Chrysler 300M

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Comments

  • 300m_vt300m_vt Member Posts: 32
    Beach15- In growing up in NY we used to call what happened to you " Depth Charges ". Like to old time Navy ones they used to launch in the air and then would drop into the ocean to destroy subs. Best way to avoid these is to not follow the car in front of you to closely.
  • ajpiiiajpiii Member Posts: 260
    Hey looks like there's another RARE Chrome Shifter for sale on Ebay... Same guy... Guess it wasnt so Rare after all.. to think, I didnt want to chance the auction and blew $100... I feel so used :) lol oh well... It looks really nice in my M, glad I got it though...
  • 300m_vt300m_vt Member Posts: 32
    If anyones interested there's an upcoming 1/8 scale die cast model of a 1957 300C from Etrl and can be found at the web site:


           http://www.scale18.com


    They state that the original is the one from the Walter P. Chrysler Collection. This is listed under upcoming releases...

  • beach15beach15 Member Posts: 1,305
    I think we have identical vehicles other than color and the PHP option.

    Gauge rattles- I am the one with the rattle behind the gauges but it has not been fixed yet. Two dealers and three all-day visits but no fix in site for this problem. I finally contacted Chrysler about this problem but all they did was contact the dealer I had gone to twice already who now said that they were willing to take the entire dash apart to find where the noises(s) is coming from and/or what is causing it. I haven't had time to take the car back though and my wife who drives it mostly said that while annoying, the rattles would get worse if they took it apart. Ottowrkr said that it may be a screw that attatches the instrument panel to the cross-car beam and that it may have worked loose--not a for sure explanation but might be what is causing the noise.

    Transmission- Mine shifts bad too and is always slipping and then grabbing the gear hard with a jump. Out on the road it also shifts poorly and is "the weakest link". I'll have to search for this TSB and if we ever have time, take this car back again.

    Paint- There is chips all over and I continue to find more weekly when it is washed. I got the Chrysler touch-up paint and it was worth it. I also use the full Mopar 300M bra on long trips. Our Voyager seemed to have better paint because it had very few, if any chips and minimal scratches--the 300M's paint is very thin and on our deep slate car, the light gray primer shows when the paint is chipped. My mother's 99' Intrigue has a much thicker and richer coat of paint.

    Others- The weatherstripping has shrunk badly and needs to be replaced. I have the Goodyear Eagle LS's that like to sing loud songs on the road but haven't had a problem with them yet. The upgraded stereo is great and does what it can to lessen the rattles.

    Conclusion- Not a bad car but still not the best. Though, when it is shiny and clean, it looks magnificent!!
  • scotianscotian Member Posts: 1,064
    I had my driver's mirror replaced and it holds even more water than the original. Drain holes -- yes!
  • 99_300m_ric_va99_300m_ric_va Member Posts: 377
    I have a 99 and yes my mirrors retain water badly. I too thought some drain holes would fix the problem. I mentioned this to my mom, and she said her 2000 Concorde does not. So I looked and it has drain holes.

    Solution, drill a small drain hole on each side. I looked at the size hole and location on the 2000 Concorde and duplicated this as best as I could. I don't remember what size drill bit, but I used a handheld cordless drill and very gingerly drilled the hole, hoping not to catch any wiring. I was able to stop as soon as I broke through the plastic.

    No more waterfalls from the mirrors when I drive away after heavy rain or car washings.
  • jedi_knightjedi_knight Member Posts: 89
    I got around to taking some pics of the M today. She is now sporting that Zaino shine.


    http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=149171&a=12664054&f=0


    Keith

  • exshomanexshoman Member Posts: 109
    Just finished the whole Zaino process today - washing, clay bar, washing again, Z1 & Z2. Took the better part of the day. Did the Harley too. If I feel motivated tomorrow I'll wash and put on a second coat of Z2 and maybe Z6

    Was getting a bit bummed earlier - I had just finished the Z1, and it started to rain. Was figuring I'd have to do the Z1 all over again but fortunately it stopped after a half hour.

    Anyways - my dumb question. Someone asked me what I was using on my Silver 300, and I realized I wasn't sure how to pronounce it. It could be Zay-no, Zay-ee-no, or Zah-ee-no (I'm thinking the latter-sounds more Itallian).

    BTW, the clay bar works great - I highly recommend it. Took off lots of grime that wasn't visible.
  • ir2k300mir2k300m Member Posts: 26
    I've seen several pictures of Ms with window tint. I'd like to know what I should be looking for when shopping for it. I know that there is several different types and some are better than others. Any suggestions (only the best for the M!)?
  • 300michael300michael Member Posts: 1,815
    I preferr the metallic tint, which usually contols the UV better the down side is it usually interfers with the radio reception. Tint shops should be able to explain the differances in detail.
  • 300michael300michael Member Posts: 1,815
    I finished rewiring my 01 tail lights. Now the center lights don't just sit there they operate the same as her other two sisters now. So if you see a 300M at night and all six brights go on when I hit the brakes, you will know it is me.
  • 300michael300michael Member Posts: 1,815
    My service manual does not list the Vision, on Page 8U-2.
  • sled1sled1 Member Posts: 6
    Thanks for your responses both beach and red! I myself have not found any difference in fuel dealership had even suggested a fuel additive which showed no changes after several treatments. I would be interested in the TSB all though I don't think you will find it on your wo order. I have been told by both the dealership and the the zone manager said that there are none for my car production date 4/00 (happy birthday )!!!
    I spend way to much time in my car and spent enough money that the car should run smooth... My straight six JEEP runs like a Swiss clock with 105,000 .... Maybe ottoworker can give some guidance
  • beach15beach15 Member Posts: 1,305
    Great 300M!! That color with the tinted windows on a lowered M looks magnificent. How do you like the stainless steel/carbon fiber kit from autodash.com? I thought that the 2001's dark slate gray interior was darker than the previous agate but from your pictures, they appear to be the same.
  • rschellerrscheller Member Posts: 42
    I had my 99 300M in to the dealer for service last Tuesday. The list of service was,
    1. Standard lub & oil.
    2. Drivers seat moves on the seat track about 1/8".
    3. Steering wheel shakes on braking from 40-50mph. (note, this one was squawked at Jan01 service, they said unable to duplicate)
    4. Feels like there's a wheel not running true at very slow speeds.
    5. At last 30K service in Jan01, service record states changed tranny fluid but it says they put in ATF+3. Relace with ATF+4. Also, I also said the tranny has never shifted smoothly and consistantly. (I squawk this one every time.)

    Here's their results and my observations,
    1. Completed.
    2. SA said seat is within spec. When I asked what the spec was, SA couldn't answer but said he "compared" it to other 99 300Ms. So does everyone with a 99 have a seat that moves about 1/8" forward or backward on accelaration and braking?
    3. Replaced front brake pads and turned rotors. This fixed steering shake problem. Front end has no shimmies and shakes now. Hope driving it that way for four months didn't screw something else up. I know the rotors were warped, but couldn't get SA or Chrysler to admit a problem, my cost $250.
    4. Unable to duplicate. Seems to have been fixed with #3. Well duh... the rotors were warped.
    5. Replaced tranny fluid with ATF+4 and did a reprogram of TCM. It shifts worse now. Especially in the up/down shift from 1st to 2nd in slow moving traffic. I wish they'd of just changed the fluid... that's all I asked them to do.

    I'm now over 36K miles and any more work is gonna cost me the $100 deductible on the 7/100K extended warranty for each service visit.

    I'm starting to seriously consider an Acura or Lexus trade.

    Rick
  • jedi_knightjedi_knight Member Posts: 89
    Thanks for the thumbs up. I tell you, driving her 200 miles a day has taken its toll on the hood, rock pits all over it. Oh well its only paint right?......Not! The dash kit is ok, the brushed aluminum is plastic which was a disapointment. I have the carbon piece that goes around the clock but it never fit right so I took it off. Not too sure on the interior color, I had the hole in the roof open when I took the pics. Looking at those pics makes me think there is a problem with my camera, it used to return higher quality images than these.

    Keith
  • scotianscotian Member Posts: 1,064
    Do you have it? Thanks!
  • scotianscotian Member Posts: 1,064
    2000 Service Manual, p. 8U-2, right above "Fig. 1 Chime/Buzzer...".
  • racefan009racefan009 Member Posts: 47
    i pronounce Zaino like Zain-o, like Vain but with a Z. I think they should change it to Vaino. Vain: unduly preoccupied with one's own appearance. it's fitting :)
  • joey300mjoey300m Member Posts: 14
    Finally got a second coat of Zaino on this morning. Went out and bought a car cover since Goldilocks is basically a weekend warrior and when I opened it up, wrong size marked on box plus already used. Quite pissed right now. Anybody recommend a good make cover since I have no garage and soon the seeds and sap from my gigantic maple tree will begin to drop down. Could'nt find a good looking license plate to do that mod, but will be ordering the hood cover and splash gaurds from Chrysler Parts ( link sdmike posted about) The car cover at $210 seems a little steep though. Anyway below is Goldilocks just from being Zaino dolled up.


    http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1636231&a=12517014&p=47031550

  • fuzzywuzzyfuzzywuzzy Member Posts: 958
    No tranny bumps, or other weird things with the tranny. When the speed sensor went they did that factory relearn that only a DC dealer with that DRB thing, can do. Tranny shifts smoother than before. Howerver before this, & from day 1, my tranny has shifted fine. A little delay in shifting, & stuborn to downshift, but from what I have read this is normal for this tranny.

    I installed the new boush Plugs. I must say DC did something right in the this engine. The plugs are the easiest ones to change I have even seen. 2 T20 torx screws, unplug the connector, lift the coil, with the boot out, use a long extension, with a spark plug socket, & take the plug out. Took me a 1/2 hour to do. The old plugs were in ok shape. However I checked the gap, & they were out on all 6. My 300m says the gap should be .050. All the plugs were at .053. They were a light grey type of color, which is normal. No oil, or anything. The only thing I saw, & smelled was fuel on the plugs which should be normal also. I havn't had a chance to drive it yet, It's raining out, & I had to pick up my new...well used 94 Explorer I bought for towing purposes. No retest with the Jet module yet. Hopefully when I have time.
  • 300m_vt300m_vt Member Posts: 32
    Try this link for various car covers & such:


    http://store.yahoo.com/classic-motoring/index.html

  • silverbullet4silverbullet4 Member Posts: 449
    Just resting and savoring the Stars win last night. Too windy to ride my bike, so put the 5th and last coat of Z-2 on Silver Bullet. Will follow with the Gloss Enhancer and I'm all set for the summer. Just wash it and use the Gloss Enhancer and Tire Gloss. What a shine! My wife thinks I'm nuts, and I guess I am about my M.

    Regards, Silver
  • hataxhatax Member Posts: 56
    Ya know, I was thinking of radical things you could do besides a jet chip to the M, and so I went looking for Prowler parts... Paxton has a supercharger kit avail for the Prowler, wondering how it would fair on the 300's 3.5L engine. =)
    Check it out here
    Also something worth noting is look at those charts, they say base test came out at 174HP, that's at the wheels, and that would mean that the transmission eats up 31% of the HP! That is kinda parasitic. =\
    Well, I'm gonna wait till all my exhaust parts get here and them I'm gonna see what that does for me.
  • 300michael300michael Member Posts: 1,815
    If we has a decent transmission I would be happy to put a super charger on this car. But alas we do not
  • 300michael300michael Member Posts: 1,815
    one on our 300M's The best we can do is to add a better transmisssion cooler, which the 300M3, SoCal's, and the Special all have. You should be able to acheve at least 180hp at the wheels. Lighter wheels with better tires also helps.
  • jedi_knightjedi_knight Member Posts: 89
    I purchased a cover craft out of the box cover. In other words it fit many cars. It never fit the M correct, so when I was at the good guys car show, they had a cover craft van there, I ordered a custom fit Technalon II cover with case for $150. Its a better frabric than the one Chrysler offers. Check out http://www.covercraft.com/ for more cover info.


    Keith

  • ed12ed12 Member Posts: 100
    I spoke to a Chryselr rep at the NY auto show. ASked about the 300M special. He knew nothing. SOunds like this is as we say in the software business vaporware. The problem is, if it were available, it would proably add $2000 bringing total up to $35,000. That is $2000 more than TL- S type whcih has HID headlights, a 5 speed auto and a nav system.
  • racefan009racefan009 Member Posts: 47
    i use a budge brand car cover size 3 that you can get at wal-mart for $40, it basically protects against the sun and dust. not for hail storms or heavy rain. fits the m great and easy to put on.
  • beach15beach15 Member Posts: 1,305
    Here are some new pics of our y2k 300M that include the shrunken weatherstripping, the door ding, and also some new views from this evening after I washed it.


    http://community.webshots.com/album/12315199AybBnpLRmW

  • sleepymwsleepymw Member Posts: 65
    alright. i got 2 pennies so here goes:

    concord man: i paid $28K for my M and it has everything but php. I enjoy my tush warmer, and there are days when i enjoy the nice warmth on my lower back as i drive. For the most part, here in NY, our winter has been brutal and first thing 7 am in the morning, no tush is ever warm enuf without the warmer. i love my sound system. when i had the degrading pleasure of riding in someone's car without comparable sound, i'd rather listen to silence. as for looks, i have always said concord looks like someone spent too much time from the tail forward and when they got to the back, they threw their hands up in the air and said "we're done" and didn't look at how bulbous it looked. it's like a bad case of wart. i had the choice between concord, intrepid, and M, it was a no brainer, didn't think too long on this one.

    Now, remember to toss out a fishing line while you ride in that boat.

    silver: good to see you around.

    russ: I CLEANED the interior of the car today!!! horay!!! after this nasty winter and the 5 kids, i spent 7 hours cleaning mary. tomorrow is going to be the exterior. then, it's coffee time for us! any thoughts on what i should say to the chrysler rep (if he ever calls me back) about the rotors?

    Sleepy
  • 300mlover300mlover Member Posts: 132
    Man your wife's car looks beautiful. I can't see why you complain so much about it when it is so sharp. Cars are like women. Even the most beautiful one's get temperamental once in a while. You have to expect it and love them (your car,your woman) anyway!

    Disclaimer- I hear this holds true for men also. Although I am not sure I believe it.

    Lover
  • scotianscotian Member Posts: 1,064
    When I drilled a couple of new drain holes in my '00 mirrors, I noticed that my passenger side mirror, which is original, already had one but the new one on my driver's side did not. As I broke through with the drill bit, a bunch of water poured out (it had been raining).
  • ruskiruski Member Posts: 1,566
    My brake rotors used to be warped for some time. Here is the cure - I was doing 100 on a highway that does not have normal entrance ramps, instead there are cross-streets with stop signs. So this dude in a van decided that his van could do 0-100 in 5 seconds and pulled out in front of me. I had a chance to really test my PHP brakes. I cursed the guy, beeped at him, and gave him a finger. But now I think I should have thanked him, 'cause my brake rotors feel much better now.

    Ruski
    who couldn't get the 2002 Acura TL-S out of his mind (must be fastdriver's influence) until he saw pictures of the 2002 Nissan Altima.
  • sdmike2sdmike2 Member Posts: 2,909
    Everyone that posted them (jedi, beach, joey, etc.). Beautiful cars.

    I too would like to see a bump shifting TSB if there is one.
    Rick, I have also noticed a 1/8 inch or so shift of the seat upon hard breaking (haven't noticed it upon acceleration). I'm taking Big Red into the 5* in a couple of weeks to swap out the oil and check everything, and I'm going to have them look at the seat. I'll let you know what I find out..

    -Mike
  • sdmike2sdmike2 Member Posts: 2,909
    I have the accessory catalog for the 300M in my office if you want me to check the dealer pricing on the full bra. I didn't compare prices on that item, but I DID notice that the hood cover was $10 cheaper on that site. My guess is that they're good on some prices and not on others.

    Mike
  • easyrider300measyrider300m Member Posts: 1,116
    thanks beach for the weatherstrip photos--I didnt realize I also had the shrinking weatherstripping on all 4 door--through which you can see daylight--I go to the 3* on april 30th for other probs and will show this to them--whats the TSB #-anyone have it.

    Also have the "bump" in tranny at around the 10 mph range when reaccelerating after slowing.

    They are also changing my fluid again due to their using the atf 3 instead of the proper atf 4--only thing is they only drop the pan so only about 4 quarts get changed which is about a third of the fluid-so a good amount of atf 3 will remain--also have the seat movement occasionally--i think you can at least temporarily alleviate the prob by slightly changing the seat settings--

    still love Lolita but the annoyances are mounting

    Easyrider300M
  • easyrider300measyrider300m Member Posts: 1,116
    I don't really think the rear end is that bad

    Take another look at it

    Concorde rear end

    check out the rest of the site--very interesting
  • sled1sled1 Member Posts: 6
    JEDI

    Your M looks great, who's springs did you use and how much did the lower the car? Are you going to run different wheels if so what size are you thinking of? Did the springs sacrifice the ride much hand how does it handle now.

    Thanks
  • fuzzywuzzyfuzzywuzzy Member Posts: 958
    Thanks for the posting of the weatherstripping. I'm sure I do not have that problem now I see where you guys were talking about. I though it was on the door, or at the front of the window, near the speakers.
  • fuzzywuzzyfuzzywuzzy Member Posts: 958
    Yes, I love when vans do that :)

    So 100 cured it? That must be why I never noticed a warping problem on my 300M :)
  • tictac3tictac3 Member Posts: 78
    Scotian:
    Where exactly did you drill the holes in the mirrors? I've wanted to do this since I got my M but was reluctant -- did not want to drill into motor mechanism.
  • rklassrklass Member Posts: 133
    You're on, say when.
    On the Chrysler rep:
    I told my area rep that this was my first-ever Chrysler product, and I was completely satisfied...except for the rotors. He authorized a "customer satisfaction" replacement of the rotors, and I paid for the new pads.
    I thought that was fair.
    Good luck!
  • scotianscotian Member Posts: 1,064
    The whole bottom except right near the door is hollow. Move the mirror up & in all the way and look in with a flashlight.
  • mykemmykem Member Posts: 203
    I believe it's been 'fixed' in the '01 with DC going the folding mirror route.

    The pivot point where the mirror folds most likely has a hole, and the water (in my thinking) drains from there... I haven't put the hose in there directly to check it out though...

    It was indeed an annoyance with my '99.

    -m
  • jedi_knightjedi_knight Member Posts: 89
    I used H&R springs http://www.hrsprings.com, it lowered the M about 1.4 in the front and 1.3 in the rear. Yes I am planning on new rims and tires, probably go with 245/45/18 on a set of KMC rims. Ride, well at slower speeds or on a smooth road the ride is firmer than stock, at higher speeds on a rough road with alternating pavement the ride is unacceptable. From everyone that I have talked to its the low quality struts so I'm looking at ordering the PHG struts and trailing arms to stiffen things up. I also have some vibration under heavy acceleration.
  • sdmike2sdmike2 Member Posts: 2,909
    Here is an interesting exhaust mod (thanks easyrider300m for the site. lol!!)

    Exhaust Mod
  • sdmike2sdmike2 Member Posts: 2,909
    I'll try again.

    Exhaust Mod
  • easyrider300measyrider300m Member Posts: 1,116
    we think alike--I was trying to post the same link last nite but it wouldnt work--got error message that link had too many letters--glad you were able to post it--what car is that--a volvo?--

    that mod would look a lot better on the M--should be a dual settup though---hey 300michael , can you work on that mod for us to see if it increases horsepower--one improvement it needs though is a chrome tip!
  • 300michael300michael Member Posts: 1,815
    First the draw backs.
    Extra weight (will hurt performance)
    Extra drag (will be scraping the ground alot. even wourse then the front air dam)

    Now the pluses.
    your could take off the rear axels and, tires and have the tips come out the rear wheel wells. Put on rubber on the outside tips and you can use them as your rear tires (will help offset the extra weight issue.
    You can easily clean the inside of the pipes of rust.
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