Chrysler 300M

scotian

How does this look?



Does anyone have one of these installed?

Someone complained a while back that their wing sometimes casts a shadow across their rearview mirror's light sensor, blinding them. Does this happen often?

fuzzywuzzy

YUK!!!!! Doesn't even cover the whole trunk. I have had my spolier since I got my 300M. It came with it. I have never had any problems with the rear view mirror sensor.

sdmike2

Scott -
I don't like that at all. Looks like someone put a Neon spoiler on a 300M

rogor2k

Wife says the package just arrived. I'll email you tonight.

rogor2k

Nope - not me. Just 500 of Boeings best. Besides, I spent 4 years in Chicagoland, I've already paid my dues 8~))

dustinnewton

This one looks pretty slick: http://www.chrysler-parts.com/PP.asp?PID=26

rogor2k

That's the "factory spoiler" that the DC dealer will install if you want one. It doesn't show in the pic, but it has flat spots on both sides, kinda' like winglets. I saw it installed on some Ms when I was shopping last year, and decided I wanted a spoiler, but not that one.

I have the spoilers4less.com spoiler (they offer 2 types now) that is probably the thickest and sits the highest off the deck lid, and I've never had a noticeable problem with the spoiler shadow blocking the dimmer sensor. Now the tint DOES have some effect on that, but it's already darkened anyway, so it's self correcting. My sensor does still work, even with 35% tint.

silverbullet4

Well, for Town Hall discussion groups there were at least 3 prior "Silver Bullet" User Name registered. Yah, my M doesn't come when I call either, but then, neither do my kids LOL.
Say, these other posters have me a little concerned about my new tint job. I better check back with the installer. I was told it was the darkest "legal" tint for TX. They will probably confiscate my car when I drive in LA to go fishing.
Regards, Silver

sibe

Otto et al: Can one order HIDs for the 300M. If not in the US how about in Europe? What's involved in the conversion? Does the whole lens assembly need to be replaced or is it just the bulb and the electrics from the black box to the bulb? Thanx for any insight.
Sibe

sdmike2

Just ordered a spoiler from www.california-dream.com. I got the same style as roger, but in Inferno Red (of course). Cost me $279 painted (paint, finish and clear coat), with a guaranteed color match. I'll let you know how it is when I get it, and of course I'll take pictures of the installation.

phases78

the markers came in today but i wasnt home, ill have the wife pick em up from the post office tomorrow, hopefully ill have the enery after work tomorrow to hustle and get em done before the sun goes down. im sure i can get the lights on but reattaching the logos will be a bit harder since i have nuthin to cut the backs off with.......

sibe

Otto et al: Can one order HIDs for the 300M. If not in the US how about in Europe? What's involved in the conversion? Does the whole lens assembly need to be replaced or is it just the bulb and the electrics from the black box to the bulb? Thanx for any insight.
Sibe

madcityruss

I'm gonna weigh in on the spoiler issue since some were seeking opinions. I admit I don't like spoilers in general, but I really don't like them on the M. Here's what Motor Trend said a couple years back about the M's rear styling: "What the staff feels is the most attractive angle is the car's neatly proportioned, edgy rear deck and the generous taillights plugged into the top edges of the back end. This is the automotive equivalent of buns of steel." I agree with that opinion and so, for me, to further emphasize the [non-permissible content removed]-end is not better, but superfluous.

I admit to a certain bias here, but at least I'm consistent. I hate going to old car shows and seeing nice fifties/sixties cruisers all mucked up with Continental kits. Anyway, there you have it. Not trying to "spoil" anyone else's good time, just offering food for thought. As the Romans once said, "de gustibus non disputandum" (there is no accounting for taste). Gotta go now, I already feel the flames on the back of my neck.

denverm

I'm not a fan of spoilers either, in part because I think they have no function except at speeds that most of us rarely ever drive, much less for sustained periods. I also think the M's rear looks fabulous as is and wouldn't want to change it. I don't go for bras either, since I think they detract from a car's looks more than paint chips do (but I do need to get after my hood with the touchup paint!). However, everyone has their own taste, and I enjoy seeing what other folks do with their cars (spoilers, wheels, exhaust, hood scoops, side marker lights, etc.), even if I wouldn't do the same on my car. We're all united in the passion we feel for this car; we just express it in different ways!
My 300M

tucsongil

Hello gang!

It has been about five months that I have checked this site. I had been too busy with a family crisis.

Just after Christmas my wife went to have a lump in her upper neck checked out. Well after a CAT scan the lump turned out to be Thyroid Cancer that traveled up her neck. Her Thyroid was remove with cancer along with some of her Jugular vein that had several cancer cells on it. She needed a second surgery to remove an additional cancer cell that was not remove during the first surgery(it was higher up on the neck). Now after some Radioactive Iodine pills to kill off any microscopic cancer cells she seem 90% of her old self.

I will now try to keep up with this site and will make it to the next Wednesday night chat.

My "M" is doing fine. Only new item is window tint(limo in the back and 35% in the front). I still have the custom wheels(Zen Racing) and Hujo dual Exhaust system. I still would like to quite the system a bit. Michael Hujo told me about adding a Magnaflow #10416 resonator after the Magnaflow collector muffler to quite the system. Has anyone tryed this out there?

Rogor, sorry I did not return your 300M Club emails. I was not online much and when I was I was doing Thyroid Cancer research!

fastdriver

tucsongil -

Welcome back! Hope your wife is on the road to recovery now. I'll keep her in my prayers.

fastdriver

sibe

I had another reason for buying the rear spoiler. My wife coldn't see out the back to where the car ends. So rather than use the tried and trusted "park by sound" I bought the DC spoiler and told her to pretend where she saw the spoiler is the end of the car. So far so good....

Must say rear visibility is not good IMHO especially when it rains. I would definitely urge DC to try incorporating some hidden flow vents on the top of the rear window (if a back wiper is not an option) to try to get rid of the water which just tends to sit there. That coupled with the high "buns of steel" do make it hard to see out back.

Sibe's 1/10th of a cent

sdmike2

I'm glad to hear that you caught the problem before it got worse. Best of luck. Our prayers are with you.

-M

rogor2k

A steady hand and a hacksaw blade, followed by a file or rasp should make short work of the bosses on the back of the badges. The badge itself is pretty sturdy, and should be pretty hard to damage if you're careful. Just wrap it in duct tape or something to protect the surface and give you a grip.

sibe

I had another reason for buying the rear spoiler. My wife coldn't see out the back to where the car ends. So rather than use the tried and trusted "park by sound" I bought the DC spoiler and told her to pretend where she saw the spoiler is the end of the car. So far so good....

Must say rear visibility is not good IMHO especially when it rains. I would definitely urge DC to try incorporating some hidden flow vents on the top of the rear window (if a back wiper is not an option) to try to get rid of the water which just tends to sit there. That coupled with the high "buns of steel" do make it hard to see out back.

Sibe's 1/10th of a cent

300mlover

My M was very loose in the rear before I installed my spoiler..and come on look how great it looks on those buns! Doesn't effect my view!

djpill

Do you guys think its worth it to get the extended warranty that the
dealer offers, and how much would you pay for it? Do any of you
regret not getting the warranty?

I heard that you can usually get an extended warranty towards the end
of the warranty period. Is that true? Let me know... post replies
here.

Im considering a Dodge Intrepid R/T or a Chrysler 300M.

Thanks a mil!

DjPiLL

jgoodson

I think the extended warranty is well worth it for the peace of mind it brings. I bought a 1999 300M with 28,000 miles the first of the year and bought the Added Care 5yr/50,000 mile $50 ded. extended warranty for about $675. I hope I never use it but know that I will never be far from a Chrysler dealer who will honor it if needed. It also covers towing and rentals while repairs are being made. I also understand that, if you get rid of the car before the extended warranty expires, you can get a prorated refund.

easyrider300m

where did you get that spoiler--did it come painted--looks very nice--put up some other angles (from rear) so I can decide if its for me--

How many of you M'ers are thinking of going to Woodward, Michigan in august. Sounds like a great event.

Easyrider300m

300michael

Did you get the 2 or 3 support spoiler?

300michael

Your wife is in my prayers, Get her a juicer so you can maker her vegitable drinks. Most vegtables have cancer fighting properties. Good to have you back, and wish it was under better circumstances.

sdmike2

Since the M only has a 3 year, 36,000 mile warranty I really wanted to get an extended warranty. I have an extended on my wife's 96 Grand Caravan and it just paid for itself with a new transmission at 60,000 miles. The key is getting a good warranty at a good price. Go look at www.warrantydirect.com. They will give you an on-line quote on an extended warranty that covers towing, rentals even during the initial warranty period, and just about everything on the car. They wanted something like $990 for a 5 year 100,000 mile warranty. Chrysler tried selling me the same thing for $1,700. I ended up paying $1,050 for the Chrysler warranty after telling them "no thanks, I got a better deal" about 10 times. It's worth the extra $60 to me to not have to submit a claim to a third party. You can also visit www.carbuyingtips.com for a link to another good warranty company that I don't remember the name of.

-Mike

sdmike2

That looks like the "2N" from California Dream. Nice three pillar design. Looks awesome. That's the one I ordered today.

-M

scotian

Looks like Mopar's official wing, which is a two pillar design:

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/ViewPhoto?u=1280646&a=12907511&p=48506845&f=0

I might just get one. Is a Chrysler dealership the best place to get one and have it installed?

scotian

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/ViewPhoto?u=1280646&a=12907511&p=48506842

Hosts: What is that stupid 115 character posting limit message all about, anyway? There seems to be no rhyme or reason when to expect it.

ottowrkr

Hey guys . Well sdmike2 I cant really tell you my job as this would give my identity away .With three shifts and 1375 cars a day you never know ,maybe I had a hand in building your baby Sibe ,we do not use HID lights on the 300 or any LH cars. The Euro cars get a projector style light , similar to the LHS headlight.

bigmike5

Here's the link:

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=934019&a=12927320&f=0

fuzzywuzzy

This guy has a conversen kit for like $900. gourmet garage at (626) 443-6858 for more info. He said they replace the bulb, some electronics, & mod the headlght lens. I was thinking about doing it, but not for a few months though.
They have a website, i think it's gourmetgarage.com Not sure though, it's somethink like that.

oneblackhorse

Hi Guys,
I test drove the 300M and the LHS last week. I had to drive the 2000 model but there is basically no difference between model years. So, as promised, here is my result:

It's a nice car, but a bit too slow, even with the auto-stick. Not nearly enough torque. I could have outrun this car in my Ford Escort. Also, the handling wasn't what I expected from a car of this type... rather slushy. The autostick itself is a nice add-on to an automatic, but if you're used to driving a manual then the auto-stick is a joke. I liked the roominess and I liked the seat adjustability/memory and loved the white-faced guages. I loved the trunk too, which looked small from the outside but is like the Grand Canyon inside. But for me, the niceities just were not worth the loss of power from the engine. The dealer wanted to sell it to me so bad, he offered it to me for 26K... a great deal, but one I had to turn down. (By the way, if any of you live in Virginia and are looking for a 300M, I'll give you the dealer's name and address, because even though I don't like the car, he is offering a good deal on it).
I ended up testing out the Pontiac Bonneville, and this car was MUCH more responsive. It had ALL the features of the 300M, except for the auto-stick, but it made up for that with a nifty heads-up display. It was much faster and cornered better than the 300M. A TRUE sports Sedan, with all the room and features of a luxury car, AND the get-up-and-go of a sport car. I tried to find something I didn't like about this car too, but the best I could come up with was it's looks, and the look isn't THAT bad. The Bonneville was a great car to test drive.
But in, the end, BOTH cars lost out as I decided on the Trans Am. I think everyone should own a really fast car, at least once, before settling down to the sedans, SUVs and Mini Vans.
In another few years, I'll be looking at the Bonneville again... awesome car.
Anyway, thanks guys, for all the help and pictures you provided while I was considering the 300M. For those who prefer features and luxury over performance, it's an awesome car to get. Take it easy!

racefan009

i want to know how many 300m owners think the 300m is ONEHOTCAR??? please post your answer along with the one feature that sold you on buying the 300m.

Race

hatax

Oneblackhorse:
Maybe the reason you couldn't feel the torque is that this car is a little more elegent about it's acceleration than the bonneville is. Looking in the back of my June 2001 Car and Driver mag shows little difference between the Bonneville SSEi and the 300M, with the Bonneville being slighty faster to 60 and through the 1/4 mile. Here are the Specs as listed

300M $31,845 7.9/16.1 138MPH 180FEET 0.82 18MPG
SSEi $34,625 7.5/15.8 128MPH 183FEET 0.80 18MPG

Price, 0-60&1/4 Mile, Top Speed, Braking, Skidpad, Fuel Economy, in that order

So I think that for $2,800 less it's giving a whole lot more on it's end of the bargain, and also looking at the quartermile time, you'd be close on it's heels and give it one more quarter, and he'd be seeing your tail lights. A friend of mine has a 97 SSEi and while he can beat me in a stoplight rush, I can walk away from him on the freeway. Besides, how could you live with the interior of that bonneville!? I liked the supercharger, and while the 300M has more HP, the hidden spec on the SSEi is that it has 280Ft/Lbs of torque. A couple few more than us...
With the throttle body mod and dual exhaust, I think I could now match the 7.5 0-60 speed posted by the SSEi now though.

BTW - All, my MPG went up huge after the exhaust and I did the throttle body one day when I was bored, pulled it out, grinded and polished. I got 345MI out of it when the low gas light came on, not bad at all for how I drive and about 40 city/ 60 highway driving! (About 24MPG) 347.7 Miles with 14.7 Gallons going in it.

hatax

I just decided to look up the specs for the ford focus seeing as the escort is now replaced by it. It's listed specs following same lineage as the ones above.

Focus ZX3 $16,075 8.7/16.8 104MPH 182FEET 0.81 25MPG

Just for fun. Actually, with posted speeds like that, a PT Crusier with a manual could out run the ZX3..

fuzzywuzzy

"Also, the handling wasn't what I expected from a car of this type... rather slushy"
WHAT!

Did you test the PHP version? True the 300M cannot blow the doors off the SSEI in 0-60, but it runs circles around it in handleing. First hand experience. I also drove the SSEI when I was shopping for a car. My impressions were it was a bit faster off the line, but the 300M out gunned the SSEI at higher speeds. The room was good, the seats were very hard, & the red color of the gauges, & that cockpit style, & all those vents turned me off. The 300M is more of a balance of power/luxury. The SSEI is more power driven, & even though it doesn't lack features, the 300M is alot classier. But I guess it doesn't matter much since you got the Trans Am. It will blow the doors off of both cars Have fun with it!

fuzzywuzzy

When I went to NYC a few months ago, I rented a Focus 4 door, with an auto tranny. It was peppy at low speeds, but really slow at highway speeds. I had problems merging with traffic. It does stop well though I had to panic stop once, left 2 black marks down the road.

silverbullet4

Race: Like a lot of posters, I feel the strong point of M performance is high speed highway driving; at 70+ mph the car really comes into its own. I feel the transaxle final gearing and the gear splits are not optimized for 0-60 or quarter mile times. Performance around city streets is adequate for my needs. At $200 per tire, I try and take it easy on the Pirelli Pilots so they'll last.

The single reason I bought the M was the VALUE of the total package.

Regards, Silver

grunschev

I seriously considered the Bonneville. Two things I'd like to mention about it... First, when I went to test drive the SSEi, I told the salesman I wouldn't buy the car that day. I said I was just beginning my search. He asked what else I was looking at and I told him I was interested in the 300M. After talking to his sales manager, he said (get this!), "Drive the Chrysler and come back here later."

I drove the Chrysler and ordered one. I never did go back to the Pontiac dealer, until after I had taken delivery. I asked to see the sales manager. I shook his hand and thanked him for not wasting my time driving his car. I was so happy with the 300M. Every time I drive by that Pontiac dealer I smile.

Later I had a Bonneville as a rental car. It wasn't the SSEi, but there was no comparison to the 300M. The seats were uncomfortable, the climate control was very poor. The ride was mushy; it cornered like a pig truck.

Anybody looking for a large sedan that's sporty really has very few choices. I made the right one for me. 30k miles and still smiling.

Igor

pjyoung

The non-PHP M is no slouch in the handling department. Was there air in the tires blackhorse?

300mlover

This is the factory wing. My dad works at the local 5* got a good deal. It takes a drill, steady hand, and about 15 minutes to install. All you have to do is drill 4 holes in the deck. They provide a stencil.

tksatksa

It's Mother's Day. My wife and I have been out to my mother-in-law's and took her to dinner. Since we head West to get home I waited until sunset to leave - about a 90 minute drive.

Half-way home; now it's dark and we're on a long stretch of straight, flat highway (boring) - not too crowded. But occasionally we come across someone who likes this highway and wants to spend more time on it than I do.

Now you have to understand: our '01 LHS is the first new car we've had in alot of years - I'm not a gearhead or a performance jockey but it IS nice to finally have something that GOES when you need it.

We're doing 60-ish when we come up on a truck-boat trailer combo. I clear traffic on the two-lane road, hit the blinkers and go for the pass. I look down and I'm at 75 in a blink! I drop back down to 60 - 65.

A bit later we come up on a Caravan doing 60ish. Same scenario - boom! 75 in the twinkle of an eye! Drop back to 65.

The final pass for this stretch of road... he's doing 65 when I start the pass. This time I'm in it harder than before and for the first time (this trip) it really kicks down and the engine roars. I check the meter and I'm doing 87! And I haven't clear the traffic yet!

Sweet.

I know this is pretty pedestrian for most of you guys but I'm just an average shmoe who really appreciates what he's got.

As for oneblackhorse... whatever spins his wheels. I don't think the 300M or his classy sister, the LHS, have anything to apologize for... or to.

tucsongil

oneblackhorse

Sorry, I didn't mean to imply it did not have good handling. I think I was referring to "Grip". I went on a ramp and the tires sqealed and it was hard to steer (going about 45.. not a loose ramp, but not too tight either). I didn't think the tires should sqeal at that rate. Maybe if the 300M had fatter tires?
I any case I did end up sticking with the TA. I realized I'm more interested in looks and power than I am in luxury. But, one note against Pontiac... I had a REALLY hard time with the first few dealers who didn't want to sell a Trans Am to a girl! The first one wouldn't even let me test drive it and told me to come back later with my husband. As Edmunds describes the car: "Boy Racer", they just don't expect to see young women in there wanting a Ram Air Trans Am. Those dealers will never know just how green my money was... But the dealer I have now is great.
Thanks again.

tucsongil

Fastdriver, SDMike2, 300Michael and if I missed anyone.

Thank you for your thoughts, prayers and advice. My wife is on her way back to recovery from Thyroid Cancer.

djpill

Thanks for all the great replies regarding extended warrantys. What about a theft device. Im looking at the parts department and the EVS II Security system for Chrysler cars with Keyless entry runs for about $200.... MSRP i believe. What is the normal installation charge for this?

Are there any secrets to getting good deals on this? What would be a fair price to pay for this, installed. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

DjPiLL

tucsongil

I bought the "M" because of it's value.

Classy/elegante looks, good power(for full size car), and price= Value!

I just wish that it came with a better warrenty.

The Acura TL is really an Accord. The Lincoln LS was a bit to small in the rear setting area. So the 300M stood out overall!

sdmike2

The TA and the 300M are two very different cars aimed at two very different buyers. Best of luck with the TA. I agree with others on the board about the Bonneville. I test drove it as well, and I found it to be uncomfortable and unattractive, and I had a distinct feeling that the knobs were going to fall off the dash any minute. My guess is that you drove a non-PHG 300M with Goodyear instead of Michelin tires. I didn't lose my respect for Goodyear until I replaced their $75 Invictas on my Mitsubishi Eclipse with some $45 Kelly Metrics and found that I could corner nearly 20 MPH faster without squeeling! Crappy, crappy tires. On my 300M test drive I did a 90 degree turn at about 60 without even a chirp. Again, good luck with the TA. You should have some fun with it.

-Mike