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Chrysler 300M

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  • easyrider300measyrider300m Member Posts: 1,116
    I like the look of your M. But I wouldn't call those wheels "subtle." They give a very unique look to the M.

    Where did you buy the HID headlights? What was the cost?
  • psterpster Member Posts: 293
    I had, and still have, the same problem you described......diagnosed as leak in evaporator....$1200...I chose not to repair. I vent and replace r134a refrigerant when it stops blowing cool air....$10 and 5-10 minutes to do this. Works fine. No way in hell I'm letting any 5*, 6* or Gigastar dealer to r/r my dash....not going to happen.
  • dustinnewtondustinnewton Member Posts: 242
    You're right but they stand out less than the glowing chrome Razorstars did! The H.I.D. lights are factory lights from the 300M Special. I got them from a 300M Special with just a couple thousand miles on it that had been rear ended and was sitting in a salvage yard in California. If I remember correctly, it wound up being close to $500 when the labor and shipping charges were added to the part cost. Still far cheaper than buying them from the dealer! They are a direct replacement for the halogen lights.
  • intrepidspiritintrepidspirit Member Posts: 662
    I agree, Chrysler does not have anything worth serious consideration for 2004. That's why I bought another 300M and intend to keep it for a while.

    CTS originally caught my interest, but when I found it was a rebuild of the Catera, my interest waned, and then all the options brought the price too high. Also, they have had some 1st year problems if you check the CTS board. Interesting looking car, though. Perhaps in a few years when all the bugs are out (if it's still around -- and I'm still around)...

    If I were younger, I'd go for the 350Z...
  • fastdriverfastdriver Member Posts: 2,273
    intrepidspirit-

    "If I were younger, I'd go for the 350Z..."

    GO FOR IT!! You're only as old as you FEEL!! ;-))))

    fastdriver
  • intrepidspiritintrepidspirit Member Posts: 662
    Maybe that's the problem...sometimes I feel pretty old! LOL!

    I guess what I should have said was that if I were younger, the 350Z would appeal more to me. Now that I'm older, I don't want to give up the "basic" creature comforts like those found in the 300M!

    Besides, every time I see an older guy in a Mustang convertible or 350Z, I always assume "identity crisis". I don't want to be that guy!
  • fastdriverfastdriver Member Posts: 2,273
    intrepidspirit-

    Awe....... you're too self-conscious! You only live once! I say buy what YOU like and what you can afford! Life is too short. We're all not going to make it to 100 like Bob Hope! :-)

    fastdriver
  • fastdriverfastdriver Member Posts: 2,273
    ottowrkr-

    Did you turn on that new computer and cause this power outage? ;-)) What are you doing up there? Did they start up the assembly lines for the Hemi 300C and cause this outage with that HEMI power? LOL....

    I'm in one of the lucky areas of So. CT that still has power- thank you United Illuminating! If I ever had that other power co.- CL&P, I'd be nuttier than I am now! Those poor people who get their power from them lose it if a squirrel WALKS by their power lines. Most of their power lines are above ground. In the winter they suffer even more when the icy branches fall on the wires. Then, they have to call in crews from all over the country and Canada to help restore power.

    Hope the lights go back on in Detroit for the Dream Cruise this weekend.

    fastdriver
  • easyrider300measyrider300m Member Posts: 1,116
    If your're self conscious, buy the 350Z and then put a nice dark tint on the windows. Then get yerself a nice 300M club baseball cap, put it on backwards and enjoy the ride. The Z has lots of creature comforts and rides very nicely from what I hear. Figure it this way--you're younger than you'll be in 20 years and may not even be able to drive. So keep the M and buy the Z as a second vehicle for cruising them twisty country roads.
  • cmyers300mcmyers300m Member Posts: 206
    Last I heard here in Ohio, Detroit could be without power for the next 3-7 days!!!! So you can kiss the Dream Cruise goodbye if that's the case. What a shame.
  • dustinnewtondustinnewton Member Posts: 242
    Maybe Otto needs to hook a few of those Hemis into the power grid!!!
  • intrepidspiritintrepidspirit Member Posts: 662
    but I'm not self-conscious! Fastdriver misinterpreted my post. I meant that if I were younger, the 350Z would appeal to me more because I wouldn't care as much about luxury. However, if I did decide to buy a 350Z, it wouldn't be an identity crisis thing. I honestly wouldn't care what anyone else thought!

    Right now though, I'm happy with the combination of performance and luxury (and price!) that the 300M offers.

    Besides, if I bought a second car, I might not even be able to eat in 20 years, let alone drive!
    But the 350Z is on my list if I win a lottery... :)
  • jreasejrease Member Posts: 14
    Just looked at your site. I like the look. I'd love to see your new Joshua Tree dash and closer look at other features. I live close to you. Maybe I can see it sometime?
  • fastdriverfastdriver Member Posts: 2,273
    cmyers300m-

    Oh NO! bigmike5 should be in Detroit by now. Maybe they'll still cruise by day? I haven't read the Detroit news today. Too bad. It will be very interesting to see what REALLY caused this outage. We know it WASN'T lightning in Canada!!!

    Love this edit button- CRUISE ON!!

    http://www.detnews.com/2003/autosconsumer/0308/15/metro-245216.ht- m

    fastdriver
  • bluesky999bluesky999 Member Posts: 253
    Just now had the time to check out Dustin's web link; it's a beauty! You've got a work of art there; it's very well done. Congrats on a job well done.
  • ottowrkrottowrkr Member Posts: 778
    Sorry guys cant take the blame for the power outage .I was at work at the time of the blackout . Was just putting on a new tierod end on a car when the place went BLACK - 4:10 pm. We hooked up a few cars batteries turned on the h/lamps and tuned in the local radio station . When they said it had hit NY, MI ,OH ETC we could not belive it. We had to stay in the plant for 2 hours thanks to our local police , they called the plant managment and asked them to keep us in the plant till traffic in the area thinned out . My house was without power for 25 hours , oh well what can you do .
     Bigmike , not sure if you will get this but I dont think Jose will be at the cruise .
  • cmyers300mcmyers300m Member Posts: 206
    Well, looks like OHIO is to blame. I live in Dayton, OH. The problem started in CLeveland they say now. So, no it wasn't Canada Otto. I never lost power, which I find wierd since I'm on the same grid. My family lives in Akron, OH and they lost power but not for too long.
    I hope everything at the dream cruise was okay. It looks like Detroit got most of their power back on Saturday, anyone know for sure??
  • dustinnewtondustinnewton Member Posts: 242
    Jrease-Anytime! You can reach me at dustin.newton@nsbhm.com I really like the Joshua Tree kit. I almost have enough left over to do another M. It comes with pieces for the shift console for both the "fish scale" shifter, and the leather boot shifter. I also didn't use the pieces that go around the air vents or the piece for the computer (I have a 2002 model computer with the tire pressure monitor so the button layout is different) and the like. I haven't gotten around to putting them on eBay yet. I figured someone might be interested in some accent pieces and a shifter console piece, but not necessarily want to buy a full kit. I am very pleased with the quality and look. DC should have made the full wood dash and console from the beginning. Are you in the Enthusiasts' Club (www.300mclub.org)? We are having a SE regional meet in Atlanta Sep. 19-21. It would be a good chance to check out a lot of folks' mods to their M's.

    Blue-Thanks for the compliments! I can't remember the last time that I have had as much fun researching and working on as a project as I have had with my M! I got my second headrest LCD in this weekend, and the FM modulator for the sound is on the way. I will be buying a small (6"x6"x2") slot load DVD player this week. I plan to mount it in the armrest storage area with some shock-reducing mounting (maybe Sorbothane foam) to help prevent skips. It will be scary to hear Bob the Builder come through those 12" trunk subs! 660 watts and 13 speakers worth of "Can we fix it? YES WE CAN!" I love my kids! They just don't know how spoiled they are!!
  • rstilprstilp Member Posts: 105
    I'm sure BigMike will have a full recap of the cruise here shortly. 2 of us (Rick Stilp & Tom Mills) went up Friday, knowing the power was out, but, also knowing that Mike was already there. Luckily we got gas prior to getting close to Detroit. Arrived at 1 PM to find Mike sitting in the lobby waiting for somebody, anybody, to show up. NO phones, electricity, water, etc. I had cold beer in the trunk SOOOOO, we relaxed until the lights came on around 7:30 (?). All was good. Did the cruise Saturday. Dinner at Nice place, home Sunday AM. NEXT YEAR!!!!!!
    Rick/Geezer300M
  • ottowrkrottowrkr Member Posts: 778
    "Can we fix it? YES WE CAN!" I love my kids! They just don't know how spoiled they are!!

    Hey Dustin ,just as long as you dont have to hear
    " I love you , you love me " your OK !!!
  • fuzzywuzzyfuzzywuzzy Member Posts: 958
    Got a great weekly rate special on an Intrepid. I'm driving to VA for a few days, though I'd save the wear & tear on my Acura. I was all set at Dollar, walked to the car, & there was a big dent in the nasty green Intrepid, & the keys were no where to be found. I walked backed to the counter, Told the guy, he wrote me up another invoice, I walked back to the new spot & behold a white 02 300M, I guess the guy upgraded me for free because of the other car problem :) So cool. It's just the standard base, with a sunroof though. You guys are so right on on the de-contening. I noticed a big difference. I also noticed a big diffference in power compared to the Acura. I'm so used to it. It's great once it's up to 80mph. But then again the 300M is a different car. So it's all good.

    Does the base radio have a CD changer? The deck looks like it does, but it's not the upgraded radio so I wasn't sure. I didn't have have CD's to test.
  • bigmike5bigmike5 Member Posts: 960
    Well, I am back in the net. My computer at work was not friendly with the Internet this week until just a few minutes ago. I already updated some of the guys who were coming but did not make it. So here goes.

    I hit Detroit in Cruise mode about 3 pm on Thursday [433 miles] and after check-in head to wife's relatives home for dinner. Got there about 4 pm and brother-in-law announced that his power just went out and he couldn't find the problem. Shortly learned that everyone had no power. After dinner I left the wife with her sister and went back to the hotel since I couldn't raise them on the cell phone. The hotel had no power, no phones, no water pressure, and ran out of diesel for their emergency generator shortly thereafter killing the emergency lights in the stairwells. They did serve happy hour until they ran out of booze and ice. I got mine.

    Anyway, I had a 5th floor room and was comfortable even without the A/C. I did a work out on the stationary bike in the workout room and then detailed my car since I was already hot and sweaty. I then showered [who knew of water problems?] and went down to the lobby for a while. Needless to say with the humidity it had to rain, and it did. [Really glad I detailed.]After an uneventful night I detailed the car again Friday noon in anticipation of the arrival of all the M'ers. I found a convenience store and got some food but no gas, they had pumped out, and then returned to the hotel. Needless to say after I finished the detailing we had an hour of the heaviest rain I've seen in a long time. Several roads had momentary flood outs but not many cars were driving by then. About 3 pm Rick and Tom showed up. One M, one Crossfire. A little later Rob [Avenger] showed up in his Intrepid. We cracked a few beers, took some pics and distributed the handouts that I procured for attendees. The Prez got as far as Pittsburgh in 6 hours, so he called us on his cell and turned around and went back home. The hotel grilled burgers, brats and dogs and we had those and a few beers. About 8:30pm the power came back on, just as we were debating leaving in the morning rather than cruising Woodward. With power came hope [and A/C] and the word on the TV was that the Cruise was on, so we elected to give it a go. I called local Club member Bob Bondra, and he still had no power, but a full tank of gas, so he said he would meet us at 9 am for the cruise up Woodward. Saturday morning I again detailed the wheels, checked the radio for max volume and got ready to go. Bob led the way down to 8 Mile and Woodward, we formed a line of 4 cars [the Crossfire did not cruise], rolled down the windows, cranked up the Eagles CD to the max, and let her rip. To our delight the traffic was only about 60% of normal and we made the Cruise doing about 15 mph all the way to Pontiac. We then moved to our designated Club parking area where I was able to gas up, and we took the shuttle over to 13 Mile and Woodward. The DC and GM displays sucked as they apparently could not get a whole bunch of cars out of the respective storage areas to bring down to 13 Mile because of power problems. We kinda got split up at that point and all did our own thing. I shot some film and looked at cars about a mile each way from 13 Mile and because of the heat and humidity, I packed it in about 2:30 and went back to the hotel to shower and watch the PGA tournament swithching to the Dream Cruise station part of the time. I had connect with Copper Canyon Brewery, our designated restaurant to make sure they were going to be open [potable water problems for all food servers] and they said it was a "go". When we got there at 8 pm however, they were closed and it was the water issue. We found a seafood restaurant and survived ok. Next day, no car judging, we booked out for home and cruised Michigan, Ohio, and back into KY with no problems. It was a beautiful day for a 400 mile ride. We have a lot of stuff left over for next year and hopefully will get the plant tour back next year. Mark your calendars for the 3rd weekend in August. It will be the 10th Anniversary of the Cruise and is rumored to be going to a 2 day event instead of one.

    Pat- I have some shirts left over and will keep them for next year if that is ok. Send me an address at my e-mail address as I have at least one pic to send you.

    Fast-- I lost your address if you sent it, I can't recall, send me again and I can send the discs, I had the pics done last night at Walmart.

    Sorry for the long post. The theme for next years poster: "Power 2 Spare." lol
  • dustinnewtondustinnewton Member Posts: 242
    Well, actually...my youngest loves Barney and she watches it at home but I have to draw the line there for my M!
  • fastdriverfastdriver Member Posts: 2,273
    bigmike5-

    Sounds like you had a good time anyway even though it was not as well attended as last year's 300M cruise.

    I need your e-mail address. Mine is in my profile above.

    fastdriver
  • rick2340rick2340 Member Posts: 5
    I have a 99 300M with about 55,000 miles. Lately my indoor lights have been coming on at random. Sometimes they flash - other times they stay on for several minutes. Anyone else have this problem? Any suggestions on a remedy?

    Thanks
  • tammy69tammy69 Member Posts: 2
    Rick I have the exact same problem. I have a 00 300M with about 50,000 miles. I was going to take it to the dealer and spend a small fortune but now that I know its not just my car, I'm going to call Chrysler. I had a reoccurring problem with my door locks and when I called Chrysler on it, they helped me out with the cost of repairs even though it wasn't under warranty any more.
  • rick2340rick2340 Member Posts: 5
    Tammy69 -

    Let me know what Chrysler says. I'm going to change the fuse this weekend - but I have my doubts whether that is going to solve the problem
  • jreasejrease Member Posts: 14
    My '99 300M has the same problem at times. It has been taken in to the dealer a couple of times to be checked out. There is a wire somewhere under the hood that seems to come loose at times and bumps or other movement cause the lights to flicker. This started sometime after my wife was involved in an accident. I'll see if I can isolate what to look for and report back.
  • clpurnellclpurnell Member Posts: 1,083
    For posts on the light show. You usually have to get the dimmer and light switch replaced. It is a very common problem. search tsb's on edmunds or NHTSA and you will find it.
  • bigmike5bigmike5 Member Posts: 960
    Those interested in a lot of Cruise photos can find them in the Detroit News site under joy rides section. Lots of good pics. They failed to include my M tho.
  • tammy69tammy69 Member Posts: 2
    Rick - No luck w/Chrysler. They confirmed not a recall issue (which I knew) but also check their "bulletin" and have not had repetitive complaints about it. I did find a 300M Enthusiasts Club on the net and a guy reported MANY people have this problem. He said it was either the "headlight switch" or the "dimmer switch" and it took the dealer 30 minutes to replace it.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Write to Sylvia - she's the one who asked you for the pictures.

    It's a shame about the circumstances, but it certainly sounds like you folks made the best of it!

    Glad you had a good time.

    :-)
  • ceikostceikost Member Posts: 30
    I had the same problem with my 2000. They replaced the BCM. That didn't help.

    Then they replaced what amounts to a"shaker" on the alarm system. That didn't work.

    Finally they replace the switch in the dash and I have not had the "light show" since.

    It was so bad that the neighbors have named my M "The Red Flasher".
  • drpixeldrpixel Member Posts: 256
    been a while since I posted in edmunds, but since being downsized in Oct.of '02, job One is FINDING a new job....
    fatemust have sent me here, bcause I'm reading about the 'lihgtshow' problem (pls 4give bad typing--its 1:42am NJ time and I'm beat...)
    AS to light show problem, dealer is ging you the runaround. I had 2 BCM's (body control modules) repalced. Second one fixed seemed to work, then weeks went by and 'poof' the problem was back. Took eMily to DODGE dealer (yup, dodge..) who ran about 50 pages of tests, then replaced dimmer/multipurpose light switsh, the cdS (otto?..) sensor on dash that picks up ambient light, then found dead cell in battery and replaced that. So far, so good....the tech thought it was a combo of a bunch of things. WAs not aware NHTSA had 'buletin' on 'light show. Hope all is well with everyone here....still searching for job, by NY/NJ area not good job mkt for web designers like me and IT in general.... good to see you're still here, Pat....brings back fond memories of posting from the 'Fed' when I was working there.....maybe edmunds would let me telecommute?!...I wish...

    regards from drpixel/Glenn and Angel the wonder cat..
    home email GBeye@att.net to those who might want to type me up.....

    \_/
  • blowbyublowbyu Member Posts: 26
    I had this problem a while ago. Took it in, they replaced some switch, but the problem resurfaced shortly after. It appears to happen mostly during dark-rainy days. I can't really say humid days, since it is always humid here in South Florida.

    Have any of you noticed it happening during rainy times? Maybe this can be helpful in troubleshooting the problem?
  • silverbullet4silverbullet4 Member Posts: 449
    I had the often discussed flickering panel lights, which went away when I adjusted the brightness control. If you mean the courtesy lights staying on when they shouldn't, I had that too, and the door locks were kinda' operating at random. The dealer replaced the Body Control Module under warranty. That fixed the courtesy light and door lock problem, but I still have an occasional panel light flicker, more a source of amusement than anything. The courtesy light staying on too long will fry the inside door armrest, and the plastic structure will crack.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    hang in there - hi to Angel. :)
  • intrepidspiritintrepidspirit Member Posts: 662
    "The courtesy light staying on too long will fry the inside door armrest, and the plastic structure will crack."

    I guess those of us with the 2003's and 2004's (2002's?) won't have to worry about that since the courtesy lights were decontented from the doors...
  • intrepidspiritintrepidspirit Member Posts: 662
    I don't know if this should be included in my decontenting list or not, but has anyone noticed that the rear seats, which had headrests in the 2001 model, have only an integral outward and upward "bump" in the seats replacing the headrests?

    I wonder how much that saved them...
  • fastdriverfastdriver Member Posts: 2,273
    drpixel-

    How strange. I was JUST thinking of you yesterday! Sorry to hear that you are still unemployed. Hang in there. Things have to turn around soon. Hope you and your wife are doing well. Stay healthy.

    Nice to see some "old faces" here!

    fastdriver
  • fastdriverfastdriver Member Posts: 2,273
    and one to go.......

    http://www.detnews.com/2003/autosinsider/0308/23/autos-251694.htm

    Kerkorian hangs in there!

    fastdriver
  • beach15beach15 Member Posts: 1,305
    They got rid of the rear head rests in '03, leaving only the Special to still have them with it's slightly different seats. Probably saves them a nice chunk, because there's no seperate pieces to make, just a little more padding for the "bump" in the tops of the seat.

    However, like I said, the Special still has them, so it might not save them much at all.

    Now with a big V8-powered RWD '92 Buick Roadmaster and my new '93 V8 RWD Cadillac Fleetwood, I'm just itching to drive a new RWD Hemi 300C when they arrive! There's no way I could ever go back to FWD...I think?! One of the local dealers also has a new black Crossfire and I really want to make it over there and take it for a ride!
  • ruskiruski Member Posts: 1,566
    that's where the money saved on footrests and headrests is going.
  • wire2wire2 Member Posts: 188
    > the cdS (otto?..)
     
    cadmium disulphide. It's a man-made element that changes its electrical resistance with the amount of light on it.
  • ottowrkrottowrkr Member Posts: 778
    Well , its the last week for the LH . I hope you all will pause for a moment of silence .

     Its been a good car , now lets see what the future holds.
     We have started building the first LX car in plant , very cool . A room was built at the back of the plant , so we could learn the build procedure before they go mass production. Cant wait for the HEMI
  • silverbullet4silverbullet4 Member Posts: 449
    Here's a toast to all you guys (and women) who built our M's! You and your colleague have been most forthcoming with valuable information and friendship. I am content with my "contented" 2000. Good luck with the new product.

    Silver
  • bigmike5bigmike5 Member Posts: 960
    Here's to ya Otto, Mario, Cosmo and Wire. Great build of a great car.
  • pjyoungpjyoung Member Posts: 885
    55,000 miles and no big problems at all - in fact, my M may well be the best car I have ever owned.
  • bluesky999bluesky999 Member Posts: 253
    In my 'M the light show occasionally happens around October when I'm driving in the evening (or morning) and the light conditions are 1/2 day and 1/2 night. The headlights are not affected; just the dash lights. It's a non-issue for me and doesn't bother me any more. No sensor is right 100% of the time on any car I don't think.

    Dustin, yes, 660 watts of Bob the Builder might not only scare you but also your entire neighborhood--ha ha. As for the kids, I can relate to spoiled kids, but I hope you get some enjoyment out of it too; your kids have enough toys of their own. Let the hubby drive occasionally while you watch a show would be my advice.

    Bought a digital camera, so took a quick pix of my 'M on Sunday. Is there any way I can post it? Just shows that a '99 w/75K can still look pretty damn decent...

    Dr. Pixel, good luck. Hang tough and try not to worry about anything.
  • fastdriverfastdriver Member Posts: 2,273
    bluesky999-

    Go to http://www.ofoto.com and post all you want! It's a division of Kodak. There is some software to download that makes uploading your pics to Ofoto a snap. It's all FREE!!!!

    fastdriver
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