Chrysler 300M

19293959798507

Comments

  • russklassrussklass Member Posts: 389
    Mike,
    Please e-mail me at RussKlass@aol.com so I can keep ypu updated on the cruise.
    We only have a 4.5 hour drive from Buffalo, and plan to be in Detroit by early afternoon.
    If there is enough interest, we could all meet at the Walter P. Chrysler Museum.
  • scotianscotian Member Posts: 1,064
    have Emmy again. And I noticed two hail dents in the roof where the sunroof retracts. Something to have paintlessly repaired one of these days. I hope the sunroof still works afterwards.

    Years ago, after taking my Regal GS to the dealership to have all sorts of little things done to it, I noticed that they messed up in a stupid way on a couple of them. I brought the car back twice to finish everything. I ended up writing the dealership about the comedy of errors, and when I came in the head shop guy remembered my name and explained to me that the mechanics are just a bunch of trained monkeys. I always wondered why he said that. It didn't make him or the dalership look good, hiring trained monkeys and all, and it was just a rude thing to say about the employees. If that was typical of his management style, I would imagine that those working under him wouldn't want to get things right in the first place.
  • murfstermurfster Member Posts: 7
    lonestarsled: yes, this is the bluish smoke and yes it does linger around (I've pulled over enough smoking cars to know the difference between hydro-vapor and engine oil smoke).

    It's really sad. Up to this point I have lauded DCX for their improvement on fit/finish, drive train. I brag about the performance and "seemingly" long lasting components. Now it's coming back to bite me.

    Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't trade my M for anything else, but smoking after 43k (just at startup) is disappointing and I feel a little foolish for praising DCX's turnaround.

    Guess into the auto-hospital my M goes. We'll see if DCX's Extended Warranty is all it's cracked up to be.

    Truly disappointing.
  • herrmdoggherrmdogg Member Posts: 69
    hey whats up ... its not cheap thats for sure ... not even with me being sponsored by the custom shop that did all the work ... all i did was pay their cost for parts and didnt even pay any labor and it still cost me $4200 ... they estimated since it was a total custom build from their application engineers that it would have run me between $8500 - $9000 with install and paying regular price for parts if i wasnt sponsored ... YIKES !!! =) ... i have all 41 pics downloaded from my digital camera and will be updating my site today with all the new pics ... ( http://members.cardomain.com/herrmdogg ) ... but until then, maybe this can hold you over ... how about a 7 1/2" parked dogleg !?!?!?!? ... its hard to tell the distance from this pic but i will be taking more laying flat on the ground to get the whole effect with a ruler next to my rim and tire ... also these pics are just temporary because i took them out from of my apartment just to get some pics now but i will be taking much better ones soon with a much nicer background ... OVERLOOKING ALL OF CINCINNATI OHIO ... =) ... enjoy this one pic for now ... =)


    image

  • bigmike5bigmike5 Member Posts: 960
    Donie44@aol.com is the e-mail address that I have received notes from him on. I gave him your e-mail address but his last note to me said he had not got around to e-mailing you yet. That was on the 5th, which is why I asked if you had heard from him.
  • sdmike2sdmike2 Member Posts: 2,909
    Read the PDF user's manual on the infinity site (link in post 4693). It explains a lot about how to install and tune the unit.

    Av - that wiring chart shows only four speakers...two in front and two in back. I THINK we're supposed to have something like 11 with the upgraded stereo. Does the chart just show what's coming out of the head unit and not what's coming out of the amp? Would the sub hijack the wires coming out of the head unit or would we run it from the existing infinity Amp? You're a stereo guy, enlighten us. :)
  • sdmike2sdmike2 Member Posts: 2,909
    Now all you need next to that rear wheel is a fire hydrant. ;)
  • sdmike2sdmike2 Member Posts: 2,909
    Found this tidbit for those that care:

    The Chrysler 300M gains an optional luxury package, with automatically adjusting outside mirrors (which tilt down when driving in reverse), walnut trim, and overhead trip computer ("electronic vehicle information center"). Chrome dual exhaust outlets and 17 inch, 12 spoke aluminum wheels have become standard across the line. Chrome wheels are optional.

    New tail lamps have clear lenses, the latest style. Window opening mouldings are bright anodized aluminum, and the folding outside mirrors have a high gloss. New mouldings around the windshield deal with water better and reduce wind noise.

    On the inside, the steering wheel now features radio controls, and the shift knob has a chrome insert. The clock face has "jewel-like wings," and a winged Chrysler medallion is on the horn pad. Finally, an extra power outlet has been added to the center console.

    Safety features include optional side airbags, a center rear seat harness, and internal emergency trunk release. The standard (USA) 3.5 engine is now certified for LEV standards.
  • sdmike2sdmike2 Member Posts: 2,909
    also for those that care:

    A new 320watt Infinity amplifier has nine output channels one, for each speaker location. Enhanced distortion limiting circuitry prevents overdriving the speakers.

    A single 2.5inch (64mm) fullrange, spatial imaging speaker mounts in the center instrument panel

    Two 2.5inch (64mm) coaxial speakers mount in the lower front corners of the front windows. These speakers are aimed at the front seat occupants on the opposite side of the car to provide clear sound without excess intensity. Grilles on these speakers include Infinity logos

    Two 6.5inch (165mm) round fullrange speakers are located in the front doors. Front door speakers are mounted somewhat higher than those of competitive cars for better sound projection. A raised seal on the face of each of these speakers presses against the reverse side of the door trim panel, enhancing fronttorear separation for better sound quality

    Two 6 x 9inch (152 x 229mm) fullrange speakers mount beneath the rear shelf panel

    Two 2.5inch (64mm) round speakers are placed in the rear doors. Mounted high in the doors, these speakers enhance high frequency sound for rear seat passengers
  • rogor2krogor2k Member Posts: 385
    The shift knob HAD a chrome insert, for a while. One Club member just e-mailed me and just picked up his brand new 2001 300M last Saturday, sans the chrome trimmed knob. When asked where the chrome insert was, the salesperson said there had been a problem with the chrome inserts "falling off", so Chrysler had discontinued them. Anyone here have their chrome insert "fall off"??

    Seems like almost anyone could have made up a better BS story than that. Oh, the tangled webs we weave. LOL
  • sdmike2sdmike2 Member Posts: 2,909
    LOL! At least he could have said "we had problems with people burning themselves on them and suing chrysler". It would have been more believeable! ;) When mine came without it and I asked why, my salesman honestly replied "I dunno". :)
  • sdmike2sdmike2 Member Posts: 2,909
    I'm finding all kinds of neat stuff. I just found this link for Motor Trend's Auto Tech diagnostic software. It's available for the 300M for $29.95. Supposedly you answer a few questions and it tells you what is wrong. Roger...maybe we need a copy for the club. lol

    http://www.autoink.com/CDhome.htm
  • scotianscotian Member Posts: 1,064
    My girlfriend says that my car looks like a hick car with the wing emblem in the center of the trunk. She explained that it appears as though I am stressing the fact that it's a Chrysler (even though I had that very word removed from my trunk), and reminds her of those stickers where Calvin is urinating on a Ford or Chevy.

    Speaking of the Calvin sticker, that sticker reminds me of when both opposing sides in a battle speak of God being on their side. I guess both Ford and Chevy owners are hoping that their god Calvin pisses on the other.

    I suggested she get one for her own car, a Mercedes, with Calvin dissing, say, a BMW. I've never seen that particular configuration. If I had her car, I'd probably put that on for a while.
  • sdmike2sdmike2 Member Posts: 2,909
    Here's a link to a guy selling them at $199 plus $20 shipping/handling.


    http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1247793890

  • rogor2krogor2k Member Posts: 385
    Cheaper and cheaper. Is anyone giving these puppies away?? Maybe this is about to become a discontinued item. I've seem similar things happen before where they unload inventory before the latest and greatest model is released. There seems to be a glut of these right now.

    I got my Sony DSC-D770 digital camera last year that way. Suddenly this nearly $2000 retail price camera was showing up on EBay in huge numbers for a little over $700. I got one and just love it.
  • sdmike2sdmike2 Member Posts: 2,909
    Autozone has a special where you get a $10 gift card with the purchase of 4 or more Bosch Platinum +4 plugs (the M uses part 4428).


    http://www.autozone.com/StoreSpecials/body_boschspecial.html

  • sdmike2sdmike2 Member Posts: 2,909
    The first review for the sub that I saw was in November 2000, so it's not a brand new item, nor is it very old. My guess is that Infinity has reduced their wholesale price recently, OR a truckload of them was hijacked leaving the factory. lol. Here's another link to a discussion about the item. It describes a guy's experience with installing it. Make sure to read the subsequent posts because he describes how he put it in and provides pictures. This guy actually just hooked the unit up to his speaker terminals.


    http://forums.audiworld.com/audio/msgs/9391.phtml

  • hayneldanhayneldan Member Posts: 657
    I believe that all the 99 LH cars already had the holes drilled in the rear seat shelf for the child seat anchors. Pictures in the 99 brochures of the unfinished body show the holes for the three anchor points. You can buy the anchors from the parts department. I'd check my 99 Intrepid but the trunk is full of golf clubs. Anyone else with a 99 with an empty trunk that could check for braatz?
  • dustinnewtondustinnewton Member Posts: 242
    If anyone wants it (from the service manual) e-mail me at secretary300mclub@hotmail.com and I will send it to you. I figured out the colors myself (by taking every speaker out and noting it's wire color) early last year before I got my service manual. The high end stereo has 11 outputs for the 11 speakers. If the Infinity has high level inputs, the best thing to do is tap the wire downstream from the amp, otherwise, it will ahve to be tapped before the wire gets to the amp. I will make the color scheme file a .gif file by default, so if you would rather have a different type, let me know. I can do pretty much anything but .pdf files. Also indicate whether you hav ethe standard or upgraded stereo.
  • russklassrussklass Member Posts: 389
    If you will be attending Dream Cruise 2001 in Detroit August 17-19, please:

    1. E-Mail me at RussKlass@aol.com and I will put you on the list for information.

    2. Go to:

    http://www.invites.yahoo.com/c313af083c70tark-qjctqb92/ and indicate your attendance.

    3. Check out the cruise info at:

    http://www.woodwarddreamcruise.com/index.shtml


    4. Be sure to call the Dearborn Hampton Inn, 313-436-9600, and reserve before our reserved block of rooms are gone.


    I will keep everyone posted as time progresses.

    Russ
  • sdmike2sdmike2 Member Posts: 2,909
    I would love the diagram in any format. I have the upgraded infinity system. The Basslink has both high and low-level inputs (4 of each). The low-level are RCA jacks and the high-level are wire inserts. Looks like the trick would be to pirate the 8 wires from the front 6 1/2 speakers and the rear 6x9s. Here's a picture of the inputs:
    image
  • mikeyjohnmikeyjohn Member Posts: 365
    to sdmike2 just to let you know that they have dropped the chrome piece on the shift lever on the 01 M, I have had two 01M's which were factory ordered. They screwed up the first one that I factory ordered on Jan 9 and after I took delivery I found they had forgot to add the side air bags so my dealer accepted responsibility and ordered another one which I took delivery on 5 May. Both cars had the leather shifter. I have seen both and I do not like the chrome piece. What I would like to see is a walnut burl one which would look good in my sandstone interior and the added wood pieces that I ordered from Joshua Tree.
  • sdmike2sdmike2 Member Posts: 2,909
    I agree. I don't like the chrome piece either. I'm glad I got all leather. Last thing I want is to be cleaning fingerprints off the thing...or worse yet removing palm skin that burned off my hand when the interior is 120 degrees! :) I think a matching burlwood shifter would be awesome. Maybe we can talk Joshua Tree into making one. :) By the way, I have the sandstone interior as well. What color are your Ms? Here's my image library for Big Red.

    http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=1620463

    When I was at my dealer today I asked about the shift knob for the heck of it. He looked up the number for the chrome insert knob and did a search of who had it. Well, it seems that there are 2 in the country at dealers. One out here in National City (south of San Diego) and the other is Cerritos up near LA. Nothing east of the California border.
  • sdmike2sdmike2 Member Posts: 2,909
    Just went to my local Autozone and found two nice deals that I thought I'd share. As posted earlier they have the Bosch Platinum +4 plugs for $5.99 each, but you get a $10 gift card. The other deal is a Mobil 1 oil filter plus 5 quarts of Mobil 1 synthetic for $27. I think it's a savings of $6 or so.

    -M
  • sdmike2sdmike2 Member Posts: 2,909
    (can you tell that work is slow today?)

    I went by the local Al & Ed's Autosound to discuss my sub install, and I got a quote of $50 plus any materials. Their chief installer recommended that we vent the trunk into the cabin of the car to improve airflow and help the bass maintain its clarity. Normally they would cut a square in the wall between the trunk and rear seat, but in our case he's going to drill a handful of 1" diameter holes in the backplate of the fold down drink holders in the rear. Since that separator is made of wood and covered with material on each side the modification will be invisible.

    One more thing...I asked if he needed the wiring diagram for the existing amp and he said "no, we just touch a battery to each wire and listen for what speaker the clicks come from". Doh!

    -M
  • sibesibe Member Posts: 102
    I mentioned the high beam as well as driving lights as esthetically it just woudln't look cool. Don't know what Mercedes or Lexus do with their high beams.

    I got an 01 - well let me rephrase, my WIFE has an 01 (lest she be lurking on the list...) which we received in May from the factory. The shift knob was all leather.

    Sibe
  • scotianscotian Member Posts: 1,064
    fixed the window trim and applied hot air to the three rippled weatherstrips. One of the strips was heated enough to discolor it; they have ordered another. Will this ever end!? I should be going to pick up the car soon.

    They said that just having the car in the sun should get rid of ripples. Has this happened to anyone with new weatherstripping, or do you still have ripples?
  • sugar300msugar300m Member Posts: 61
    scotian: what do you expect from "monkeys"! Good luck man. I had (have) a '91 Regal Ltd. that had brake problems early on & our friends @ Buick acted the same way, like they had a banana up the....ear.

    sdmike: tks for the Basslink info. I haven't talked to an installer yet, but I'd have to drill holes in the back seat as the 99 M has no rear fold down cupholders. This is the unit I want so I'll let ya'll know what they say.
  • sdmike2sdmike2 Member Posts: 2,909
    I'm sure it would still be a major improvement over stock if you didn't drill the holes. The stereo dude just says it will improve the sound. I'm actually debating having it done, since I'd really prefer to not put another drill on Big Red. I hope you saw the link above to a guy selling them for $199 plus shipping. Most on-line sites are charging $275 and up (Crutchfield is $399)
  • mikeyjohnmikeyjohn Member Posts: 365
    My M is the same colour as yours, but in Canada we have the day time running lights as standard equipment, plus everything is in metric, but you can see the MPH in the background of the speedo. I also believe that the Canadian version has a different child anchor system than the USA type.I sure love my car and I spend more time looking or sitting in it than driving. I just turned 1500Kilometers that I think is less than a thousand miles. I also agree with you that we should find a source for a burl wood shifter. I am still waiting for my wood trim to come from Joshua Tree, it has been over a week, I think Mike sent it by pony express. I am also thinking of adding that almost invisable shield to the front of my car rather than the bra.
  • jona57jona57 Member Posts: 194
    I had my dealer SEARCH for a 2001 Garnet M with the chrome shifter & I bought it . (Turns out it was an early build - but had <150 mi so it was no demo. I hope the time it sat around doesn't come back to haunt me later!) Anyway I like the chrome. IMHO it's a bit classier than plain leather- but a nice walnut burl would be incredible. If no one offers it for sale, I may buy a few pieces of burl & see what a woodworking buddy could do to may one.
  • sdmike2sdmike2 Member Posts: 2,909
    Today I noticed that my hood cover is starting to show significant signs of wear. Along the leading edge, for about 1 inch wide all along the length, the vinyl has developed white spots that look like some backing texture is coming through. IMO it shouldn't be doing this with only 2 months of mild weather on it. I think I'll take it back to the 5* and see if they'll replace it for free (I know..rotsa ruck).
  • sdmike2sdmike2 Member Posts: 2,909
    I found a site with some awesome looking shift knobs, but I'm not sure what requirements we have for the M regarding the button and mounting method. Anyone replace their shift knob with something aftermarket? Here's a site with some examples.

    http://www.caraddons.com/Catalog/subpages/Gateways/shift_knobs.htm


    I especially like the red Evolution one by Grant.

  • sugar300msugar300m Member Posts: 61
    I've had mine for over 2 years, treated w/ Amorall & it's held up ok...even in NY.
  • intrepidspiritintrepidspirit Member Posts: 662
    If you get the Chrysler/Plymouth News, check the spring 2001 edition. The cover feature is "300 miles of pure Golden State in the 300M". The inside feature is a bit of fluff, but there are several pictures of a platinum M tooling along Pacific Coast Highway...with no front license plate! There is no disclaimer with the article, so I wonder if they think that's legal...I sure wish it was!

    When I bought our 2nd 300M (for my wife), we too were concerned about the chrome shifter. However, it has not been a problem, even in the 100 degree heat. It doesn't really heat up that much and you really don't have to contact much of the chrome when shifting. Anyway, since it appears to have become a collector's item, I'm glad we have it!
  • easyrider300measyrider300m Member Posts: 1,116
    I am considering doing the infinity sub install---but I am waiting for you guys to do yours first so I can evaluate better---I thought of doing the holes in the cupholder area--just wondering if drilling that material over the solid part would shred the edges--now if you could drill the solid part without going through the material that may work---or you could glue on some speaker cloth material over the holes for a more finished look--do you plan on mounting the speaker on the trunk floor right behind the cupholders---I would think that may be the best spor unless it can be mounted vertically right behind the cupholders---

    question--do you just tap the speaker wires to the existing rear woofers or do you need to run the other speaker wires to it also--how many input wires do you need to connect---I would be curious to see what settings you find best--I would want an on off switch on mine as certain music as well as talk radio doesnt need any base assist--do you guys plan on using the auto turn on feature or are you mounting a turn on switch---

    $50 for install sounds pretty reasonable--thats the route I would probably go--leave it to the experts--
  • sdmike2sdmike2 Member Posts: 2,909
    I think I'm going to mount my vertically in the front trunk corner on the passenger side (the non-folding side). It would be more out of the way there, and it's not necessary to put it behind the vent holes. I believe that an installer can remove the backing, drill through the panel, and re-apply the backing. In fact, the installer I talked to said I'd never know the holes were there.

    As for the wiring, the unit has inputs for either low level (pre-amped signal directly from the head unit) or high level (from the rear amp). Because the existing amp is in the trunk about 24 inches from where I'm putting the sub, I think I'll run from the amp to the high level inputs on the basslink. The key will be finding the right 8 speaker wires (two each for the right/left 6 1/2 inch door speakers and the right/left 6x9 full range deck speakers) out of the 22 to connect (but I think Dustin already has that documented).

    What I like more and more about this unit is the ability to set the gain, bass level, and phasing. It allows you to really set it up the way you like it. The unit also has an on/off switch, but it's auto-on if you set it up like I just described. For your talk radio, AM, etc. you can simply turn down the bass using your regular controls. That will cut the bass signal to the sub-woofer as well. You just need to pick a middle ground with your bass controls when you set-up the subwoofer, so you have room to increase or decrease it depending on your needs.
  • hataxhatax Member Posts: 56
    I don't know too much about the infinity basslink. But I have a cerwin vega 12" in my car with a box a friend at AudioKing made for me. Works great and is probably overkill on the bass side, I like bass, but this does get too loud at times, all I do is fold down the 40 part of the seat to get all the bass into the cabin of the car. (seeing as the box and all take up the 60 side. One thing I'll say, don't worry about cutting the bass out for talk radio, if it has a descent crossover in it, you shouldn't hear any bass come through the sub. Subs hit at feqs lower than 150hz normally. Mine is set to 70hz. So voices should not come through, so if it's setup right, no need to turn it on and off. Just so it goes with the ignition/radio..

    Just my 2 cents. =)
  • easyrider300measyrider300m Member Posts: 1,116
    would it be easy to add an underdash switch to turn the unit on and off--I dont see the need to run the unit if you're listening to talk radio or easy listening music---I listen to talk radio , sports shows, etc at least half the time so I would like to be able to turn the sub off as nec.

    what do you mean about 22 wires to connect--I thought it just needed a few wires connected---

    I am wondering if any of those units on ebay are "B-stock""--that is factory refurbished or returns etc---I see B stock for sale at flea markets etc. for cheap so you have to be careful---
  • ruskiruski Member Posts: 1,566
    I have a 99 300M and it came with three holes in the parcel shelf for the child seat tether anchor bolts. The holes are covered by the parcel shelf material.

    My dealer ordered and installed two tether anchots for $100 (first I had to call Chrysler to find out the exact part number)
  • sdmike2sdmike2 Member Posts: 2,909
    The 22 wires are 11 pairs that go to the speakers in the upgraded Infinity system. The sub just needs a balanced signal with bass not stripped out of it. The existing amp has a crossover that takes bass out of the tweeters mounted in the dash and in the rear doors, so you just need to tap into the signal going to the front door speakers and the rear deck speakers. Also, the auctions that we bought from stated that the items were new and not refurbished.

    Great point Hatax. The basslink has an adjustable crossover that will allow you to eliminate any response to midrange or high frequencies. Therefore, unless there is bass, the sub won't do anything (so no need to turn it off).

    -M
  • avalanche165avalanche165 Member Posts: 558
    i don't see any new pics up on your site???
  • scotianscotian Member Posts: 1,064
    I ordered my set of Bosch Platinum +4 plugs. All 8 of them. Oh, if only it were so...
  • ottowrkrottowrkr Member Posts: 778
    Hey another Canadian , how's it going EH!! There is no difference in the child anchor system , between Canadian and U.S cars. But we have used two diffrent styles. When we first started building 2001 we used to attach the anchors to the rear parcel shelf with bolts ,these cars will have three plastic bubble like covers on the rear shelf (does not look good) . Because of problems attaching the bolts to the body and for better looks this was redesigned ,and we went to another style . The style we use now has the anchor built into the rear shelf metal and these cars have a three flat plastic flaps that flip up to reveal the anchor. This might be what your thinking about.
  • ottowrkrottowrkr Member Posts: 778
    yes it would be nice , but save then for your 300N with the 5.7 HEMI
  • brianw300brianw300 Member Posts: 30
    Scotian - My weatherstrips were pre-shrunk when I got the car with 800 mi's on it. I pointed it out to the dealer a week later (when I noticed). Afer a 4 week wait to get them in they replaced them with no ripples. They have been fine since. It sounds like they either put in the wrong ones, or the more obvious (considering what they did to the window trim!) they put them in wrong. It may be time to find a new dealer for service. Hopefully with less monkeys!

    DING!
    I got the quarter sized DING on my right rear door repaired today by DentBusters. I must say I was very skeptical of the "Dentless Paint Repair" thing, but I am a true believer now! For $75 they took it out so well that and I can't tell where it was. There was also a bit of a scratch in it that I expected to still see, but they buffed it a bit and it's gone! Not a sign, nothing! Quite an amazing craft that DPR stuff. I highly recommend it.

    BrianW
  • scotianscotian Member Posts: 1,064
    What does the air intake resonator do -- the box behind the air filter/intake box? Smooth out the air pressure going into the engine? My in-line resonator just bends the airflow 90 degrees; I don't think it can be called a resonator, but it is...
  • hataxhatax Member Posts: 56
    Otto! If he was saving them for the 5.7l Hemi then he'd need to buy another 8 plugs! The 5.7 Hemi is supposed to have 2 plugs per cyl, but only 2 valves per cyl...... Weird where they decided to put the extras..... =D
  • ski1001ski1001 Member Posts: 27
    I have noticed that if I am driving with roof open and I hold down the reflector on roof, the wind noise is cut in half. Any suggestions on how to keep the reflector down (other then holding it down by hand). It's suppose to cause less noise, but I found this not true..
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