Chrysler 300M

intrepidspirit

fastdriver and racefan - I'm sure you remember my experiences with my first purchase, but that was really a dealer issue, although DC could have scored a few points with some intervention -- but that ain't how it works! I believe it is an excellent car for the price and moves my spirit more than anything else out there anywhere close to the price range. I checked the paint and declined their offer (they are another 5# dealer) to buff out a couple of minor scratches!

fastdriver - congratulations on your new purchase! I'm sure you'll love it! I'm trying to figure out if it's the spirit of Christine or our camraderie that keeps you coming back...but I'm glad you do!

racefan - "intrepidspirit" has a meaning beyond the car -- however, I will consider your suggestion if I can think of an appropriate alternate name.

sdmike - No offence! Your car looks great! I'm used to inferno red with no chrome on the windows and for me the difference takes some getting used to...kind of like the chrome on the gearshift...

dustinnewton & evendermel - Thanks, I thought I got a great deal.. what an exhilarating feeling! It's interesting how prices are more competitive in different parts of the country...the deal I got is commonplace in the north-east and unheard of in the South! Southern California has lots of deals, but not on M's. Chrysler cut production early at the hint of a recession and the sales numbers relect that...

99_300m_ric_va

Yahoo Photos looks good. I already have an account due to the Yahoogroups 300m discussion group (300m-lhs@yahoogroups.com), so seems natural to store pics there.

Rogor, I noticed the www.photopoint.com address on the static cling sticker pic. It that on the actual sticker? Do you sponsor the site and the club? Should we support them for that and not abandon them for Yahoo photos for that reason?

fastdriver

intrepidspirit-

Thanks. LOL.... It's not the SPIRIT of Christine that keeps me coming back! It's definitely the comraderie! Been here since June of 98. Although many of the early posters don't post anymore, I'm sure they're still lurking.

fastdriver

bigmike5

Congrats on new wheels. Just don't name it "Christine."

rogor2k

No, the photopoint "caption" is just the result of having the graphic in my own photopoint account. The actual decal is white on transparent media so it shows up in your car window.

You should be seeing yours in the mail. I sent it to you on Friday.

I'm going to be switching to Yahoo or Hotmail photos for my photo postings next month.

Roger

fuzzywuzzy

On the Eibach springs they have a bump stop trim chart. It says how much to trim the bumpstops to avoid bottoming out. You could call them and find out, or call H&R & see what they say. But they need to be done. In any lowerd car it needs to be done. The shop should have know this. I also have heard that the 300M uses the same springs on both 300M's, & it is the struts, that are different. However, the shop manual doesn't say if that so. Igor doesn't have those problems, but he also has the PHP. & As I said i'm sure the ride would be much harser if you had the PHP. Moter Trends review of the so cal 300m, said they trimmed the bump stops for bottoming out problems, & it drove great. Call them too.

dustinnewton

Someone here (I don't remember who) a while back said that his local M mechanic siad that he could reprogram the chip in the M for better performance. Did you take him up on that? Where's our report?!?!?! ;-)

rklass

Mike, be very careful with a bra, nose cover or whatever!
These can severely damage the paint, no mattrer how well they fit.
Normal driving will cause some movement, and the movement will rub any dust, dirt & moisture into the paint.
I had one on my Miata, and ditched it in a couple of months after seeing what it was doing to the finish.

jedi_knight

I have plans to call H&R this morning and get their take on the situation. Like I said on the open smooth road and in the curves it handles great, its only when the terrain alters or there are braking/acceleration bumps in the curves that things get interesting. Maybe I'm pushing her too hard? Naaaaaaaaaw.

No the pain will be removing the springs and trimming the stops, get another alignment etc.....

Thanks for the info though.

Keith

rscheller

Can anyone answer precisely which automatic transmission fluid DC recommends for the 99 300M? ATF +3, ATF +4...

I'm confused!

Thanks,
Rick

race9fan

i recall someone mentioning a clunking sound coming from the front end when going over bumps. not the creaking crunching sound i had but a clunking sound. what was the fix for this? my neighbor who isn't internet active is having problems with a clunking sound mainly from the passenger side when going over bumps at 20-25 mph doesn't do it when going real slow. thanks!!!

Race

intrepidspirit

I don't name my cars...besides, hopefully there could be only ONE Christine!

I have a good feeling about this car -- maybe because I bought it on my birthday! Not that this had anything to do with my purchase, but the day before (Saturday), I had my other 300M on the freeway, when I suddenly found myself alone. On impulse, I stepped on the gas and went from 75 to 110 VERY quickly! I then had to slow down because I was approaching traffic. That's the first time I've done that and I'm glad the highway patrol was on donut break!

I wonder if there are any license plate frames that say "My other car is a 300M"? I could use 2 of them

racefan - I haven't thought of another user name yet...it's going to be hard....

race9fan

don't worry about the name man, i wouldn't use the one i just posted looks like Ms Pirit...hey you can have a license frame with anything on it. i can't have one because the bottom part of the frame will cover up my exp. date...

http://autotags4u.com/customtags-frames.htm

Race

race9fan

you know the tag frames would be great for the club, have your screen name on the top and www.300mClub.org on the bottom so when all you goobs get to moneterey you'll know who's who. like i'm driving cross country NOT. we east coasters need to unite.

http://autotags4u.com/customtags-frames.htm

Race

fuzzywuzzy

I have had mine on for over a year. I have had no problems with the paint. Mine doesn't move ethier. When I do take it off, you can see that the part of the hood under the cover is very clean. No dust, dirt etc. I have the Mopar 300m one. I also know other people who have had them, & have had no problems. They also take care of ther cars. Just take the bra off when washing, & then make sure to use some zaino, or what ever wax/polish on the area along with th erest of the car. Most factory paint now days is made to hold up. It's up to you guys, but from 1 person who is using it, I havn't had any problems.

fuzzywuzzy

If I remember That guy was lied to by the dealer, & said it couldn't be done. One of those yeah sure, 2 weeks later..no i'm sorry that can't be done quotes.

fuzzywuzzy

According to the owners, & service manules for all 99 only 300M's they use ATF+3. However all 00-up 300M's use ATF+4. This really makes no sense since it's the same tranny. I would just use ATF+4 since that's what's used now to be safe. I really think it wasn't avaiable when the 99's manules were printed, thus the ATF+3.

bigmike5

Have had mine for almost 3 years. I also had Ziebart put the 3M clear protective rock guard stuff on the front of the car. Barely noticeable on the platinum. Since then I have felt safe using the hood cover. I take it off when rain is forecast, and have treated it with Armor-All and it has stayed in good shape and caused no problems for the paint either from rubbing or fading. The party line is that if these covers get wet while you're driving and you continue to drive they dry out and no big deal. But if they get wet and you leave the car for long periods of time with a wet cover it is supposed to potentially cause the paint to fade. Don't know if that is true or not, but I put on the clear protectant stuff to hedge against the cover either rubbing [although mine is tight as heck when I get it on] or causing the paint to fade. I would say that it is on about 2 week out of every 4. I say "go for it." And think about Ziebart 3M stuff for the front and Stongard [on the web] lens protectors for the lights.

fastdriver

intrepidspirit-

In 39 years of buying new cars, I have NEVER named a car before I got Christine! She was named after the Stephen King novel and movie about that RED Plymouth Fury that had a life of its own. My Christine not only had a life of her own, but a mind of her own. I just hope the person who buys her doesn't end of here! ;-))

Hey- bought the CL on my birthday too! Thought I deserved it after the past 33 months with Christine.

fastdriver

fuzzywuzzy

Mines on 24-7. I only take it off when I wash the car. Mine has stayed on overnight during rain storms then driven the next day with out any problems. The clear bra ia a good idea though, under the black bra.... Makes sense. Where did you get it? how hard was it to install etc?

scotian

The bumper piece is a pain in the [non-permissible content removed] to install. Don't do it alone like I did!

intrepidspirit

I'm sure Christine will be a fine car now that you have worked most of the bugs out...LOL!

Hopefully, buying new cars on our birthdays will be a great omen for both of us and we will have fond memories of our 2001 birthdays for years to come! Like you, I didn't expect to buy a car when I did -- it was just too good a deal to pass up!

Roger still hasn't replied to my query about the husband and wife special membership rates in the 300M Enthusiasts' Club...maybe he's still researching the bylaws....

rogor2k

Owner/Enthusiast and wife/S.O. are included all for one money. If you notice on the membership form there is a space for wife/S.O. name.

When you come to Monterey in August, we'll probably have shopping trips organized for the ladies who aren't into cars or races. You are coming, aren't you??

My wife is the Club Treasurer, so since she is an officer, she pays separate membership dues, but all others are covered by one membership. Have I answered your question??

jedi_knight

I talked to a tech at H&R this morning, he warned me off of trimming the bump stops as they do not recommend it. His thoughts on the unloading of the suspension was due to the shocks not being able to handle the new spring rates, which makes some sence, I guess. And since you pointed out in a previous post, I have noticed some vibration during hard acceleration around 60 mph. I brought this up with the tech, who deferred to Germany. He is going to call them as there may be a piece or part that can be added to eliminate the vibes.

sdmike2

All, here are some interesting eBay auctions you might want to look at:

300M T-shirt (don't outbid me on this!)
K&N Air Filter
18 piece wood trim kit
17" Chrome wheels and Goodyears
A beautiful rose wood trim kit
99 Owners Manual
Fake Xenon bulbs

-Mike

jhg4

We'll my wife loves the 300M and I'm thinking about taking the plunge. I would first like some advice on which direction to go. First, there are some good deals in my area on 1999 300's around $19K with 30K miles. Some even have 5yr 75K extended warranty included from private one-owner sellers. Any reason not to buy a 1999 vs 2001? Also, in my area, new 300's are being sold at invoice (as if that means anything in relation to what the dealer pays) whether off the lot or ordered. There is also a $3000 "GK" lease cash incentive (you can convert to loan later at credit union). Were the prices recently quoted on the board after all incentives and how much were they? Finally, would you get the PHP if available --It seems pretty cheap considering.

intrepidspirit

Thanks for the info...my question was really in jest and wasn't really directed to you...no apology needed! I'll have my wife's name added to the membership form, if that's ok.

I don't know about Monterey...I wouldn't know which car to take! Seriously, I have a tennis tournament in Newport Beach in August..I'll have to check the dates. Monterey is really nice, though, for those of you who haven't been there.

BTW, I'm surprised that you and your wife pay dues...as officers, I think you should be exempt...

dustinnewton

Thanks. I knew I remembered it being said, btu I never heard the outcome Instead of bra, to be PC, how about forward support and assistance apparatus? ;-)

intrepidspirit

My price of $24,888 (MSRP $30,545) included a DC rebate of $2,000 plus a dealer discount of $3,657. This was a "one only" deal. Carsdirect.com's current price is about $26,880 for the same car in my area.

Leasing can be a good deal, however, the purchase at lease end is at a % (typically 53% or 54%)of MRSP, so any price negotiation you make is only effective for the lease period.

I hope this helps...

sdmike2

I bought a 300M two weeks ago so I've gone through everything you're now going through. I got my 01 for $29,700, nearly $5,000 off the MSRP of $34,580 (it's loaded). By my calculations the dealer made about $250 on this car over their "true cost". Their true cost is invoice less "holdback" (approximately 3%), less any factory to dealer incentives. There is also a $2,000 consumer rebate until 4/30.

Here is an example of the calculations. A reasonably equipped 01M with a MSRP of $32,500 has an invoice of approximately $30,200. There is about a $900 dealer holdback, so their true cost is around $29,300. Subtract out the $2,000 rebate and the floor price would be around $27,300 for the car. Carsdirect.com is selling this exact car for $28,700, so somewhere between the two you should be able to strike a deal. There is some great information at www.carbuyingtips.com. Check it out. They have a spreadsheet for working these numbers too.

Having said this, intrepidspirit managed to get a "loss leader" car for what appears to be under dealer cost. Deals like that are possible, but I often find they're for cars that have been out of the stable a bit, like used as the courtesy cars for the Holiday Bowl or the Bob Hope Desert Classic in southern Cal.

As for the 99 vs 01, I get the impression from the posts here that Chrysler has improved the car significantly in the 00 and 01 models. It appears that the 99 and even 00 have had issues with window motors, molding, insulation/noise, Goodyear tires (instead of the Michelin) and other things. Others can speak more about this than I can. If I were you and could afford it, I'd opt for the 01.

Also, I got the PHG on my 01 after getting feedback from those here. It provides better brakes, a sport tuned suspension (a little harsher ride, but corners like a slot car), and no speed limiter (or a high one I won't reach). Some that have opted NOT to get it wish they had for the extra $500 or so.

I hope this helps. If you want to discuss my experience any more feel free to email me at mritchie@san.rr.com.

Mike

Pictures of Big Red

sdmike2

Here is a link to a service contract warranty company that I found while doing research. Their coverage is excellent (even providing rental cars during the 36/36000 factory period), and they have strong underwriting. I used the quote from them to talk my 5* into reducing the price of the Chrysler warranty by nearly $1,000.

Warranty Direct

brianw300

To those who have PHG on there M's...

Is PHG supposed to make the steering sluggish and hard to turn?

I have noticed that my PHG M's steering is much more sluggish than a non-PHG. I jacked the front of the car up so the front wheels would be free, and the steering is still sluggish. In some turns I have to pull the wheel back to straighten out.

Is this how PHG steering is supposed to be or do I have something wrong with my rack&pinion that is making it so hard to turn.

I am bringinig into the shop tomorrow and need to know what others have experienced out there with PHG and its steering...

PLEASE reply!!

Brian

sdmike2

My PHG steering doesn't feel sluggish to me at all (I can turn the car easily with 1 finger), but I've only driven the non-PHG once as a comparison. I don't remember noticing a difference in the level of effort requird to turn the wheel.

Mike

catguy

Hey, two weeks and not a shred of buyer's remorse! Appreciate the info on break-in and break-in oil change info. Will probably change out at around 2-3K miles as we have a trip coming up to Fla. in late May and I don't want to extend the breakin oil through that.

I am also having major problems keeping my foot out of the throttle...was up to 90 in a flash the other day...trying to keep the revs down...would rather torque it up in high gear and make it pull just a little harder. Don't want to make the mistake of babying it too much so doing some short burst accellerations while trying to keep speed legal (fat chance). Just a damn fine ride. Tight as a drum. Hope the 2001 improvements all made it to our vehicle. After one block of driving it, my better half informed me that if divorce ever comes, she's keeping the car!!

I'll try on the pics but I have no digital camera nor a scanner. Will see if I can borrow a camera.

Also, the owner's manual recommends mild soap and water for cleaning the seats and dash material. Seems counterintuitive to me. I understand that armor-all, etc. is a no-no. What do you guys recommend based on experience?? Again, thanks for the help!!

Best regards,
Rob

sdmike2

Did you have your exhaust built or did you buy a complete system from a manufacturer? I'm assuming it all went in "cat back", from the catalytic converters back.

M

fuzzywuzzy

I would say it is normal. The PHP's steering is supposed to be tight, & harder to turn ie-requires more driver effort.

sdmike2

sdmike2

ok mike...hit TAB, not ENTER...

Rob - go to Zaino Brothers and get the Z-1, Z-2, Z-5, Z-6, and Z-10 (I also got the Z-12 & Z-16). The Z-10 is the leather treatment, and it works well on both the seats and the dash.

Mike

joey300m

All set to pick up my 01M on Thursday. Probably a little "Right Now" from Sammy and Van Halen Live to check out the Infinity. Already placed an order for the Zaino (Z1,2,5,6 and the wash) Hope to hit it on saturday. Decided to keep my 91 LSC (53k) since it will only be about $60.00/month for insurance. Anyway I've got a 85 Chevy S-10 4x4 with 197k on the clock and who knows how much more she's got. (Love that truck) Anyway I know what I got with the Lincoln and I'll never find a better vehicle for $3-4K.
Will post pictures of "Goldilocks" asap.
Can't wait to get her home. All the stories from you folks makes me real anxious.

lalarry

Could the problems many folks are having with the window molding (and perhaps a few other problems) can be traced to weather conditions or climate? I could be totally wrong, but the shrinking weather stripping sounds like a direct effect the variances in temperatures experienced in some parts of the country. My '00 is kept in a carport thus exposed to temps which rarely drop below 35 (35 being very rare, and the lowest I've experienced where I live). At the other end of the extreme, multiple trips to Palm Springs this past summer had temps clocked on the overhead at 121 degrees. No shrinkage here!

lalarry

When I bought my M, I test drove the PHG and the non-PHG demos repeatedly. I noticed that the steering on the PHG was different. I don't know if I'd call it sluggish, perhaps I'd use "tighter"? But there was a difference.

300m_vt

brianW300 - I test drove the Non_PHG & the PHG (opted for the PHG), yes. the PHG does require " more effort " (the Non-PHG at the time had 16" tires, the PHG's were 17").

catguy - Definetely try the Zaino Z-10 or Lexol both are great.

lalarry - shrinkage - My Y2K M stayed out all winter here in VT with temps ranging between
-15 deg. and last summer upper 80's with no shrinkage < just sharing experiences >

intrepidspirit

The "loss leader" 300m I purchased on Sunday (4/8/01) had 71 miles on it, so it didn't stray too far from the stable! My other 300m had 52 miles when I leased it.. they are both considered new.

Yes, you can get some deals on demos, etc. but there are some new cars that are occasionally put out there to draw some traffic. Last year, I purchased a 2000 Mustang for my son @ $12,988. When his car got rear-ended and totalled at about 3000 miles, I purchased another one at the same price. Both were one only loss leaders, and both were new (under 100 miles). BTW, the insurance pay-out on the car was $17,400 and he may still get another $500 from them!

joey300m

All set to pick up my 01M on Thursday. Probably a little "Right Now" from Sammy and Van Halen Live to check out the Infinity. Already placed an order for the Zaino (Z1,2,5,6 and the wash) Hope to hit it on saturday. Decided to keep my 91 LSC (53k) since it will only be about $60.00/month for insurance. Anyway I've got a 85 Chevy S-10 4x4 with 197k on the clock and who knows how much more she's got. (Love that truck) Anyway I know what I got with the Lincoln and I'll never find a better vehicle for $3-4K.
Will post pictures of "Goldilocks" asap.
Can't wait to get her home. All the stories from you folks makes me real anxious.

sdmike2

I just got a quote from a local shop for some exhaust system work. They suggested keeping the front resonator (the 2 to 1 behind the cats) but ripping out the two rear mufflers and replacing them with a single Flowmaster 4 chamber job. The Flowmaster would be a single 2 1/2 pipe in (the stock pipe) with two 2 1/2 pipes out to the existing cutout on the left with new chrome tips. Keeps me from having to cut the body on the right side (since I'm not doing it for looks) and should add some nice tones and HP to the car. Have any of you done the set-up this way, or have your jobs been more radical like Rogers?

Any comments or things I should look out for?

-Mike

sdmike2

We're looking forward to checking out Goldilocks when you get her. Have fun, but keep an eye on your rear view mirror for cops.

lalarry

When I bought my M, I test drove the PHG and the non-PHG demos repeatedly. I noticed that the steering on the PHG was different. I don't know if I'd call it sluggish, perhaps I'd use "tighter"? But there was a difference.

rklass

I have logged about 500 miles in a standard 300M, and 76,000 miles in PHP('99) and PHG ('01) 300Ms.
I would describe the steering as "higher effort" on the PHP/PHG equipped cars.
The idea is more precision in turns, and better "feel" for the road, although I am not sure the "feel" is all that evident.
I do prefer the higher effort to the overboosted steering found on most power steering equipped cars.
The package produces a superior overall feel of presision and control, and the brakes have a stronger feel than the standard setup.
Part of this is due to the much higher grade tires, the Michelin Pilot HX MXM4s. These tires retail for $200 each, so the package is fairly priced at about $500.

thill381

I have what you basically just described. It does add a little throatier tone to the exhaust. Also as you look at the o.e.'s they are moving more away from the dual sided (dual exhaust) and going more to an aggressive "dual tip" on one side.

Check out the pictures.

 http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1623482&a=12413329&f=0

rogor2k

Mine is custom created from the "Michael Hujo" design. Mike has a performance shop in Florida and he designed and tested the basic system. Mine is just a minor mod of his design.


My "show and tell" album is here: http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=934019&a=9266730&f=0


Borla makes a system for the 300M that just replaces everything from the cats back. I hear it is rather loud and subject to some cabin resonance until you install some venturi pieces inside the pipe. It can be had for around $500 from Summit Racing.


I wouldn't recommend the Flowmaster system you described. Folks who have tried the Flowmaster solution said it sounded like an old pickup truck. I had a guy try to sell me on the same idea when I took the drawings of ny system to him and asked him if he wanted to install it for me. Guess what was his main muffler line?? Nuff said!


My system is throaty and mellow, but still sounds off under acceleration. On a loudness scale of 1 to 10, 1 being stock and 10 being "whatthehellwasthat?" I'd rate my system around a 3. The valance cutout is no big deal. I have complete directions in my show & tell.