Chrysler 300M

1443444446448449507

Comments

  • psterpster Member Posts: 293
    Since I have decided to keep my 300M, I promise to try to keep my comments balanced, good and bad, on this board. In no way do I want to spoil the fun everyone is having with their car. Consider me the test bed for parts failures. I know every Service Rep at my 5* dealer, the billing secretary and even the high school kid that shovels snow in the parking lot.....frequent visitor that I am!
  • muskateer3muskateer3 Member Posts: 103
    My 2000M which had up to this point been faultless has developed two minor issues:

    Driver's window has gone into early retirement, (no up or down.. just the relay clicking)

    Some sort of noise at cold start emanating from the belt driven accessories area (pulley maybe?).

    I will finally get a chance to try out my 1sourceautowarranty "diamond" "bumper to bumper" warranty.

    I will report joy or sadness after the 5 star experience is over.

    M3
  • psterpster Member Posts: 293
    The sound from the belt area is precisely what I experienced recently. It could be (1) a failing steering pump (bearings), or (2) one or both cooling fan motors are failing (this problem is heard as a sort of "whine down" sound as the motor spins to a stop). I had no pulley problems. Check the cooling fans soon, one of my fans was cracked and about to fly off. The bearings in all of the parts failures I have had have been bad. Good luck and report back!
  • bluesky999bluesky999 Member Posts: 253
    Ruski,

    I didn't know the Honda/Acuras had tranny problems--was that your experience? One thing I do know that I didn't mention is that their brake performance is usually quite poor compared to others. Whenever I read comparison tests of similar vehicles, the Hondas usually are at or near the bottom. The 300M's brakes were rated quite well in the "near-luxury" comparison that C&D did a few years back, beating the TL's brakes significantly. In that test, the TL beat out the 300M by one point, which was not considered signif8icant. But I do thing Honda and Acura make very good cars. Boring as all he__ but very good mechanically.

    Pster, you are a brave person with a lot of fortitude to keep driving that 300 M. I think I might have rolled it over a cliff by now in frustration 8>). But good luck with it over the summer; hope it holds up well for you.

    Indy, was that your first brake service at 90,000 miles? If so, that must be a world record and is simply amazing to me. I think this car has great brake feel, and besides for the brakes lasting a very long time, you can check wear without even taking the wheels off, which saves some cash and time!
  • hayneldanhayneldan Member Posts: 657
    Just a suggestion but have you taken the 300M to an independant A/C shop. I had problems with A/C on a 89 DC company car that the leasing co. insisted on me taking it to a Firestone dealer to be repaired, because they had some sort of a discount arrangement with them. Spent 2 days of my vacation in Florida at the Firestone dealer. The A/C worked for a day or two after each visit. Took it to a independant A/C only repair shop and they fixed it in 15 minutes, with a 15 cent O ring and a recharge. It worked for 5 years after that and may still be working. My son bought the car and it was sold twice with the A/C working. Most independants that have been around for many years and specialize in A/C can usually pinpoint a problem and fix it inexpensively.
  • silverbullet4silverbullet4 Member Posts: 449
    We experienced a two to four inch sleet blessing last night in Dallas. The bottom inch compressed and froze into solid ice. After a slight thaw during the day, now it is all ice. I drove my wife's '93 Grand Voyager to gas it up. Boy! No anti-lock; no traction control-how crude! Tonight I took out the M for a short errand in the neighborhood. I was able to do second gear starts, and once had to do a 3rd gear start to avoid slipping down a high crown at the stop sign. Even with worn Pilots I got through some really gnarly streets.

    We don't get much bad winter here. No school today, and no school tomorrow. Spent two hours clearing the walkway and part of the driveway. You guys from New England who ski know what "boilerplate" is. That's just what I was shoveling today.
     
    This is the first time in two years that I have been able to appreciate the safety features on my M. Very pleased.

    Silver
  • beach15beach15 Member Posts: 1,305
    Bigmike- Where do you live? For quite some time now, Chrysler has had 0.0% for 60 months or $3000 cash back on all 2003 300Ms, Concordes, and Intrepids. In addition, the 2004's also have a $1000 rebate. I'm fairly sure this is everywhere--but I don't know why you haven't heard of it.

    pster- I wouldn't bet on the Accord rear end getting much of any design change. Usually, all Honda's go about 3 full years before they even remotely modify any design details, and even when they do, it's just something like new tailight lenses (not a new design though), a slightly updated grill, and new wheels. It's one heck of a car, but that butt is a little frumpy. Wouldn't keep me from buying on however.
  • fastdriverfastdriver Member Posts: 2,273
    pster-

    BE CAREFUL! You know what they say about "perceived" Japanese reliability! Then there's those '1st year" models! Phew! 22,000 miles and almost 2 years old and not ONE problem yet! AND...... a 1st year model at that! NOTHING like Christine! Good luck with whatever you decide. Christine was gone at 35,500 miles and 33 months - 3 months early before lease end. Did NOT want her in MY name at 36,001 miles with NO warranty coverage!

    laurasdada-

    I was there too! Were you up at Disney? I was in the West Palm Beach area. Did you drive?

    fuzzywuzzy-

    Thought of you last Friday. I was on Lake Worth Rd. near Jog when I saw a silver CL with a "shaved" trunk and a Dolphins license plate frame. A woman with glasses was driving it. Thought MAYBE it was your car because of the shaved trunk!

    fastdriver
  • fastdriverfastdriver Member Posts: 2,273
    fuzzywuzzy-

    I still have 1 1/2 years to go on my lease. Would I be able to trade too for maybe a different color and one with the nav? Only have 22,000 miles.

    E-mail me and explain how this works please. Thanks.

    fastdriver
  • psterpster Member Posts: 293
    I know Honda usually doesn't update their cars as frequently as every year, but I think they will decide to redo the rear bumber and lights as it is so ugly that it will hurt sales. Local Honda dealers are quoting a few hundred dollars over invoice now, which based on my past exeperience is unheard of. My sense is that their spring inventories are growing just when consumer spending and confidence is dropping off.
  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,205
    Hello:

    No MickeyWorld for the family (yet...). Was in Boca for the week, just beach/pool for the kiddies. Flew Southwest, left the M in a valet parking lot by TF Green. They had it waiting for me upon return, free of snow with the trunk open and ready to be loaded! I paid less for 8 days of parking there than I think I would have paid for 3 days at Logan!

    Man, I still can't get over all the $$$ down there. The cars!!! I think the guy who cuts the grass at my parents condo drives a Mercedes...!

    '21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)

  • bigmike5bigmike5 Member Posts: 960
    Well, I see that you are right again. I can't believe that the guy who sold me my 99M didn't call with the good news about 0/60 financing when it started in late Jan. What a surprise since I specifically mentioned to him that he should give me a call if Dieter went to 0/60. Its too late now, as a check of the DC site reveals that none of the local dealers have any 03 Specials, just some regular decontented 03's. Since Otto indicated that they have stopped making 03's and are now calling forth the 04's which also get a short run, I think it best to pay my puppy off and see what is available in late August when the 04.5's start coming off the line. The Crossfire and Caddy XLR should be out then too, along with a Z convertible, so....

    To someone who suggested looking at a Mazda 6, my daughter just dumped a 96 MX-6 that had lots of brake and tranny problems. She had an MX-3 before that but she blanched when I suggested she trade the MX-6 for the new 6. No way Jose, she jumped to an Audi A4. Probably another mistake. Why don't they ever listen...

    Pster--If you still got you M in August come on out to Detroit for the Dream Cruise rendezvous. As my M approaches the 5 year mark I am anticipating the A/C issue and new shocks, belts, hoses, tranny & differential service, etc. Mentally, I have put a few thousand aside in expected upkeep. So far my extended warranty has covered every little thing that has been a problem.
  • ruskiruski Member Posts: 1,566
    2002 TL-S. Tranny failed and was replaced at 6,100 miles.
    Acura still wouldn't issue any statements as to what was wrong with the trannies and whether/how they fixed the problem. Which makes me think that they haven't.

    P.S. when TL-S runs it is a lot of fun. Beat up a 300M last night. I caught up with him at 80mph and he tried to pull away, but 80mph is a sweet spot for TL-S - it shifts to 3rd and pulls like crazy. But then he managed to stay not too far behind. Actually I think after 100mph he got scared of consequences and stopped racing.
  • psterpster Member Posts: 293
    Anyone know what the next 300M will look like? The one rumored to have a 5.7 V8, rear drive and MB tranny? Been to Car-Truck.com. What is this beast going to look like? Bigmike5, is this the "4.5" model you were referring to?

    Ruski - skip the extended service warranty contracts, you should spend the money on life insurance. I guarantee you, if my 17 year old had been on the same road with you guys, you'd both be dead at that speed.
  • bigmike5bigmike5 Member Posts: 960
    The 4.5 LX platform is either going to be called the 300N or the 300C I think. I can assure you that it will be unlikely to carry a 5.7 liter anything. DC always has a way of piquing the interest [ala the Crossfire at 275 hp] and then dropping the power for some reason; although I think one of the Dodge models is supposed to get the big engine. The Buzz site had some drawing at one time, but don't think anyone has seen it in the flesh yet.

    The Caddy CTS [and I'm not really sold on the looks of the car] is supposed to get a big upgrade [5.0??] in power too, but that is maybe
    1-2 years off, and probably another $6K to get the V emblem. That will push it up to Eldorado sticker level. Probably won't interest me by then if I am still around. The current model is supposed to be real quiet at 100 m.p.h. according to my wife's car's service tech, but everything else I hear is about it being under-powered like the Catera.
  • muskateer3muskateer3 Member Posts: 103
    Thanks for the heads up!

    I will have them take a look.

    M3
  • gary_berggary_berg Member Posts: 28
    See if the dealer can do a dealer trade for what you want. Don't give up yet.
  • psterpster Member Posts: 293
    Believe me, I'm no fan of liability lawyers, but I was waiting for a suit like this to occur. MB and its 24 dealers in the NY tri state area were sued for price fixing. I think the judges ruling was valid and MB's explanations specious. The real issue is whether or not the dealers and/or MB conspired to fix prices and eliminate competition between dealers. The results will be interesting.

    http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content.mv?port_code=autoweek&cat- - _code=carnews&loc_code=index&content_code=01307303
  • bluesky999bluesky999 Member Posts: 253
    Cool story; I like it. But realize that some states have automatic license suspension once you surpass the speed limit by something like 40 m.p.h. I found that my state has such a law about 2 years ago, and have not been over 85 since. I figure it wouldn't be pretty taking a taxi to work and having to explain it to my co-workers. Just something for you to think about 8>)
  • beach15beach15 Member Posts: 1,305
    The CTS will be the V-series, with a 5.7 liter V8 out of the Corvette ZO6 with 400 horsepower. Can you say fast!? Plus a stiffened suspension, mesh grill, and unique trim. Will be priced in the mid to high 40's, but I guarantee it will be one of the hottest selling cars GM has had in a while. Many dealers have had people calling non-stop for the past few months asking about ordering one.

    The stock CTS is pretty nice too. If she ever gets another car, my mother would be very interested in a new Pearl White one, because she loves the look of just about every new Caddy.

    On the 300M, I don't see any point in getting pennies for your current '99, only to trade for another--when some really hot new cars will be coming out over the next 2 years. The 300N Hemi sounds like something to wait for, as long as it's not ugly or outrageously expensive.
  • fastdriverfastdriver Member Posts: 2,273
    laurasdada-

    Isn't it something? Man, if you want to look at various cars and not be bothered by pesky, UNKNOWING salesmen, all you have to do is go to City Place parking garage in West palm Beach any night and walk around! :-)) A regular new car showroom!

    My cousin and her husband were looking for a new car. They never have time when they're in CT, so we spent some time going to various dealers- Jaguar, Mercedes, Infiniti, Volvo and a few others. Except for the Infiniti dealer, it was the first time that I was ever in those other dealerships- mainly because none of those cars interest me at all. However, it was interesting to see the fancy, expensive models at the Jag dealer and the MB dealer. Between the mansions, many new ones in Palm Beach, and all those fancy cars, I DO wonder what in the world these people do for a living. Can they ALL have legitimate jobs or a legitimate supple of $$$$$$? I always said that I was going to make friends with either a Palm Beach mailman, policeman or fireman just to appease my curiosity. No luck so far.

    Didn't see any fancy 300's, but did see some in my travels. Never did get to the Chrysler dealer. beach was more important! ;-))

    fastdriver
  • ruskiruski Member Posts: 1,566
    I also wonder about people in FL and $$$ they have. Salaries in FL are considerably lower than in the rest of the country. But the cost of living is not always lower, and sometimes is even higher.
  • psterpster Member Posts: 293
    Lot's of totally honest retirees and wealth in Florida, but it's also a huge haven for corporate fraud artists and deadbeat borrowers.
  • psterpster Member Posts: 293
    Achtung! Daimler Chrysler AG just increased the salaries of its top 14 executives to $55MM, that would be just about $4MM each, due to improvements at its Chrysler US unit. This would be equivalent to 1,100 E Class sedans, 1,833 300Ms, or 72,000 a/c compressor repairs. Presumably this excludes stock awards. It's always helpful to put things into the proper perspective.
  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,205
    I blew one of the oem Goodyears today. What to do now? Replace it with another Eagle LS? Or two Yoko Avid T4 or Conti CH95? Or 4 new tires? All are the same price, installed. I had hoped to buy 4 new tire in the fall, but I gotta do something now...???

    '21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)

  • fuzzywuzzyfuzzywuzzy Member Posts: 958
    "Lot's of totally honest retirees and wealth in Florida, but it's also a huge haven for corporate fraud artists and deadbeat borrowers."

    Hey :)

    I raced my co-workers 300M special at Moroso's 1/4 track back in December. Wasn't even close The CLS won by more then a car length. However the IS300 with NOS beat the pants off me.
  • hmk123hmk123 Member Posts: 122
    Check out www.autobild.de
    It's in German though. Looks almost like a stretched version of the Crossfire. Cool design though. Click on the Chrysler article. Lot's of pictures there.
  • wire2wire2 Member Posts: 188
    Word at the plant has it that LX cars will be available with optional 5.7 L hemi, 347 hp with MB 5 spd auto and rear OR AWD. Also 18" and 20" wheels will be common.

    >>300N or the 300C I think. I can assure you that it will be unlikely to carry a 5.7 liter anything.<<
  • beach15beach15 Member Posts: 1,305
    Get 4 new Yokos. Don't go for the Conti's--they're junk.
  • beach15beach15 Member Posts: 1,305
    So far, this is the best looking Special I've ever seen. Graphite Pearl over the Taupe & Slate interior, plus the standard 17" chrome wheels. The wheels alone make it much nicer looking--something I didn't suspect. Boy, is this car gorgeous!

    http://www.manassaschrysler.com/Chrysler/290014_1.html
  • fastdriverfastdriver Member Posts: 2,273
    hmk123-

    Try this- http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.autobild- .de%2Faktuell%2Fneuheiten%2Fartikel.php%3Fartikel_id%3D3719%26art- ikel_seite%3D1%26A_SESS%3D17a60ef72c3aa7fab6a46e84bce3f4fd&la- ngpair=de%7Cen&hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&prev=%2Flanguage_t- ools

    If you want to see all of it in English, just go to Google and click on languages in the small print on the right. Then, just scroll down and put the URL into the box and it will translate it. Much easier than trying to "guess" what it says.

    Never know, they might even mention that 300 hemi convertible! ;-))

    fastdriver
  • muskateer3muskateer3 Member Posts: 103
    I have the Conti's on my 2000M. The have lasted 28K so far. Sidewall wear is not as good as I would like, and they make too much noise. But they are rated better than the Michelins on tirerack site.

    I will try the Yoko YK420s (Discount Tire/Americas tire) this time around and see how they do.

    M3
  • hmk123hmk123 Member Posts: 122
    I think they will show this at the Geneva auto show.
  • ottowrkrottowrkr Member Posts: 778
    Hey bigmike5 , the LX cars WILL have a 5.7 V8 as an option . I have also heard of a bigger motor for PVO(performance vehicle operations) cars a few years down the road!!
  • bigmike5bigmike5 Member Posts: 960
    I will believe it when the Hemis start arriving in Brampton for installation. Until then, it is a great "bait and switch" technique. The Crossfire prototypes and early ads said "275 hp" and now it is 215 hp with a turbo or supercharger or something to boost it. Would like to see the 5.7 but that would proably be the only thing I like about that new "Buick" look-a-like that is coming.
  • hayneldanhayneldan Member Posts: 657
    Could this be the next LX 300N?
  • hayneldanhayneldan Member Posts: 657
    And this map provokes Chrysler now with the Airflite still times fully out. That is an absolute Hingucker. (WTH is a Hingucker?)
  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,205
    I was told the Yoko Avid were backordered at least 3 weeks, so I went with one Goodyear LS. A bit of a shame as I'm still thinking of replacing all 4 tires in the fall. Or maybe a new car. I'm not an SUV guy, but the new Infiniti FX looks very cool...

    Fastdriver: So, now I need a few $$$ to pay for the tire. Now where could I go to make a quick few $$$??? Hmmmm....

    '21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)

  • ruskiruski Member Posts: 1,566
    I am gonna have colics form laghing
  • fastdriverfastdriver Member Posts: 2,273
    laurasdada-

    IF you were watching TV at all in FL, there was a commercial for what seemed like a place like we have here! I don't think it's the one on Sample Rd. Sounded like the REAL thing in Miami. However, too late for that now.

    Still time to get here and tell them that "mama needs a new set of tires" as you roll! ;-)))

    Went to the "touchless" car wash today! Third time for my lease cars in YEARS! Could not stand the dirt anymore. Too cold to do it myself and too dirty for the wand wash! Considering that I haven't use Zaino since last August, the car is gleaming. Maybe I'll take a few shots before the sun goes down here.

    fastdriver
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    The topic is the Chrysler 300M. Could we try to keep that in mind? Thanks.
  • cebtebcebteb Member Posts: 138
    We recently bought a set of YK-420s from Discount tire. The good news is that they are quieter, stickier, and have better traction and temperature ratings than the stock Goodyears.

    The bad news is you need to be sure they are balanced and tested on a Hunter 9700 GSP (Discount Tires calls it ride matching) and don't accept any with over 20 #s of radial force (from Chrysler TSB). We went through 7 before we had 4 good ones.
  • ottowrkrottowrkr Member Posts: 778
    Well , my buddies who work at the plant have been down to Detroit to help put those HEMI's into the LX cars that they have been building . I will let you know when the first skid of HEMI engines arrives at the plant .
  • indydriverindydriver Member Posts: 620
    Yeah, 90K for brakes is ridiculous. Remember, I do drive a lot of hwy miles. I actually had to have the rears replaced a few thousand miles earlier, not because they were worn out but because the spring retaining one of the pads rusted away and the thing was banging around every time I hit a bump! At 90K, I had the fronts done because I was tired of the pulsing from the rotors getting warped. The front pads still had meat left on them. BTW, I do all my brake and tire work at an independent shop and the guy stated the M's OEM pads were ceramic. (I don't really know if this is true, he might have just been upselling me). I paid an extra $50 for ceramic Raybestos replacements, and so far, they work great.
  • greasykid1greasykid1 Member Posts: 336
    Bought a 2003M and am planning on getting the warranty.

    Going for 75,000 mi and whatever months goes with that. What deductible should I get? $ 0,50,or 100?
  • gary_berggary_berg Member Posts: 28
    What deductible depends on how much you can afford to pay - both up front and when there is a problem. If you can't afford unexpected expenses then you are better off going with a lower deductible.

    Obviously Chrysler prices these warranties at a point where they make money for them. I suspect that if the difference between the $50 and $100 warranty is about $150 they don't expect you to save $150, that they expect that some of that extra is going to end up in their pocket.

    OTOH, if your car has troubles, then the reduced deductible will be to your advantage.

    I just bought the 7 year, 85K warranty from my dealer for $1120. That is less than the price at Chryslerwarranty.com for the 7/75K warranty. You don't have to purchase your warranty from the selling dealer, but it will cost you more money if you wait more than a year - about $100 per year more.
  • easyrider300measyrider300m Member Posts: 1,116
    what problems might arise if you have over 20# of radial force? Does the Hunter balancer display the radial force of the tire?

    I bought a set of the Yoko 420s about 5 months ago and have been very happy with them. Didnt check the radial force but all I know is the car rides like on glass--nice and smooth.

    I have not heard of anyone having problems with Yokohama tires. I have talked to a few dealers in the area including Sears and they said the Yokos are very dependable and mostly defect-free.
  • kosh_2258kosh_2258 Member Posts: 338
    And what have they had to say about it???
  • wire2wire2 Member Posts: 188
    Last Friday at the plant we were treated to a slide show of the LX models and features. Although it was stressed that what we saw was strictly confidential during the current news blackout, I can say I was impressed with both the looks and technology. And I would say it's quite definite that an option on the top end model will be the 5.7 hemi. There are plans to bring an LX pilot car into the plant on or before April 1 for employees to see. I will post more info as soon as the blackout is lifted.
Sign In or Register to comment.