Chrysler 300M

endorfin · June 2002

Binu!

I have the 2000. Concorde LXI with 69.000 km on it and I still have the original pads and rotors. I was in the dealership two weeks ago and they said the pads are 30 % and it's time for a change. If your dealer said that is "normal maintenance" how do you call mine?
I drive my car everyday 50-70 km. usually on the highway. I had a big trip in last summer when I went to Prince Edward Island. (Im living in Toronto)
So far I had no problem with my slate beauty I love to drive it and if I can say that: there is no other car on the road like the Concorde! The new one with the LHS grill and the back... well thats the other story. If I have to buy this car at the present I don't think I could. The old looks are much nicer, elegant, and I still don't understand why the DC did change the look. The new look it's just not for me. If DC will go back with the old face I will buy the Concorde again! Until I'll try to keep this one as long as I can!

I hope you guys don't mind if I posted my message here too. I'm not the M owner but I love to read this community as well.:-)

Happy motoring for everyone!

Thomas

300michael · June 2002

I am with you on the new concorde. The only thing I liked about the old LHS was the projector head lamps. I just wish the older concords had the bobed rear end and the 3.5L, It might have been a different story. You got the looks we got the power, but I can not complane too much, the M is a good looking car. Especially with the right Mods to it.

lflowers · June 2002

BINU....my M has over 55K miles now. I had the brakes checked just before my 2000 mile drive to my new (contract) job in California. The 5* said my rotors are fine and I have 40 to 50% left on my original pads. I don't think yours could be considered normal maintenance!

silverbullet4... thanks for the offer to keep me up on local Dallas area sports, but the only sports I follow closely are Formula One and CART auto racing. I find stick and ball sports pretty boring. Don't care for NASCAR racing either...I prefer racing where the cars turn right occasionally!

To all...I'm gradually aclimatizing to my new job in Northern California. I'll be OK, but I'd still rather be home (can't complain about the money though!)
Lynn Flowers
McKinney, Texas (temporarily in CA.)

denverm · June 2002

"You got the looks we got the power . . . ." ????? What's this heresy? The rear end of the M is stunning, in my opinion, while the Concorde and LHS both look too bulbous in the rear, sorta like a person who is about three hundred pounds overweight. I initially liked the Concorde's nose, maybe because it was reminiscent of a Jaguar, but with more time (and more cars: Sebring, Camaro, Jaguar, etc.), it has grown a little common and tired looking. The M's nose has a lot more character, and if anything I've liked it more and more as time passes.

grunschev · June 2002

Brakes: I have over 51k miles on my 99 PHP now. When I had my latest set of tires installed, the rotors and pads (all original) were in excellent shape. I have made a number of longer highway trips, but my commute is 10 miles surface streets, 18 miles highway (rush hour) each way. And I often have the pleasure of driving on roads with 50 mph speed limits and stop signs every mile. On these roads I enjoy quick acceleration to 60 or so, and late, hard braking to the stop.

lflowers: Will you be attending the CART race this weekend at Laguna? CART is in pretty sad financial shape right now, and I fear for their continued existence. I'm planning on going to the Denver GP this summer and am afraid it will be my last CART race. :-( I love the sound and the smell of those CART cars!

Igor

sdmike2 · June 2002

For those who are wondering, the EZBoard software used for the 300M club forums is experiencing technical difficulties. It applies to more than just the club message board, and EZBoard is aware of the problem.

silverbullet4 · June 2002

Lynn, glad you're getting comfortable with N. CA.
As a wine enthusiast I would be spending my weekends revisiting all the outstanding wineries in Napa, Sonoma, Monterey, etc, but that's just me. There are race courses I remember in Laguna Seca (fun golf course, too!)and Ontario. I used to go to the drags at Half Moon Bay and Fremont way back when. There should be quite a few car shows for you to enjoy. (concours de elegance)

Have fun at the races.

Silver

silverbullet4 · June 2002

Does anyone know of an affordable folding sun shade that fits the M? I am parking in the sun much more often this year and need something that will give complete coverage of the windshield.

Thanks in advance,

Silver

splatt · June 2002

You can get a form fitted one on ebay or I believe through chrysler-parts.com. That one is nice and has the logo on it and such. However, I got mine at Target - was about $10. It's the medium size I believe, I forget. You can return them if it's not big enough

It covers the front well enough and folds down nicely.

blonda · June 2002

I got mine at Costco (I assume they still carry them). It's 2 pieces (nylon material) that are large rectangles (silver and black) that easily fold into a small circle when not in use. Fits the M perfectly and covers the entire windshield. Best part is that when it's folded it fits nicely into the pocket on the back of the front seats.

fastdriver · June 2002

drpixel-

Hope you're feeling better and that things are healing nicely.

All-

What's up with Road & Track? They tested 11 "hot sports sedans" in the $30-46,000 range and they forgot the 300M!! They had all the boring cars- Acura TL-S, Infiniti G-35, Cadillac CTS etc. I'm mad!

fastdriver

blonda · June 2002

Autoweek didn't have the M in the sports sedan classification either during their latest "America's favorite" survey -- they had it under "large sedans." I'm wondering if Chrysler isn't classifying it as such so it's getting overlooked in that category.

fastdriver · June 2002

blonda-

?????? The cars in the R&T comparo are: Acura, Audi A4 3.0 Quattro, BMW 300i, Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G-35, Jaguar X-Type 3.0, Lexus IS 300, Lincoln LS, Mercedes-Benz C320 Sport, Saab 9-5 Aero and Volvo S60 T5. Don't any of these fall into the same category as the 300M?

fastdriver

glennbp · June 2002

The fact that the Lincoln LS is in this group alone tells me they missed the boat (no pun intended) on not including the M. I would think the Lincoln would be classified as a "large sedan" even though it's hyped as a performance one. Maybe the M is just not classified as a "sports" anything!

intrepidspirit · June 2002

When the 300M was first introduced, Chrysler was successful in classifying it as a large sedan, because the interior fits that category. Of course, the car is built on a mid-size frame.

This helped Chrysler in meeting its mpg requirements for its total fleet of vehicles. They were also successful in classifying the PT Cruiser as a truck.

The downside of Chrysler's decision is the exclusion of their vehicles from comparisons like the above.

fastdriver · June 2002

intrepidspirit-

I would think that these magazines would ignore those "arbitrary" classifications and look at them the way the REAL world does. I would put the 300M into this category.

HOW do they classify "large" or "medium" size? These cars range from 176 in. -193.9 in. in length. Wheelbases from 104.3-114.5. Curb weight from 3,340 lb.-3,690 lb.

Doesn't the 300M fit into ANY of these categories forgetting how the govt. or whoever classifies them?

fastdriver

intrepidspirit · June 2002

I agree 100%! I somehow envision an R&T clerk sorting through government classifications and "going by the book" in listing the cars for testing -- and nobody at R&T reviewing the listings. LOL!

Sounds far-fetched, maybe, but I don't know how else to explain the 300m's exclusion, except maybe....the 300M is too great a bargain!! Base MRSP is under the $30,000 lower limit of this comparison category...

guesswho1 · June 2002

just got a covercraft heatshield a few weeks ago and love it, fits every inch and is stiff, the underside is agate matches perfectly

http://www.autosupermart.com/shop/brands/covercraft.html

99_300m_ric_va · June 2002

Mike, I see nothing wrong with the ezboard today. Perhaps the problem went away already or server maintenance was taking place?

silverbullet4 · June 2002

Thanks for the helpful sunshade info.

Regards,

Silver

silverbullet4 · June 2002

I spied a new car yesterday but kept quiet until my wife saw it. "What an ugly car! What were they thinking?" She Who Must Be Obeyed queried. It was a baby poop brown CTS. And it was really, really ugly. I hope for Cadillac's financial future that it is OK in other colors.

Silver

jab02lhs · June 2002

Guess that's why Chrysler made three models so we could fit one to our personalities.

Endorfin you gotta change with the times, the new look will grow on you don't give up Chrysler fun for some trim it's all the same under the skin.

300MICHAEL The projectors are part of what sold us on the LHS and it has the same power as the M. Also according to a previous post it weighs less than the M.

DENVERM The spoiler helps the style of the back kinda cuts down its massiveness.

I bought an 01 Steel Blue LHS for my wife last Nov, traded a 96 Concorde. She says she has gotten more compliments on this car than all her other cars combined. We both love the sporty front end we feel it is nicer than both the 01 Concorde ("too large an oval")and the 300M ("looks like its frowning") her comments NOT MINE don't banish me from the board . also like the dash layout same as 300M and 02 Concorde LTD. We like the larger trunk than 300M but wish it had jewel tailites like new 300M. Maybe next year's will and we can swap out. Did have to add a California Dream spoiler to the trunk, her request, to make the back as sporty as the front

OTTOWRKR ***** KEEP BUILDING THE BEST LOOKING CARS IN THE WORLD.

drpixel · June 2002

Just a quick update.....was to see the real Doc Tuesday----got stitches out and bandages removed. Can begin putting pressure on left leg little at a time and am supposed to wean off of crutch use by weekend. That will be difficult as pain in knee is severe..very hard to bend even a little.
TG for pain med's, though have not had any all day--trying to see how far I can go. Also got some disturbing news...Schweetie went to see her MD, after having MRI done of left shoulder (had one done on RIGHT-operated on )shoulder, and MRI of right knee. Seems there are 2 tears in right shoulder (does not seem to be rotator cuff, though..) and seems a tear in meniscus of left knee. She is beside herself with upsetment, and I feel so bad for her. I wish I could just take away all the pain she's feeling. She still sleeps in the recliner--been 5 months. She's tried sleeping in the bed, but since pain in BOTH shoulders its unbearable for her....

Hope all is well with all my friends....

doc

jab02lhs · June 2002

Had knee surgery myself a while back tore my medial mediscuss or something like that. it was done orhtoscopic only two little holes still hurt like hell. Can't imagine how you guy are able to go through all you have. Good idea to take as little pain med as possible the pain is you bodys way of telling you you are trying to push too soon getting back to normal. Don't rush it and do more damage than good Will keep you guys in my prayers each nite. Keep you chin and whatever else you can UP.

300michael · June 2002

No, not heresy! After all I did buy one (300M), I am just saying that if given the choice I would have order the Concord front end with the rest being 300M and a side order of LHS headlamps. I agree I do not like the LHS/Concord rear end but I am not crazy about the 300M's eather. The Sebring convertable, now that has the best rear end. The over all lenght is what sold me on the 300M, over the others. The extra power and huge interior was gravy.

300michael · June 2002

All the cars are mid sized in the test or smaller. I guess if they tested BMW 7 series, and Audi 8000 and such the 300M would have been included. The cars would have looked like Matchboxes compaired to the 300M

300michael · June 2002

I can only be there for a short time tonight (Car apart again) to make a new air box.

300michael · June 2002

I do not think there is a good color for that car.

300michael · June 2002

I use a smaller one that only covers the vinal dash, so the alarm flasher shows up nicely.

sdmike2 · June 2002

I have the same one as Blonda and it's awesome. I especially like the fact that it folds up into a ring and fits into the seat pocket.

rogor2k · June 2002

I sent out an email to all members several days ago about password update on the 300M Enthusiasts Club Members Only area. It seems your email has been delayed by your ISP. Could your inbox be full??

rogor2k · June 2002

I sent out an email to all current members several days ago about changing the password. A number of them bounced for lack of a valid email address.

If you are a current member and didn't get my email, please drop me a line at prez300mclub@hotmail.com and give me your current address. We try to keep them current, but need your help in doing so.

fastdriver · June 2002

Good news at last?

http://www.detnews.com/2002/insiders/0206/06/b01-507803.htm

fastdriver

fastdriver · June 2002

Good news at last?

http://www.detnews.com/2002/insiders/0206/06/b01-507803.htm

fastdriver

fastdriver · June 2002

This sounds like a GOOD idea for everyone to follow!

http://www.detnews.com/2002/autosinsider/0206/06/b01-507807.htm

fastdriver

russklass · June 2002

Welcome back, and congrats on a successful surgery. Hope you are dancing in the streets of NYC soon!

splatt · June 2002

The throw of the shifter in autostick is a bit far - does anyone know a way to tighten it up a bit? The top of the stick is about 2-3" throw, I'd love it to be about 1" or so. Just a light touch I guess

Also - does anyone know the part number for either the screws for the cap on the spark plugs, or the part number for the whole cap assembly? Much appreciated! (yeah, I stripped a few :sigh: )

ruski · June 2002

If you saw off half of the stick, you will probably achieve the desired throw amplitude.

denverm · June 2002

Wow, 2-3 inches seems way more than the throw in my 2000. I'll have to check next time I'm in the car and try to quantify it, but I'm thinking that the throw in my car is less than one inch. I sometimes inadvertently downshift with only a slight touch.

splatt · June 2002

Ruski - :-P

Well, maybe not 2-3 in, but it seems like more than I'd like. I just want it to be a slight shift left or right to shift. Right now you have to make an effort - not that it's hard or something, but it's further than I'd like.

silverbullet4 · June 2002

Doc, I am glad to hear you are on the mend, but am sympathetic about your wife's multiple problems. I am not a medical professional, but it is obvious that as we age our joints and cartilage suffer wear and tear. Regeneration is very slow for some. It sounds like you both could use some relief. FWIW, I have had good results with a supplement. A couple of years ago I started a serious weight lifting program and started to feel some joint pains (probably from not warming up properly) in my elbows and right knee. My M-in-law took me to SAM's Club and I got some Glucosamine Chondroitin (500 mg Glucosimine; 400 mg Chondroitin per dose) dietary supplement. The brand was Member's Mark. In a couple of days I noticed a marked improvement and have continued taking it. You could ask your MD, but mine always just says "You're on your own" when I ask about supplements. I find searching the web is pretty informative. It may be too late to prevent the surgeries, but it may help in the future. Do your own research before trying this stuff. Good luck. Someone once said,
"The first wealth is health"...so true.

Regards,

Silver

blonda · June 2002

about the large sedan classification. If DC classified the M as a "performance sedan" then they wouldn't be able to claim "the most powerful V6 in it's class." When I first heard about the Acrua TLS coming out I fully expected DC to drop that comment from their ads....but this explains why they can still say it.

Another thought....I'm hard pressed to think of many other "large sedans" in the $30k price range other than the LHS/Concord LXI....so this siginficantly reduces the odds the M will be in ANY comparison tests going forward if they omit it as a "performance sedan."

russklass · June 2002

Long throw...hardly!
I measured...one inch from neutral to full right or left.
Doesn't seem too long to me. I have over 100,000 miles of 300M seat time, and I have never felt the throw was too long.

beach15 · June 2002

There's another new 300N test mule pic out by Brenda Priddy, showing what another (maybe the same?) stone white 01' 300M that's been chopped up a bit. Boy, what I wouldn't give to live on a street like this, where you can see new "in-disguise" test mule cars often!

Take a look:

http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=4964&sid=178&n=156

beach15 · June 2002

So far I like what I see, what about you guys? I guess only time can tell whether it's really better or not.

splatt · June 2002

Hey guys - there's no reason to be rude - I'm asking if it is possible, or anyone has attempted to shorten the throw. I have been in a couple of cars that have a shorter throw (granted a shorter stick, and it is a physics issue, I know) and I prefer it. If you like it the way it is, great, I'm happy for you.

Btw - rucklass, are you measuring at the base or the top of the stick for that throw?

bigmike5 · June 2002

My 99 shifts with just a very little movement of the shifter. Either way it is almost like if I kinda twinge a little bit to the right with my hand on it it goes to the next gear if the speed is ok for the tranny. Maybe they are all a little different.

RussKlass--Did you get my e-mail yesterday?

rogor2k · June 2002

Check it out. They have a new "Chrysler Design Institute" link. There is a Car Clubs link under "Vehicle Design" that includes a link to the 300M Enthusiasts Club web site. Don't ask me why they put it under "Vehicle Design." BUT, at least we finally have a presence on the corporate web site.

There is a lot of concept car wallpaper available too, but none for the 300M.

New Town hall look isn't too bad so far IMHO.

glennbp · June 2002

Nice site! Really elegant with some great effects! Love that Crossfire so far; have you seen the specs on that puppy? 0-60 in 5.8 and 148mph top end! It will be interesting to see what the "N" ends up as.

sdmike2 · June 2002

The part number is listed in this document:

http://www.ritchiefamily.com/car/partnumbers.rtf

Chrysler 300M

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