Chrysler 300M

sdmike2 · April 2002

Does the trunk light still work? If so, maybe it's the electric latch mechanism. I would *guess* that the light and latch are on the same circuit.

mykem · April 2002

I got mine from www.auto-stuff.com, which I found to be a reputable place. They are in the US, so you may want to email or call them first to see if they ship to Canada...

There is a sticker on mine saying something to the effect of being a licensed Chrysler frame (same on my fiancee's Sebring frame I bought from there).

When the black was flaking off, they replaced it free of charge and sent me a free-return sticker, costing me absolutely nothing.

The chrome has not tarnished at all.

-m

glennbp · April 2002

Here's a link with pic for a polished billet grill at Street Beat Customs. Good price too! Anyone know how to change these grills out? I was looking at my stock grill and the thing looks like it's riveted in place!

http://www.streetbeatcustoms.com/chrys99up30p.html

toms99 · April 2002

It turned out to be a loose plug. There is a small 2 pronged plug right in back of the latch mechanism in the trubk lid. I just had to remove the front part of the inside liner to expose it. I spread the prongs a bit to insure a tighter fit, and then used some electrical tape to make sure it doersn't get loose again.

toms99 · April 2002

OK...I need some honest opinions here!

I put a gold "Chrysler LHS" decal on my 99LHS:

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/tsokol5/images/LHSDECAL1.jpg

Here's a closer look:

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/tsokol5/images/LHSDECAL2.jpg

I thought the gold color was a good match. Does it look too "rice"?? (I don't want to wind up on beaterz.com!!)

glennbp · April 2002

I like it! Color match is great, almost like the same paint was used! Of course, I'm a decal nut; I have always put decals on my cars. Makes 'em stand out from the crowd a bit more.

toms99 · April 2002

I checked your web site and the installation photos are GREAT!

One question: In addition to the stock air cleaner housing removal, there is another box that looks similar to the air claener box but located just behind it....I see that was removed also. What was that second box? Anything important??

sdmike2 · April 2002

heck if I know what it is supposed to do. It's just a little box. Maybe something to help deaden sound? *shrug*. All I know is that you don't need it.

The box the aircharger comes in is the perfect size for all THREE of the stock boxes that come out.

sdmike2 · April 2002

beautiful car. I'm not a fan of decals at all, but it doesn't look too shabby. The fact that it's understated (not huge block letters) and matches the paint makes it acceptable (really the highest complement from a "non decal" guy...lol). Well done!

Mike

sdmike2 · April 2002

I really need help here. Over the last couple of weeks I've started developing an interest in mini or mid-sized SUVs for my own personal use. I think it's because I'm finding frustration in not being able to throw my mountain bike in Big Red. I even thought about getting the best pickup truck I could find for $5k and keeping my M, but being unemployed doesn't allow that luxury. Help me!! Make it STOP!!

Beach15 - This is not an invitation to tell me to get an Avalanche.

Mike

mikeyjohn · April 2002

Get a bike rack, and this SUV complex will go away. LOL I also took all my decals off my car except for the 300M decals. I see all the young kids with the little cars with these great big decals on the windshield, and I ask why? Do you not know what you drive? I will not even let my 5* dealer put the oil change sticker on my windshield. I know what I drive and if someone wants to know what I drive I will tell them because I like to talk about my car.

glennbp · April 2002

I understand Mercedes (or somebody like them) makes a "fold-up" mountain bike that you could easily throw in Big Red. Problem is the bike probably costs more than a used pick-up! :') How about a bike carrier?

sdmike2 · April 2002

I can't bring myself to put a bike rack on big red. I was thinking about a trailer hitch for a hitch-mounted rack, but I'd have to see a picture first.

toms99 · April 2002

I agree...I don't usually go in for decals myself. I just wanted to try something different (my LHS is 4 years old this month!) that I could easily un-do if it looked like #$%^!

I liked the idea of getting a color close to the body color shade...It's those big yellow decals that annoy me...

But remember: yellow = performance!!

lonestarsled · April 2002

Does your state not require a front license plate? Looks like your front plate holder has never been installed - cannot see any holes in the chrome bezel around the grill. The first thing I did when I got home with my new LHS was to remove the front plate holder, and was ticked off about the retarded method used to mount the plate holder, made two nasty screw holes in the chrome bezel. Two weeks ago I went to the dealer to buy a new chrome bezel and found out that the chrome bezel and the grill is a complete assembly, so $180 bucks later I get my new grill w/bezel. I have not installed it yet, major pain. Will require complete removal of the front bumper cover, ARGGG!!!

300michael · April 2002

I am glad Arizona doesn't require a front plate. I sure ruines the looks of a lot of cars.

mikeyjohn · April 2002

I guess beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. Whatever turns your crank, and no person is right or wrong. I just don't like those decals in any way. We are lucky in our province to only have rear plate, but many dealers try to advrtise by putting on these vanity plates. My dealer tried it and I informed him it was going to cost him money for me to do his advertising. They took it off.
I'd also like to remove the 300M on my nose bra, but no luck on that. I guess that is my trade-off.

300michael · April 2002

Sure is great when you can repair it without the need of going to the service department. Good Going.
I do do not like Decals (more an emblem man myself) in general but yours is very tastfully done.

toms99 · April 2002

I live in NJ, which is a 2-plate state. When I bought my 99LHS 4 years ago I made sure the dealer did NOT put the front plate bracket on (it's still in my trunk in the spare tire well!)

I have several friends who are cops and several others who are State Troopers. They all told me that they would not pull me over just for not having the front plate on....But...They would add that violation on a ticket IF they pulled me over for something else...like speeding. It's been 4 years and no one has pulled me over...yet. (Oh..I use a short "bungie" cord for when I need to attach it for state inspection!)

In December I bought my wife a new-leftover 2001 Concorde. Concordes (non-LHS front end style)look even worse with a plate. Unfortunately the dealer already had screwed in the bracket on this leftover. I unscrewed the bracket and my wife drives along merrily with no front plate, but I still have the screw holes in the grill. I just ordered a replacement grill on eBay...$35 + $10 shipping!

Tom
99LHS
01Concorde

ajpiii · April 2002

Do the billet grills replace the chrome portion of our grill ? My front license plate bracket has scratched up my chrome on the grill... I want to get rid of the plate but not to exposed my sorry looking chrome ...

lonestarsled · April 2002

Toms99 - I live in Texas, a 2 plate state. I have been driving around for two years w/no front plate. I hear the fine is about $150 bucks for not displaying the front plate. Here in Houston the cops have pretty much lost control of the situation as far as traffic goes, so pulling over a "nice" car because it does not have a front plate is highly unlikely. I agree though if you are really speeding or get stopped for something else and exercise you right to free speech they will look for all violations to wright you up.

I just had my car inspected this past Friday- for the first time - and found that the plate will snap on the grill at the top and is sufficient to hold the plate on just for inspection, but I would not drive around with it like that.

And can you believe these idiots scratched my driver side door while inspecting it! How in the world do you scratch a car while just inspecting it.....ARRGGGGG!!!!!....my cars first scratch...ok.....I feel a little better now. The manager said he would ".....make it up to me the next time......." I interrupted him and said there would be no next time because I would never bring another vehicle back to him. Just think what they would have done to it if they actually had to take a wrench to it!!!!!

wire2 · April 2002

>second box by sdmike2 heck if I know what it is supposed to do. It's just a little box...<

That would be an intake resonator. It quiets engine sound by smoothing the pulsing air drawn in by the pistons on intake stroke.
By that action it also slightly increases the volume of air into the engine, (IMHO, and that of one of our plant engineers)

fedlawman · April 2002

You just brought back a very fond memory of one of my favourite all time movies!

"The Gumball Rally", starring Michael Sarrazin, and Raul Julia.

Sarrazin is the organizer of a covert cross-country race that begins in NYC and ends at the Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA (it's a 70's film).

Sarrazin drives a 427 Cobra, Julia a Ferrari Daytona Spider.

And yes, I love the scene when the NY cop comes upon the Ferrari in the helicopter. He's in a Jetranger and he's maybe 10' AGL right on the Ferrari's bumper. Julia downshifts and the Ferrari easily pulls away.

Great side-by-side street race scenes, especially between the Cobra and Ferrari. The cars are real and the actors are driving, all on real streets/highways and at speed. The sounds of the Cobra and Ferrari racing are worth the price of admission. Hilarious gags. Great movie!

BTW, I'm still waiting for my Chrysler. I check the main office garage every time I go to Seattle to make sure nobody has snagged it from me!

silverbullet4 · April 2002

Mike, that was your wife's evil twin grinding your tire down on the curb. My wife's stupid twin tried to carry a large vase of flowers to a party last night, by herself, in MY M. The vase turned over, spilling water onto the leather seat. Water ran down into the rear floor carpet, and turned over a second time soaking the carpet in front. At least she waited till we were leaving the party before 'fessing up so as not to spoil my good time. ;>)

Silver

sdmike2 · April 2002

That's it! Thanks for the re-hash. That IS truly a fond "car movie" memory.

sdmike2 · April 2002

Anyone here put a trailer hitch on their M? If so, please provide some information and pictures. Thanks!

M

easyrider300m · April 2002

nice writeup in Road and Track on the caddy CTS--it does 0-60 in 7 seconds and 15.5 sec quarter mile--competetive to the BMW 330---and a more powerful engine is coming out in 2004---handling rated excellent and interior is very nice--and it has a a 5 speed manual available

Chrysler better get its act together for the next letter series M or they could lose sales to the competition

achance · April 2002

The Trenz grill does not replace the chrome piece. I poked around with putting it on today, but decided to make another payment towards sending the body shop guy's kid to Harvard. You have to drill out some rivets and such, and I can't bring myself to take a drill to my car. (I nearly had heart failure cutting a hole in the overhead of my boat the other day to put in a much-needed vent.) My dealer or put some really crude holes in my bumper to put the plate bracket on. I need to do something about them. Any ideas?

300michael · April 2002

I read that article too, it is nearly as fast as my M

I have only had fun with one so far. I think he was a right footer, smoked him of the line and all he saw was my shiny tailights.

300michael · April 2002

I know that feeling. Especially when I drilled the holes for my hood scoop. To a certian extent it doesn't get any easer with time.

no1trust · April 2002

How fast is the M 0-60 anyway? And did you really leave the CTS behind?

cmyers300m · April 2002

I saw earlier posts about the the K&N Aircharger. I have just the filter. Does anyone know if the Aircharger kit makes a real difference over just the filter? I guess it would pull even more air into the engine, but is it noticed?

Answer to no1trust---I've seen articles in various magazines that say the 0-60 is anywhere from 7.1 to 7.8 on the 300M. That's with no mods though. My guess is you might gain a half second with an performance airfilter & freeflow exhaust.

300mmm · April 2002

As the Ferrari Driver immediately upon sitting down rips off the rear-view mirror and says "what'sa behind me makesa no difference".

Luv that

ducati52 · April 2002

I'd like to add a factory CD changer to my new-to-me '99 300M with the upgraded Infinity stereo. My understanding is the factory in-dash 4-disc changer cannot be retrofitted to the '99. Can anyone confirm that positively? Failing that, I'd like to use the factory trunk-mounted changer. My understanding is, like most cars, the wiring is already in place for the trunk-mounted changer, as this is a dealer-install option. So installation should be pretty straightforward. While it's often possible to buy these factory changers through non-dealers at a substantial discount, I've not found this available for the 300M. Anyone know of such a source? Failing that, anyone know of a dealer web-based prefered) that offers a decent discount on these changers?

Thanks!

grunschev · April 2002

I had Yokohama AVS db tires installed on Saturday. After about 150 miles I can safely say these tires beat the Dunlops hands down. As the name implies, these tires are very quiet. The Dunlops sang like the Vienna Boys Choir. The Dunlops also had a bad tendency for road steer. The Yokohamas exhibit almost no road steer. Dry traction is about the same on both tires. If it ever rains here I'll report on the wet traction.

300michael, my 18x8 rims weigh 24 pounds without the tire. That's even lighter than I expected. That means the difference between the 18x8 and the 17x7 can't be more than a couple pounds each. Do you really think 18's are a 0-60 performance penalty? You could regain the weight by skipping the Krispy Kremes for a couple weeks!

Igor

grunschev · April 2002

I have the "factory" 12 disk changer in the trunk. I believe it is actually an Alpine unit rebadged. The wiring is definitely *not* preinstalled. My unit has 2 remote controls; 1 is wireless and about the size of a credit card. The other is at the end of a wire that runs along the center console. I really hate the remotes. If I had it to do over again, I'd skip the upgraded factory stereo and go aftermarket with a head unit that controls the changer. This is the only disappointment I have with my car.

Igor

blonda · April 2002

SDMike - funny you should mention the hex screws stripping. My dad easily removed all but the last one. The screw head itself looked defective -- the bit wouldn't seat all the way down from the very start. It absolutely would NOT budge -- spent at least a half hour trying different bits, cleaning out the screw head with a sharp knife, vice grips -- everything. Aside from it almost stripping....it just would not move. Like it was locked in. Because we were about 40 minutes from the nearest Chrysler dealer, we gave up and just put everything back. So still no Bosch plugs. :-( It looks like the screw may have to be drilled out unless someone knows of a better way..special tool???

I'm curious though...maybe Otto or Wire2 can answer. The screws had a white substance on the threads. Is this maybe an anti lock type of stuff, similar to what's put on the spark plugs? Maybe this screw didn't get any of that???

drpixel · April 2002

First, (NO flaming, jokes, comments about being mechanically challenged....) I found the air filter box, and opened it up...filter looks clean after almost 13K miles on eMily. I swear, I didn't know where the darn thang was.

Secondly, eMily does sound like like a Benz (after 1 star dealer preplaced weather stripping around driver door. I have a hearing loss in the lower hearing range, but I sure as heck could hear the tires going through the rain and road noise. Quiet as Osama bin Laden's cave, it is....]

Thirdly, what alert?! (Chuckle..) Bank's protection force requesting (no joke here...) that people coming in OPEN their coffee cup (de-lid them..) so they can make sure there IS coffee in there. You laugh?... I could tell you stories... People complain about the metal detector and x-ray conveyor belt ride, but I feel better knowing they're doing a great job--which is often thankless as people can be real joiks. A while back, some guy here signed in his girlfreind for lunch. she had to put her bag on the x-ray machine conveyor belt. As the bag went through--the guard, a good friend of mine--noticed a, um....err...ah... personal "facial massager" with batteries in place....
She was heard to say to her boyfriend after she retrieved the bag...'..do you think he saw what was in my bag?....' bwhahahahahaa, snort, chuckle......'

Doc the mechanicaly-challenged....

blonda · April 2002

For those of you in San Diego, there was an article in the paper a week ago about that stretch of 15 between SD Co and Temecula (where I go 115!) They patrol it with planes on a regular basis. The planes see a car looking like it's going fast, or weaving in and out of traffic, then they follow it at the same speed. They have landmarks they use to determine how fast the car is going, then they call one of their ground units who move in and pull you over. I never see any planes in the air...they must be good at hiding. EVERYONE goes at least 90 on that stretch of road (speed limit is 70).

Another thing I noticed....if you want to go fast and make sure people move out of your way, get behind a nice Porsche Turbo Carrera. On my way home on Saturday I was behind one going between 90-95 in the fast lane, and I was amazed that everyone he came up behind moved over, even if they were going the same speed. I would expect that from a hugh SUV coming on in the rearview mirror but had never seen that with a small car.

blonda · April 2002

I don't remember exactly, but I think I ordered my 300M plate frame from the website listed on the club page ...autoattire.com. It's very good quality and in 2 years, still looks as good as new.

glennbp · April 2002

I was afraid of that. If it is going to require drilling out rivets and removing the the front bumper fascia, I think I'm going to pass. Besides, the $175.00 will turn into $300.00 or more by the time the body shop gets done with it.

blonda · April 2002

I remember at least one person had the hitch added to their M -- don't know if they read this board anymore or not (can't remember who). I do remember that whatever he had installed, it was pretty unobtrusive looking.

scotian · April 2002

In the works:

http://public.fotki.com/Scotian/300m/interior/clock_face/roman_numeral_mockup/

kosh_2258 · April 2002

Which changer you get depends on the head unit you have. If you have the head unit with the built in CD changer controls there is a 6 disc unit that mounts in the trunk and is connected by a single wire. Everything else is controlled from the receiver.

Now having said that, if you have the CD changer control head unit, and it has the DIN plug in the back you should be able to install the in dash player. The reason I say this is because DC still offers the 6 disc changer and it plugs into the same head unit the in dash one does.

The wire isn't there going to the trunk and you will have to run it. Not all that nasty a job actually, but still a hassle.

russklass · April 2002

Sears sells a kit for removing any kind of screw with a stripprd head.
The product is called: "Craftsman Screw-Out" (skip the puns), item #52154.
The kit consiste of 3 sizes of bits for small, medium or large screws.
You put the bits on a hand or power driver, set to reverse, and SLOWLY back the screw out.
The kit sells for $29.99.
Best to order a replacement screw first, and dont forget the anti-seize compound.

russklass · April 2002

It's amazing the number of stories on this board concerning things like stripped coil screws and oil drain plugs.
I have found that the cheapest way, in the long run, to do most services is to have my (real) 5* do the work.
That way, if something breaks, they take care of it. Besides, since they do all the work, there is never a question of proper maintainance should there be a warranty claim.
Just my $0.02 worth.

blonda · April 2002

Thanks for the info. on the Sears thing -- my father mentioned they had something like that. Other option is to try using a dremel tool to make the screw head slotted and try to use a slotted screwdriver to remove the screw.

Problem with using the 5* to change the plugs, is that 99% of them won't install customer supplies or non-Chrysler parts. That was my first attempt, then I tried several other auto-repair/tune up places. Only found one willing to install them at an astronomical charge of $113 (plus the fact that they claimed they had to remove the intake manifold to do it kind of made me leery). I have considered taking it to the dealer that was willing to change out SDMike's and letting them deal with it. The screw didn't get totally stripped and we painted it black again so you can't even tell it's been messed with. But with the luck I have been having, they have changed their policy and won't do it.

Aside from that, while were on the subject of screws, every time I take my car in for something....the 5* "screws" something else up..... :-(

bigmike5 · April 2002

Liked the gold lettering on the sunshade area. I did the same thing putting Chrysler 300, but in the block lettering SDMike does not like, and using the Aurora material that changes color from gold thru bronze to burgundy depending on the viewing angle. However, I have noticed that it appears a burnished gold that matches the racing stripe from a head-on view angle. Like someone said, if you like it, that is what counts. If I can ever get some prints done I will try to have one posted of it. I have the 300 slanted forward NASCAR style.

jab02lhs · April 2002

Mikeyjohn--yep on the oil change decal I pull it off as soon as I get in the car. If I am so dumb that I cannot remember to change my oil I should not be driving.

No decals or bumper or window stickers and no junk in the car,not on the floor, or the seats, my wife thinks I am a fanatic??

300michael-- some people are just born lucky no front plate, if you think the "M" looks bad with a front plate you should see my LHS, makes me sick every time I look at it.

A tip though, I got Vietnam veterans plates a few years ago and they were a very good investment. Most cops are pro military. I have gotten away with just a warning three times since putting them on.
I doubt if it would have been just a warning with no front plate as per toms99.

alta_300m · April 2002

Thanks for the links. I checked out both of the sites you suggested (www.auto-stuff.com & www.autoattire.com)

auto-stuff.com seems to be the parent company, but they did not specifically list shipping to Canada as an option.

autoattire.com was a couple of bucks more and did offer shipping to Canada and seemed to be a little more professional and specifically listed shipping screws and caps with the frame which I really wanted also.

I went and ordered a chrome "300m" frame from autoattire.com for $35.94 US (incl plexiglas plate cover)plus $9.95 US Priority shipping to Canada. The US normal shipping charge is $3.50.

Thanks again for the links and happy 300ming.

Chrysler 300M

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