Chrysler 300M

naatz1

Let me reply to you again, I was editing and the session must have timed out as I cannot finish entering this reply.

Very strange, the BFG traction TAs are highly rated for all around and winter driving (see tirerack.com). I thought about switching to them on my M in a few years when my OEM Michelins Energy MXV4+ wore out. I had used the TAs on my son's old Grand Prix (before the engine konked out) the past two years and they wore well and handled about as well in winter Minnesota rural roads as the radial snow tires I used to use! Where do you live? You may need to switch to dedicated snow tires (like Michelin Pilot Alpins at ~$150 ea.) There are quite a few writeups of people on these 300M forums using different brand tires on their Ms with good success and while I would not rate the OEM Michelins as great, they do handle well in 3-5 inches of snow.

BTW Kylito, I noticed you had praised the Traction TAs last February 25 on this forum...what happened? Seriously take a look at the tirerack reviews and the url comparison table listed here which rates the top 5 high performance A/S tires for both light and deep snow traction as: Michelin Pilot Exalto (? never heard of them), Traction TA H, Bridgestone Portenza, TA V, Dunlop SP Sport A2+, Yoko Avid H & Vs. I am not sure all those come in 300M sizes but it's a start. The Bridestone Turanza is also highly rated (but Touring tire) for snow traction too. Good luck and let us other northern states owners know what works out!

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/surveyresults/surveydisplay.jsp?type=HPAS&VT=null&sortValue=- - 9

easyrider300m

I just noticed that the tread pattern of the Michelin Exalto a/s is extremely simlar to the tread pattern of the Avon tech 500 a/s tires. The Avons garner rave reviews on the tirerack site and are much less than the Michelins.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Avon&tireModel=Tech+M550+A%2FS

alcatrazt2

Thanks for the response!
I wasn't surprised! Didn't they put these very same engines in the Prowlers? Or am I mixing something up?
How are the transmissions on these cars. Do they give a lot of problems when driving the car hard? (Hitting high rev's, downshifting, etc.)
I need to open the engine up. Mom has been babying it too much recently

scotian

The transmissions are fine until they break. And by "fine" I mean losing a third(?) of the engine's horsepower to them.

uniguy

Turns out the cause of my leaky tires was nothing more than some bad valve stems. I'm glad it wasn't anything more serious. On a different note, my stereo system is totally stock. Is it worth the investment to just replace the speakers in the rear and in the doors? I like to listen to my music turned up pretty high and the speakers get kind of buzzy sometimes.

Bret

tayl0rd

Yep, they used the same engine in the Prowler, unchanged. The engine can take a beating and keep on running. The transmission is fine at the power levels the computer allows the engine to put to it. I let my Special stretch its legs and do a good sprint just about every time I get on the freeway and haven't had the slightest problem out of engine or transmission. But I also keep up with my maintenance, so...

I believe you HAVE to run these engines out to the red line on a routine basis. Otherwise, if you don't, when you do finally get on it, you'll get a huge black puff of soot out of the tailpipes. That's rather embarassing because it lets everybody know that you're pushing it hard. Then again, in the Special, it's impossible to mask that fact because the exhaust absolutely SCREAMS at full throttle. Good thing it sounds fantastic! :P

bigmike5

First Scotian returns, then Laurasdada, then Kylito, Alcatrazt2, and Naatz1, man it is like old home week here. On the leather seats, put on some good leather conditioner and they will be fine. Mine at 7+ years look about like the ones in the pictures that were posted. Just keep the leather supple, the lines are natural and depend on how often the seat actually has a backside in it. Welcome back to all you old timers. :shades:

tayl0rd

I guess the lust for all the new iron has worn off and they're returning to their true love.

mykem

Looks like I picked the right time to pop in, then.

Hello everybody!

-m

laurasdada

I may have left my 300M, but my 300M hasn't left me... I still turn my head everytime I see one!

Luckily my TL consoles me daily!

scotian

I just sunk around $5000+ (not counting all the new HID equipment) into Emmy to get her back to spec (transmission, front end stuff, etc.) because I want her to last another five years, so my interest is back.

There is nothing new I want to replace her with that doesn't cost more than $70K. The new Maxima finally looks nice, but is too narrow. I suppose I could get a 300C and try to lessen the severity of its gaping maw (I never liked the LHS's front end, and I don't want to drive something that reminds me of a Dodge Ram pickup), but I'm still not motivated to spend the $$$ -- and its [non-permissible content removed] is nothing compared to the 300M. On the other hand, I wouldn't mind getting a Crossfire Roadster (supercharged, of course), or a Nissan 350Z roadster to complement Emmy.

uniguy

Last night when I was driving down the highway the light on the passenger side door came on for a second or two and then turned off again. Wonder why it would do that? We got several inches of snow last night and the abs and traction control definitely helped keep me in a straight line, however I found the traction control to be a bit over sensitive when accelerating from a dead stop. I'm not sure my tires are the best for winter driving. They're Yokohamas (not sure of the model) and they have lost a considerable amount of tread considering they are only about 12,000 miles old or so, according to the former owner.

Bret

rstilp

Seems like old timers day on here, so I thought I would pop in.
I also have the Yokohama YK420 tires and they're not real good in snow. This is my second set and I really lik them on dry pavement but, snow/ice is scary, I am extra cautious in this weather.
Really didn't know people were still on here, so I'm glad I checked in.

rstilp

Just hit 113K on my 2000 non/php and still look back at it every time I park it somewhere. It won M of the month in October at the club site so it will be in the 2006 calendar. I'm also known as Geezer300M and pretty much done modding.
I think I'll stop in here more often.
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE

easyrider300m

I hang mostly on that "other board" but stop in here once in awhile for old times sake. Hey rick, did you send in your pic for the calendar yet? I'm also on the calendar for 2006--Mr. November. Sent my calendar pic in a few weeks ago.

Laurasdada: How's your Acura TL holding up? Do you miss your 300M? How does the TL stack up against the 300M?

I have about 90k on my 2000 regular M and 36k on my newly acquired 2002 Special--both are running great.

laurasdada

Hello, easy:

TL is fab. Nine coats of Zaino, a requirement with a dark color (blue), I do believe! Sad that hand washing season is over, so RoJo gets a few more $$$ from me.

I will always (at least as long as I see 'em on the road) miss the M. It may have restored my faith in the domestic auto industry! Wonderful car.

I think the TL and M stack up pretty well. I give the edge to the TL in overall performance (straight-line and handling, braking), I'm getting slightly better mpg in the TL and the car just feels "tighter." Build quality goes to the TL. The TL seats aren't as nice to me as the Ms, the TLs are not thickly padded, firm and a bit snug. I miss a couple of the Ms luxuries, e.g. the driver seat egress/ingress feature and auto on headlights. Style-wise, imho it's really a tie: front-end goes to the TL, rear-end to the M and in profile a tie. Interior, ditto. A tie. Although I miss my Ms plood! Even thought the aluminum in the TL is real, it's kinda cold. Or maybe "cooly efficient?! The TL stereo system rules, however! Oh yeah, and the HID headlights are great, too.

In the snow, the M is the winner so far although I believe it is because the Bridgestone tires on the TL stink in the snow. Many people think they just stink! Hope you're enjoying today's Nor'easter preview (gosh, I hope not. It's too early to pay for plowing...!).

I'd recommend the TL to any M owner looking to move on, just be sure the seats fit you. It's too bad my lust for a new car overcame my desire to keep on keepin' on in the M, but c'est la vie!

Glad your Ms are treating you well and hope that continues for as long as you want to keep 'em.

300mjm

I got some subs in my 99 300m and i have had some trouble getting good bass out of the car. i can't really hear it at all when the seat is up. has anyone had the problem ?

tayl0rd

It's some strange acoustics in the car. I have an Infinity Basslink in the right rear of my trunk and I can barely hear it from the driver's seat unless I crank it up really high. Problem is, from the back seat and passenger seat, it's TOO MUCH bass, even when I can barely hear it! Strange.

roar1

laurasdada: I'm interested in why you bought a TL and not a new 300 ?? I too also liked the 300M and ALMOST bought one back in '99. I am currently considering the purchase of a new car and the TL is #1 on my list and the 300 is #2.

Your thoughts would be appreciated !!

ps: you might want to answer over on the TL board

laurasdada

Hi, Roar:

When the 300C was revealed, I was aghast at the styling. What had they done to the lovely 300M! While the new 300 styling has grown on me a bit, it's still not my cup of tea. I also wanted a slightly smaller car and prefer the foul-weather advantage of FWD. Also, to get similar TL/300 performance, I think you would have to get the 300C. Poor(er) fuel economy was another negative to me.

I did investigate the new 300, but for me it was never really a contender. I'm quite pleased with the choice I made (which ultimately was TL or G35x).

Whichever you choose, I'm sure you'll be pleased!

roar1

I agree! The 300C is nice and is growing on me but I still prefer the 300M. Just mho.

bigmike5

Crossfires should be readily available, although not sure if same can be said for the SRT-6. My dealer has had 3 Crossfires - 2 verts and a coupe on the lot for almost a year now. They simply cannot move them. I don't know how they are pricing them, but if I didn't have the Vette I would be banging hard on them for a sale on the coupe. I liked the test drive of the car when it first came out, but could not pass on a Vette at almost the same price [$38.5K on a new 04 with everything I wanted on it.] Anyway, there might be some good deals out there although I doubt the SRT-6 price would come down much. :shades:

alcatrazt2

Well put, Mike.
Well, it feels great to be back. I really do miss all of you (especially you sir!) and it's a great feeling to talk once again after such a long time.
The 300M is a BUY. The Audi A4 is a LEASE.
I still think the 300M is a great car. I just don't get my hands on it that much becuase it isn't my primary car no more. However, taking it for a spin once in a while when I have time...is a joyful experience never to be forgotten!
I have to break that engine in sometime soon. Mom has been babying it too much. Still no problems, going strong!

dwilley

Can anyone tell what does it mean when the abs and the trac off light appear and stay on>

easyrider300m

That light will appear if you are spinning your tires excessively in the snow. It should reset itself on the next start up.

dwilley

They reset when car has been off, but come back on when i start to move forward. There was no snow up until yesterday. There appears to be no anti-lock braking and no trac control.

mykem

There are Wheel Speed Sensors (WSS) and Controller Antilock Brake (CAB) sensors that detects the overly (or underly) spinning wheel and adjusts the system accordingly.

When I had my tires installed and system aligned, they had knocked it out of line and tripped the sensors.

According to the manual: "Improper speed sensor-to-tone wheel clearance (air gap) can cause erratic speed sensor signals" That air gap being .42-1.71mm front and .38-1.31mm rear.

Perhaps something like that had happened, but definitely something to have a look at. The front WSS is behind the brakes on the top of the assembly, above the CV boot and a Tone wheel. There is a wire attached to it that sends the signals back to the controller.

In the rear, the WSS is mounted to the rear disc brake adapter.

The other reason other than system failure would be improperly matched tire and wheel sizes.

It doesn't sound like a complete system failure, since it doesn't occur at the car starting up, but after 3-5mph, which is when the movements are detected.

With this info, you might be able to check it yourself, or sound pretty smart at a service center.

-m

dwilley

Thanks will give it a look see.

jonathan_216

Hey I just bought an Rb1 for my 1999 300m. I was wondering if anyone knew how to install it or where I could get directions? I've searched google so many times to no avail! Any help would be appreciated! thanks

tayl0rd

www.wjjeeps.com

The installation is extremely simple. It's just plug and play. However, for you, you will need an adaptor harness to make it plug into the '99 model radio harness. It was designed primarily for the '02-'04 models, but will still work in the '99 when you get the correct harness. Go to the link I provided under the Navigation section and it will give you the part number for the harness you need.

As far as the install, just pop off the plastic piece that surrounds the radio and climate controls, unplug the climate contol harness, remove the four screws holding the radio in, disconnect the radio harness and it's out. To put in the RB1, just reverse those steps and you're done. Congratulations on the unit. You're gonna love it. I love mine. I have an '02 Special.

jonathan_216

I have another question. Where does the antennae go? The site say on the jeep it goes under dash by the instrument cluster. Is this true for the 300m as well. Again thanks for the link and the answer! Jonathan

tayl0rd

Your unit should have come with some instructions that show where the antenna goes. It goes under the dash panel right next to the center speaker. I don't know about the '99, I think the dash assembly may be slightly different, but on the '02+ there is a small removable panel that runs the width of the dash. It's very easy to remove. You have to pop off the plastic A-pillar trim pieces on both sides then pop that panel out. Just 3 trim pieces to remove and no tools needed.

If I recall, you will have to lift up the vent tube in the dash so you can run the antenna wire down through its hole.

Hope this helps and sorry I didn't respond sooner.

jonathan_216

Thanks again I'll let you know how things go with it. I haven't recieved it yet. So I was just checking to see if I could do it myself or not. from what you say looks as though I will be able to! Thanks again. Jonathan

uniguy

When the lock engages on my passenger side front door it makes a really loud noise that I can even hear outside the car when I lock it using the keyless entry remote. Any idea what the deal is and how much it's gonna cost me?

Thanks,
Bret

scotian

You need a new solenoid. Around $200 or so? It's been a while. I've had two replaced.

uniguy

I have a cool chrome license plate frame with "300m" etched into the metal in cool lettering. Trouble is, the road salt that is so common in on Iowa roads right now is causing it to get surface rust all over it. I was able to get it all off with some metal polish but how can I keep this from happening again? I was thinking about maybe some clearcoat, but paint doesn't stick to chrome cause it's too smooth. Any other ideas?

tayl0rd

Keep it waxed and it'll be fine.

3oomorse

I was just wondering if there was anyone out there who could tell me if I can get a Hemi into my 1999 300M, or another beefier engine than my stock 3.5 High out-put? Any feedback would be appreciated. :mad:

tayl0rd

No chance whatsoever of fitting a HEMI in there. If there were somway to reprogram the ECM in the 300M, it would be quite quick.

ledgic_13

hello, the names ledgic, and im new to this site, i own a 1999 300m and the car drives like a dream, of course the dreaded performance question comes along as well, u see for my 1991 bmw 525 performance was easy to come by, but expensive. i cant find anything, all i want is to get the car to around 300hp, i mean headers ,manifold, complete exhaust system, under drive pully, cams ,and "chip" should do that. in my 91 525i i went from 189hp to 255 with those mods so i know a 253hp 3.5 liter can go past 300 with those. money isnt a problem, im not rich , but i do what i can. i see alot of people on cardomain with all these parts and all , and they wont tell anything, id appreciate any help anyone can give me...thanks alot

ledgic_13 a happy car owner.

easyrider300m

There are many upgrades that could head you in the right direction. The other site I hang out on has a member that did nitrous oxide and installed a switch to go from the standard chip to an upgrade chip as desired for performance. Another member installed a funcional hood scoop and a bored out throttle body. Many have added an intake tube with a cone filter for better air flow. For low end torque some have gone with Prowler pro gears and there is a company that makes even more aggessive gearing. Not quite as aggressive, but less expensive, you could install gears from the 300M Special. Another member has designed and installed a true dual exhaust setup. A turbo charger would be nice and there are a couple people working on one for the M, but space is very limited under the hood.

tayl0rd

Folks, I have a question about the security system LED on the dash. Have any of you noticed that sometimes it flashes really fast? I've noticed that sometimes when I return to the car, the light is flashing fast. Most of the time it's slow and sometimes it's intermediate. The fast flash is like:

flash.flash.flash.flash.flash.flash

The slow is like:

flaaash ... flaaash ... flaaash

The intermediate is like:

flash ... flash ... flash

The only thing I can pick out with the fast flash is when I park it on somewhat of an incline, but I can't definitively say that is the cause. I've tried tampering with the door handles after I lock it to see if that was a possibility, but it doesn't affect the flash frequency. The only other thing I can think of is that it's trying to tell me that the security system is malfunctioning.

Any ideas?

illini4

It starts off flashing slowly while arming. When armed it flashes rapidly.

tayl0rd

It doesn't always flash rapidly when it's armed.

cshadburn

Does anyone know how to remove the battery out of a 2001 300m short of romoving the entire front end? I have removed the air filter and battery hold down strap but their doesn't seem to be anywhere else to go. What's the secret?

Craig

tayl0rd

If I recall, you're going to have to go through the fender. :sick: Do a search for "battery replacement" or "replacing the battery" in this forum and you will get a few hits. You can also go to the other 300M Club organization message board for the exact particulars on how to do it. Can't tell you what the site is here. Do a google search.

illini4

I'm picking up my new 300C tomorrow. The M has been a great car, and participating in this forum for the past 6+ years has been a blast. The early years were the most fun - especially the exchanges between Ruski, emale, and a particular troll who's username I can't remember. Best wishes to everybody.

ledgic_13

hello there guys, um i need help, i my factory remote doesnt work , i changed the batterys, so i figured it might need to be reset or something , but when i lock the doors via inside of the car, it flashes, but i cant use the remote... can anyone help me.

ledgic_13

does any one know where i can get 300m special replacement parts?
does anyone know of a shaved eyebrow kits, cause i wanted to round out the eyes instead of having them so pointy.
i need to have my ecu redone so i can get the extra, does anyone know where i can get that done, and the top speed limiter, how can i get that done , with 250 hp which is more than a srt-4 it should easily do 150 to 160.
and finaly if any one knows of where i can get a lorinser body kit for my baby, please let me know asap.
thanks for all the help guys.

hayneldan

Do the name becca ring a bell?