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Comments
Oops, poor choice of words. What I meant was sealed off from the tranny and the atf in it. The diff compartment will have a drain and fill plug.
LHS headlights, although utilizing a projector lens, have standard halogen lamps and are not compatible with Special headlight parts.
Faded or yellowed headlamps can be restored but I don't believe a quick and easy solution exists.
Lexan is used in the lens (shatter resistant) and it will readily sand and then polish. I recommend go to a store that stocks autobody supplies, get 1 sheet each of 3M Wetordry (or similar) in grit 400, 600, 1000, 1500. Also get a small tin of automotive rubbing compound, and polishing compound. Fold and tear the paper in 1/4's and start with the 400. Use the weight of your fingers and palm, don't press down hard with fingertips, and have a hose trickling a bit of water constantly to clear away the residue. Continue with the 400 until the surface is not yellowed and feels very smooth. It will look frosted white at this point, that's normal. Continue with the next grit and so on, each time take a close look for scratches from the previous grit. After the 1500, it will look almost clear, now apply rubbing compound with a soft cloth, wipe dry, then polishing compound. Be prepared to spend 2-3 hours on it for a proper job, it takes time to do it right. A power buffer will save arm and shoulder muscles but don't let it run dry - swirl burns.
...And when I bring the car in for the tranny service I will definitely ask them to change the differntial fluid as well...
Just wondering how I can get that magazine sent to me. Does Chrysler automatically send it to purchasers of their car? Where can I sign up to get it sent to me.
I don't recall if there was an advert for watches, but I have a wife who likes to recycle and my stuff seems to disappear in a hurry.
A few weeks ago, my cc suddenly went into full blast mode. I shut cc off, fan still kept blowing at full strength. Rebooted the car, all has been well since. 59k miles and approaching 5th anniversary. I'm also still loving my '99 M, but am thinking towards the end of '04 or 1st Q '05 it may be time... I am looking forward to a somewhat quieter ride.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
LOL... Hey! BE CAREFUL. Christine is alive and well and still around! ;-)) Someone else had their car IN the garage and was out of the car when his lights started flashing on and off. I'm telling you, Stephen King was right! ;-))
fastdriver
My moles have reported that the factory is going great guns to try to catch up to the orders for the new 300. Twice as many orders per day are being received than they can make cars on a good day. My dealer now has 4-5 on the lot, but as far as I know none have sold. The 300C I test drove was still there. I thought it was sold when my buddy said he called and they said it was "not available" for a test drive. Turns out that was because it was on a test drive. What a dealer marketing team. Anyway, he later got a test ride and liked it except for the stodgy brougham styling, and he should have liked the "stodgy" styling as he is in his early 70's. [Which is the decade where the exterior MB design came from too.]lol
Oh, well. Guess I'll keep the Platinum Bullet a little longer. To be fair, this is the first real bit of $ I've put into her. Post warranty, just a couple of tires (need a couple more, soon), regular oil changes and wiper blades. That's about it! Shoulda bought one of them maintenance free 300Ms like fastdriver did...! ;-)
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
Be thankful! At least your 300 waited until 59,300 to act up. Mine started at 10 MILES! The SECRET is to get rid of the car BEFORE the warranty expires. That way you have no repair costs. ;-))
Hope all is well. I have to be good here because I'm on THIN ice around here, if you know what I mean. Lately, more messages get deleted than posted! ;-)))))))))))))))))))))))))
fastdriver
A few weeks ago, a local dealer was advertising 3 2004 300M Specials @ $10,000 each off MRSP. I also saw a couple of ads for 2004 300M's @ around $21,500.
I haven't seen much lately, so there may not be many more around. If there are in your area, you should be able to get a good deal.
The problems in getting the 300C (ordering in Jan/04 -- still no delivery, no moon roof orders, etc.) and the problems in getting the car to run straight (the dealers are even using the old "crown in the road" excuse!) make me glad I opted for a good buy on a new '03 M last year rather than waiting for the C. I always liked the style of the M much better than the C anyway.
Still, the hemi has perked my interest. I just hope DC finds something a little sleeker to put the hemi in in the the near future...
The 300 is a whole different car from the M and by that virtue, it doesn't diminish the M in any way. In fact, my girlfriend and I went to the big premiere, and she said, given the choice, she'd choose my Special over the C based on the looks. The C is a much quieter ride, to be sure. But that's nothing that can't be solved with some quieter tires. (My quest for the right tires is continuing, BTW.) The newness will wear off soon enough and the 300 will begin to show little niggles like every other car on the market. My girlfriends Accord EX V6 started out super quiet and tight as a drum, too. But now it's starting to "loosen up." I drove the C and concluded that it is in no way "head and shoulders above" the M. There are those that say so, but I think they are the type that just love something new and can't see past the newness. New doesn't always mean better. Featurewise, it's not really better than the M. Yeah, it has dual zone CC, power pedals, power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, and a V8, but at least you could get a sunroof and Tire Pressure Monitoring system in the M!! ;-) haha As far as other features, the M has the same stuff (except our Nav system won't play MP3, AFAIK).
Anyway, the "other" club isn't exactly a hotbed for new threads, either. It saddens the heart how quickly these guys ditched the M forum. If you miss a few days on the 300 forum, you have pages and pages of stuff to catch up on. If you miss a few days here, you might have 5 posts to read. :-( tsk,tsk,tsk
Something else shocking is how dead the Cadillac CTS-V forum is. <scratching head>
LOL...Technologically challenged?? You can do it! If there is anything that I can post for you or scan for you, just let me know. My e-mail is probably one of about <FIVE> that's not set to PRIVATE! I wanted Sylvia or jonv to post a notice at the top of the TH pages to remind everyone to check their e-mail settings and put them back on PUBLIC. They all went to PRIVATE after the last update- some 'glitch"- but Sylvia says there's some "other bug" now that is preventing people from changing it?????????
Anyway, you know where I am.
intrepidspirit-
I'm having a good laugh over the "car going right" issue and the crown in the road!! In 99, it was car going left!! Like I've said many times before, Chrysler is a slow learner.
fastdriver
BTW, I have a booklet with a variety of article about the 300, most of which were written by Road & Track. I think Chrysler sent it to me. In it they have pictures of the bodies that Chrysler considered before deciding on the final choice. I almost died; there is a beautiful curvy 4 door that will knock you socks off--even more beautiful than the convertible concept (300N?) that Chrysler produced a while back. Had they built that car, I wouldn't have been able to help myself from buying it, as was the case w/the M. The C just doesn't float my boat at all, but I'm glad that there is a big population that is evidently excited by it; Chrysler could use some success these days.
Good luck
By the way, my M will turn 89K next week, still running great, still love it!
Lynn Flowers
McKinney, Texas
I was actually quite surprised at the fit and finish of the Prius. And it really is just as roomy as the M. I'm 6'4", and the legroom was perfect for me, although truth be told, I don't have my M's seats all the way back but did in the Prius. But in the back seat, with the drivers seat fully back, My knees had over an inch before they would touch the back of the front seat. The only problem with the back seat is that the hatchback intrudes on headroom for a tall person.
One of the other reasons I am considering trading the M is because it's starting to need some rather expensive repairs. I already had the tranny replaced (twice) at a cost of $1,800 (second tranny was covered under warranty), the evaporator core needs replaced...a $1,200 job, and lately the compresser makes a "grinding/squealing" sound when it engages at speed. If the compressor goes, there's another thousand dollars. The car has been fun, but I am a little disappointed that it needs so many $$$ put into it after only 5 years.
Good luck. I've been toying with the same idea when my current lease is up in September. I like the 2005 new model Corolla. Time will tell.
fastdriver
We had the car towed in to the dealer and replaced the oil pan, but the engine wouldn't start. We contacted our insurance and they treated it like an accident, even though only the road was involved. The adjuster declared the car totalled because the extent of the damage (beyond the lower block ($7,900 installed) could not be determined.
My wife wanted another 300M, but there were no clearance deals on the 04's, probably because the dealers can't get an inventory of the new 300's to work with.
I had actually begun checking out the 300C and found the car to look about 100 times better in person than in pictures. She didn't want a C but I figured if I got a C, she could use my M off and on as we rotate 3 cars. However, I was reluctant at this point to pursue a C as they are not taking orders, any available are going above MSRP and they are having some problems with the engine and right-pulling of the car.
Anyway, last Saturday morning I saw an ad for a 2003 demo 300M and it turned out to be perfect! $10,000 off MRSP, fully loaded, including the PHG option (no nav system or satellite radio). Deep sapphire blue (almost looks black) sure looks great with the chrome wheels!
While we were at the dealers, a guy came in looking for a C and when he found out how long the waiting list was, he left with a 2004 Black 300M Special...
I have to admit, the new 300 does look much better in person than in the pix. I'm hoping that the upcoming Charger will be more sporty, but in the meantime I plan to keep my M a good while. At over 5 years & 87K still tight as a drum and reliable since the initial bugs (window motors, tranny sensor, a/c, module for electric seat) have been remedied. My biggest complaint now, and not a major one, is the noise level, and I'm getting the urge for something a little smaller and lighter and nimble, although the M is extremely nimble for its size.
Since the car is over 5 years old, I guess I should do some preventive maintenance. I'm thinking of replacing the battery, starter, generator, and possibly wheel-hub bearings. Or maybe I'll wait a few more years just to experiment how long they can last. Well, the battery definitely I guess. Will have my local garage put the parts in--much cheaper, at least my guy is, than 5*. Will buy Chrysler or Bosch parts as after market parts from Pep Boy, etc., don't measure up at all in my experience. Anyone do any preventive maintenance of this type yet?
Glad that your wife is okay. Sorry about the M. I thought you were an "intrepidspirit" when you bought #2 300M. NOW I'm convinced! ;-))
Good luck. Drive it in good health and watch out for those potholes!
fastdriver
Yes, my wife was charged with an accident by the insurance company, but we did get an excellent settlement. They gave us the "average local value of 2001 300M's" currently for sale plus the sales tax, remaining annual registration value and transfer fee. Before the $500 deductible, this was $18,892. They even let me recoup the new tires I purchased in April (I replaced them with 3 bald tires donated to me plus one Goodyear with about 9,000 miles on it). I also took the full size spare and wheel as this was not required for salvage.
bigmike5 -- We now have 2 2003 300M's!
fastdriver -- this is our 4th 300M! Obviously, our experience has been different than yours...LOL!
About the potholes -- this was actually a drainage dip in the road. I was tempted to go to the scene of the accident and see if the city could be held responsible for the unsafe road. However, before I had a chance to do so, my wife told me that when she told her friend that she was visiting about the accident, her friend said "Oh, you musn't have seen the stop sign just before the dip. It's kind of hidden by the bushes and you can't see it until you reach the intersection." So she went through a stop sign at 40 mph and bottomed out on a dip that should probably be crossed at 5-10 mph. I didn't pursue it further...
But I agree with you, the sign was probably at least partially obscured from a distance. If the insurance company had not settled the claim, I would indeed be fighting city hall!
June is a big month for my M: It will turn 60,000 miles tonight, fifth birthday on 6/8 and 5 year anniversary 6/30. Just spent a few $$$ at my ?* dealer for brakework and tranny fluid flush. Other than that no out-of-warranty issues (knock plood!).
Like bluesky, I still enjoy my M and plan to keep it a bit longer. I too look forward to a quieter and smaller car for my next ride, however. The 300C has grown on me, but it (almost certainly) will not be my next ride. If they cut the grille in half, I think that would improve the looks immensely. At this point Acura TL, Infiniti FX and future M45, MB E320 are on my list. Now about that pesky money to buy a new car thing...
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
"...this is our 4th 300M!"
:-))) I was thinking about that this morning. I thought you were on your 4th one! GOLD MEDAL for you! DC should give you at least some FREE oil changes for your loyalty! ;-))
laurasdada-
WOW! Five years already? All you lucky people. As far as the "pesky money", you know how to solve that problem! ;-))
My lease is up in Sept. Not sure what's going to replace my current ride. It's going to be a car that can run on REGULAR gas! I'm not playing the oil company games!
fastdriver
How about a new 300 (C)???!!!
"How about a new 300(C)???!!!"
VERY funny! I was thinking more Toyota Corolla because you have to wait too long for a Prius Hybrid! I just bought a fully loaded Chevy AVEO LS to replace my 94 Corolla. I really like this car. It's no 300(thank God!) ;-)) or Acura, but it's great for what it is. Very quiet and quite zippy. So far, it goes straight and nothing has leaked or fallen off yet! I'm off to a good start! ;-))
I was going to tell you what taylOrd did- the city/state is responsible for keeping all road signs unencumbered from branches and other things that block road signs. I'm sure your wife would have stopped had she seen the sign!
I hope the new 300 treats you well. I know you'll treat it well. How does it compare to the other 3?
fastdriver