Chrysler 300M

mikeyp

I have a 2001 M.. Great car... have just notice that occasionally, the driver seat moves back (right side of seat) I would say about 1/4 of an inch when I accelerate from a stop.

Shop does not know what the deal is, nor can they duplicate.. has anyone had a similar problem

dustinnewton

T-No points for second place? :-(

All-Anyone need chrome Chrysler Medallion replica hubcaps???

http://www.suburbanwheelcover.com/

beach15

Did this rattle sound like it was actually coming from the dash area? That's where I hear the rattle on each side in my car on both smooth and rough roads at any speed. It has been driving me nuts and the dealer said that it would not make the noise for him when he drove it. Maybe the strut caps are what have been one of the things wrong with my 2000 300M in the first place. What model year did this TSB cover?

easyrider300m

noticed the same movement in the drivers seat--it has since gone away--I think if you just adjust the power seat a little it goes away--try it and let me know if it works.

EasyRider300M

jmcmanus

Once again the 300 M proved to me that it is the most comfortable car I have owned. I had to make an emergency trip last night that started at 9:00 pm and ended at 2:00 am. Five hours, late at night and I was not stiff or tired at the end. Most of it was interstate so I put the cruise control on 72 and let it go.

I was amazed at the number of trucks parked along almost every exit ramp as the drivers slept for the night. I have never been on the interstate that late at night before so I didn't know that they just pulled off on the shoulder on exit/entry ramps.

jgoodson

Do you think that TBS 23-29-98A may relate to your problem? It's number 49 on the list at Alldate.com.

lee1nyc

Hiya Gang,

Is this the new hotspot for postings on the 300M? The AOL posting boards have gone very very cold.

Nice reading all your comments about your cars.

Lee

300michael

Yes, this is, and has always been more active. When the www.300Mclub.org page is back up, there is a lot of good information there. There is also a chat session on Wednesday nights (10pm eastern)I will try to find the old link for you.

fcm

Like Lee, I too just found this place, coming over from the AOL board. Thanx Hal, or was it Tom? I have a 99 with almost 30K, only problems have been a speed sensor (I'm not alone), and a recalcitrant heater blend door.

The person with the wet floor said it happens when it rains. The air conditioner runs with the defroster which might be on when it rains. Perhaps the water is from the evaporater? Could the evaporater drain be plugged up? Just a thought....

fuzzywuzzy

I agree! I drive from south FL, to NYC from time to time. Straight! So far my best time has been a little over 18 hours. That seat is great. I see the trucks like that all the time. They do that when rest stops are 50 or so miles apart. I have also seen cars do it. I would never. I'd rather pull over at a rest stop.

dustinnewton

New Posters-Welcome! Glad to have you with us! Check out the Chrysler 300M Enthusiasts Club, Inc. site at http://www.300mclub.org . We are going to start accepting members soon. We almost have everything in place to do so and would love to have all of you join us!
All-I drove up to VT a few years back and was also amazed to see all the trucks pulled over and in rest stops for the night. That has always been illegal in AL for some reason, so it was a new sight. Had my oil changed for the 4th time today (13K miles. Full synthetic every time.). Asked about tranny fluid change. They do the power flush method instead of drain and fill and it runs $80. I am going to have this done next oil change. I have heard a lot of folks say this improves the shifting, so what the heck! My wife, the wizard of the tax refund, might have us set up so that I can get my duals, dash wood, tires, and JetChip (If it finally is out by then!!) all at once!!! Keep your fingers crossed!!

dustinnewton

How 'bout Awesome Bill from Dawsonville in the #9 Dodge!?!?!? SMOKIN!!! I'd love to see him in the winner's circle again!!! It would have been nice to see a 300M on the pole instead of an Intrepid, but the trep would have been my second choice! Go Bill!!!

dustinnewton

$140 pre-painted spoiler on eBay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-cgi/ebayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=557556034&r=0&t=0

racefan9

yeah man!!! i told Bill i had my edmunds nickname on the line )) he didn't let me down, GO AWESOME BILL #9!!!
Hey tell your wife to go ahead and fiqure in a set of 18" O.Z. Volcanos SWEEET!!! As far as the chip, fuggeddaboutit!!!

Racefan9

racefan9

didn't you say you were looking at the O.Z. wheels, i like these:

http://www.ozwheels.com/r16.html

what do you all think???

klkrause

I've been thinking about buying a 1 or 2 year old 300M. I was wondering what problems people may have seen with their M's ... anything? How are the squeaks and rattles? It sounds like they're comfortable. What sort of gas mileage are people getting?

Thanks

scotian

easyrider300m

that sure is a classy 300M logo for your custom clock faces. I'm sure all members here appreciate your talents and ingenuity! Nothing like a custom clock face to personize our M's.

Easyrider300M

pjyoung

I've own a 1999 model and have put every one of the nearly 20K miles on it. No rattles, no problems, extremely satisfying car. Gas mileage with mostly city driving is about 20 mpg, and I run regular unleaded most of the time (once a month I treat it to 89 octane). On the highway I get betweem 28 to 30 (less if I disregard the speed limit). So, for all intents and purposes, I get about 25mpg on the highway ;>)

300michael

They are very nice. The ones I am looking at are the Super Leggera, and the Prodriver, since I like to see the disks. They will be comming out with a 19" in 4 to 8 weeks(which I prefer) or I will go with the 18 8.5 and go with 18/255 40's for "fun driving" and keep my stock for bad weather.
I am waiting for Dayton to contact me for their true spoke rims (like the lo-riders use) which come in 18" to 22".

stumpy11

Hi all,

Can anyone recommend good dry weather high performance tires for the 300M?

Stumpy

racefan9

i like the super leggeras better than the prodrivers, i'm waiting on Fuzzy to show us a pic of his 18's...are you planning on dropping it? i just think it would have to be lowered if you go with the 19's, when i bought my m it was parked by one with the 17's and i could tell it was higher when looking at the trunk lids, i still love my mini-van 16's and the tires are chump change, not so for 18's or bigger, php was designed with the 16's consumer demand made them change to 17's, is bigger better for performance or are they just for looks?

racefan9

my next set of tires are going to be bridgestone z rated, i have michelins now they are nice but i've never had a set on any car that lasted over 35k

ajpiii

I just put some RE730's on last week, they had really good reviews on tirerack... http://www.tirerack.com/tires/bridgestone/bs_re730.jsp

They have a UTQG of 300 AA A which should last awhile (better than most Z Rated Rubber)...

They are 245/45ZR-17's and look great with the chrome razorstars

racefan9

what other size of tires could i put on my 16's? i have 225/60/16
thanks!!!

sfitzpatrick

The rattle definitely sounded like it was front end to me. I couldn't say it was more dash area, but it's possible.

sfitzpatrick

JGoodson,

Thanks for the heads up. Even though I have a 2000 and this was in the 1999 TSB list, I might have a leg to stand on.

I wonder if Chrysler will honor TSB work after the warranty period?

Anyone know?

300michael

I am looking into pole positions potenza (S-02) from Bridestone.

300michael

Go to www.calculateforfree.com and click on tire/gear. In put your current tire size and it will give you every possible tire combonation.(plus and minus sizing) The site has calculators for everything. The only bad thing is the pop up magizine subscriptions.
Have fun. I am going for pricing tomorrow for tires and wheels.

300mingus

I had also noticed the slight movement in the driver's seat of my 2000 300M (10K miles). This has also been described by earlier posters (in 300M XVI-XVIII I think). The general concensus was this was a real problem with some 300Ms and could and SHOULD be repaired by a stop at the dealer. Some fixes described were replacing the seat assembly and others were "tightening" some bolts somewhere - but this post didn't say which ones.

Anyway... I brought mine to my 5* dealer for normal servicing and had them check out the seatt. Come to find out, they agreed with my assessment and ordered a new seat assembly. I took the MMMachine back to the dealer and had it installed last week. Tthe difference is substantial. The part was $800, so get it fixed while you are still under warranty.

I would not recommend letting this one go. The driver's seat and how it bolts to the car is going to make a huge difference if you get into an accident. A slight movement during an acceleration off the line or stopping quickly may not be so slight when going from ?? to 0 in an collision.

I hope this post helps.

All in all - I continue to love the 300M and have had no issues (except the seat movement) to date. Happy MMMotoring

lflowers

I purchased a 2000 300M in October. It was just in off a 1 year lease with 11000 miles on it.
So far (knock on wood) the only problems I've encountered in putting another 7000 miles, so far, on my M were replacing one window motor assembly on warranty (known problem, supposedly solved by redesigned motor) and a 4 wheel alignment, which I had to pay for, required to correct a slight pull.
My car has the PHP option, big stereo, moonroof, spoiler, and chromed Razorstars. With 1 year and 11000 miles on it, I paid $24,000.
If you decide to buy an M, I sincerely hope that you enjoy yours as much as I am enjoying mine.
Lynn

rklass

I have installed the Joshua Tree wood dash kit. They have a brand new kit for the '01 Luxury Group with the real wood California walnut burl.

View the installed kit at: http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1501794&a=11408326

irakleinfeld

I took delivery on my 2001 on 1/20/01, 1250 miles so far. The mileage seems awful...15 - 18 city, 21 - 24 highway (65 - 70 mpg). Is this the common experience during break-in? Can I expect improvement? Or is it an indication of something wrong? Otherwise, the car perfroms well.

exshoman

rklass - Nice set of winter wheels. I'm considering a set of winter tires myself. Unlike some other posters, I happen to think that the PHP Michelin's are pretty marginal in the snow. I have to travel some fairly hilly roads here in MD, and even with traction control, I've often got a tough time getting around. Shift into second, very light throttle, traction control light on, but still spinning wheels. If you don't have too many hills, I'm sure the Michelins are good enough.

Never had a problem getting around with my SHO (with no traction control), but that had less aggressive rubber.

Was going to work last Moday, in the middle of a snowstorm, and came upon a VW Golf trying vainly to get up a hill. Couple other cars had slid off the side of the road in their attempts to get up. Decided to turn around and take the longer (but less hilly) route to work.

I'm not normally a pinstripe guy, but yours looks pretty trick. I like the front pattern, kinda like an eagle.

Looks like you get your share of snow, how are the Goodyear snow tires?

gainesy

1) What three things do you like the most about you car?
-space
-power
-features for the $ (cup holders, heated seats, trip odomoter, etc.)

2) What three things would you change about your car?
- don't buy first year model!
- slightly bigger trunk

3) What has been the most troubling problem you have had with you car?
- engine blew up after 3 weeks (1999 model) - still didn't run properly for approx. 8 months until they reflashed the PCM
-continued problems - doesn't start if below 20 degrees; experienced known window motor problem;
- very non-customer focused in arbitration process (which I lost)

I am trying to find a non-Chyrsler to replace my 300 with as I simply don't trust this car. I am having trouble finding anything big enough etc., even within $10K! Would I be an idiot to buy another, simply to unload this lemon?

ruski

by a recent model Honda Accord with a single tail pipe!

I was zipping along a highway at 80-85 mph. About 1/4 mile ahead, there was an intersection where cars can enter from a stop sign (no ramp). So this suicidal Accord jumps on from a stop sign. I go in the left lane and pass him. I think I am far ahead and can safely return back to the right lane. Put my signal on, start switching. See him in the mirror not too far behind. Apparently he thought that I was cutting him off, because he became very aggressive. He goes in the left lane and starts catching up with me. I think "OK, come closer and I will show you". He comes closer, I downshift and start accelerating. He is passing me... I am flooring it, but he is still passing me! When he is 1/2 car length ahead, his rear doors are lined up with my head, he starts switching into my lane, cutting me off. I then had to press my brakes. He went ahead of me. I followed. Up to 115mph. Then I figured he was too crazy and let him go. He kept on accelerating like crazy.

I still have a question - what was that Accord on?

300michael

After talking to Debra about reprograming my 300M for shifting and taking off the speedlimiter, I went in for my appointment. I delevered the car and the service manager told me that they could not do the work. He them went over to talk to Debra for a minute, before they both came back to me. He kept telling me that I must have misheard Debra, that the computer functions are not programable. This went on for about 4 minuets. At which time I went to the car and pulled out my recorder and played our orginal conversation to them. This changed the Managers tune real quick, at which he started opoliging up and down. I did recieve 2 free oil changes and he did offer to reprogram the car within there limits for free.
I did go and ask 4 of the other service people what can be reprogramed on the car and they all agreed with the manager. It was just my luck to get a person that doesn't know what she was talking about.
Sorry to get some of your hopes up. It seems you were right in the first place.

easyrider300m

I own a 2K 300M and have no problems to speak of. I have 14K on it in 9 months and other than very minor stuff I find the car perfect except for moderate road noise and some wind noise. The trunk is perfect size for me and with the fold down seats the capacity of this car is nearly that of a midsize wagon. Dependability appears to be above average from what I hear from other owners on this and other boards. I have heard of very few major problems. My only concern would be tranny life as Chrysler has had its share of problems in that department. But I plan on changing the tranny fluid regularly to help ward off pending probs.

This car handles like a dream and is superb in the snow with the factory Goodyears. Plenty of interior room and very comfortable seats plus all the ammenities.

Plus the fact that I got a great deal on the car with .9% financing makes me a happy owner. The fact that it is one of the best looking full size cars on the road doesnt hurt either.

Dump the 99 and get an 01 if you can afford it. Otherwise, just service your 99 regularly and keep ahead of any problems. Is yours still under warranty? If it is, then make sure to have any little problems corrected before the warranty expires. Good luck with your decision.

Easyrider300m

rklass

You are right Phil, there is no substitute for winter tires. The tire companies/car manufacturers have lulled the driving public to sleep with claims for "all-season" tires.
One drive on snow with 4 performance winter tires will convince anyone that winter tires are a good investment north of the Mason-Dixon line.
The Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice are an excellent choice, as are the Michelin Arctic Alpin, I have had both on a 300M. Another good choice is the Vredestein Snotrac which we have on my wife's '01 Sebring Sedan.
You are right about the pinstripes, they end in eagles, courtesy of the USPS (modified to keep the postal inspectors away!)

fuzzywuzzy

See what I mean about FL drivers! I'd rather be in NYC Midtown traffic, when the Pres in in town!
Why you were spanked? Simple power to weight ratio. That Honda weighs about 1000lbs less then the M.

jalbert2

I have a 1999 300M with factory installed Good Year 17" Tires. Had tires rotated as recommended every 7,500 miles. From day one, I have had a slight vibration and have had the tires balanced three times by two different outlets. Good Year and Big O. At 17,500, I was still having the same problem. Called Good Year Customer Service. They sent me back to my Good Year Dealer who suggested that I buy new tires since the originals had flat spots and that I have my front end alignment checked. Good Year gave me a good adjustment on new tires. Had Good Year align the front end and install four new tires. I still have the problem. Slight vibration at 55/60 MPH. Has anybody else had this problem and if so, how was it corrected?

fuzzywuzzy

Did you just get replacment GoodYears? If so, your problem wil never go away. Replace the good years with something else. No one know for sure what the problem is, but replacing the tires for something other then good year works,

fuzzywuzzy

Have a good one for you. I was driving home from work, paid the toll, cut off a newer Corvette, to merge to the on ramp.(Accindent) Procedded to cut him off again, to merger into the highway. I gunned it, he gunned it, we were side by side................. Until 35MPh. Then he hit 2nd gear Maybe next time!

ruski

But 300M is supposed to have an awesome pull at high speeds!!!

That Accord had only one exhaust pipe, had to be a 4-cylinder.

I think he had nitrous.

fuzzywuzzy

Maybe, however I think it is FL. When I'm in NYC, my 300M seems faster then in FL. Maybe the heat, or air???

bigmike5

welcome to the throng with 17" Badyears that have a rumble or shudder at one speed or the other. My own has it between 30-35 MPH but is smooth as glass at other speeds. Had them rebalanced 3 times so far, and even rotated my 5th wheel spare thru the mix to see if I had one tire with bad belts or something. The problem remains. Since you have a new set of tires you may want to try Equal [they are on the net] which is a new system/injection product that supposedly prevents the problem after the wheels have been carefully balanced. Somebody on this board had Equal applied after a problem like ours and I was waiting for an update on whether it worked. GY had replaced his tires too. I hoped to be able to try it but there are no tire dealers close to me in KY who have been trained in the application and have the product. One who is supposed to get trained and do it within a month tells me it will cost $15 a wheel but the wheels will never have to be balanced again. For that price I am not enthused about trying it on tires that have 26K on them. I may do it to the new tires when I get rid of these around 45K. Til then I will keep balancing and put up with it, and hope that the vibes aren't doing damage elsewhere in the suspension system.

dustinnewton

Ruski-Don't count on it being a 4 banger. I have seen Accords with a V6 with one tail pipe as well. I also got spanked last fall by an Accord with one tail pipe. Before he pulled away and left me, I did see a V6 tag next to the Accord logo on the rear. I don't know why a V6 would only have 1 pipe, but it did. 500 less pounds and only 53 fewer HP (253 vs. 200 for the Accord) equals speed. That's OK. I still think the M is superior to the Accord in every other way!
Race-Should I try to talk her into the full Lorinser kit while I'm at it??? ;-)

dustinnewton

My next set of tires (which I hope to buy by the end of this month) will be Pirelli P6000's. They have them on tire rack and have some reviews. I have always had very good luck with Pirelli tires.

dustinnewton

Who has this week's "JetChip module to be released in two weeks" update?? ;-)

fuzzywuzzy

You know I have it

Got email from them that said 30 days. So that's 2 weeks & 30 days now