>wire2 indicated itwas a "sealed compartment"... to me that means the fluid can't be changed...
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.
Thanks for the detailed outline of the process! Definitely worth a try...I definitely have nothing to lose...If I screw it up, I'll just have to shell out the $$ for a pair of headlight assemblies, which I was prepared to do anyway!
...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.
The magazine here in Canada is called Strada and I got mine about 3 weeks ago and had some great articles on the new cars as well as some concepts. Some pretty weird ones like the Treo.
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.
As I approached work this a.m. my climate control decided it wanted to go on automatic pilot, and it kicked on with no prompting even though it was in the manual mode. A quick turn of the control dial did nothing to deter it, so I shut it off. When I restarted it, it kick-on again, but a couple more tries and it stopped and reverted to manual control. I figure a gremlin or piece of dust may be triggering the self-activated mode, or maybe my baby has heard I am looking for a new plaything? lol. Christine??!! This happened one other time about a year and a half ago. Hopefully, it will not re-occur. 68K miles and approaching 6th year anniversary, and still loving her, honest honey.
Hello, bigmike: 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! ;-))
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
Okay, like we all know, the 300M is the best car ever made (SLIGHT sarcasm) and now, I guess, it attracts a lot of eyes, jealous eyes (without-sarcasm). Recently my car was KEYED, once again, on the drivers door, with a very nice and sharp key. The scratch was made in a circular direction,nail length size. It wasn't that bad, but I tried to remove it. I went and bought the 300M touch up paint, BUT, after applying it, it made the color even worse. The scratch was visible more with the touch up paint = not a good idea. Plus, after I didn't like it, I smeared the paint off with my hand and it came off so easy as if it was Elmers glue comming off someones hands. Anyways, not a good idea to use the touch up, because like some people advised, it sucks and it WILL make it worse.
Brought my '99, 59,300 miled M in for tranny service/brake inspection/belt inspection and hopefully a free wash. As I suspected, they tell me the brakes time has come, with a recommendation to change belts. This has turned out to be a very expensive Friday.
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! ;-)))))))))))))))))))))))))
depends where you are. There apparently is a dealer incentive now (according to carsdirect.com) which brings their base price down to $24,118 ($29,865 MRSP) in my zip code.
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.
It almost seems "unfashionable" to post here anymore with all the hoopla about the 300C. But the more I see in the 300C thread, the more I appreciate my 300M!
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...
You're right, intrepidspirit. It seems that now that the new 300 is out, the M owners are somehow ashamed to even talk about their cars anymore. There are quite a few who have even abandoned ship and went to the other side. And for what? A V8 and RWD? Why didn't they go for a BMW 540, Mercedes E500, or Lincoln LS V8 before?
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>
For some reason my computer today didn't block me from posting on the club site. [I was over there just checking to see if the 300M'ers were still interested in another trip to the Woodward Dream Cruise in Detroit and the Brampton plant tour to watch the assembly of the cars.] It was like being in a candy store alone. Man, I caught up on a lot of threads I haven't been able to view for 6 months. The bad news is that Dieter [bless his Teutonic heart] shot down the plant tour again this year, [Vee are too buzy...]and the Club probably won't do an "official" event at the Cruise. I still have hotel connections up there from last year and might be able to get a good rate like last year [$89 per night 2 room suite], and some left-over handouts, so I might be talked in to doing an "unofficial" or "informal" event, and see if some mid-west M'ers will show up for the greatest car event in the world. Sixteen miles of gorgeous cars to ogle!!!Are there any M'ers out there who would be interested in an informal event? It is always the 3rd Saturday in August at Woodward Ave. [Cruise in on Friday, Cruise Woodward on Saturday, carouse Saturday night, Car show Sunday Morning, and depart for home by mid-day.] Edmunds supported the event last year with T-shirts, and I still have a few left to hand out to attendees if it's a go. Maybe they would send Pat or Silvia this year??!! Let me know via posts here if there is interest. If there is interest, I can check on room rates, and put out hotel information, and have Fastdriver, or someone who is not technically challenged like me, post Cruise maps, etc. After all, the M is now officially a "classic" since it is out of production, so cruising it at Woodward would be politically correct. My M was a classic the day it left the production line. Many thanks to Otto, Cosmo, Mario, Ray, Jose, and Wire.
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.
Still lovin' my 'M after 89K, ans suspension still tight. Have grown accustomed to Avid T4s, which I didn't think I would since they handle much worse than the Michelin Pilots I replaced. However, the bit of noise reduction I gain is probably worth it. But that's not why I'm posting... Edmunds states under its "future cars" section that DMC will put out a Charger model for '06 based on the 300Cs platform. Recall DMC had a concept Charger in '02, so if this is true I think this is the car that many of us who feel the C is too stodgy or unattractive are waiting for. Is Edmunds correct in that the Charger will really be created? I don't recall seeing anything about it in the automotive press.
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.
The Charger announcement from Chrysler appeared a month or two ago. No info available on what it will look like. A Chrysler rep was on the Detroit interview show on Speed (Autoline Detroit?) a couple weeks ago, and acknowledged the Charger, but said styling was a secret at this time.
Fastdriver and I had the same comment on the sketch on page 21 of that ad supplement. I said to whomever would listen, which included Jim Kenzie, a writer who did a piece on the new 300C, that if they put all the good stuff from the interior and engine into the sketch car with that exterior design I would have had my check book out long ago. Mr. Kenzie felt DC was looking for a different, more up$cale buyer base with the new look. Either old people or gangsta rockers I guess.
Thanks for the info, Illini & BigMike. I'm glad they're going to make it whatever it is--hopefully it will be a good looker w/nice interior and the whole pkg. BigMike, I guess I missed your post. I agree, it's an awesome sketch. The upcoming Pontiac Solstice and the Mazda-8 didn't excite me at all, but that sketch got my pulse going. I don't know--can we still get a racy Jaguaresque body, even though the windshield rake on the 300 and Magnum is now so upright?
I have a brake question for those of you with drilled or drilled/slotted rotors on your M (or any car you have for that matter). I bought a set of iRotors.com drilled/slotted rotors last summer and put them on my M with a set of EBC Greenstuff Kevlar pads. The rotors produced a VERY loud roar whenever I stopped. I got tired of the racket after about 750 miles and took them off thinking tha I would sell them on eBay. I had installed them with the portion of the slot nearest the hub contacting the pad first. I saw a TV show and Chip Foose installed a set of slotted rotors, but he installed them with the part of the slot nearest the outer edge contacting the brake pad first, or exactly opposite from what I had done. I started looking around on the internet and found sloted rotors installed both ways. I started hoping that maybe in my wisdom that I had just installed the things backwards. I put them back on my M last night (reversed from the way that I had them installed before) and put on a fresh set of brake pads (non EBC brand) as well. They still produce the roar. I will be taking them off tomorrow and putting them on eBay next week (someone who wants them will get a great half-price deal on the set!) but what I was wondering about was this. Do rotors that are just drilled make the roar as well, or is the slotting the culprit. I REALLY like the look of them on the car and drilled-only rotors would be fine but I don't want to jump in if they will do the same thing. Any insight or ideas would be GREATLY appreciated!
I honestly think Chrysler should do some minor updates on the M that would help it compete with new fullsize vehicles. Add the M in the 300 line-up and have it as an alternative for people who want a FWD vehicle.
Dustin--Long time since I saw a post from you. I have slotted rotors and was told it doesn't matter which way the slots face. I have carbon metallic Pinnacle pads with them. I think on balance that the OEM rotors and brake pads work about as well as what I have now. I expect to turn the rotors shortly as I am getting the high speed shakes slightly when I brake after they have been heated up a little. I did that at 40K on the OEMs, and am at 29K with these. I may just get rid of the Carbon metallic pads and go to the top of the line OEM pads or ceramics from the dealer, someone said they had two different grades. The Carbon Metallics are lousy when they get wet and were louder than I prefer when I got them, although they improved a lot on that score after they broke in. Brembo would have been a better choice I guess.
Have not had time to read this column for over a week but just saw your post and agree I also saw some DC spy articles while killing time in B&N bookstore a while back, I don't remember the mag however. If you caught some of my late March / early April posts after just buying our new 04 300M you know my opinions of the 300C, albeit the back end does not look too bad now that I have seen a few on the road. I think the Dodge Magnum even looks better but am wondering if that and the new Chevy Malibu hatchback will really catch on. No matter what the big miss Chrysler made is RWD at least for the northern half of the US from Nov - March ... no way am I gonna buy a RWD car after the snow handling of FWD. BTW, still liking our 300M, topped 1100 miles and wanted to put more on it this past weekend but way too much heavy rain and hail around to take it on the trip.
I grew up in Massachusetts and recall great adventures driving in the snow. Course everything was rear wheel drive back then. It was challenging, but we had snow tires or chains if needed til the streets got cleared. Now that I live in KY, snow is an after-thought comparatively, but at the same time, I think the FWD has handled every bad condition very well. I've only heard the traction control burp a couple of times, but that was when I was still running OEM Badyears and would accelerate hard off a light with wet road conditions. Haven't heard it peep once with the Goodrich Comp TA's I put on a couple of years ago. But maybe DC did miss the boat because the best car, and I mean absolutely best car, I ever drove in snow, and right over plowed-in snowbanks, etc. was my 64 Corvair with the engine sitting over the rear wheels. That car was a marvel in snow, and I might add "safe at 100 mph" speed which I had it up to one bright summer day on a back road near Fort Hood, TX, when I was young and foolish. [Nader sucks lemons.] And it went so good in snow I didn't even have to have snow tires on it[ even if I could have afforded them back then]. DC could have given everybody the best of both worlds by dropping the Hemi over the rear axle of the 300C. How sweet would that be in snow, albeit still one ugly mother. Ooooeee. lol
And replace it with...a Toyota Prius. Drove a Prius the other day and could not believe that it's interior was just as roomy as the M...well okay...hip room is better in the M, but as my rear is slim enough to fit in a coach airline seat, the width in the Toyota isn't an issue. Biggest reason for the trade...gas prices. I have to fill my M twice a week since almost all my driving is in town. Costs about $25 per tank. I figured a Prius that "only" gave me 50 mpg (as opposed to 60) in the city would take me two and from work 5 days a week on two gallons of gas. And the doggone thing is an IMPRESSIVE drive. Looks like I'll be "turning Japanese" in the next few months.
They have a 3rd source of power in the Prius. There is a small trap door near the driver's seat area, and you can just pull open the hatch and pour Uncle Ben's long grain [higher octane than the "wild" stuff] directly into the flux capacitor. Seriously, good luck, I understand the pain for those who do a lot of miles and only were getting about 20 mpg from the M. There are 2 safety issues I have read about on the hybrids. First reponders after a crash must take care that the key is turned off, otherwise if a trapped driver's foot is moved off the brake and the silent electric engine is still engaged the vehicle can move unintentionally. The second issue involves the powerful batteries in the back seat area that must be carefully avoided after a crash, given the jolt they can provide. I think one of the PDs in CA put out a safety bulletin on those points.
It's all a matter of perspective! I don't complain at all about the 21 mpg I get around town in my M. That's pretty good compared to the mileage my wife's Suburban gets! (I don't actually know what the Suburban's mileage is..... I don't think I WANT to know!) The $40 per tank fill ups tell me all I need to know.
By the way, my M will turn 89K next week, still running great, still love it!
I can understand that. Gas is so bad, but with all things it will go back down again. I'd never do that. I could never downgrade to a car like that.
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.
Interesting writeup. It's hard to imagine with all that HP it would do well in the curvey snowy hilly wooded road I live on for 5 montns of the year, but perhaps Mercedes with all the different traction and slippage control systems can keep the new 300 straight on..will be curious to see how their AWD does. I will still pick the 300M styling and almost $10,000 savings (no plans to spend over $25 grand on this car).
Thanks for the reply. The roar was so annoying that I just went ahead nad bought plain rotors. They don't look nearly as cool but they are SO MUCH quieter! I've been itching to add a single point nitrous fogger system to my M but I saw some pics once of the plastic manifold blown to bits from an unruly nitrous fogger system and that has tempered my desire for nitrous, at least temporarily!
if you are looking for an M replacement and can step up a little try the new benz e320 cdi. diesel is about 20-50 cents cheaper and the benz gets 27/37 with most drivers reporting high 30 range in mileage. It also has 369 lb/ft of torque. of course this is moot if you live in the NE or CA areas as it only has 45 state emmisions. best around town mileage I did with my M was about 18 mpg. I do about .5 less in my FX but it has a lrger tank so I still only fill up once a week now instead of twice.
In KY, where I live, the cut between gasoline and diesel is nowhere near 20-50 cents. Here it is more like a nickel. Having seen and heard MB diesels over more than 30 years, as soldiers would bring them back from Europe, there is no way anyone can convince me that 1) they are quiet or 2) that what they put out isn't worse for the environment than was a gasoline vehicle does. And I have seen buses and the big trucks just sitting for hours idling with the engine running and I have been told it is cheaper to let them run and pollute than to shut them off until needed. Yuck. I've smelled and seen that black crap for years, and have you ever looked at the exhaust area from those dogs? I know they have improved in pick-up and quietness, but like a hybrid, there is just no way I would ever buy one.
My wife had an accident with her 300M the day before Mother's Day. She went over a dip in the road too fast, bottomed out and broke open the oil pan. Two blocks later, at a stoplight, the oil light went on and the engine stopped a few seconds later.
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...
Glad your wife wasn't hurt and that the story had a happy ending. Just curious, what year was your wife's M? And do I understand correctly that the insurance company gave you $7900 for the car? Did they claim the "accident" was your wife's fault? Insurance companies sometimes make a big deal out of the fault and that can determine how much cash you get I think.
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?
I think that purchase makes you the only 3 300M purchaser that I know of. Around L-ville,we still had some 04's being advertised at obscenely low prices--like $23K, but I congratulate you on the purchase and am also glad that your wife was not injured.
You are going to replace starter, alternator, and wheel hub bearings at 87K? Those components should last well beyond 150K. The timing belt and water pump would be better candidates if you want to do preventive maintenance.
I appreciate everyone's concern for my wife on her 300M "accident". I should have clarified that she was not hurt -- she didn't even know ther was a problem until she went about 2 blocks after bottoming out. The dealer said it was a freak accident that allowed the oil pan to get hit -- usually the motor cradle will protect it.
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...
Yeah, I thought about it, but I didn't want to risk a traffic violation for my wife -- especially if it would affect the insurance settlement in any way. The insurance company had already decided that the incident could have been avoided by a reasonably attentive, careful driver in deciding to penalize her with "1 point" on her insurance record.
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!
Post-accident this morning on the way to work. A gold M, in the breakdown lane just behind the Infiniti I30 it must have just rear ended. A sad sight indeed, hopefully no one was hurt (as I'm glad intrepidspirit's wife wasn't).
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...)
:-))) 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!
"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!"
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?
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