Chrysler 300M

pat

Think we could mix a little 300M talk into this "Exterior Maintenance" thread? ; )

blonda

Center dash is 3.5" I believe. Try here for ideas (and the Audio Upgrade thread for more).
http://pub88.ezboard.com/f300menthusiastsclubfrm8.showMessage?top- icID=374.topic

bluesky999

FastDriver and Easyrider, I enjoyed your posts on the Zaino/Zymol discussion; quite clever. Fast, I have no pix; I don't think they would be of interest here as I have no mods. But maybe the next time I'm in the mountains if I find a good background spot, it might be worth the effort.

I posted a long post regarding the COnsumer Reports findings, but I think it was deleted by the Host. I suppose I was too far off topic or something like that.

easyrider300m

I think it's probably a copyright issue..

blowbyu

I've had to replace my front speakers several times. The mechanics at the dealership aren't sound system experts, so I guess they just order new ones and install them.

I'm starting to think that it may not be the speakers themselves, because the problems only are audible at certain frequencies. The problem may be in the support structure for the speakers that makes the vibrating noise at certain frequencies.

Any Thoughts?

dustinnewton

I have an appointment on Friday at 9AM (CST) to have my windows tinted with Formula One high-end film. They're trying to get me to tint the front window as well. I like the look, I just don't want the platinum in the film to block reception of my Valentine One. I am going to get them to give me a piece to test with first.

A/C- Well, my A/C has stopped cooling again. Called my local 4* (I've demoted them) dealer yesterday and got on the schedule for today. I was busy this morning and couldn't get there until 9am. SA told me that there were 10 in front of me and that they wouldn't even look at it today. He said to drive it home and come back at 7am tomorrow. Nice customer service. I'm 6'2" and weigh 270 and the SA who drove it home last time to test the A/C and see if it leaked overnight is 5'5" or so and weighs about 160 and he said the didn't fix the seat fore/aft movement because it didn't move when he sat in it. That WILL be fixed this time! We'll see tomorrow morning.

pat

We can't post copyrighted material. It's okay to post a link to copyrighted stuff as long as the information is freely available to everyone, but of course that is not the case with Consumer Reports.

I think bluesky999 and I got it straightened out, but I thought the rest of you might need to understand.

: )

bluesky999

Dustin, interestingly I'm having my recurring problem with my a/c just like you (only 2nd problem w/my '99). Today they told me the evaporator coil is no good. It's a $280 part plus labor, but I'm on extended warranty. Last summer they had simply recharged it, which lasted a while but not permanently. Had them replace the seat bolts, and sure enough one of the power seat options is not working now--somehow it's hard for the dealers to do this w/o mucking up the seat, as so many are having this problem. They are ordering the coil from Cleveland (this is my 2nd problem and the 2nd time the part "is in Cleveland and will take 4 days to get"), but I don't mind because I'm very happy that they found the problem. I'll update you next week to let you know if this fixes it, which I think it will.

I had posted some copyright material from CR on polishes, not realizing that Edmunds can get in trouble from that. But some of the info on the Consumer Reports site is free, so if I ever wish to quote from them again I'll be sure to only access the free info, and label it as such. I'm sorry I caused the Host (Pat) a problem with that, but I was unaware of that restriction; just didn't think about it. BTW, is Pat a woman or a man? Not that it matters, but just curious.

pat

Free or not, just be sure to link it. Then there can be no issue. No worries about causing me any trouble - wasn't a big deal.

And since you did not ask if I am a "girl", I will answer you. : ) I am a woman.

duffer5

I have been using Nu-Finish for 12 years. My 1990 Mustang 5.0 L looked great for 8 years. Used it on my 1995 Intrepid--looked great for 8 years. Now using it on my wife's 2000 Mustang GT and my 2003 300M. One warning--don't let your car get too dirty--it doesn't have much cleaning ability. It has a great shine and the water beads up for a long time

dustinnewton

Well, they've had it since 7:15 this morning (I was first in line and they took it back immediately) and I haven't heard anything yet. I think I'll give them a call and see what's up. No news is definitely not good news!

laurasdada

And my Platinum '99 still looks pretty good...

dustinnewton

Well, the SA says that my M is still in the air (on the lift) and that the A/C tech is driving a car for a quick test and it will be a few minutes before he gets back. Still on the lift isn't good. I was having the slight seat movement problem and the SA says that I need a new "seat adjuster" and that the part is on national backorder from the manufacturer so "they must be having a big problem with them" as he puts it. He said that it would probably take 2 weeks to get the part. I can live with the problem for 2 weeks. No issue there.

dustinnewton

Some interesting comments on NuFinish: http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/automobiles/42450 I was told by a body shop owner a few years back not to use NuFinish because of the yellowing problem (if used regularly, as stated in the article) and because it contains abrasives (albeit mild) to remove oxidation from older finishes, hence the name NuFinish. He said it is a great product to remove oxidation, but that it shouldn't be used regularly. Once the oxidation is removed with NuFinish, then a regular wax product should be used to maintain the shine/water repellency.

dustinnewton

"The tech still hasn't figured out why the A/C isn't working and we'll have to keep it overnight". Interesting.

intrepidspirit

My lease ends July 4. The beginning of my lease period was a nightmare with my 5* repainting the roof 5 or 6 times to fix their botched up scratch removal attempts. They refused to swap for a new car and I had to wait a month to get my car.

Now, as I near the end of my lease, I have another nightmare. The car died Sunday evening, stranding us in downtown LA. When I left home to go to LA, the check engine light came on. When I got to LA, the red alarm light that blinks when the car is armed was on solid. I parked the car, came back an hour later and there was no ignition. No clicking, no engine turnover -- nothing. I called roadside assistance and finally got them to approve towing to a dealer close to home (about 27 miles from where I was). The 45 minute wait became 90 minutes. The address on the tow truck was about 2 blocks from where we were!

Finally got it towed and the driver prepared to bill me for excess mileage. I told him it was approved, but they denied it at the Chrysler #. I told them it had been approved and they said the operators did not have that authority. I told them I was dealing with someone at their number that represented Chrysler, and if they don't have authority that was their internal problem, not mine. They finally agreed to authorize it, but not before chastizing me for not getting additional authorization for the earlier authorization!

Three days later the car still won't start. Chrysler Tech told my 5* to replace the main computer plus another computer. As of an hour ago, they had only received the computers today and had not yet installed them, so I likely won't get the car back today.

Chrysler almost got their timing right...self-destruction at 3 years/36,000 miles. Missed by 12 days and 1,200 miles...

This isn't the same dealer, but I wonder if I could just tell them to consider this my lease turn-in?

A nightmare at both ends of the lease, but a lot of fun in between...

intrepidspirit

Just got a call from my 5*. It was the main computer -- the additional computer was replaced as a recommended procedure when replacing the main computer. Anyway, he says I can pick it up and the dash pad for my wife's M is in. So my wife is going to swap cars with them now and let them replace the pad tomorrow. Maybe it won't take all day as they are now experienced at replacing them...

I now have to talk my wife into taking my car for work tomorrow. She doesn't want to drive it anymore after it died on Sunday night...

indydriver

since this board is doomed to extinction. 110,000 miles now on my '99. Trouble-free since replacing the torque converter at 93K. Motor runs as good (maybe better) than day one. About to complete my second 60,000 mile run on Goodyear Eagle LS's...a great all-season value tire in my experience (note I said experience, not opinion). Paint still looks great without the first application of any kind of wax (but maybe 200 washes at Mike's). No major interior glitches. In summary, my favorite car I've ever owned. Now, I'm torn between buying another one before they're gone or waiting for the excitement of the LX's RWD and V-8 power (although I'm kind of partial to the Magnum over the 300C-wonder what the new Intrepid will look like?). Anyway, while there have been lots of disagreements on this board over the years, I think all will agree the M was a great car. Adios.

pjyoung

It's not as hard to apply as many think, one coat will still bead water after a rough winter, and even one coat makes it shine like a diamond. The best part about zaino though is right after a heavy rain...the rain washes the dirt right off the hood and trunk - now if I could only do something about the side panels.

easyrider300m

so are you guys using the paste or the liquid Nu Finish? Is it tought to remove from the car panels? Does it get into the crevices like some waxes and make removal difficult.I assume you dont use it on the black plastic under the windshield and on the 99 and00 mirror housings.

silverbullet4

Can anyone tell me if it would be possible to replace the struts/shocks on my 2k M w/ PHG with an aftermarket set of adjustable dampers. You know, with a 3-position switch for "Comfort", "Normal", "Sport". I love the way the car handles with the stock PHG setup, but most days I am pounding and shuddering over ridges and potholes and rail crossings and would like to have the option of smoothing it out a little. Call me an old fuddy-duddy, but that's my question, and I'm sticking with it.

Silver

duffer5

I have used both paste and liquid. I prefer the liquid because of the ease of application and removal. You are correct about not getting it on the black plastic under the windshield-difficult to remove. My cars have usually been protected by a carport or garage when I am at home; I don't know how Nu Finish would protect if the car were exposed to the weather for 24 hours a day. I like it because of the time required to get a decent shine that appears to adequately protect the paint.

laurasdada

I, too, use the liquid. Easy on, easy off. I avoid all black plastic. It can get into the crevices, of course. Just gotta be careful or use a toothbrush to remove it.

Dustin's post has me wondering, though...Maybe it's Zaino time?

intrepidspirit

and still is a great car! I have made an additional commitment to the M with my 2003M purchase. Granted, this was done before my module engine control died, but the truth is, there isn't another car I'd rather drive!

I'm treating the computer failure as an isolated incident -- my 5* tells me it is very rare and that's why it took them several hours to diagnose.

Right now, I am comfortable with my 300M's and very pleased with my 5* (Dodge) dealer. They became a 5* within the past year. I have a service manager that automatically handles my calls and we are on a first name basis. Their work has been very professional and they have bent over backwards to please me. I am happy with the current situation -- driving the car I like and having great service if and when I need it!

dustinnewton

After two solid days of hearing "The A/C tech is still trying to figure out why it won't work", I got a call late today. They found the problem. The Core (I can't remember if he said evaporator core or condenser core) was bad, a $1200 part. Won't cost me a dime! My $1500 extended warranty just paid for itself! I paid the deductible ($75) for the last A/C work and it covers this time too since they weren't sure if they fixed it last time. Interestingly enough, it was full of Freon, so I'm not sure what was "bad" about the core that kept it from cooling. I am going to pick it up tomorrow morning and take it to have the windows tinted and then take it back to my dealer. He has a rental lined up (I'm going to ask them why don't they put me in a Pacifica since I am interested in trading in my Chevy Warner Brothers Edition Venture Minivan for one. Can't hurt to ask.) for me through Tuesday. He says they will have it ready then. He also said that another M was in with a very similar problem, byt they fixed it by replacing the computers. I hate that I will be without it that long, but I'm glad they took the extra time to correctly figure out what was wrong instead of just throwing a part into it and giving it back to me to fail again. The part to fix the slight fore/aft seat movement will take 2 weeks to a month to get in!

bluesky999

Pat, don't ask me why, but all along I thought you were a male. But now that I think about it, you're so even handed and handle the job with ease and grace (i.e. better people skills), so I should have known you were a woman. (I know some men are sensitive, by I view women as superior in that regard)

Dustin, good luck. I suspect your seat adjuster is the same one that has gone bad on my car w/the bolt change. Keep us posted on what they find; I wonder if it will be the evaporator coil which is what mine is diagnosed with.

Indy, glad your M has treated you well, and I among others have enjoyed your contributions to the board. When making your decision on the new car, realize the new LX will weigh in about 400 or more pounds than the M, which will dampen the V8 a bit and certainly give worse fuel mileage. Do you really want a big, heavy vehicle with a CD that is not very good. I think you might get a good deal on an M, and in my opinion the M will look good for many years to come. A few times a year I see a really well kept 300Z from I guess the early 90s, and they look better than 90% of what is on the road now. I think a well kept M will still loook better than much of what is on the road 8 years down the road. Of course this is totally subjective and just my opinion. Whatever you decide, good luck and enjoy the drivin'.

p.s. Anybody else getting scared with all the problems being reported on this board? Makes me wonder if I should unload my M rather than try to stretch it out for the long haul...

blowbyu

I have always liked my '99 M. Even with all the problems I have had. I tend to keep my car for the long term. I'm not one of those that needs a new car every 3 years.

I opted for the 7/75,000 extended warranty, which has already saved me a bundle of money. When I made the commitment to the extended warranty, my intention was to get another after the warranty expires. I still have 2.5/30K left to go on the warranty, and still plan to get rid of it once the warranty expires.

If DC had commited itself to keep the 300 line the way it is, I would end up buying another one. But now that the next 300 looks like a box on wheels, they have lost my attention.

pster

I had been diagnosed with a $1200 evaporator problem but went to another 5* for a second opinion - they couldn't tell. Bottom line is that a $12 can of A/C sealant fixed the problem......I think the a/c system in the 300M's have very, very slow leaks.....and the system seems to work with low refrigerant levels. I have chosen to release and recharge my system once every 6 months at a per recharge cost of $10 (2 12 oz cans of R134a, a very easy procedure, takes 3 minutes) over having any expensive and invasive repairs done - I personally would not trust the dealers' for one second to remove/replace my dashboard, even if I had an extended warranty. Looks like more a/c problems are starting to crop up on the board.....steering pumps and cooling fans will be next, if my experience holds true.

dustinnewton

Thing is, no refrigerant had leaked out of my system. That's what confused the tech. He had a known good part that they were getting ready to put in another car, tested it, and it worked fine. Pretty conclusive. I wish I could remember whether or not he said condensor or evaporator. I paid a nice chunk of change for this car and I want it to work correctly. Adding a few cans of Freon every 6 months is not an acceptable option for me. I demand an automobile that works correctly and I personally won't throw duct tape and bailing wire at a problem that can easily be fixed correctly.

Took my baby to have the windows tinted today. They did a nice job with the Formula One tint, 38% which is legal here. I will probably take it back and have the front tinted as well provided it doesn't block reception of radar signals by my Valentine One.

Saw two Crossfires on the dealer lot, black and silver. They just got them in yesterday. Pictures don't do the car justice. It's an incredibly beautiful car. If there was a back seat (even a 2+2 configuration) that I have for my kids, I would have bought the silver one today. It's a very stunning car in person. My dealer says that if you have a Pacifica or Crossfire, and need service (even an oil change), they will give you a Pacifica or Crossfire loaner for you to use. Chrysler is getting high-brow on us!

easyrider300m

you state that you plan to release and recharge the system---Is it really necessary to release the old freon first. Can't you just enough freon to get the pressure back up? I also would wonder if you need to add any more oil into the system.

300mspecial1

For what it's worth, I've read with great interest numerous posts on various boards about which wax/polish works best. There's been a wide range of opinions of course, but many people really like the results they get with Zaino. I have a coupe of good friends who each happen to own drop-dead gorgeous Onxy Black Camaro SS's. One uses Zaino faithfully and will use nothing else. The other has used the Meguiars Gold Class and NuFinish. I myself owned a very pretty '01 Sunset Orange Metallic Camaro SS before buying my Silver Special. I've used Meguiars and I've used NuFinish. My observations, FWIW, are as follows:

Cost--Zaino is substantially more expensive as an up-front purchase than either Meguiars or NuFinish. The Zaino does last a long time, so on a per application basis, the cost is not too bad.

Availability--You can get Meguiars or NuFinish just about anywhere. It's a little tougher and more inconvenient to get Zaino.

Ease of Use--All of the products are relatively easy to use, but Zaino is much more time consuming to apply as the full-boat treatment is applied in several stages. Follow up basic maintenance is pretty easy and straightforward. From what I've observed, if you're starting from scratch, it's best to plan on spending the better part of a weekend to do the whole job. Admittedly, I hang with some pretty anal car guys when it comes to detailing, so we somehow manage to "find" the time...:)

Meguiars has a 3-step (Clean, Polish, Wax) process that works really well. I've substituted their Gold Class wax in place of the Step 3 Carnuba and achieved really great results. The products apply and can be removed very easily. The Step 2 polish does a fantastic job of lifting light scratches and swirls. The Gold Class goes on with a pad, gets wiped off with a soft terry towel and then I do a final buff with a 9-inch random orbital buffer. The shine is spectacular. To park the 2 Black SS's side by side, Zaino vs Meguiars, you absolutely cannot see a difference in the shine, either for brilliance or for depth. I have noticed that Meguiars requires a little more maintenance to keep the shine looking fresh.

NuFinish shines about the same as the Gold Class and does a decent job hiding light swirls. It goes on very easily and wipes off with little dust or mess. I follow up with a quick pass with the random orbital buffer and it looks great.

My own personal conclusion is that all of the products work well, but the Meguiars and NuFinish give you the same results for far less an investment of time and money. Just my .02c.

greasykid1

Have 2003 M. Maybe it's me but at times the sound system (premium) sounds a bit mushy. What affordable upgrades has anybody made to improve sound quality?

Also have Valentine attached to my visor & have had a strip of Formula 1 tint applied to top of windshield. (Chrysler decontented the windshield tint that was on my 2001M) Cheapskates. Anyway no problems with the Valentine.

pster

I release the old R134a because the system holds 24 oz. and I don't know how much to add. Adding too much is not good, don't want to risk overcompressing the system and blowing seals, etc. So, I release everything and re-charge. It is very inexpensive and quick to do. I agree with Dustin that adding refrigerant every 6 months is not ideal, but I'm betting he'll change his tune when his a/c goes kaput again. It is much less a bother than having your dash pulled out to replace an evaporator....I think many of the 300M's have small evaporator coil leaks.....There were a few instances when it stopped cooling and there was in fact refrigerant in the system, never figured out what caused that..no cool air one day, worked fine the next. Someone asked about oil in the a/c system...the oil is mixed into the refrigerant itself.

pster

The other reason I choose to replace my refrigerant is that I have a brand new compressor and there are still times when it doesn't cool. I just want this beast to get me through the summer when I plan on replacing it. I am realy getting smitten with the new G35 Coupe. Saw 5 of them on the road today.....the Desert Platinum is very nice looking....

ajpiii

Hi Guys...

Does anyone know the how the insurance companies determine whether a car is a total loss or not ? I have heard things saying that if the damage is 51% of the retail value they will total it ? Whats the real deal ?

In case your wondering why Im asking this, I took my M into a ditch last night and did what looks to be alot of damage...

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

Looks like it needs a new Grill (Scratched Up Chrome), Front Bumper (Cracked), 2 Doors (Mutilated), the Plastic Under the doors (Ripped Apart), Mirror, Lots of Labor, and Paint... I think this could easily get up to 51% of a 99M with 103k miles...

I hope they fix it, if not I think its time for a Vette ...

pster

I would say that would not be classified as a total loss by any means...unibody construction....but lot of labor to fix this puppy aj...I would guess $4,000-5,000 at least....new door panels, etc. But it ain't gonna be like the car you knew....

pster

no offense....I looked at all the pics on your site...that's not a car, it's a lifestyle!!! Me thinks the electronics inside are worth multiples of the car.....

ajpiii

Most Definately, but I thought the new tires would keep me on the road, I was very wrong...

What was insult to injury was the cop gave me a ticket for "Marked Lane Violation" to the tune of $100.00 ... Nice Guy eh...

The tow truck driver who pulled it out was an idiot... He made the damage worse than it was when he pulled it out, hitting a fence and some trees along the way...

I was thinking the 4-5k range myself... I did a kelly blue book on it... Trade in Value is around $8100, and Retail is around $10700... That is for a stock M with 103k... With the reciepts for all the Mods they will probably fix it... but your right it will never be the same...

Ive been wanting to get a new paint job for a while, but this wasnt the way I wanted to go about getting it... Hmmm maybe I can substitute parts from a special when it gets fixed...

I think my M was upset with me for stopping to look at a red corvette convertible that was for sale at a dealership on the way to play golf earlier that day.. It saw my drooling all over it and tried to commit suicide...

pster

When the cop says "how did this happen"....you say "well sir, I was driving along peacefully, at the speed limit, when this tree jumped out and bit my car...."

ajpiii

Hmmmm that was a better excuse than I thought of ! Damn trees just jump out at you... it happens all the time ! I told the cop I reached down to get the remote control for the stereo and the next thing I knew I was in the trees... He wasnt too pleased with that...

easyrider300m

sorry about the recent "mods" on your M. I believe the figure to total the car would be 80% of book if I remember correctly.

As you stated to us M'ers for the reason of the accident: " think my M was upset with me for stopping to look at a red corvette convertible that was for sale at a dealership on the way to play golf earlier that day.. It saw my drooling all over it and tried to commit suicide... .

Wonder how the officer and your insurance company would have responded to that excuse. Maybe the officer would have started laughing and at least not write you a ticket.

dj300ms

Your analysis of your AC problem is incorrect and presents serious potential for compressor failure in the long term. If you have erratic performance of the system with refrigerant in the system you probably have an expansion valve problem. If there is loss of refrigerant in the system a pressure transducer will shut down the system completely. If you want to test your system place a thermometer in the center left panel outlet and run for 5 minutes with engine at 1000 rpm. Air supply temperature should be 45F with ambient at 80F or 50F at 90 ambient. Release of refrigerant is not recommended since each time you do it you will take a small amount of oil with it and it is not replaced with your recharge cans. There is only 5 ounces of oil in the system. Repeated blowoffs will diminish oil quantity in the system and result in compressor bearing failure. Anyone that might think you have a solution to their problem should be aware that free release of R134 can cause serious burns to hands if not done correctly. Bottom line - don't blow refrigerant...find a good A/C mechanic, check system with a good R134 leak detector and top up if you need to...it's much less costly than replacing a compressor.

bluesky999

Although I'll probably keep my 'M for another 5 years or so, I've been noticing quite a few Cadillac CTS' on the road lately. Although at first I didn't like the look, it has grown on me a lot. They are upgrading the power significantly with a new engine for the '04s, and the chassis has been spoken very well of by the automotive press; it was tested extensively in Neuremburg. It's such a breakthrough car; GM building a rear-wheel drive car with more space than a 3-series and a cutting-edge new look. Anyone out there drive one with the new engine option? Anyone out there like it also, or hate it? The G35 sedan is just too dowdy for me. But this is just a fantasy as I'd never sell my 'M now due to its lousy resale value.

easyrider300m

I have added refrigerant to my other cars with no problems. But you should use a pressure guage which you can buy either as a dial type or the pencil type. I used the latter. Do not overcharge as you could cause more leaks.

In some cars, the system shuts down if low on refrigerant and then you have to use a jumper for it to accept new refrigerant. Does anyone know if the M will accept refrigerant without having to install the jumper if system has shut down ?

bigmike5

Got to apologize to the Nu Finish folks. I had the problem with the stuff in the Neon green bottle--Formular 2000??? not Nu Finish. Sorry a senior moment.

On the Totaling of the car. I think most insurance companies do use 80% of book.

Just back from a 2 day scouting trip to Detroit to coordinate Dream Cruise stuff. Loved the 450 mile driving in the M of course. Another guy came up to me at a gas stop [that's four times now] and said "that is one great looking car--what year? Amazed when I said 99. Loved the Platinum and striping.

The host hotel for the Cruise is excellent--Embassy Suites- Southfield. Good staff, friendly, and great rooms. Still need people to attend, and the drop-dead date for reservations is 17 July. Found a good restaurant for the Saturday night post-Cruise dinner, and am still working on a Sunday afternoon event to replace the trip to Canada. If you guys/girls are interested in attending the greatest car show ever make those reservations with the hotel or with me [for locals] and let me know with an e-mail. I have some great goodies for the first 25 who make reservations and who attend. You don't have to be a Club member to attend, just love the M your with, and come join us M nuts. It will be a great weekend. I have the strip maps from the hotel to the Cruise route all done. Am still hoping Pat's boss will send her.

beespecial

It's been a while since I've posted here but I have been lurking and trying to keep up. Was out of touch last week while on vacation in supposedly "sunny" Florida. But that's another story. As I checked in to the post today I had 86 unread posts. Took a while to read them all. Anyway, while in FL I rented a '03 Chevy Blazer for the week. WHAT A PIECE OF CRAP!! 7300 miles and it creaked and groaned like it was 20 years old. I guess it's true that "nothing parties like a rental" because this thing obviously was ridden hard and put away wet. It made me appreciate my Special even more and I didn't think that was possible. I wanted to drive to FL but was out-voted by the rest of the family who wanted to fly. Oh well, that's 3600 miles I can save for later.

 

ps - put me on the list of Zainoholics.

dukeofdallas

As I enter what will probably be my last 12-15 months of 300M ownership, I'm looking to make a few subtle mods that will help fight off the urge to buy a replacement ride. So, could someone recommend sites for exhaust tips and billet grills. Thanks.

dustinnewton

Thanks for the info on the Valentine 1 and Formula One tint. My local F1 dealer gave me a piece of the tint about 4x6 inches to test in from of my detector. I'll probably go ahead with the front window tint (the entire window). I miss the days of 5% limo tint! 38% just isn't really dark (but it it legal here). I have added a Visonik dual bandpass sub bow with 12" woofers (Can be seen at crutchfield.com) being pushed by a Profile amp being fed by a 1 Farad Poweramper digital display stiffening cap. It sounds MUCH better than stock. The stock system can reproduce the highs and mids fine, but the bass lacks depth and punch. The subs complement the system well. The box is easily removable (Monster Cable gold banana jacks) for trips or when more trunk space is needed. I picked up the sub for $150, the cap for $60, and I think the amp was $120. Add $60 for a Street Wires power cable kit, $25 for the banana jacks, and $30 for Monster Cable and it's a relatively inexpensive upgrade. The sub will handle a lot more power, but I alread had the amp. You can see the box in the trunk on my website at http://www.dustinnewton.com/trips/300m/300m.htm . I hope to have tinted window pics up soon. Dual exhaust coming next week!! BTW, I also have installed 5.6" TFT LCD screens in the headrests so my daughters can watch DVD's when they ride with me. The DVD sound runs through the car's amps and you wouldn't think it but The Wiggles kick out some bass!! ;-)

pster

When my compressor failed 4 months ago, there was little if any refrigerant in the system and it did NOT shut the compressor down. The compressor locked up. One dealer says I have an evaporator leak, another dealer says not. The system has been inspected 3 times. The R134a I use to recharge says it has oil in it. I have released the system once and was in hand contact with the refrigerant upon release, no burns, nothing. The dealer that replaced the compressor guarantees the new part "forever", so I'll just have them replace it if it fails...again. Until the dealers' can give me a straight answer to this problem, I'm going to deal with it my way. And sell the car.....

jona57

My "better half" has my M in to the 0* to replace an interior trim piece which they scratched badly during my seat recall repair. Can't wait to see what else they damage while fixing this!!!

FWIW- I converted from long-time use of Meguiar's Gold Class to Zaino a bit over a year ago. The full Zaino process (inc. washing with Dawn, claying, Zaino Z1/Z5 or Z2) does take some time, but in fairness any wax job is only as good as the prep you put into it. Zaino's Z2 or Z5 can be used as a stand-alone product, but the shine and durability may not be the same. Gold Class gives a great shine, but I found it lasting only 3-6 weeks. The Zaino shine on my M lasted all through a Midwest winter.

Jon