Chrysler 300M

indydriver

As you may recall, I posted a while back about an intermittent starting problem. The dash would always power up but nothing under the hood. Usually, a second or third try would result in the engine starting. I had the OEM battery replaced as a precaution. On 12/29, I drove it straight through from Indy to Naples, 1150 miles. Great drive, M performed flawlessly, absolutely mashed the 6% grades through the mountains in TN. Made it in 17 hrs, avg. about 68 mph including stops. It drove great. Sat one night in mild Naples temps, and wouldn't start in the cool morning. After warming up by noon, finally got it started and took it to a local shop recommended by my buddy in Naples. Turned out to be bad contacts in the starter. Dropped in a new one and its good as new. Ran like a champ all the way home. Now has 121,000 miles and running beautifully. Just wanted all to know you have a lot of miles left in your M's.

bluesky999

Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, or whatever your cup of tea is I hope everyone enjoyed it. Indy, glad the starter did the trick in resolving your problem. They sometimes go in intermittent fashion as you described; at least I've had that happen a number of times in the past with my previous GM vehicles. Also, kudos for hitting 121K in your M and still going strong and enjoying it. I agree these cars have a lot of miles in them and I intend to contribut to this board for a lot of years to come on my '99 Candy Apple Red. Maybe we can see who is the "last one standing", or rather the "last one driving".

A 300M taxi sounds good to me. Would be a welcome upgrade from the standard NYC fare for me!

Update on tires and self changing oil: Bought 4 Yokohama Avid T4s in OEM 17" size. They don't handle as well as the Michelin Pilot Sports I replaced, although I think they are slightly more quiet. Seem to be a decent all around tire at a good price, although the jury is out until I see how they last and try them in the snow...

Used the Rhino ramps for the 1st time to do a simple oil change. Had no problem running the car right up the ramps by myself without spotting by another person. Plenty of clearance to do the oil change quickly. As Ruski had pointed out, the oil plug is in the rear of the pan, pointing toward right side, so you get full drainage even though the car is up on ramps. I saved time and money over going to local garage, and I know I didn't strip any threads which garages sometimes do...

Happy New Year--may we all have a lot of safe and happy miles in our excellent "M"achinery in the current year and beyond!

bluesky999

Gotta love the new C6 if you're into technical design! Although I believe it's obscene to spend 45K on a car, but if I would do it for any car that would be the one! 400 HP, 0-60 in under 5 seconds, looks to kill, American designed and manufactured, I can't stand it!

Please pardon my off-topic post. My desire for a C6 is a disease that temporarily takes over my mind and body and makes me do things like that...

fastdriver

intrepidspirit-

LOL.... Several years ago, when the 300M was fairly new, I saw a 300M TAXI in Las Vegas! I also saw some LHS limos. IF I can find where on the net I have those pictures, I'll post the link for the LHS limo. Didn't have the camera out for the 300M taxi. If I'm not mistaken, it was PURPLE and WHITE! ;-))

fastdriver

PS LA car show begins today?

intrepidspirit

I believe the show does start today. There was a special section on the show in the LA Times yesterday, but it was pretty lame. For example, they had a short narrative on the 300C as a new car for 2004, but the specs were for the concept (20" wheels, etc.). I don't know about the accuracy of the other vehicles.

I have never gone to the LA show. $10 for parking ($7 for remote and shuttle) plus the traffic has been unappealing. I usually do go to the Ontario show (in March, I think) which is much more convenient for me, although it isn't nearly as big...

However, in the past I have seen the 300 Hemi convertible concept and the Chronos concept at the Ontario show, so it has been worthwhile!

fastdriver

intrepidspirit-

I would have loved to have SEEN the HEMI convertible in person. I think DC made a BIG mistake not building that car. I wonder where those models end up? Dieter's garage? :-))

You had me confused for a minute talking about the Canadian car show. I thought you were in CA. I checked your bio and cleared everything up.

Happy New Year.

fastdriver

intrepidspirit

No! I wasn't talking about Canada!

I was talking about the Ontario, CA show. Ontario is about 15 miles south-east from where I live in San Dimas. San Dimas is about 25 miles south-east of Pasadena.

It was a real thrill to see the Hemi convertible in person, but I was even more impressed by the Chronos. That was by far the most beautiful car to ever come out of Chrysler...Jay Leno offered them $1,000,000 on the spot for the Chronos at the LA show, but they turned it down. I wonder, too where these cars end up...
 
Happy New Year to you as well!

fastdriver

  intrepidspirit-

LOL..... OH!!!!!! I get it now!!! :-))). I'm a little slow today! Didn't know there was an Ontario, CA!

Besides Leno. I think that Richard Carpenter, the other half of Karen Carpenter, has a large 300M collection too. He lived right around the corner from me in CT when he was in grade school. However, he went to public school. I went to Catholic School, so I didn't know him, but friends/relatives of mine did.

He is still friends with the people who bought their old house.

fastdriver

intrepidspirit

I thought the Carpenters grew up in Downey, CA. Maybe they moved there from CT when they were still young...

Interesting that Richard would have a 300M collection -- there aren't too many variations of the 300M! In fact, I believe the only variation is the Special...maybe he just has different color M's...but he does have good taste!

svevar

As promised, Chrysler released info on the 300 Series as well as the Dodge Magnum at a 1:30PM press conference at the Detroit Auto Show.

Here's the some pricing/info for each model:

1. Chrysler 300
    - $23,595
    - 190HP, 190ft-lbs 2.7L V6 w/ 4 Speed Automatic
    - 0-60MPH in 10.7 seconds
2. Chrysler 300 Touring
    - $27,395
    - 250HP, 250 ft-lbs 3.5L V6 w/ 4 Speed Automatic
    - 0-60MPH in 8.5 seconds
3. Chrysler 300 Limited
    - $29,890
    - Same powertrain as Touring model
4. Chrysler 300C
    - $32,995
    - 340HP, 390ft-lbs 5.7L V8 w/ Multi Displacement System
    - 5 Speed Automatic w/ AutoStick
    - 0-60MPH in 6.3 seconds

All models include 17" aluminum wheels (18" on 300C), RWD w/ available AWD, short- and long-arm front suspension, five-bar multi-link rear suspension, rack and pinion steering, tilt-telescoping steering wheel, 8-way power driver's seat, and analog clock.

For full details, click here.

For more details on the Hemi engine with Multi Displacement System, click here.

bigmike5

Fast-- Your show is a clone of the L-ville show. I went last year and it was just dealer crap and a few, very few other things. A Pacifica was the only new DC item, they didn't even have a Crossfire. Swore never to go again.

You are right on the 300 Hemi C. Big mistake in not building it. I sent DC an e-mail when I first saw it and said: Where can I send a $40K check? Just let me know an I'll place my order. Needless to say they failed on that point. I would do the same on the Chronos. I see the new Kia looks like the 300C in the front end. Love to see that. Ugh.

Bluesky--I see you're in Alabama, but when you get charged up on the Vettes, check the Kerbeck site on the net. Kills me to see 20% off the sticker already on the 04's, and me not having one!!! I was hoping for an autostick and low and behold they are putting it in the C6. May wait it out, but the 04's are still tempting ... but I love my M so much it would be a hard decision to dump the wife so I could keep both without any nagging...lol.

charlesf1

This is going to be an interesting year with the 300M, Concord and Intrepid going away.

fastdriver

intrepidspirit-

Mmmmm..... let me start over..... Happy New Year! :-))

The Carpenters left CT when Richard was like 17 or so. He went to grade school at Nathan Hale Grammar School. That's when they moved to Downey, CA. Is that near Ontario? ;-)) I think it's all here. http://www.hotshotdigital.com/WellAlwaysRemember.2/KarenCarpenter- - Bio.html

As for Richard Carpenter's car collection, I didn't mean 300M. I meant OLDER Chrysler 300's like my first car when I was 16- a 1963 Chrysler 300 convertible- not a letter car, but 360HP, 4-barrel carb, duals and an exhaust roar that would deafen you at a steady 40 MPH! Much louder than the tire roar on Christine! ;-))

fastdriver

indydriver

its on the cover of the Feb. C&D.

indydriver

My trip to FL was my first extended driving experience on these new tires. 2400 miles in six days. Mostly dry interstate with about one hour in light rain. No issues with noise or ride during extended stints at up to 90 mph. Paid $120 ea. at Costco including lifetime rotation and balance. 85,000 mile warranty. Worth looking into by those wanting a long lasting, highly rated wet tire.

bluesky999

BigMike,

Yes, a 20% discount is pretty tempting, but so is the C6. I'm having the same thoughts as you regarding my 'M, but I'm going to take the practical route and hold onto the 'M, as I can't justify the cost of the 'vette. BTW, your logic is perfect that if you get drop the wife you can have both without the nagging (lol). Just don't let her see your post! BTW, I'm actually in NJ, not Bear Country.

bigmike5

Heck, you are fairly close to Atlantic City too, where Kerbeck is. I saw the AL on your Edmunds profile page and assumed that you were in Alabama.

intrepidspirit

I think we finally made it to the same page! LOL! It now makes sense -- a 300 collection rather than a 300M collection...

I'm not sure how far Downey is from Ontario -- I would guess at 40 miles or so. It's closer to the congested LA area.

You must have loved your '63 300! Maybe they should have kept the 300 engines noisy so we wouldn't notice the tire/road noise in the M...

intrepidspirit

Comments on the new 300...

I think the new 300's are well-priced. However, I am glad I bought another M rather than wait for the new 300's.

The 300M has exclusivity -- the flagship Chrysler. When you see a 300M, you know it's a 300M or 300M Special.

What they have done with the new 300's is roll up the Concorde, Intrepid (at least for now) and the 300M into one model. They will all look the same except for chrome and badging. I'm not saying the 300C will not be a great car, but there is little differentiation in appearance from the 2.7 L 300.

I know I wouldn't want to buy a car at $30K plus when a cheaper version will probably be sold as loss leaders @ $17-18K. This is probably a good move for DC volume-wise, but it has "fleet car" written all over it...

fuzzywuzzy

In FL, we have a system called Sunpass. It's the same thing. I had the transponder mouted behind the tint strip on the windshield with no problems on teh 300M. Try to mount it there & see if it works. The instructions say on mine not to mount it the way I did, but it works. Now I have the Acura, & have the same transponder mounted the same way. Again no problems.

fuzzywuzzy

"I know I wouldn't want to buy a car at $30K plus when a cheaper version will probably be sold as loss leaders @ $17-18K. This is probably a good move for DC volume-wise, but it has "fleet car" written all over it... "

Also resale will be garbage. Since it has the lower models that have most of the same features except the engine.

intrepidspirit

You're absolutely right -- and this is one of the reasons I wouldn't want to buy the 300C! This is what they did to the Intrepid and resale values plummeted as a result.

I would like to think I could warm up to the 300C -- truck grille and all -- but I can't get past the lack of differentiation between the high level full size sedan and the economy model!

tom_

At www.chrysler.com you are now able to configure & price the new 300 as you like it. A completely loaded 300C looks about $38000.

alcatrazt2

Anyone know which company manufactures the stock regular 300M chrome wheels (non-special)? Thanks. Also, where can I find out which company makes headers, etc. detailed part specification? Thanks.

fuzzywuzzy

Not sure on the maker of the wheels. However headers are not made for this car. There are ones that fit the 3.5L but are for the Prowler, not the 300M. These would not fit the 300M's engine bay.

intrepidspirit

A couple of years ago I read in this forum that the wheels were chromed by Kuntz Electroplating in Kitchener, Ontario (about 60 miles south-west of Brampton). However, I don't know if they made the wheels.

Also, the chrome has changed over the past couple of years to a "chrome-clad aluminum wheel".

You may want to contact Kuntz Electroplating to start...

fastdriver

I don't understand this recall because on my Christine, I could shift from P to any gear WITHOUT the key in the ignition. I noticed that early on. I was shocked because I THOUGHT that those "safety" shift interlocks were standard equipment YEARS ago.

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/040113/chrysler_recall_1.html

fastdriver

greasykid1

The initials of the mfg. are stamped on the wheels.

pjyoung

Well, I've just scheduled a tow truck to pick up my 99 M with just under 60K miles on it and take it to the dealer. It's the problem I've been leery of rearing it's ugly head - the transmission. Not talking about the speed sensor...this morning on the way to work the thing began jerking when slowing to a stop, then jerking when starting out. Don't know the prognosis yet, but this is most certainly a major disappoinment.

laurasdada

The tranny is one of my concerns,too, as my '99 is nearing 55,500 miles. I've already replaced one sensor, but major tranny work is my biggest fear as I head towards 60k. I hope it's nothing too expensive with your M, maybe it's the cold weather (-9F this morning south of Boston).

Let us know of the diagnosis. Again, I hope it's minor. Good luck...

pjyoung

If it's minor - it's got some MAJOR symptoms. While it didn't strand me on the way to work (it started "acting up" about a mile from the office, when the tow truck showed up at my office, I was barely able to get it out of the parking spot. It would jerk...then not move at all..then jerk again. Still waiting to hear from the dealer, but I'll post what it was and all the other gory details.

bluesky999

PY, hope it isn't too bad. But LD, I don't think you need to worry about it at 60K. Although the transmission sensors do fail on a lot of cars, I think the percentage of actual tranny failures is quite low. I've got 81K and the transmission feels just like it did new. I also know someone with an old Intrepid with about 170K miles and he's on the original tranny...

Yokohama Avid T4 update: I was disappointed in the handling of the T4s and sorry I got them, but this snow storm in the East has given me a new respect for them. They have very good traction in the snow and ice; I've been driving the car all over the place on our ice and snow encumbered roads. Maybe I'll keep them as winter tires and get a pair of Falcons for the warmer weather.

indydriver

Has anyone removed the overhead console cover? Both courtesy lamps are burned out. I tried getting to them by removing the single screw towards the windshield but it wasn't enough to remove it. Feels like its still attached at the other end somehow.

PJ-sorry to hear about your tranny. You have been a big supporter of your M over the years. Did you get a "check engine" light? This light went on when my torque converter went circa 100K. Oh, and sorry about your Chiefs! LD's boys are next!

mileshoover

That one screw is all that holds it on other than a clip at the other end.

Just pull it off at the screw end. For return, slide the rear under the clip and match up the screw hole; replace the screw.

Since yours apparently hasn't been off yet, it's just stuck.

indydriver

I'll try it again.

greasykid1

Am thinking about selling my chrome 17" wheels & MXV4 tires on E Bay. Any suggestions on what price I should ask?

alcatrazt2

Hello: I have the 2002 300M with the 240 watt. amp. I just wanted to know, is it possible to adjust it somehow? My 300m has horrible bass, I can't even listen to loud music, and I am pretty sure the speakers are capable of handling average loud bass. Thanks.

pster

I've been silent for awhile...still have my 300M with 66M miles...running well after ALL the repairs. Expect A/C to run warm once again after the winter weather abates. Read a few posts back that Ottowrkr was let go because of his online discussions? Hope that isn't true. Buzz site shut down, Ottowrkr gone...sounds like DC is working overtime to control its image. Too bad. If they are in fact doing this, they just made it worse. With so many vehicle choices out there, still haven't decided what to replace the 300M with - have looled at G35's, TL's, MB E320's, etc. etc.

jboehm

Picked up an '04 300M with the Performance Package and the luxury group. Been VERY impressed with the vehicle so far. Fit and finish is excellent, no rattles, nada. Kinda disappointed in the stereo but love the features. Traded in a new truck that had too many problems and had a '97 Chrysler Concorde before the truck. The Concorde had over 110k miles on it with very little that went wrong with it. I think that the most expensive repair was a selanoid (sp) that had to be replaced at 50k miles but had no issues after that. The engine in the 300M sounds an aweful lot like my Concorde and I hope that that means that my M will last 150k miles or more. Took the car on a short vacation from Omaha to Kansas City, got over 24 MPG even with less than 1k miles on the car. Look forward to reading all the posts...

laurasdada

The best offense is a great defense! Good game, I never thought it was over 'till it was over! The Pats can do that to you... Hope you'll enjoy their Super Bowl victory. It still won't take away the pain of the Red Sox. But it will help!

Pster: So, what are your thoughts on the cars you mentioned to replace your M? My list (whenever I can afford to replace my M) is quite similar to yours, I might include the BMW 3, Saab 9-3 and Infiniti FX. MB E is a bit of a different league than G35 & TL, but (haven't driven any of them yet)I do like the style both inside and out of the MB. The price, however, does lead one to pause.

See y'all in Houston (vicariously, that is)!

pjyoung

Talked to the dealer today - he said they don't think it's a tranny problem...they saw it's problem when it came off the tow truck, but the tranny guy didn't get in until later that afternoon, and when he got there, it worked fine. Then, Saturday morning they tried it and it acted up again. Later Saturday, it ran fine. They said there is a solenoid by the transmission that they are going to replace and the service manager asked if he could keep it all day tomorrow and take it home to make sure it was working both on the trip home and on the way back to work Wednesday before giving it back to me. I've got my fingers crossed that it's "only" a solenoid. But at least it did duplicate the problem for the dealer. MOre details later.

bigmike5

PJ --hope it is another solenoid or sending unit problem and nothing more. I am at 65K now and had my second tranny service and differential service about 3K miles ago. I chnaged both the input and output sensors when I had the service done. Just preventive maintenance, and of course, I still keep a set in my glove box along with directions for the AAA guy to use if ever needed. I am virtually using the autostick all the time, except for long time highway driving, and so far no problem. For those new to the autostick, I find the tranny shifts most smoothly if you don't let off the gas as you shift [as you would if you were shifting a manual with clutch]. If you let off the gas 3rd particularly gets clunky, but if you keep the gas on, it is a smooth shift. Downshifting however does not require the same approach.

Pster--Ottowrkr and Jose [YBNormal] on the Intrepid board were supposed to get canned, over some photos of the new DC Hemi that showed up over there, but DC finally saw the light that they did not take the pics--they had already been put on the net by someone else] and recalled em, so they should be back at work now. Two finer advocates for DC products cannot be found. Thank goodness they were recalled. Should be producing 300C's [yuck!] by this time.

Blew the bass on my lower door speaker two weeks ago and replaced it and the other side door speaker as preventive maintenance last week. My extended warranty paid for the bad one and I paid for a new one and kept the one that was still ok as a spare. Speakers were $70.85 each. I am contemplating adding some more bass via a local stereo guy but am unsure where it would go and the impact on the electrical system if I do. Need to discuss this with the store shortly.

pjyoung

When they went to replace the solenoid, they had to drop the pan...bearings all over the place. So I'm looking at a new tranny. I can't fault the dealer - but it looks like a pricey fix. They said they could either overhaul it, or replace it with a rebuilt tranny. The difference is about $400 but the rebuilt has a 36 month 36,000 warranty on it...the overhaul would only have 12 month, 12,000 mile. Next step is to take it up with Chrysler for some sort of assistance. I'm not holding my breath, but you never know until you try.

Again, I'm rather disappointed as the car has been driven "normally" for all of it's life. Yeah, sometime it was fun to put it thru it's paces every once in a while, but those times were few. I'm not one who gets his rocks off on drag racing from stoplights, so 0-60 "tests" weren't part of it's use. It's a real shame when a transmission from 20 years ago could outlast the car, but a "technologically advanced" tranny can't even make it to 60,000 miles. Disappointed is an understatement.

fuzzywuzzy

Just your bad luck. The 300M tranny is very strong. I'm sure your experience does not mean the 300M's tranny's are junk. Maybe something happend to yours that caused it. Maybe the dealer broke it? Don't know, but it does stink. I'm sorry to hear it. Now for your problem, I'd go for the replaement rather then the rebuild. You could also find a used one I'm sure, & have a local shop install it. I'm sure the dealer is charging you way too much.

bigmike5

PJ-- Sorry to hear the result. I agree with Fuzzy, I think you had an unlucky result. In all honesty, and given my declining memory as I age, I can't recall any other complete tranny failures being mentioned here. Many of the sending units but not the physical unit. One dealer service rep that used to post on the other site regularly said that the more recent DC trannys that came in the Intrepid and 300Ms were wearing like iron, and he had seen no problems [like the one you relate] at all in a number of years. No consolation I know, but too bad it was yours instead of some fleet car.

ruski

hey, you tranny lasted how many miles?

the tranny in my Acura TL-S only lasted 6,100 miles. I win. I mean, I lose. I mean, whatever.

pjyoung

Tranny lasted 59K. But you "win" in that yours went out under warranty. Mine didn't. Although, I did call AAmco and ask them what they would charge to replace a 300M transmission, and it was $800 less than the dealership, so I called the dealership and they matched Aamco's price. Still expensive, but better than before. Still trying to figure out what could have gone wrong, since I've been following this board for 4 years, and to the best of my recollection, I am the first with a tranny (not speed sensor) failure. A dubious distinction.

bigmike5

Had my door opener quit this a.m. Weird. Worked OK at 10 p.m. last night, and nothing this a.m. Well, it lasted 5.5 years on the original batteries, so I can't complain. Took 2 new 3v.batteries at $1.90 each. Works like a charm again. Maybe one of the buttons got stuck in the down position and drained em. I've only used this one opener, the spare has set for 5.5 years. Probably need to check that one to see if the batteries are still ok.

laurasdada

Same with mine, it quit after a little over 4.5 years. Just stopped working after working earlier that day. I swithced to my 2nd key fob, working ok.

PJ: Sorry about the tranny, but at least you "saved" $800 by dropping that dime to AAMCO.

alcatrazt2

Sorry about the Tranny problem man...Sad trip, I think it's the most painfull part to replace on a car, and it's so expensive. Mind if I ask how much the dealer wanted originally when you had asked? In the beginning, I thought the Tranny on my 2002 Pro-AM M was bad...the car tends to start rolling back when I am going up a hill and I come up to a stop...once I release the brake and go for the gas, it immediately starts rolling back, thought that might be a problem, but I got used to it. Anways, 9,000 miles on it, no racing, no dragging, I doubt anything is wrong with it...what you guys think?