Chrysler 300M

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Comments

  • fuzzywuzzyfuzzywuzzy Member Posts: 958
    I saw 1 on the road down here. It might have been on a test drive, since it was by the dealer by the sample road casino. As of last month, not 1 FL dealer anywhere had a special. A friend was looking into getting 1, & was told it would have to be ordered, & since they are low demand, & limited production, it could take up to 12 weeks to get it.
  • cmyers300mcmyers300m Member Posts: 206
    Man, sounds like the south gets bumped when it comes to getting specials. I was at my dealer yesterday and they have 4 on thier lot. I don't think they are selling real fast either, there is too much competition with other dealers/manufacurers around here.
  • beach15beach15 Member Posts: 1,305
    Oops, here I go saying "Avalanche" on this board again!

    But as far as price, ours stickered at $33,193 and we got it for $26,193. So effectively, 7k off sticker.
  • jona57jona57 Member Posts: 194
    I used to subscribe to CR, but dumped it because I found what was important to them in their product rec's was not relevant to me (or sometimes flat out WRONG!!!- e.g. 300M's front leg room listed as 2" less than the Concorde). For example, their last review of home audio receivers rated a certain JVC rather average for features, when it had a USB-in port (for computer audio) and an integral equalizer which none of the other receivers had. As far as cars go, CR has been OTL for decades!! Back in college, my wife & I owned a Chevette & an Omni. CR rated the Chevette as a recommended subcompact while the Omni was "unacceptable" due to its handling. In living with both for 2 +years, the Omni was the better car in every way BY FAR- especially handling. Even today, remember that those product surveys are for subscribers only & are NOT a true random sampling. Satisfied owners of certain vehicles will not be as likely to keep subscribing to a rag which continually pans their ride.
    BTW- Has CR reported on the Toyota engine sludge controversy yet?

    Jon
  • silverbullet4silverbullet4 Member Posts: 449
    The 300M looks like a salesman's company car? Jeez, I wish! All I ever had was plain Olds Omega, Ford LTD (the mid-size with a long hood), and a Ford Taurus. NO leather, power seats or power engine. Crummy OEM radio with no CD or even tape player. After 15 years of prolitariat cars I was more than ready for the near luxury 300M, and I love this car!

    Silver
  • glennbpglennbp Member Posts: 327
    I opted to do one caliper at a time. Each one took about 45 minutes so the total process was around 3 hours. I put each wheel back on before the paint was dry being extra careful and had no problems. I waited overnight though before driving which worked out great.
  • cmyers300mcmyers300m Member Posts: 206
    I subscibe to CR, have for years, and I always submit good or bad info regarding my vehicles. True, it is only subscibers that they get their info from. However, I think they are having trouble translating the info they get. Example, my wife and I are considering buying a SUV soon, and when looking at their book at a Dodge Durango they state in comments that it's reliability has been much worse than average. If you go in the section that has all the little circles that are black for bad, red for good, you won't see ANY problems with the Durango for the last 2 years. If fact, it is check marked as AVERAGE reliablity. Probably should even be rated as MUCH better than average.
    I noticed this problem on some other cars as well.

    With that in mind, I don't find their data all too reliable. I use it along with other reviews to help me decide, but I think looking as these message boards help too.
  • blondablonda Member Posts: 542
    Before I bought my 99 in early 2000 I checked the reviews in Consumer Reports. At that time it was recommended and good reliability, but they did comment that they didn't have much data. So goes to show....of course the older cars are going to have poorer reliability ratings....the 01's and 02's don't have as many miles so of course less problems. I find it strange that the ratings can differ between the 99's and the 00/01's on some of their categories like the engine. What's the difference? granted the 99's had trouble with the window motors and some with body seems, but those are about the only problems that are pretty much limited to the 99's. It seems the 2000's are having just as many speed sensor failures as the 99's so why is their tranny rated better? I don't think CR lists how many respondants they had to their surveys...this would be very important information to me if I was relying on their ratings (which I don't)
  • drpixeldrpixel Member Posts: 256
    I've replaced i300Michael's (sorry, Mike...) featured web site with scotian's. We are attempting to update the club homepage on a more regular basis. dawleyda is busy updating the member directory and some other stuff, so please be patient while this work is being done. am @ work today, seeing half fuzzy, half focussed, but physically present.
    Will be out monday and Tuesday for youngest daughter's surgery...nothing serious, but I want to be there when she wakes up.....
    L8R,
    Doc
  • cmyers300mcmyers300m Member Posts: 206
    Well, I have a 2001 M, and have had no problems. I have 10,750 miles on it over a years period. True, that isn't a lot of miles, but generally you will have problems with a car in the first year you own one. Case in point, my wife's van. But if you look at a lot of data in the CR book, you'll notice a trend for American made cars, the first year a new model/redesign comes out that reliablity is not so good. Then the second year, a few problems. Third year, solid good performer. Hence the reason I bought my M when I did. I believe, in my opinion of course, that every new car needs 2 years to have the 'bugs' worked out before they are truely 'reliable'. No, American cars are not the only ones guilty of this, and not ALL new model year cars are 'unreliable', but I think this category is where the CR book does help a little.
  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,285
    I agree that the top of the rear window does not defrost as those are not heating elements in the glass, probably antenna.

    My '99 Platinum M turned 35,000 miles yesterday. Two window regulators, one speed sensor and almost 3 years of reliable, economical, fun and (most importantly, of course!) stylish motoring!

    '21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)

  • cmyers300mcmyers300m Member Posts: 206
    I agree with you, this is definitly NOT a salesman car. My M is MUCH nicer than the salesman I work with. They drive Ford Taurus', with nothing on them.
    Of course the statement came from an Acura TL owner, which THAT car looks like every other Honda on the road. They all resemble the Accord in one way or another. So let's see, would I rather drive a 300M that has unique looks, or a TL that is BLAND in every way and resembles a cheaper car, Accord, yet costs 10k more?
    Geez, I'll take the M!
  • easyrider300measyrider300m Member Posts: 1,116
    are the thick batch of lines at the top the ones for the antenna---and just below that thick bunch of lines are 2 or 3 regular thicknes lines that are more widely spaced---arent those supposed to be for the defroster---I get no defrosting in that area---the bottom several closely spaced ones defrost fine
  • cmyers300mcmyers300m Member Posts: 206
    The thick lines at the top are for the FM antenna. If you aren't sure which ones are for the defroster, usually you can look at the back window(from the inside of the car) and look for the two heating element plugs that connect directly to the window, one on either side. Then just follow the lines coming out from the contacts, those are for defrosting. I'm not near my M, but all cars I've owned were like that. You'll notice the FM lines at the top of your rear window do not feed into those contacts.
  • kosh_2258kosh_2258 Member Posts: 338
    I suppose the interior of an M would be seen that way if the person making the remarks was used to a BMW or MB or an Acura.

    On the other hand, I haven't read a car magazine article lately that HASN'T complained about the poor fit, finish and cheap looking plastic on all of GM's vehicles tested. The Impala being the most recent one complained about. It was at the bottom of the heap as a matter of fact. The Taurus was ahead of the Impala, but not by much.
    Heck even MB has been the focus of complaints for the cheap looking plastic they are using on the C Class.

    I'll take the M's interior over anything GM any day.
  • silverbullet4silverbullet4 Member Posts: 449
    Amen, Bruddah. I test drove the TL before selecting the M.

    Silver
  • andy300mandy300m Member Posts: 95
    comparing 300m interior to BMW: I rode my bosses bmw (was it 325?) and I did not like the interior at all. its a much smaller car in the same price range as 300M. I think she has a 98-99 325. other dude at work has a lexus es300, 96, and it is very dull in comparison to our Ms. Nothing exciting about interior either.
    Went to lunch with my coworker recently (she drives a camry) and when she got into my car, she said: "Nice car! Is this a camry also?" Why she thought it was a camry is beyond me. :-)
    Overall, I think an M is a pretty good deal for the money when compared to any import or domestic car. Noone has ever said that it looks ugly. However, my brother in law once said he likes the concord better than the M because of the way rear end looks. ??? But he also likes lincoln town car's styling.
    One old lady with a concorde was checking out my 01 M while waiting at the service dept and commented on how much nicer it looks than her car!
    A window tint guy said that he "..loves these cars..". A dude working on my windshield crack said it looks "phat". What can I say? M's styling is awesome inside and out!
  • grunschevgrunschev Member Posts: 106
    I have the PHP. The Eibach springs lowered the car 1.2". After hearing in this forum that Eibach discontinued the springs I contacted them for more info. They said they had about half the springs returned due to vibration. I have yet to hear of another 300M with Eibach springs. Perhaps they only sold 2 sets and the other was returned? :-)

    Re: slower 0-60 times with bigger wheels... I have a hunch my 18x8 with tires weigh no more than the chrome razor stars with tires. If I remember, I'll have them weighed with and without tires when I get my Yokohamas installed (probably next Sat.).

    Igor
  • 300michael300michael Member Posts: 1,815
    No problem after having my site featured for the last 9 months, by all means. Now maybe Homestead will not be bugging me about my bandwidth useage. Plus it will give me a chance to up date my sites too. Boy do they need it. I am glad Scotian agreed to take the baton.
  • scotianscotian Member Posts: 1,064
    http://public.fotki.com/Scotian/300m/interior/clock_face/new_faces/
  • scotianscotian Member Posts: 1,064
    The screenshot of my Fotki directory is kinda' dull, though...
  • 300michael300michael Member Posts: 1,815
    I believe that is true. I do not know of any salesman (or saleslady) that wouldn't love to be in this car instead of the average Ford or GM offering. It is sporty, plenty of interior room, plus a large trunk. Sit in a 300M and then a TL or Camry, and you will notice the differance instantly. I did like the Concourd's (99-01)front end better then the 300M's, just because it looked like the Jag XK models.
    I think she asked if it was a Camry was because of the new 02 restyleing. Lots of 300M cues here.
  • 300michael300michael Member Posts: 1,815
    It heats only the lower rear window, because that is where you need the visibility from. The top part would be useless, unless you are looking for stars.
  • 300michael300michael Member Posts: 1,815
    The same rim will weigh more the larger the diameter is, if you have light weight racing rims they could well be lighter then the razerstars.
  • 300michael300michael Member Posts: 1,815
    Has sure been up lately. Even without SDmike:).
  • videoman1videoman1 Member Posts: 201
    Hey, Someone's stealing my cartoon character ideas.


    http://www.martin-productions.com/300M/300M-clock.jpg


    Good job on the Snoopy too.

  • sdmike2sdmike2 Member Posts: 2,909
    Scott? http://www.nick.com/all_nick/tv_supersites/spongebob/main.jhtml
    lol!
  • rogor2krogor2k Member Posts: 385
    Has anyone seen this site? http://www.caliperpaint.com.


    They have kits that let you stencil your car name on the caliper. Might be a nice variation on the theme.
  • 300michael300michael Member Posts: 1,815
    I asked scotain about the WW1 flying ace (snoopy) if you don't mind. I love to fly in my 300M. :)
  • videoman1videoman1 Member Posts: 201
    Michael,

    I was only teasing about stealing cartoon character ideas. I love cartoons and I say the more the merrier.

    Now how do I get Scott to put mine up on his site :)
  • beach15beach15 Member Posts: 1,305
    I think some of you misunderstood what was meant by that comment. I read it to mean the car itself in general, and in actuality, around here I've seen quite a few "salesmen" driving M's. The way I usually can tell is the way they're dressed, there's boxes or other stuff sitting in the back seat, and they're constantly talking on the phone while driving. I think the guy that posted it meant it more in a general "feeling" kind of way, and not about the styling.

    As far as sedan style goes, nothing I've seen has yet to beat or even match the M's beauty!!
  • videoman1videoman1 Member Posts: 201
    Mike,

    Spongebob Squarepants has to be one of the best cartoons around nowadays. With a 2 year old and 6 year old here, I get to watch it whenever it's on.
  • andy300mandy300m Member Posts: 95
    "As far as sedan style goes, nothing I've seen has yet to beat or even match the M's beauty!!"

    actually, I kinda like the Boxter better than my M. But its a different type of car in a different price range :-). I guess you meant that nothing in M's price class compares to its excellent styling?
    I am sure somewhere there is a salesman driving an acura. So what? We dont call it a salesman car, do we? Now, if it was a used car salesman, that would be an insult! :-)
  • sdmike2sdmike2 Member Posts: 2,909
    my kids are 1 (loves teletubbies...*barf*), 5 and 7. The boys (5&7) almost like Spongebob as much as I do. I even have a "jellyfishing" t-shirt. ;)
  • 99_300m_ric_va99_300m_ric_va Member Posts: 377
    According to my 99 service manual, page 8F-15, there are separate grid lines for AM and FM. The rear defroster and FM are on the same lines and are the lower set where you are getting defrost/defogging action. The next couple of lines that don't appear to be defrosting are the AM grid lines. The dark lines above all these are for glare reduction and block area you would look out and see the sky/stars anyway.
  • beach15beach15 Member Posts: 1,305
    Notice that that's why I said "SEDAN" when commenting on the style. Read a little closer! A Boxster, really? That's another one of my loves but I think it'd be a tight squeeze for my 6'3" 190 pound structure! It's too bad, because the exhaust note is one of the best, a common Porcshe trait!
  • andy300mandy300m Member Posts: 95
    yep, I missed that part. Anyway, my point is, there are better (and more expensive!) styled SEDANS out there (Mercedes E class is one of them), but nothing in 25-35 K range for new car.
  • 300kam300kam Member Posts: 29
    Thank you for your info. One more stupid question: why is half inch rim radius is added to to 245/45/18 but not to 225/55/17?
  • ottowrkrottowrkr Member Posts: 778
    So I see Blonda might want some help changing those plugs . Well , being the nice guy that I am .I offering my DC trained services to her or any other member of this board. All you need to do is purchase one first class return ticket to your nearest airport, pick me up and provide accommodations in a 5 star hotel ( not dealer) and I will be glad to come over and help change those plugs , headlamp bulbs , or any other M parts. Any takers ??? ;-)) Members in the warmer states eg. California , Florida get higher priority
  • easyrider300measyrider300m Member Posts: 1,116
    thanks for your thorough response on defroster---it was those two upper lines that looked like defrost wires that were bothering me as no defrosting was occurring in that area---only 3k left on warranty so I am very leery of any little potential problem

    Easy
  • glennbpglennbp Member Posts: 327
    Well, I haven't said anything up til now as I wanted to be sure, but after a couple of weeks of listening to XM, I am happy to report that it is all they say it is. Since my head unit is XM ready, I figured what the hell, I'll add the XM tuner and see what all the fuss is about. I have driven all over San Diego listening to over 100 channels of the clearest cleanest reception I've ever experienced! There is no noise, no static, no fade, and the dynamic range is excellent. The best way I can describe it is it's exactly like listening to CD's. It's well worth the $10.00/month! Anyone else here taken the XM plunge? I'm curious as to what other folks have to say about it.
  • sdmike2sdmike2 Member Posts: 2,909
    What did you do for an antenna? Post a picture when you get a chance.
  • achanceachance Member Posts: 106
    What would it take to get you to change the plugs and headlamps in Juneau, AK?
  • glennbpglennbp Member Posts: 327
    This is the only problem; There is no XM antenna that is invisible. I went with a trunk edge mount type from Pioneer. It fits on the edge of the trunk with a rubber lined bracket. It's very easy and convenient and doesn't look TOO bad. Terk makes a couple of antennas, one of which is a small dome that can be painted to match the car's color. It fits on the back of the roof just above the rear window and has a micro cable that fits under the rubber window seals. It uses a semi-permanent adhesive that they say can be removed without any damage to the paint. (?) The rest are glass mounted and are probably the most inconspicuous, but the window tint needs to be removed from where the inside piece is attached. Before I do anything like that, I want to be damn sure I am going to stay with it. Actually, I'm so pleased with the XM sound that I may be going to a glass mount pretty soon.
  • wire2wire2 Member Posts: 188
    The very top (heavy) lines above the defrost elements are for sun screen, for rear passenger comfort.
  • 300michael300michael Member Posts: 1,815
    The half inch is added because of the radius of the 18" rim is a half an inch greater then the stock 17" rim. If you go to a 19" you would add one inch to the radius. To keep the same overall diameter of the stock tire you can go a couple of different ways.
    205/60 17
    225/55 17 Stock size
    245/50 17 these are the widest that will go
    265/45 17 these will not go on our 7" rims
    In 18 inch rims it would be like this.
    245/45 18 on 7.5" rims mim
    265/40 18 8"
    285/35 18 9"

    You normally want to stay at least 3% to the stock size or your speedo and Odometer will be off that percentage
  • no1trustno1trust Member Posts: 151
    I don't own a 300M yet. Love even the base rentals w/the cut roof that Dollar offers. I like to rent cars for prolonged test drives to give me an idea of what I want to buy when it's time to replace one. Among other things I had to decide whether to buy a car in the M's price range or a cheaper practical reliable car. IMHO the M isn't "practical" in the sense that if I just need utilitarian transport I can easily get a cheaper used ride to get me from point A to B. I'm looking at the M because it's very pleasant to be in, to look at, and fun to drive. Re the rental car keys: only used the one key (this M had no remote either). Maybe I did something wrong when I shut off the car, but it only happened repeatedly at the end of the trip. 200+ posts in under a week... sheesh.
  • easyrider300measyrider300m Member Posts: 1,116
    and then......
  • easyrider300measyrider300m Member Posts: 1,116
    the number one site
  • easyrider300measyrider300m Member Posts: 1,116
    Town Hall!
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