Chrysler 300M

muskateer3

Had the same problem as you as far as chewing thru front discs, but I finally solved it.

Purchased a pair of replacement Brembo rotors from tirerack.com @ $50 each. Got the value-line pads from Chrysler at $43 for the set.

Haven't touched the brakes in 10,000+ miles. They are quiet smooth and stop with precision. They don't dust excessively, and no more blue streaks on the rotors. Pads still look practically new.

What more can a person ask for?

tayl0rd

Have any Special owners replaced their front rotors? If so, what with? Any performance degradation? I need mine resurfaced. I can take them in to Pep Boys and have it done for $8 a piece; a far cry from the $117 the dealer wants (including labor of taking them off and putting back on.) If I can get some good quality rotors with the same or better stopping performance, I'll buy some new ones.

The reason I ask is because the front rotors on the Special are a "hub and disc," two-piece setup instead of the typical one piece unit (don't know if other Ms feature the same setup.) That's usually an expensive and really high performance setup. I don't want to end up degrading my braking performance with some "off the shelf," one-piece unit. Any ideas or opinions?

reybeast

Does anyone have pictures on how to remove the front door panels? I want to do it myself to poke around in there, but I always crack plastics when I pull door panels off. Detailed instructions would be acceptable as well.

wire2

>As far as I know, all automotive glass is coated with something.

Nope, not from the factory anyway. The doors and backlite are tinted right through and tempered, the windshield is a thin layer of plastic, (some with a gradient blue or green bar at the top) sandwiched by 2 layers of clear or tinted glass.
The "plywood" construction allows it to crack on hard impact but stay in place to shield occupants.

lonestarsled

reybeast,

Go to the Muth mirror web site and you will find an installation PDF file which shows the removal of the front door panels. Look under turn signal mirrors for the 300M.

speeds2much

Congrats on your new M! Chrysler really has something going with the 300M, and it's a shame they don't simply evolve and refine it. Chrysler's making a mistake to swap design excellence for big block V-8 power (which few want in this economy and with oil supplies a concern). If having a nostalgic muscle car is important for Chrysler's image, why not drop a V-8 in a facelifted and refined 300M? Offer a 6-speed manual? A few years ago, I was a fan of Infiniti (first-gen Q45 and G20), but then Infiniti decided to go mainstream, and in the process lost it performance and styling edge. About that time, I started liking Chryslers because of the awesome design studio...clearly, Lutz and others had passion for cars. Chrysler still has some great new products imo (Crossfire and Pacifica), but the Hemi in place of the beautiful 300M? How does that fit into the picture? Too bad there's not a clear design alternative to the 300M on the horizon. Of the American manufacturers, GM seems to have the most momentum, but nothing coming out of Cadillac, Olds, Buick seems to inspire me yet. BMW's exterior design under Bangle is a step back from the 300M, too, in my opinion. So, I agree with you, it's worth it to grab a 300M now while you can and then start looking elsewhere when it's time to replace it.

easyrider300m

Instuctions for Door Panel removal--Here ya go.

http://theswampbbs.com/300m/Servicestuff/windowregulatormotor.htm

bigmike5

Thought I saw a new 300C "mule" in traffic yesterday, but it turned out to be a 1985[?] Mercedes-Benz 240D. They look the same to me.lol

greasykid1

Thanks for the input. The main reason I am interested in this size is to get a tire that will better fill the wheel well. Oem size looks somewhat like a roller skate wheel.

What is rim width on 17" wheel?

whybuy1

Cracks are appearing in the dashboard of my wife's 1999 300M. They are on the passenger side and they could be along the edge of the passenger side air bag. They only continue to grow.

Our dealer refuses to fix it, stating it is a "soft part" and therefore not covered under the warranty. The dealer also says their hands are tied and the only person who could reverse their decision is the Chrysler area manager who is "on a long vacation." The dealer goes on to say how the company has suffered under the Daimler-Chrysler merger!

My wife is now disgusted with Chrysler and wants to dump this car and get a Toyota or Lexus.

Has anyone else had this problem?
Did the dealer fix it?

Thanks.

intrepidspirit

I have had the dashboard replaced in 2 300M's. A crack appeared in my 2000 300M dash first and grew over a few weeks. This was a clean crack -- like a precut seam, but it was located left of the air bag seam. My 5* Dodge dealer replaced it under warranty. The service manager told me it cost $1,000 plus as they were down to the firewall in the labor process.

Shortly after, my wife's 2001 developed the same identical crack on her dash. My dealer told me they got some flak for replacing mine and attempted to repair the crack on the 2001. This was unsuccessful and they got the district Chrysler guy to approve the replacement of my wife's as well.

So, precedence has been set (with at least 2 replacements) and a product defect has been documented (identical cracks in 2 different M's).

I believe a few others have posted about this problem as well, but I don't know the resolution.

Hope this helps!

whybuy1

intrepidspirit,
  Thanks for the info. We definitely want to get this fixed before we trade this car in.

intrepidspirit

Let me know if you need further information to support your claim. If you have time, check back through archived posts here -- I know others had the same problem.

silverbullet4

I just ordered two replacement rotors from Tire Rack. They were the High Performance Brembos, and were $67 ea. I have PHG and the standard rotors won't fit, according to Tire Rack. I should get them Monday. My car is shuddering badly today. I am using auto-stick a lot to slow down.

Thanks for the tip on Tire Rack.

Silver

bigmike5

Did you turn the rotors before? It worked wonders when I did mine, it was back to like stopping on rails. My current ones [20K miles] are starting to do the same, so I may have 'em turned in the near future if it gets irritatiing.

silverbullet4

Yes, Sears turned them when I had them put on new pads. Then I brought it back because of continued noise/shudder, and they turned them again. Now it is almost undriveable. I give up on the OEM rotors. Time to try something new, and really make sure the wheels are properly torqued! BTW, I don't abuse my car.

re: Tire Rack. I received an email confirming my order, and another with shipping details. Nice service! Don't know about best price, but I needed rotors right now.

Silver

scotian

It seems the folks in the Intrepidnet forums are keen on swapping their black window/door lock switches with chrome. Having an Agate interior, and a general dislike for chrome, especially needlessly chromed plastic, I bought a set of black switches from one of them.

blowbyu

Does anyone know if the 300M recommended maintenance schedule is posted on the internet somewhere?

My dealer gave me a copy when I purchased the car, but I seem to have lost it when I recently moved.

Thanks

bigmike5

How about the back of the Owner's Manual. If you got one the schedule is located there with two iterations depending on how the car is driven.

clpurnell

edmynds has the schedule I'm sure a host will be by shortly with a link.

jediknight2b

As my 01 300M with 66,000 miles on her, is nearing replacement time. Are you guys still in love with the current versions of the M? I'm honestly thinking of getting a 04 special as a replacement. Just worried about getting the last year of a model, not thrilled with the coming replacement....Wouldn't mind getting a Pacifica but 40k? Come on! The crossfire is nice but, momma and baby make 3 and there are only 2 seats on the crossfire.

speeds2much

Why worried about the last year of the model? Should be the best one made so far, and the replacement is a completely different kind of car. The Pacifica would be a fine choice, and you can do a LOT better than 40K. If you don't mind my saying, you sound a little down on everything. Getting a new car should be fun. ;o)

cebteb

Weekend auto dealer ads in Metro Denver had the Pacifica stationwagons going for $25K and up for 2WD and $29K and up for AWD.

Buy another 300M, same engine, only 2/3s the curb weight.

bigmike5

In L-ville a new 03 is listed at $26K, about $6K under sticker, so you should be able to find some good deals out there.

Kirstie_H

Here's the Maintenance Schedule link:
http://www.edmunds.com/maintenance/MaintenanceServlet?tid=edmunds- - .o.landing.topleft..1.*

kirstie_h
Roving Host & Future Vehicles Host

intrepidspirit

purchased earlier this year. That replaced my 2000 M which was leased. My wife has a 2001 M.

Now for my unbiased opinion...

The 2001 was the best year for the 300M. Small problems for 99 and 00 were rectified and some improvements made for 2001.

The 2003 (and I expect the 2004, since there were no changes) have been decontented from 2001. Examples include no perforated leather seats, 2 adjustment equalizer rather than 3, reduced displays on overhead (current real time mileage eliminated), no courtesy lights on door panels, no head rests in rear except Special (just bumps in seats), no rubber pad on foot rest and no extra tinting on top of windshield. I don't know if I missed anything.

The new radio is kind of neat, though, with messages identifying songs and artists and even sports score updates.

Having said all that, you can get some good buys on the 2004 300M's (fewer on the Special). I have seen new base 03's and 04's going for $23-24K. Best value out there, IMHO!

There have also been some good buys on the Pacifica (base less than $25K). But take a good look at the base Pacifica -- it does NOT come equipped like the base 300M...

lflowers

Over the last 3 months, my 2000 M (70K+ miles) developed a rather annoying amount of free play in the steering. It started 3 months ago with about 1/4" slop and gradually increased to about 1".
Really annoying since one of the greatest things about this car has been the accuracy of the steering.
I took it to the nearest 5* here in San Diego this morning and they found that both the inner and outer tie rod ends are worn out. Replacement cost is a little over $600, including an alignment. Unfortunately, it's not covered by my extended warranty. Not really a big deal if it fixes the problem (at least they didn't try to tell me "they all do that!"
By the way, the dealer has been very nice, even furnished a loaner car when they found obtaining the parts would require keeping my car overnite.
It's the first real problem I've had (other than 1 window motor) in 70K miles, so I have no reason to complain.
Lynn Flowers
McKinney, Texas
currently working in San Diego

illini4

All four tie rod ends worn out at once? Sounds impossible to me. You should have had some very noticeable knocking sounds if only one was bad. I would think you have a bad rack and pinion assembly.

silverbullet4

Lyn, I would ask to see the bad parts when they are through. I better check my extended warranty and see if this is covered on my 2000.

I received my replacement Brembo front rotors from Tire Rack yesterday via UPS, right on time. I am impressed with their service. Now to find a place to install them.

Regards, Bill

bigmike5

Have not heard of that problem in my memory. My 99 is at 61K now and she just had a major maintenance overhaul, and no mention of any wear problems in that area. I had 'em change all the belts, the hoses, the input and output sensors, do the tranny service, checked alignment, oil, lube, filter, plugs, etc., etc., and their 60K miles maintenance special. They found problems with the tranny case [dented on top] and a leak at the radiator drain area. They felt they caused the tranny case problem last time it was serviced and replaced it at their cost. They got my warranty carrier for the new radiator and fluid to the tune of $430, altho I think their guy caused that problem also when he did a fluid change a couple of years ago. I had seen no dripping on my garage floor, so.... Anyway the total for everything to me was a little over a grand. I sleep better at night now. Big surprise was how cheap the serpentine belt was--about $27. I expected it to be about $150.

lflowers

I got my car back today with the new tie rod ends installed. When the mechanic got it disassembled, he found that the rack and pinion was also worn, so they replaced that thru my extended warranty.
The service writer did show me the worn tie rod ends (I guess they were mine!). I also had the tranny fluid changed and replaced the original battery (it's 4 years old now...I don't trust it anymore).
The steering is like new now, feels great. My total bill was a little over $1100, including the $100 deductible on the steering rack.
This is the first time I've spent any repair money on my M, so I think it's been a great, reliable car for the 70K miles I've driven it. I plan to keep it a long time yet. There certainly is nothing available now that I can afford I think I would like as well.

bigmike5

I'll have to have this checked next time I have the tires rotated, or, if I don't have any problems before then, when I change the shocks, which I have planned to do about 75K miles.

illini4

Glad your steering is fixed, but as I noted previously those symptoms point to the rack and pinion. It would be statistically impossible for all four tie rod ends to be bad at the same time - not to mention the rack and pinion too! I'm afraid you paid a lot of money for something you didn't need. If I were you, I'd be demanding a substantial refund.

pster

Been some time since I posted......my 1999 300M is still kicking and, knock on wood, running nicely. So I have delayed replacing it. Still putting 2 cans of refrigerant in A/C system every 2-3 months. Interestingly, the R124a will only go into the system with the can upside down, exactly opposite the instructions....works great when done that way.

Anyone see the Newsweek article on DC this week? Pretty gloomy......Chrysler no longer one of the Big Three, having been displaced by Toyota (next year I think)....scoop is that DC will be spun off once the MB chief retires in 2005. The Shrimp man confirmed what we are all seeing: He wants Chrysler to be more upscale like MB. Price points are on the rise, as witnessed by Pacifica. However, as is also witnessed by Pacifica, so far this strategy is a complete bust. Moving your plate upscale won't happen over night and I see many Chrylser owners scratching their heads wondering why anyone in their right mind would pay $40M for a Chrysler. Upcoming 300C with HEMI will cost a cool $40M. Wow. Chrysler's cash flow is in a race against time. I do hope it survives, but with my repair experience, they'll find monkeys on the moon before I buy another one, let alone for $40M. Maybe it will have a 60M mile bumber-to-bumber warranty?

svevar

Otto,

Now that LH production has ended, do you have any figures for the total number of 300M's built since the `99 MY?

Just curious.

- Mark

scotian

I recently had one tie rod end replaced at 83K.

scotian

http://public.fotki.com/Scotian/300m/interior/wheelskin/

cinquita

Had a 99, loved it!! Couple problems over the years: electric window and window track. Ran out of warranty & maintenance agreement - so decided to go to the 2004 Special. Was disapointed the passenger seat only had 6 way adjustment (the salesman forgot to mention that)Drove off the lot thinking I had a great stero system - Wrong! My sticker said 9 Infinity/360 watt amp - the dealer says it's all there and in working order. Why not the rich sound as in the 99? Have been back & forth between Chrysler Corp. and Dealer (it's ping/pong - I'm the ball) The Dealer says they are not stereo experts and Chrysler Corp. says I have to rectify with the Dealer. So now they've both told me to call Infinity - which I did, they have no clue as to what Chrysler's done in putting the system together. Never knew about Chrysler's lack of interest to customer dis-satisfaction until now. I'm not through yet - just don't know what my next step should be. Stero sound system is so inferior!!!

bigmike5

There was a long thread on stereo issues some time ago, wires reversed and hooked up to the wrong outlet or something like that. Can't recall which model or year though. You might try the Club site under stereo issues if you can't find anything here in archived stuff.

fuzzywuzzy

Can you tell by the Vin # if a 300M has the PHP/PHG package on it?

blowbyu

I have a '99 with the upgraded 11 speaker Infinity system. I have also had problems with the system. I just took it to the 5* on Monday...picked up on Tuesday, and the speakers on the drivers side still sound bad. I am taking it in tomorrow, they plan on replacing all the speakers.

I think the problem is the Amp, but they want to replace the speakers instead. I guess I will have this problem for a while longer.

silverbullet4

Had the new Brembo front rotors from Tire Rack installed today. Shaking is gone now. I will go back to the tire store and have the wheels re-torqued tomorrow. Next month's tasks are to change plugs to +4's and transmission service. This car has got to last me a long time. Wife needs a new van!

Have a great M weekend,

Silver

sirharper

Today one of the factory Goodyears took a dump at almost exactly 33k miles. I once loved Goodyear but I've had it after very poor results with these OEM's. I will be buying a set of tires from a warehouse club store which they will have to order. I know some of you put a costly set of Michelin Pilot Sport A/S on your M's which this place will sell for right at $800 installed ($1100 at the local factory authorized discount dealer). I am perfectly willing to spring for them but I am thinking this might be just a tad bit of overkill for an M. Should I consider the Energy MXV4+ instead and save $200? I had a set on my previous Sebring JXi and they lasted trouble free for 70k + miles. I also understand the Pilot's suck at least a mile a gallon off fuel economy due to their stickyness.

Other than minor peeling on the steering wheel and a rear door lock that froze up in an ice storm my 2000 M has been a model of perfection and last I looked you can't get much better than perfect.

dick4295

I put the MXV4+ XSE(P225/55Hr/17) on my "99 in December. I haven't had any problems and I like them.

wire2

>Can you tell by the Vin # if a 300M has the PHP/PHG package on it?

Yes. The dealer can give you a printout listing all the features of a particular car.

jediknight2b

I went to my favorite 5* today and test drove a beautiful black 04 special. Drove very nice, I like the stiff suspension and those 18" tires but, no infinity sound, the backs of the front seats are too low, the head rests do not tilt, the stiching in the leather is awful, no perforation in the leather? The seat backs hit me right in the shoulder blade, not at all comfortable like my well worn 01 300M. Sure is throaty when you jump on her, the tire monitor is a nice touch but the LED read out looks cheap now with the dot matrix print out, not the nice LCD in mine. So I guess no new 300M for me. But I may end up getting a crossfire afterall, they have a very sweet looking black 6 speed that I can get for under sticker, probably around $500 over invoice, got to feel sorry for those suckers who bought early and paid through the nose over sticker....

Keith

easyrider300m

Discount tire carries the v-rated Yokohama 420s. They are somewhat similar to the T-rated in look of the tread, but I believe the tire compound is different and since they are v-rated they will handle the curves better. They are very quiet and handle well in the wet and adequate in the snow since they are all season tires.

Prices vary among branches of Discount Tire. You might find that they will ship the tires to you so you might shop online and price them at several DT stores.

scotian

Got rid of that cheap chrome look:

http://public.fotki.com/Scotian/300m/interior/power_switches/

bigmike5

Over on the Crossfire forum the big issue is inability to see the gauges in any kind of light, especially the radio readouts. If you think the readouts are mediocre on the 04 M they are probably way better than what is in the X-fire.

pjyoung

I put Yokohama Avid T4's on mine. Mine is non PHP, so high speed rating is not important to me. They are considerably better than the OEM Goodyears, and we're priced very nice at Tire's Plus.