you restrained yourself! It sounds like something MY wife would do, and I will remember this for the future. So sorry to hear about the marks. If it is just white paint marks they might come off by just washing them off. I've actually been that lucky before, hopefully you are too! Let us know what works.....
16" razorstar wheels? Sorry to question this, but I have never heard of a 16" razorstar wheel. Are they chrome? Does anyone else have these on their M?
The 2000 chrysler 300M product info lists only one 16" wheel/tire package:
Handling Group - Includes Firmer Struts, Taller Rear Jounce Bumpers, Firm-Feel Enhanced-Response Steering, 16 x 7-Inch Medallion Cast Aluminum Wheels, High-Performance Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Disc Brakes, 225/60 VR16 Michelin XGTV4* Black Sidewall All-Season Performance Tires & Unlimited Top Speed Engine Controller
under the touring package equipped cars (standard) the two razorstar options are listed:
Wheels Cast Aluminum 17 x 7-Inch Razorstar (Painted)
17 x 7-Inch Razorstar (Chrome), Includes Conventional Spare Tire w/Matching Wheel
Had a good experience I would like to share about my Goodyear tires on my 2000M. Tires have 24500 and like other 300m's car always pulled to the left. Complained to dealer but "it's the road" story. I had tires rotated at 9000 and pulling went away. Had then rotated again at 18000 and pull came back. I put up with this feeling and just recently had tires rotated at 24000. No more pulling. I mentioned to dealer and he said that possibly had bad tire. I got in touch with Goodyear customer service and they suggested I go to authorized dealer and have it checked. Dealer said tire is the problem and Goodyear authorized new tire at no charge. I think this is the first positive note about Goodyear tires on this post.
Car is running straight and I am a happy camper.....
I had the 16"s on my 2000 PHP. I switched them to the 17" razor stars with good tires, then to 18's. The 16" rims are the same 16" rims that are on the DC mini vans. They look like this......
SDMike is correct - the installer who did our duals had the mufflers in stock. The muffler place I had the estimate done at first did not, but they would have ordered what I needed prior to having the work done. Be sure to shop around. My first quote was amost $600, the place that did mine (and SDMike's) only charged me $355.
Remember I had those paint marks on my bumper (from some rude person in a parking lot)I was trying to remove? Still there. Even the "ding dude" was unable to remove them...said the clear coat was getting too thin (he did minimize them a little though). I need to try the stuff Glennbp recommends.
By the way...it kills me every time my husband takes my car. I even hate riding in it with him driving -- it bugs me to no end.
Phew! Just got through reading the hundreds of messages from the week I was in FL! Congratulations on getting rid of Christine III! ;-)) Could have happened faster if you listened to me. What's next? Let us know or just e-mail me because if it's not a 300M, it won't go over well here.
fuzzywuzzy-
I must be "lucky". I saw THREE 300M SPECIALS in FL last week. One was a silver one in the gas station at Jog Rd. and Southern Blvd. in West Palm Beach. I was at the light across the street, but did snap a few pics. The other one was a black one on Palm Beach Lakes Blvd. in West Palm about 5 PM last Thursday. No pics. The third one was at the Chrysler dealer on Military Trail. It was a black one too with light grey interior. The guy wanted me to take it for a ride! ;-)) I didn't want to waste his time. I did start it after he handed me the keys. Sounded nice. Leather was very soft like it SHOULD have been from day one with the 99's! No pics.
easyrider300m-
In addition to the CTS, the Infiniti G35 is a real nice car too. Stopped at the Infiniti dealer to look at one of those too. Soon, the 2 door version will be out! Lots of nice cars in the 30-35k price range.
ski100-
You're a few years too late. Back in April of 99 and 10 1/2 months of dealing with the "award winning 5-STAR" Chrysler dealers, I had all 4 tires replaced by Goodyear for ZIP! I had 11,000 miles on Christine at the time. That story and most of the others are on my web page in my profile.
ski1001, glad you had your tire problem solved. I had a similar issue with Michelins. Michelin dealer told me the tires are fine (balanced all four at no charge) and all four check out ok. However, the 5* guy showed me one of the front tires in motion, with the car on the lift - it was jumping up and down! The tire was out of round/separated. I insistend that the tire dealer replace the tire, and they did, but had to pay "wear" adjustment. Was there a bump or any other visible defect on your tire? How did the tire guys determine it was defective? In my case, the tire dealer assumed if the tire balanced ok, there has to be nothing wrong with it.
the tire guy put the passenger tires back to where they were when I was having a problem Took the car for a ride and was ok. Made the ASSUMPTION that the other tire was the problem. (that really scary) but i got a new tire to replace the one he assumes is bad.
I won't really know until next time I rotate tires, if that was the REAL problem
Thanks for replying. I'll check the local muffler shops and then an auto part store for the parts. I talked to Midas a while ago and he briefly said it would cost around $80-$100 for installation if I had the parts.
For a brief moment, my wife was driving my M and I was behind her in our Explorer. I noticed that the middle tail light (on the trunk lid) was out. I opened the trunk to see that the cardboard carpeted insulation covered the entire trunk lid from the inside with a bunch of those stupid plastic clips (17 of them) holding it in place. I got a couple of them off but some were more difficult. So I went to my local 5* to purchase some extra clips in case I had to break the ones I was pulling off. Can you believe these suckers cost almost $2.00 each!!!!
Needless to say, I went back and was very careful pulling them out (and only needed to pull the ones closest to the back) with a set of dikes and the bulb is now replaced along with the old clips.
Most of us that are modding our cars are already pulling more then 270hp. (271hp with dual exhaust, and K&N filter, with Plemum in tact). The 271 (from 250hp) is an actual dyno test result. For some of us that have gone even ferther, by opening up the TB and the intake tube, and ram air. The gains should be even more.
The only good one I have seen was at night, and only because it was too dark to make it out fully. List this as crulity under cars, do they have an organization for the prevention of crulity to cars?
Mike --In defense of your wife, I have found the M to be the toughest car I have ever driven to determine how close you are to something to the direct front or front side area of the car. Everytime I think I am close to something and I get out to check it I am 3'away and amazed that I still have room to move closer. And, it is tough to judge off of your relationship to the car next to you too, because of the cab forward design I guess. Anyway, I have found my rear end only a foot away from the garage door, instead of four, several times when I thought I had pulled in far enough. It's enough to make me consider hanging a tennis ball from the ceiling so that it hits the windshield when the car is in right. Anyway, if she doesn't drive Big Red much I could see it happening because of the front end layout.
BMW's fourth-generation 5 Series to feature 380-hp twin-turbo
By GREG KABLE
A design sketch of the fourth-generation 5 Series. When BMW’s fourth-generation 5 Series rolls out at the Frankfurt motor show in September 2003 it will feature a new 380-hp, twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine. The next-generation sedan (E60) inherits many features from the latest 7 Series such as a shift-by-wire six-speed automatic, active roll stabilization and a simplified version of the iDrive system controller. BMW will follow in 2005 with a 500-hp 5.5-liter V10-powered M5 designed to provide the M5 with a direct link to BMW's F1 involvement with Williams.
The new engine is part of a range of hot turbocharged units being readied by BMW to place Munich's new mid-ranger in direct competition with the Audi S6, Jaguar S-Type R and Mercedes-Benz E500 without the additional weight brought on by slotting a large capacity V8 engine under its bonnet.
Joining the twin-turbo six in the new 5 Series line-up will be a wide range of engines. They include the recently introduced 2.0-litre inline four together with heavily upgraded versions of BMW's highly rated 2.2-, 2.5 and 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engines. At the upper end of the lineup will be the 3.6-litre and 4.5-litre V8 engines used in the 7 Series. Already equipped with Valvetronic, they will be upgraded to include the new direct-injection system unveiled by BMW on the 760i at last year's Frankfurt motor show.
Details remain scarce 18 months out from launch, though sources at BMW's R&D center say the twin-turbo six will provide a sporty sedan variant of the new 5 Series with performance on par with the M5. That means 0-60 mph acceleration in the 5.5-second range and an electronically limited 155 mph top speed. The best part, however, is the news that the new BMW will cost a good deal less than today's M5.
The fourth generation 5 Series will have its work cut out emulating the success of today's car, which until the arrival of Mercedes-Benz's new E-class had dominated the toughly fought executive car ranks. Still, BMW looks to have done its homework with the new car, providing it with advanced new hybrid construction together with hi-tech underpinnings, sporty new styling and the breadth of performance to match even the keenest of rivals. These sketches, supplied by BMW's own design team in Munich, expose the appearance of the new car, which will also be sold in touring guise from early 2004. Easing fears the new car would simply be a scaled down version of the controversial 7 Series, they reveal a svelte new shape that's aimed at countering criticism of today's conservatively styled model, which dates back to 1995.
The overall look is modern and aggressive, in keeping with BMW's design chief Chris Bangle's aim to get away from what he dubs the "one sausage in different lengths" appearance that has characterized the German car maker's line-up in recent years. Shapely headlamps that wrap back into the leading edge, a classy interpretation of BMW's classic kidney grille and a heavily contoured bonnet dominate the high mounted front-end to give the car instant presence.
A heavily raked windscreen combines with a wildly curved roofline and notchback-style rear end to set up a coupe-like silhouette. BMW's own artwork reveals the boot is high but less imposing than that seen on the new 7 Series.
Other features include a sharp swage along the side running from the headlamps back to the curvy tail lamps along with an unusual surface treatment that uses a mixture of convex and concave forms to provide what Bangle describes as "visual movement" when light falls on the car.
Dimensionally, the new 5 Series does not stray too far from today's car with only a moderate increase in length, width and height. The biggest change is the slight wheelbase increase, which should mean improved levels of interior accommodation, especially in the rear where legroom needs improving if the new BMW is to match the executive class competition for space.
Underneath its stylish bodywork, the new 5 Series gets advanced hybrid construction in a bid to shed weight provide even better handling response than today's highly lauded model. The front section is based around a lightweight aluminum space frame. The new approach lends expertise from the limited volume Z8 and upcoming Rolls Royce - both of which boast full space frame construction. The remainder is conventional monocoque, though the liberal use of lightweight steel, tailored blanks and a high percentage of aluminum within the (MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear) suspension will result in a lower overall weight than today's 5 Series, insiders say.
Underpinning the new 5 Series is a brand new rear-wheel drive platform that shares many components with that used underneath the 7 Series. Although going without the brake-by-wire stoppers used by the Mercedes-Benz E-class, the new BMW will still offer a host of advanced features. Among them a revolutionary new steering system from ZF that automatically corrects the angle of the front wheels in hefty side winds and under heavy braking for improved traction.
Also earmarked for upper end models are the automatic damping control and dynamic drive systems launched on the 7 Series late last year. Following heavy criticism of the much vaunted iDrive system unveiled on its flagship saloon, BMW has overhauled it for use in the new 5 Series. Insiders say the celebrated rotary dial will remain an integral part of the overall interior package. However, it will be combined with an improved menu, with features such as stability and traction control accessible through a simple press of a button rather than a long scroll through the iDrive's system.
Toughest car I have ever driven from a "Where the hell am I" standpoint is the Corvette; seems that front end goes on forever! Really hard to judge where the front and back are when you are parking, etc.
I hope they do. Competition is great. Chrysler has had theres for ten years now, and I would like something like this to push them to go higher with it say 800hp. You think?
Glennbp - I looked out the window about 10 minutes ago and was totally shocked to see it raining. Yesterday it was clear and sunny and warm. What happened? Figures...I just washed the M on Sunday. :-(
from the above article, I think the new BMW TWIN-TURBO 5 sedan will have the performacne of current M5. While, the new M5 with 500hp will get close to "Supercars"'s performance like Ferrari 360's.
I have to use a "mark" as a guideline when parking the M in my garage. The left side of the labeling on the passenger front window (the one that says safety glass or whatever...can't remember)lines up perfectly with the support post of some shelves in the garage. This leaves a couple inches for error. I have a really tight parking area as I park in front of a 100-year old upgright piano (don't have room in the house). The nose of the M ends up about 2-4 inches from it. Sometimes I won't realize that one of the kids has moved the bench and I hit it with the car, but thank goodness the plastic bumper isn't near as delicate as the metal parts of the car. Never leaves a mark.
I have always been curious about the difference of the 3hp between the 99/00's and the newer models. Do you think they were wrong on the hp from the start or that they didn't do anything at all to change the hp but are saying only 250hp for emissions reasons? (I know this used to be a common practice back "in the day"). Has anyone ever looked at a dyno between a 99 and 01 for comparison?
I remember when Nissan started advertising the 2002 Maxima and were saying 260 hp. Lately, if you notice any commercials, it's down to 255 hp.
thanks for posting this tsb#. I asked my former 1/5* about this, and they said the tsb does not apply to my car. I do have seat movement, but was ignoring it. my new 5* told me that the tsb DOES apply to my car. Whats up with that? Dont all 5* dealers draw their tech data from the same sources? Just another thing to prove incompetence of my former 1/5*. the new and better 5* has some bolts on order for me.
Just a reminder...today is Wednesday, and its Chatroom night, folks! Hope to 'see' some of youse in da room, 10:00pm EST/EDT (pick one... I can never figure out which one we're in...). Be there or be a four equal-sided polygon!
Sorry, Doc. My high school daughter has permanent possession of the box till midnight. Last night I looked over her shoulder and she had six windows open with IM running, conversing with debate buddies all over the country. I asked her what she was doing and she said "homework". Who knew? ;>)
by kosh_2258 Apr 22, 2002 (10:18 am) >>Which changer you get depends on the head unit you have. If you have the head unit with the built in CD changer controls there is a 6 disc unit that mounts in the trunk and is connected by a single wire. Everything else is controlled from the receiver. Now having said that, if you have the CD changer control head unit, and it has the DIN plug in the back you should be able to install the in dash player. The reason I say this is because DC still offers the 6 disc changer and it plugs into the same head unit the in dash one does. The wire isn't there going to the trunk and you will have to run it. Not all that nasty a job actually, but still a hassle.<<
Thanks for the info, kosh. Of course, the next obvious question is, how do I tell if I have CD *changer* controls on my head unit? (factory Infinity 11-speaker)
Glenn-- Yeah, I agree on the Vette. I used to park them years ago when I was in college and even then that was a tough car to do anything with. Really used to sweat when I had to back one into a space eight deep with cars on each side. Since then, when I ride in one, I just can't believe how long the nose is. I was at the Corvette museum a month ago, and they have a model you can sit in, and I tried it and just whistled at the length of the hood. Always loved em, but they were just not for me. Felt like my feet were fully extended and my butt was on the ground, and I couldn't even wear my 300 Club hat with the convertible top up, and I am only 6' tall. I did buy a raffle ticket on one at the Museum tho, for $10, what the heck. If I win, I'd sell it and get two new M's. Use the Special and part the other one out, eh.
The weather was great today at 7:30 when I got on the golf course. After the 9th hole is started sprinkling. By the 11th it was raining pretty good. I am, as you might expect, soaked to the bone! However, if I pay $45 for a round of golf I'm not quitting unless it's lightening!
Anyone know if the bumpers are molded with the color throughout, or are they painted? This white paint from the garage door is resisting removal big time, and I'm afraid that it's not paint but white plastic underneath. Thanks everyone for your suggestions.
My SO had problems parking the M in our garage from the first day we brought it home, so I did the old tennis ball trick for her and she loves it. I made sure I hung the ball directly in front of 'driving' position at eye height. This way not only is the car in the correct position front to back, but also side to side. This has solved the problem very nicely and also it leaves me room to park my truck beside the M without having to try and squeeze out my drivers door because she parked to close to the centre of the garage.
The tennis ball of course is a "Wilson" and we always joke about it as we park a la Tom Hanks in "Cast Away".
My 2002 Pearl White 300M was purchased in October, 2001. Recently, I have noticed movement on the right side of the driver's seat when stopping or accelerating. The movement appears to be in the right seat track. The left side does not move.
Has anyone else experienced this movement on a 2002 model? Is it the same problem that initiated the TSB for seat movement?
Are you "big" guys? I tip 280 lbs and can feel the seat in my LHS move but my 100lb wife does not? Or maybe my more aggressive driving style is the problem. No matter I have followed my service man through three 5*? dealers, reason he takes car of me. When I mentioned the seat movement tsb on 300 M's he had a tech check it and said he found no movement but would order bolts anyway as I will need them sooner or latter and might as well put them in now. now that's 5* service.
Normally Big Red doesn't get to stay in the garage. We have a tire stop set for her Grand Caravan, but it's too far in for the M (the nose extends much further). Therefore she stops short of the tire stop...hence the problem. I told her to PLEASE check for door clearance BEFORE she closes the door from now on. My wife is a sweetheart, but she's careless as all getout.
Anyone know the TSB for evil wives? I think I have one.
Actually, I have links to the TSB lists for all 4 model years of the M on my web site at http://www.ritchiefamily.com/300m.htm. The TSBs for 99 and 00 are also available on the 300M club website.
I have a slate 99 - the previous owner pulled it up onto a sidewalk, scraping the underside of the front bumper clear through into the plastic. It's all white under there.
I scratched the bottom of my bumper a little bit when I first got it - it looks white - damn sidewalks. the other black plastic part beyond the bumper sits lower, and it is scratched pretty bad, probably by previous owner. As far as taking care of the scratches on the car, I tried some stuff from local auto parts store. I had (still have) a nasty scratch on the underside of my bumper on Explorer, whith some white paint embedded. Some "nice" person was probably not very comfortable with the dimensions of their car on a parking lot. This solution (cant remember the name) made it look a little better. It was one of those catch-all things - remove brake dust, bird droppings, paint, scratches, etc. I'll try to find this bottle when I get home to see what it is called.
I have now tried a clay bar and Turtle Wax polishing compound with no luck. The Turtle Wax Color Match that I got a while back actually helps make it not as noticable. I wonder what my wife would look like polished with that stuff (grrrrrrr). One good thing came of this though. I had never owned a clay bar but bought a McGuire's clay bar kit (included polish and detaliler spray to use as the clay bar lubricant) to try. I almost decided it was useless after trying it on my bumper, but then I did my hood! WOW! The rough feeling that I got after my evil wife (yes, the same one) parked under a tree one day is now GONE with very little effort. Got a coat of Z5 drying on it as I type this.
Comments
There must be some difficulty with power consumption though since I see a power cord running to the vehicle in left of the pictures.
Otto, what spare?
Thanks
M
;>)
Silver
Sorry to question this, but I have never heard of a 16" razorstar wheel.
Are they chrome?
Does anyone else have these on their M?
The 2000 chrysler 300M product info lists only one 16" wheel/tire package:
Handling Group - Includes Firmer Struts, Taller Rear Jounce Bumpers, Firm-Feel
Enhanced-Response Steering, 16 x 7-Inch Medallion Cast Aluminum Wheels,
High-Performance Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Disc Brakes,
225/60 VR16 Michelin XGTV4* Black Sidewall All-Season Performance Tires
& Unlimited Top Speed Engine Controller
under the touring package equipped cars (standard)
the two razorstar options are listed:
Wheels
Cast Aluminum 17 x 7-Inch Razorstar (Painted)
17 x 7-Inch Razorstar (Chrome), Includes Conventional Spare Tire
w/Matching Wheel
tnsc300m
Car is running straight and I am a happy camper.....
The 16" rims are the same 16" rims that are on the DC mini vans.
They look like this......
By the way...it kills me every time my husband takes my car. I even hate riding in it with him driving -- it bugs me to no end.
Phew! Just got through reading the hundreds of messages from the week I was in FL! Congratulations on getting rid of Christine III! ;-)) Could have happened faster if you listened to me. What's next? Let us know or just e-mail me because if it's not a 300M, it won't go over well here.
fuzzywuzzy-
I must be "lucky". I saw THREE 300M SPECIALS in FL last week. One was a silver one in the gas station at Jog Rd. and Southern Blvd. in West Palm Beach. I was at the light across the street, but did snap a few pics. The other one was a black one on Palm Beach Lakes Blvd. in West Palm about 5 PM last Thursday. No pics. The third one was at the Chrysler dealer on Military Trail. It was a black one too with light grey interior. The guy wanted me to take it for a ride! ;-)) I didn't want to waste his time. I did start it after he handed me the keys. Sounded nice. Leather was very soft like it SHOULD have been from day one with the 99's! No pics.
easyrider300m-
In addition to the CTS, the Infiniti G35 is a real nice car too. Stopped at the Infiniti dealer to look at one of those too. Soon, the 2 door version will be out! Lots of nice cars in the 30-35k price range.
ski100-
You're a few years too late. Back in April of 99 and 10 1/2 months of dealing with the "award winning 5-STAR" Chrysler dealers, I had all 4 tires replaced by Goodyear for ZIP! I had 11,000 miles on Christine at the time. That story and most of the others are on my web page in my profile.
fastdriver
Good thing you have pics of Big Red BEFORE the SO started driving her! ;-))
fastdriver
glad you had your tire problem solved.
I had a similar issue with Michelins. Michelin dealer told me the tires are fine (balanced all four at no charge) and all four check out ok. However, the 5* guy showed me one of the front tires in motion, with the car on the lift - it was jumping up and down! The tire was out of round/separated. I insistend that the tire dealer replace the tire, and they did, but had to pay "wear" adjustment.
Was there a bump or any other visible defect on your tire? How did the tire guys determine it was defective? In my case, the tire dealer assumed if the tire balanced ok, there has to be nothing wrong with it.
I won't really know until next time I rotate tires, if that was the REAL problem
Needless to say, I went back and was very careful pulling them out (and only needed to pull the ones closest to the back) with a set of dikes and the bulb is now replaced along with the old clips.
By GREG KABLE
A design sketch of the fourth-generation 5 Series.
When BMW’s fourth-generation 5 Series rolls out at the Frankfurt motor show in September 2003 it will feature a new 380-hp, twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine. The next-generation sedan (E60) inherits many features from the latest 7 Series such as a shift-by-wire six-speed automatic, active roll stabilization and a simplified version of the iDrive system controller. BMW will follow in 2005 with a 500-hp 5.5-liter V10-powered M5 designed to provide the M5 with a direct link to BMW's F1 involvement with Williams.
The new engine is part of a range of hot turbocharged units being readied by BMW to place Munich's new mid-ranger in direct competition with the Audi S6, Jaguar S-Type R and Mercedes-Benz E500 without the additional weight brought on by slotting a large capacity V8 engine under its bonnet.
Joining the twin-turbo six in the new 5 Series line-up will be a wide range of engines. They include the recently introduced 2.0-litre inline four together with heavily upgraded versions of BMW's highly rated 2.2-, 2.5 and 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engines. At the upper end of the lineup will be the 3.6-litre and 4.5-litre V8 engines used in the 7 Series. Already equipped with Valvetronic, they will be upgraded to include the new direct-injection system unveiled by BMW on the 760i at last year's Frankfurt motor show.
Details remain scarce 18 months out from launch, though sources at BMW's R&D center say the twin-turbo six will provide a sporty sedan variant of the new 5 Series with performance on par with the M5. That means 0-60 mph acceleration in the 5.5-second range and an electronically limited 155 mph top speed. The best part, however, is the news that the new BMW will cost a good deal less than today's M5.
The fourth generation 5 Series will have its work cut out emulating the success of today's car, which until the arrival of Mercedes-Benz's new E-class had dominated the toughly fought executive car ranks. Still, BMW looks to have done its homework with the new car, providing it with advanced new hybrid construction together with hi-tech underpinnings, sporty new styling and the breadth of performance to match even the keenest of rivals. These sketches, supplied by BMW's own design team in Munich, expose the appearance of the new car, which will also be sold in touring guise from early 2004. Easing fears the new car would simply be a scaled down version of the controversial 7 Series, they reveal a svelte new shape that's aimed at countering criticism of today's conservatively styled model, which dates back to 1995.
The overall look is modern and aggressive, in keeping with BMW's design chief Chris Bangle's aim to get away from what he dubs the "one sausage in different lengths" appearance that has characterized the German car maker's line-up in recent years. Shapely headlamps that wrap back into the leading edge, a classy interpretation of BMW's classic kidney grille and a heavily contoured bonnet dominate the high mounted front-end to give the car instant presence.
A heavily raked windscreen combines with a wildly curved roofline and notchback-style rear end to set up a coupe-like silhouette. BMW's own artwork reveals the boot is high but less imposing than that seen on the new 7 Series.
Other features include a sharp swage along the side running from the headlamps back to the curvy tail lamps along with an unusual surface treatment that uses a mixture of convex and concave forms to provide what Bangle describes as "visual movement" when light falls on the car.
Dimensionally, the new 5 Series does not stray too far from today's car with only a moderate increase in length, width and height. The biggest change is the slight wheelbase increase, which should mean improved levels of interior accommodation, especially in the rear where legroom needs improving if the new BMW is to match the executive class competition for space.
Underneath its stylish bodywork, the new 5 Series gets advanced hybrid construction in a bid to shed weight provide even better handling response than today's highly lauded model. The front section is based around a lightweight aluminum space frame. The new approach lends expertise from the limited volume Z8 and upcoming Rolls Royce - both of which boast full space frame construction. The remainder is conventional monocoque, though the liberal use of lightweight steel, tailored blanks and a high percentage of aluminum within the (MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear) suspension will result in a lower overall weight than today's 5 Series, insiders say.
Underpinning the new 5 Series is a brand new rear-wheel drive platform that shares many components with that used underneath the 7 Series. Although going without the brake-by-wire stoppers used by the Mercedes-Benz E-class, the new BMW will still offer a host of advanced features. Among them a revolutionary new steering system from ZF that automatically corrects the angle of the front wheels in hefty side winds and under heavy braking for improved traction.
Also earmarked for upper end models are the automatic damping control and dynamic drive systems launched on the 7 Series late last year. Following heavy criticism of the much vaunted iDrive system unveiled on its flagship saloon, BMW has overhauled it for use in the new 5 Series. Insiders say the celebrated rotary dial will remain an integral part of the overall interior package. However, it will be combined with an improved menu, with features such as stability and traction control accessible through a simple press of a button rather than a long scroll through the iDrive's system.
I remember when Nissan started advertising the 2002 Maxima and were saying 260 hp. Lately, if you notice any commercials, it's down to 255 hp.
my new 5* told me that the tsb DOES apply to my car. Whats up with that? Dont all 5* dealers draw their tech data from the same sources? Just another thing to prove incompetence of my former 1/5*.
the new and better 5* has some bolts on order for me.
Doc
Silver
>>Which changer you get depends on the head unit you have. If you have the head unit with the built in CD changer controls there is a 6 disc unit that mounts in the trunk and is connected by a single wire. Everything else is controlled from the receiver.
Now having said that, if you have the CD changer control head unit, and it has the DIN plug in the back you should be able to install the in dash player. The reason I say this is because DC still offers the 6 disc changer and it plugs into the same head unit the in dash one does.
The wire isn't there going to the trunk and you will have to run it. Not all that nasty a job actually, but still a hassle.<<
Thanks for the info, kosh. Of course, the next obvious question is, how do I tell if I have CD *changer* controls on my head unit? (factory Infinity 11-speaker)
M
Mike
The tennis ball of course is a "Wilson" and we always joke about it as we park a la Tom Hanks in "Cast Away".
Has anyone else experienced this movement on a 2002 model? Is it the same problem that initiated the TSB for seat movement?
Or maybe my more aggressive driving style is the problem.
No matter I have followed my service man through three 5*? dealers, reason he takes car of me.
When I mentioned the seat movement tsb on 300 M's
he had a tech check it and said he found no movement but would order bolts anyway as I will need them sooner or latter and might as well put them in now. now that's 5* service.
Actually, I have links to the TSB lists for all 4 model years of the M on my web site at http://www.ritchiefamily.com/300m.htm. The TSBs for 99 and 00 are also available on the 300M club website.
I have a slate 99 - the previous owner pulled it up onto a sidewalk, scraping the underside of the front bumper clear through into the plastic. It's all white under there.
(my first post. this board is great.)
As far as taking care of the scratches on the car, I tried some stuff from local auto parts store. I had (still have) a nasty scratch on the underside of my bumper on Explorer, whith some white paint embedded. Some "nice" person was probably not very comfortable with the dimensions of their car on a parking lot. This solution (cant remember the name) made it look a little better. It was one of those catch-all things - remove brake dust, bird droppings, paint, scratches, etc. I'll try to find this bottle when I get home to see what it is called.
M