Chrysler 300M

fastdriver

Detroit getting ready to celebrate. That damn Japanese reliability is dropping away. So is the German "perceived reliability".

http://www.detnews.com/2002/insiders/0211/11/inside-7164.htm

More good news- http://www.aemag.com/topnews.html#1

Probably just be for Neons and PT Cruisers. ;-(((

fastdriver

fastdriver

Looking good in RED!! sdmike2?? ;-))

http://www.car-truck.com/chryed/buzz/b101102.htm

fastdriver

cmyers300m

Well, being a previous Japanese car owner, I'd still have to say that overall the Japanese cars are still built better. However, there is a change in rattle/vibration category. My wife's new Civic has a vibration in the drivers door that drives me nuts. But again, my M is not vibration proof. I've read that the quality is starting to fall too, but primarily in the Japanese cars that are built OUTSIDE Japan. Like my wife's Civic. Hate to say it, but the Japanese QC cannot be enforced the way they'd like to.

As far as DC, Mercedes has never been a 'quality' car. If you look at the track records, the majority of their cars have reliability problems except say the 500/600SL. Which cost you in excess of 80k. For that money, they should guarantee it!!

beach15

Did you see the latest C&D review of small econo cars, in which the Civic got such a low rating? Mainly because of such poor quality, next in line only to the old Kia. Blotched, uneven paint, crooked panels, vibrations, rattles galore, and a buckboard, kidney-beating ride. For some reason, this seems not so suprising, after reading many reviews from owners of new 01-on Civics. That, and being built in Ohio, it's no suprise at all. I can tell you though, young people love this car unconditionally, but I don't...

Mercedes? Come on! They always had that ritzy, handcrafted, vault-like feel, but it never meant they were Camry-like. Things go wrong all the time, like failed electrical systems or other mechanical issues. BMW is also like this, most notable with the electronics. They still have a great appeal, you just have to be really into them and like spending the $$$ to own.

Our M was never "that" bad. Yeah, the rattles and vibrations drove us nuts, but I'm starting to realize that there are very few cars out there that are 100% perfect all the time. I complained a lot, but there are much worse cars out there in abundance, and I'd take a reliable M over many others. I liked the materials, design, and somewhat refinement (not great, but it had it's good points), I think it just could have used a few more engineering $$ and a little higher quality control at the plant. Does the new Special with a Dodge steering wheel serve as a good example?!

GM could use a lot of work too, I really have a passion for hating some of the junk they make (Sunfire, anyone?). Ford, well, let's just leave that one open to interpretation! The thing with imports still go one, because, in general, they have better materials and build quality, are a little more refined, and usually have better track records as far as quality is concerned. Doesn't mean everyone is perfect, just means you have a better chance of living without problems.

no1trust

Our Lexus ES300 has made quite a few trips within its first 90,000 miles for repair (unlike our Korean product w/lower perceived reliability, a Ford Festiva w/ZERO repairs in its first 90,000 miles). At least Lexus had impeccable service, as well as new model year loaner cars available while the car was in the shop. One owner's isolated favorable experiences w/one individual car don't necessarily translate into the entire product line being problem free; note that Lexus is still at the top of the heap as far as perceived reliability goes in spite of my experiences, the Koreans (Kia) still rated low in perceived reliability in spite of my nonproblematic ownership in the first 90,000 miles. OTOH consider the huge number of transmission problems indicated by NHTSA complaints by some Japanese products... what's the fix for those tranny problems? Is it as simple as replacing the speed sensor/BCM in the 300M?

IMHO only the biggest problem DC has w/the 300M now is that customer service isn't where it should be. Another problem is the crazed decontenting in the 300M. The 300M still looks like pretty good bang for the buck though.

justntyme

This board helped me buy my 99 300 w/PHP and someone said "bring on the mods"...I laughed then but KNOW now what was meant...I HAVE to have the dual exhaust. I want it for looks and I want it for a throaty sound (without being confused for my teenage neighbor with the little Honda). My local Meineke quoted me $300.00 for a Vortex Hi-flow muffler in the rear (price includes tax, labor, pipes and hangers). I have basically two questions:
1. What's the word on the Vortex and is this a good way to go (I notice many people going with the Flowmaster or DynoMax). Also is it OK to leave the stock collector?

2. What tips would most closely resemble those on the Special, will they fit the holes on my 99, I want to keep the luxury car look, would the dual ovals be better and where should I get these? The Meineke seemed to have a lot of chrome stuff, I think I'd want stainless...

rstilp

That price sounds a little high.
Not much though. You can leave the stock collector, I did, and I love the sound. I used Dynamax 17739 muffler and got round stainless tips locally for under $20. each. They are exactly like the SPL. Look Good!!!They are from Pilot Motorsports #PM 551 Hummer.
Goodluck.
Geezer300M

justntyme

This board helped me buy my 99 300 w/PHP and someone said "bring on the mods"...I laughed then but KNOW now what was meant...I HAVE to have the dual exhaust. I want it for looks and I want it for a throaty sound (without being confused for my teenage neighbor with the little Honda). My local Meineke quoted me $300.00 for a Vortex Hi-flow muffler in the rear (price includes tax, labor, pipes and hangers). I have basically two questions:
1. What's the word on the Vortex and is this a good way to go (I notice many people going with the Flowmaster or DynoMax). Also is it OK to leave the stock collector?

2. What tips would most closely resemble those on the Special, will they fit the holes on my 99, I want to keep the luxury car look, would the dual ovals be better and where should I get these? The Meineke seemed to have a lot of chrome stuff, I think I'd want stainless...

justntyme

Thanks rstilp...I looked at the PM 552 and this looks like a bolt on version (not what I had in mind)...but could not find a pic of the 551, Do you or someone know of a reputable online store for the PM 551 Hummer...

99_300m_ric_va

Otto, even an expert like airbag bob has a bad day from time to time. You tell him yet about the Dodge Airbag on the M?

Kirstie_H

A journalist from a wire service is looking for comments about heated seats - do you really love them, or really hate them, or really hate having to pay for them in an option package? Please send your thoughts and daytime contact info to jfallon@edmunds.com by Tuesday, November 12 at 2pm Eastern.
Thanks!

starmn

Hey all:

It has been years since I've been on this board. I had a '99 that had seven window motors replaced. I sold it within the year. However, I never lost the love for the car. I now have the chance to pick up an '02 loaded at a great price.

Has the power window issue been solved or are they still a problem with the '02s.

Thanks for a quick reply.

cmyers300m

I have a 2001 M, NO PROBLEMS WHATSOEVER! I believe the window problems ended with the 2000's. In fact, if you look at the last Consumer Reports. The 2001 300M's have a 'better than average' reliability rating. Mine is proof of it.
I don't think I've seen a problem with the 01's or 02's on this board yet. I say go for it! This is my first American car in years and I love it to death.........

ceikost

I have a 2000 full boat. (built Dec.99)

One widow regulator on driver's door but no motors replaced.

bigmike5

Otto-- Make sure your bro gets a good deal. The 2002 Specials are selling here at $6000 [American] off the sticker. God knows how much Canadian that would be??$$$?? And they offered to order me a 03 Special at their invoice price. With the 3% dealer holdback I will probably offer $500 less than invoice if DC goes to 0%/60.

Silverbee--Thanks for the comments on my M photos. She looks better in person than the pics. I wish we could get AV to design a roof wing like the one on the Lorinser 300M. That would be my next mod. I priced one out of CEC and they wanted about $400 for one. Too rich for my blood, translation: if I paid that my wife would have my blood all over the place.

Av--How about designing a roof wing? Keep it under $200, and paint it platinum and you'd have my order in a flash.

Duals-- $300 is good. I used the stock collector which was still good, added a Magnaflow 10416 4" muffler behind the collector [$70], a Camaro muffler [NFI] and the Ractive T-813 tips [$90 each] and the other piping. Total was about $430, but most of that was for the T-813's. There are other, cheaper tips available. Blonda and John Wyche show a different style. I think I like the one's SDMike has the best, for appearance, but I like mine too. If you want a little more noise delete the Magnaflow 10416. Add it if you want the cabin noise real low. [And I have the 99 which had less sound deadening than the later models. ]

bigmike5

For those who are a little new to the Autostick, and feel that the shifts are a little rough, I want to mention something I found out by accident. I used to let off on the gas as I got ready to shift just like you would on a standard shift car, but I found that if you keep the gas steady as you shift, it is much smoother, and no shakes as it goes thru the gears. It takes some getting used to staying on the gas while shifting, but it makes using the Autostick a lot less tense on whether the tranny is getting beaten up. One other caution, if you are under load on the gas at low speeds, the Autostick sometimes will not go up into 4th gear. This can make downshifting for corners, etc., testy if you do not realize the tranny did not upshift, and you drop two gears, thereby lurching over the steering wheel as it hits 1 when you thought you would hit 2. Just be aware of that possible problem.

300michael

The window motor problem was because of a bad supply of window motors. I had each one replace and have had no problems with mine in the last 3 years. Other then a seat belt bolt recall, my 99 has been excellent. Glad to have you back.

http:public.fotki.com/300M/

greasykid1

Looking to replace my Michelin MXV4 s. Considering,after talking to Tirerack,going to 235/55/17 Dunlop SP Sport A2 @ $ 111.

Also have read posts on YK 420 Yoko. This seems to be a special tire for Discount Tire @ $ 125 locally.

Appreciate all responses

starmn

At this point it looks like I will p/u the new 2002. I remember back in '98-'99 the wealth of info. you guys provided.
300michael I remember you from way back...good to be back.
I will cross my fingers because of all the cars I ever owned, the only one I really "loved" was the 300.

See ya

avalanche165

please elaborate....have any sketches?

avalanche165

remember all that fiberglass work i did with the tv molded in and everything, the previous owner must of not liked it, its all trashed :(:(

400 hours of work to see it cracked. but anyway i need to restore it to stock specs, anyone know where i can get some parts for good price? i was actually hoping for used parts, all my dealers are asking way too much. i need the radio trim. shifter trim, wood trim, inner side panels, clock/vent piece, and the other vents i got on ebay. i remember there was a good site for parts for forgot the address, anyone know a few? thanks guys.

justntyme

Does Dynaflow make a muffler for the rear? I'm thinking of just adding that (instead of the Vortex offered by Meineke)and some Ractive tips ...Please let me know the Part # and/ or alternative brands etc...thanks again all...

bigmike5

AV take a look at CECWheels.com where they show a Lorinser prepared 99 300M. One of the mods is a roof wing.

bigmike5

Take a look at TruckAddOns.com on the Web. They have a lot of possible tip options.

ajpiii

http://www.mechanicsvilledodge.com

splatt

This is also is a great place for parts as well...

hmmm, cept they are offline just this minute...

beach15

From everything I've read, including a few reports from LHS owners, the Dunlops are a terrific tire. Great ride and handling, and most of all, very quiet. They make a great difference on a car like the M.

The Yokos also sound very good, but also like they may be somewhat softer, and less sharp. Still, not bad, and much better than all Goodyears and several Michelins.

jab02lhs

This guy is parting out a 99 LHS, same interior your looking for may br worth a call.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1872259556

nc300m

I had the orginal goodyears replaced with 235/55/17 Dunlop Sport A2. WOOOWWW what a diffence a good set of skins make. No more pulling to one side, no more steering wheel shake, no more tire shake upon braking. So many problems solved with just a new set of SKINS. I thought that I needed new rotors, a new steering knuckle, four wheel alinment, ect...

By the way the Dunlop is an outstanding tire, quite smooth and nice grip for an HR rated tire and at 130 a pop installed great price.

Now I can enjoy my new "M", I say new because it has never driven better

1999 Pearl White
Duals with Ractive tips
28K
235/55/17 Dunlop Sport A2 tires

Good luck on your future replacement tires, I suggest replacing the Goodyear @ any mileage left on the tires. I could have went another 8K

Sorry so long

Mitchell

hayneldan

Check out copartfinder.com for used parts.

cmyers300m

Man, I'm really depressed after looking at my '01 M's resale value on the Kelly Blue Book site. I have only 15k miles on my M and it's worth 22k resale, or 18k trade-in. That's really sad considering the sticker was around 34k two years ago. Well, I guess the only GOOD thing is I love the car, right??

pjyoung

Isn't going to be limited to just 300M's...you're just experiencing the other side of the double edged sword of 0% financing. That lure makes new cars more appealing than used cars, and as a result, trade in's are just not going to have value.

cmyers300m

I'm sure that's part of it, however it doesn't help that it's a DC product. My wife's '02 Civic is 4 months old, but it's worth more than the payoff already! I'd have to say, since owning all Japanese cars before buying my M, I have forgotten the real problem of owning a American car. The crappy resale value. Once again, I'm glad I love this car or at least I'm glad i have not had the problems some M owners have had. That would really make the resale value hurt more.

denisefromca1

Has anyone been able to go larger then an 18 inch rim. If so, how was it done and how is the ride. My mechanic doesn't thing she can take any larger then an 18 but I really want that low profile look. Should lowering the car be a consideration? Any comments or experience would be greatly appreciated........D

denverm

I have enjoyed the company and information from everyone on this board for over two years, but it's time to move on. Happy Mmotoring, everyone!

Brent

mrl859

Where are you going and what are you driving to get there?

splatt

Denise - you can fit a 20" wheel on there, but you'll more than likely loose a little speed doing it due to the weight (you've got a lot more wheel than before Unless you spend a fortune on very lightweight wheels. I believe Av has done it, and possibly one other. The 245/35/20 is an exact match to the 225/55/17 that comes with the car. Just be careful with the low profile - easy to bend a rim...

Depreciation - the things that sucks all @%% is that it's not TRUE depreciation, but PERCIEVED. Look at the reliability of the cars nowadays and the chryslers are coming way up there. At lemonlaws.com (check the lemon list ) Almost half of the top 20 are imports - 3 are Hondas! One Jeep at 21 and one Dodge at 23. Come on!!! (otoh, I'm not sure why the list the top 23 - odd number

It's hard to get over a long history of shoddyness :-(

btw - the list was developed by taking the number of complaints vs. the number of cars sold. It's not just total complaints, which is a more accurate measure of the issue.

denverm

I plan to be driving my 300M for lots of years to come, just won't be participating here in the future.

bigmike5

You think the resale list for an M is bad? I was going to upgrade my wife from a 00 Eldo ESC to the last of the line 02 Eldo ETC Collector Edition in red [her favorite color] until I glanced at the KBB to see what I could expect in trade for a 00 with 14.5K miles on it, and with an added 12 pack CD player in the trunk, a spoiler, mudflaps and a garage door opener. It had a sticker of $42K new, and after not quite 2 years was at $23K for trade-in. How about that for a rip-off. I think the KBB is just that--a rip off used by the automongers to rip off the customers coming and going. Their own resale margins on used cars are enormous. My last two trades- a 93 Regal GS coupe and a 96 Aurora which were both cherry, and still had some warranty left, were practically stolen on the trade-in, and both were bought within a weekend by ...guess who...one of the guys who worked in the used car side of the dealership. This despite moans during negotiations that "If we can't sell your car within 30 days we have to wholesale it at the auction, so we can only give you the book or a little under it." Yeah right. So I watch the resale asking prices a lot and the M is holding up ok. Course a new 02 M here is selling for $24K which is $3K under what I paid for my 99 when it was new!!! I plan on keeping my 99 as a tuner/project car if possible, rather than giving it up for a pitance to a car dealer wearing a mask. Either that or I'm giving it to Beach!!

DenverM--Sorry to see you go. Drop by occasionally and update us. Will you be on the Club board at all? How about the Woodward in August?

ajpiii

Splatt is right about the 20's, I have them on my car with 245/35-20 tires... No modifications needed.. Lowering the car is not needed, but looks alot better with the 20's... You can see pics of my lowered M riding on 20's at:

http://www.cardomain.com/id/ajpiii

clpurnell

the depreciation is awful. I have been offered 16k on a car i bought for 28k 14 months ago. That is almost 1k a month depreciation. Will not be buying another car with this kind of depreciation. I did not expect that coming in and will be getting out of it when I can afford to.

bigmike5

Tony-- Is that Cardomain set up your own page for free really free or just a come on? Is it hard to do? Do you send scanned stuff or hard copy photos to them. How's it work?

justntyme

This is driving me nuts! The Meineke guy sounds solid but he's doing a real sales pitch for the Vortex muffler in the rear...I'm thinking Flowmaster in the rear and that's it...I think I want dual oval tips but that's the easy part...Please throw out a quick opinion on the Vortex vs the Flowmasters (I have decided to only replace the rear) and does anyone know the part # for the Flowmaster
99/ slate /w php

ajpiii

The cardomain site is 100% free, and very easy to use.... you upload the pics to your account and then display whatever you want on your page... Its definately worth trying...

blonda

I don't know why these muffler guys always try to sell you something else when you come in and tell them exactly what you want. Don't know anything nor have heard of anyone with the Vortex, but the other used most commonly on the M are Flowmaster which is going to be the loudest, Rhino in the middle, and Dynomax Super Turbo which is the quietest and sounds the most similar to the special (which is what I have and very nice sounding without compromising your ability to carry on a conversation while driving).

blonda

Are they being sold yet? cuz I just saw one going the opposite direction on the freeway. Silver of course. Not bad but not awe inspiring either IMO (but I'm not a station wagon person). The Chrysler design center where the Pacifica was designed is about 12 miles from where I spotted it. Maybe there's a connection. Couldn't see if there was dealer plates on it or not.

lilharryjr

Thanks Blonda, I've seen pics of your ride and it is SWEET your comments on the other board convinced me to go with the SS tips. I dig the single oval look you have but I'm tossed up on going that route, the dual ovals or trying something similiar to the special look. I think I will stay away from the Vortex muffler either way, for one thing I can't find a www for them, which annoys me and makes me wonder. Another is the sales pitch, which also annoys me and makes me wonder.
Part of me wants the Flowmaster grrrrrrrrr and who cares how loud, but part of me does not want to freak out the boss or my clients (or the wife, whom is the other boss), yet it's hard to gauge what I'll like...site unheard.
Regardless I think I'll just replace the rear, what do you think about putting just the Dynomax 17739 in the rear without the Magnaflow in front as opposed to just the Flowmaster in the rear (also without the Magnaflow in front)? What do you think the difference is in volume out/in?

lilharryjr

ps lilharryjr and justntyme = 1indsame--forgot password on old login

ottowrkr

"Otto, even an expert like airbag bob has a bad day from time to time. You tell him yet about the Dodge Airbag on the M? "

Oh yeah I sure did ,hes said "Wasnt ME "

Dont worry BigMike , my bro is a wheeler dealer . He knows all the angles . The dealers never make $$ on him.Also I talked to them about the missing hats , so they are looking into it.

beach15

Hmmm....I'd take it! There's something about a Platinum 99' that's very special...especially when it has duals, stripes, and new tires!

DenverM- Sorry to see you go, but you know I'll never leave...(sorry guys!)