Chrysler 300M

pster · July 2003

100+ degrees in St. Louis.....the 300M a/c just can't come close to handling it, so I'm going to recharge it again.....does anyone know what the a/c system psi is? Measured high pressure side or low?

bluesky999 · July 2003

Well, it seems that many of us are not overly impressed with the Crossfire; particularly considering its horsepower(low)/price(high) ratio. And as some of us have been commenting on the CTS, I couldn't help but stop in a dealer today to at least sit in one, knowing all the while I would never buy an '03 when the '04 with the 3.6 engine was on the way (BigMike thx for the feedback on the Caddy dealers; glad to hear of your good experiences). Well, whereas the auto press had stated that the front seats were very comfortable; I concur. I'm a tall guy and felt I had a bit more "stretch" room than in my M. I read that lumbar support will be available on the '04s; but even w/o it the '03 fit my particular build.

I was surprised to learn, however, that they already had 4 '04s in the lot, w/o stickers or registration yet, and supposedly going on sale next week. One of them was in a new color (platinum/dark grey?) that looked very good. Did not drive any of them, and only sat in the '03. The interior was not great, as the press reported, but I could live with it as it was tasteful. The wood that comes with the luxury pkg and luxury sport pkg was very rich looking. The thought crossed my mind that if Joshua tree or realwood.com sold a matching panel for the panel over the radio, it might transform the interior. Fuel mileage on the '03 auto (5 speed) was 18/26. I would think a similar '04 would be at least 19/27 w/the more efficient engine, but who knows.

bluesky999 · July 2003

Pster, your suffering never ends. You must have the patience of Job right now. Sorry I don't know the PSI; if no one else here does I can look it up in my $110 manual for you (that's probably about $20 per pound for that big book).

Does anyone have a clue what it would cost to replace the transmission on the 300, including parts and labor? I imagine a local shop would be cheaper than the dealer. My trans if fine, but I'm wondering what kind of costs I'm in for if I keep this thing a long time (I'm already close to 75K).

Per the CTS discussion, I saw on the leasing board here that the residual value on the CTS, I believe in May, for 3 years at 15K per year, was 51%. I thought that was pretty good, as I believe the Lexus IS300 and some of the other imports are also under 55%. Certainly much better than the Chrysler models I suspect, which when I checked 18 months ago was roughly around 40% w/similar numbers!

ottowrkr · July 2003

ajpiii - yup you can add the Special rockers to any 300. They just replace the ones you now have on the car . The whole Special package is just a bolt-on , every part will fit any year M.

blowbyu · July 2003

Thanks for the "tip".

cmyers300m · July 2003

Misfiring is most likely coming from the high test gas you're using. In fact, the owners manual even recommends not using Premium fuel. The computer is not setup up for the timing needed for high test gas, only the Special M's should use it. 89 octane has caused me no problems in my '01 M. Trying switching and your problem will most likely go away.

dustinnewton · July 2003

E-mail me at dustin.newton@nsbhm.com and I'll send you a file with the A/C details. The place I get my data from when I don't have my manual handy (Alldata.com) has a graph for pressures.

greg0ry · July 2003

I have a 2003 300M Special with the Ultimate Performance Tire and Wheel Group, with 7500 miles. At around 5000 miles I began hearing a creaking noise that I thought was coming from the center dash when turning the steering wheel at low speeds (like parking maneuvers) or turning the wheel while standing still. After having my car in service for 2 weeks, and replacing both the steering rack and the steering column, the dealer tells me that this noise is common with the Special due to its stiffer suspension and larger 18" wheels, and that it's a inherent characteristic of the vehicle that can't be fixed. Has anyone else (with or without the performance suspension) experienced this problem?

laurasdada · July 2003

Greetings:

My '99 M turned 49,000 miles today. No noticeable decrease in mpg or perfromance. All continues to be well. Am noticing more scratches on the sides though. Wonder if someone's out to get me... Too many Walmart trips?

greasykid1 · July 2003

Bought mine at independent exhaust shop. 2 guys with a lift and tools. They do custom
work so I would recommend that there must be a similar shop in most areas.

Mine were $24 installed.If anybody wants more info I will post the shops phone #.

Exact match for factory.

300mspecial1 · July 2003

I have an '02 Special that is just about to turn 7200 miles. The 18-inch wheel/tire combo was standard on the '02's. I have had no such problem as you describe with my M (knock on wood). The car is very quiet and stable with no inappropriate noises. The only problem I've had to date is a tire/wheel balance issue that was present when the car was brand new with no miles. It had sat on the lot for several months and was only infrequently moved around. I suspected a tire flat-spot problem and agreed to take the car on condition that the dealer would service this concern if it still existed after 1000 miles and not pro-rate any tire replacements for the 1000 miles of wear on the original set. Nearly all of the shake that existed ran itself out in this time frame, but I still observed a minor case of the "jiggles" at 55-70mph.

The dealer was very responsive to my concerns and absolutely bent over backwards to fix it, even giving me a loaner at their expense for the day when it became apparent that a simple re-balance didn't fix the problem. There have been many posts much earlier in this forum about balance problems on the 18-inch wheel/tire combo and if I recall correctly, (someone please correct me if I'm mistaken), the problem was related to the wheel design which made it difficult to properly mount the wheel to the balance machine for a precise balance. In my case, the dealer solved my problem by brute force in that they gave me the best set of 4 wheels and tires out of mine and the other 5 Specials they had on the lot at the time. I'd be interested to hear from any other Special owners if you've experienced any vibration/shake issues with this 18-inch wheel/tire combo and how it was resolved.

Beyond that, my M has really impressed me so far with it's rock-solid reliability and driving experience. I really love the way this car drives down the road. It does everything I ask it to without fuss or complaint and in Special trim, handles extremely well, much better than many would expect from a car of this size. If there was one thing I would change to improve the experience, it would be to have another 50-60 ponies under the hood. I'm not really up on what the aftermarket has to offer for the M, and I know this will be resolved in the new 300C, but it would have made the existing platform that much more Special.

lflowers · July 2003

I just drove from Dallas to San Diego (arrived last Monday PM)to begin working at a new contract job. As I drove down I 15 into San Diego, my M's odometer turned 70,000 miles! The car still looks and runs great and I've never had a serious problem. It's still the best ride I've ever owned. I plan to keep it for many, many more pleasurable miles (that's my plan anyway).

Lynn Flowers
McKinney, Texas
(now working in San diego)

fastdriver · July 2003

intrepidspirit-

LOL.... You know what I mean. I'm surprised the Dr. never put me on high blood pressure pills when I had Christine!

laurasdada-

Walmart....... likely story. ;-)) You know it was probably from your second favorite place! ;-)

greg0ry-

DON'T fall for it! They all say that when they don't know what it is or don't care! Stick to your guns. If necessary, call Auburn Hills DIRECTLY- NOT the toll-free "customer service" number. You might try getting the factory zone rep involved just to show Auburn Hills that you followed the chain of command "protocol", but that most likely will lead to another dead end. It's NOT easy, but you will prevail if you don't give up. Been there, done that!

fastdriver

silverbullet4 · July 2003

Hi Lynn, glad to see you're still working. Could you describe your cross country trip? What highways, how fast, etc.

Regards, Silver

jrease · July 2003

Sorry if I've missed previous discussion on this, but I've never seen a 300 convertible before a couple of weeks ago when I saw one in Estes Park, Colorado while on vacation. A beautiful red with camel soft top! When did Chrysler start making them?

uxca300m · July 2003

No such thing. Chrysler never built a 300M soft top.If it was an M you saw then perhaps someone had it customized if that was mechanically possible but the cost would be sky high.

Uxca300m

300michael · July 2003

If this trend keeps up, DC will have to change their name to just "Chrysler" to get rid of the bad press.
As for Chrysler being the Luxury along with Mercedes, for get about it. Even the 300C is getting only the older (technoligy) MB parts (5sp trannsmissions instead of the current 6sp autos) so they will always be second rate.

ottowrkr · July 2003

jrease - did you see this car with the top down ?? I wonder if it was just a M with the fake rag top you see on so many Caddy's . I just cant see a 4 door going topless !!!

fastdriver · July 2003

ottowrkr-

In Las Vegas, California or Florida, you're liable to see anything. Just recently I saw an ad for a Caddy Convertible- 4-DOORS!! Not sure if it was in the Wall St. Journal or Forbes Magazine. I believe the name of the company was Coachworks or Dreamworks.

Just found it- Forbes Mag. July 23, 2003(current) issue- http://www.coachbuildersltd.com Take a look. Bet they could build a 300 convertible!

fastdriver

lflowers · July 2003

Hi Siverbullet4,
I'm not exactly "still" working. This is my first job since I was laid off last August! I very glad to be working again, for sure. I've never experienced 11 months out of work before.
I took the Northern route from Dallas to San Diego, spent the first night in beautiful Amarillo, Texas, the 2nd night in Flagstaff, Arizona, and arrived in San Diego for the 3rd night,
As far as highway speeds, I'm a generous person.
If the law asks for 70, I'll give 'em 80. If they ask for 75, I'll give 'em 85. I saw very few Highway Patrol cars throughout the trip and I found I was usually one of the slower drivers around.
As usual, my 300M performed flawlessly. I averaged just over 23 mpg (according to my M's computer) for the trip. I can't exactly call it a pleasant trip. The M was certainly comfortable and reliable, but that's a long drive to make alone.
Very boring!

Lynn Flowers
McKinney, Texas
now in San Diego!

laurasdada · July 2003

While running errands this morning, I decided to visit the "other" side of the family, local Mercedes dealer. Wanted to just check out the inventory of Es (seemed to be a healthy #). Anyway, no less than 5 people (4 sales, 1 pretty receptionist) asked if they could help me! I mean, I'm in shorts, ratty golf shirt, sneakers with no socks with obligatory Red Sox hat. I must just look mature. Interior of the E is quite elegant, lots of storage nooks, gadgets, wood and leather(ette)! Nice.

To be fair and balanced, I also went to the BMW dealer. Only two sales people offered to help me. One, unsolicited, offered that they were anxious to move out the '03s and willing to deal. Timing is everything and, as usual, I do not have it (nor the $$$). Sigh.

So as not to depress my M, I washed it. Ooooh, shiny chrome Razorstars! Still looks sooooo good!

fastdriver · July 2003

laurasdada-

:-))) Be careful. You might make your M upset by visiting other dealers, especially competing brands. She might start acting up. I've seen it happen before! ;-)

fastdriver

denisefromca1 · July 2003

Anyone else get a special by-appointment-only offer to buy back your 99 300M by your dealer? I did and they said it was because the demand for the 99 is so great that they want to make me an offer on any other car, truck or suv on the lot that they are sure I will not resist (eye roll). I'm curious to how much truth there is in this so called great demand for the 99's, I rarely see one and when I do, it's there for less then a week. I'm sure that since the resale value has plumetted below the value of most other cars from that year, it's in their best interest for me to finance a different vehicle.

Also,I seem to remember reading that there were significant differences in the 99 and the 2003 that 300m lovers like myself were disappointed to see. I did notice while compairing the 99 to the 2003 online that the 99 was faster with better torch. Why would the manufacturer downsize the model instead of making it better? Also, why would Chrysler(or should I say Mercedes) add such classy new rims on the 03 but put cheap looking rear lights that look like pep-boy after markets? Scratching head on this one.

ajpiii · July 2003

Thanks for the info about the special parts... I have one more question for you... on the rear bumper, how big are the cutouts for the exhaust ? Im looking at some Borla mufflers with 4" Tips, wondering if they would fit ?

http://www.exhaustproslinc.com/blowtorch.html

silverbullet4 · July 2003

Lynn, I made a drive from Long Beach to Houston by myself back when there was a national 55 mph speed limit. I was in a 240-Z, and was really frustrated by the draconian enforcement of the speed law. Going across AZ, NM, and TX took forever on highways that cried out for speed.

I'm shopping for tires for the Silver Bullet.

Bill

pster · July 2003

Quite simply, they were lying to you, as most auto dealers do. The claim that they had a high demand for 1999 300M's is a blatant lie - a sales tactic to suck you into the dealership and never let you leave until you have purchased a new Chrysler from their 100+ day inventory glut.

libertycat · July 2003

blonda · July 2003

So describe you M -- so I can wave at you if I see you around town.

Me - deep slate 99, dark tinted windows, and duals with large oval single tips on each side.

laurasdada · July 2003

That's why I gave my "greatly in demand '99 M" (sorry, Denise. Couldn't resist) a loving bath after visiting the competition!

I've heard of no such "high demand" for '99s here in the Boston area. But, for the right $$$ I might be persuaded...

lflowers · July 2003

mine is a silver 2000, with a spoiler (wing?), aftermarket 7 spoke wheels with BFG GForce T/A's, duals with twin chrome outlets on each side, blue brake calipers, and a wind deflector for the sunroof. It also has a K & N Filtercharger installed, but that's kinda hard to see.
I've been exchanging emails with sdmike about trying get all the local club members together to meet and compare rides, like ya'll did a while back.

Lynn Flowers
McKinney, Texas
now in San Diego

fastdriver · July 2003

I know there is no brake shift interlock on the early 99 300M's. I found that out accidentally one day and was quite shocked because I thought it was a mandated government safety feature. Not sure if it's been "fixed" on the cars, but it looks like the minivans don't have it. DC should be careful how they treat people! Sometimes things come back and bite you in the a__!

http://www.detnews.com/2003/autosinsider/0307/13/a01-215697.htm

fastdriver

blonda · July 2003

Thanks. I'll keep a look out for you although I have never seen SDMike, Glennbp or MRL859 on the road -- go figure. btw -- There is a woman who drives a white 99 or 00 M and works in the same vicinity as me who has Texas plates. I've been seeing her for the past year so she's been here awhile.

Oh I forgot to mention one glaring characteristic of my M that would make it stand out...I have the top and bottom stainless steel mesh grills with the 02 surround.

http://community.webshots.com/user/blonda81

blonda · July 2003

Interesting. I keep forgetting to check my M to see if I can shift it w/o the brake.

dustinnewton · July 2003

Saw a billboard the other day for a local 5* dealer advertising a Pacifica. There was a photo of a Pacifica (looked like a professional DC stock photo) and the following phrase:

Pacifica?
Terrifica!

And they wonder why they won't sell!!!

300michael · July 2003

Even in the dealership ads, the 300M is gone. It is like the car no longer even exsists. I went to the dealser to pick up a part (I am installing the special signal mirrors) pulling in, and on person was out front. I half expected him to come over and try to sell me a car. Instead he went inside. So I went in got my part and come out. There were about 8 sales guys looking over my car. Never seen one with a scoop. Stayed and chatted with them for awhile.

300michael · July 2003

Let me know (need about a month notice) if you plan on another meet. Always interested to see other members M's, and get away from the heat.

greg0ry · July 2003

300mspecial1
Fortunately, I haven't experienced any problems with the wheel balance -- the creaking noise is annoying enough.

fastdriver
Thanks for the info. I just took a look at your website. Wow!! I can't believe you had to go through that much trouble with your local dealers to get action. I will stick to my guns though, to see if I get my problem resolved. You say on your site that you have a number to Auburn Hills. Is that something that you can provide?

blonda · July 2003

Yep....not on the early build 99's. Tried mine at lunch -- shifted no problem w/o foot on brake. My M was built mid-Sept. 1998. Guess I'll need to be sure I don't leave the thing idling with kids in the car.

Now I'll have to try out the other rumor about some early build non-PHP's not having the speed limiter!

intrepidspirit · July 2003

Looks like the local advertising efforts aren't any better than the national ones. "Terrifica"???!! I don't know about you, but "the thrill of something completely new" in the national ads does not inspire me to want to buy a Pacifica (or any other vehicle), either.

I am not a marketing executive, but I know I could come up with something a little more inspiring than this thrill thing. Advertising presents an opportunity to present your product and they completely waste it...

wire2 · July 2003

>... on the rear bumper, how big are the cutouts for the exhaust ? Im looking at some Borla mufflers with 4" Tips,

Should be no prob, the openings are 5½" diameter.

chevydude2 · July 2003

Got a '00 M -- graat car -- but was amazed that you can set the factory alarm (with the drivers window open), and reach in and OPEN THE HOOD without the alarm going off.. My '98 Bonneville is the same way..Never gave it any thought until a guy that works for me had kids put SAND in his engine, transmission, and gas tank one night -- all with his alarm set!! Any ideas on a fix? Can a local car alarm shop install a hot switch on the hood so it would set off the factory alarm???

Brad

bluesky999 · July 2003

I need front brake pads, and I also would like to have an input and output tranny sensor to keep in the glove compartment. Since I plan to have my local garage put the pads on, I called a nearby Chrysler dealer, and the price was $118 for pads, $25 for input sensor, and $35 for output sensor. If anyone here knows about brake pads, does that sound about right? Also, anyone have any other pads to recommend? I want low noise, low dust, smooth action, and long life of course.

I went to Edmunds used car site, and it seems you can get an '00 M for well under 15K; that's a steal. I think these cars are good for the long haul if you don't mind replacing an occasional transmission sensor. The replacement window motors all seem to be holding up pretty well. I've had this car from 49K till 74K, and the problems have been A/C (I bought it in winter and didn't test it), input trans sensor failure, and electronic seat control module (the only part not covered under extended care warranty). I continut to be impressed with the utility (i.e. cargo and passenger space), looks, power, style, and gas mileage of this car. The only thing that scares me is that a few people have gotten lemons, most notably Pster who has had the car from hell. But in considering the case for the CTS, which I like, the M is a better value with better looking wheels and much more cargo space. I can't justify trading in at all, even if the resale value were significantly higher. With iron cylinder liners, these engines should last a long long time. The only items I would immediately sell the car for would be if the engine or electrical system had a problem.

jrease · July 2003

Yes, it was a 300M that I saw in Colorado, though you are right that it may have been a fake ragtop since I wasn't able to get a long look at it and the top was not down. It went by and I couldn't catch up. Very unique and attractive look, but unmistakably a 300. If it was fake, they did a good job on it.

fastdriver · July 2003

greg0ry-

Some soap opera....huh? :-))) This was the number I used back in 1998- 248-512-8383. REMEMBER, this was PRE MB's takeover and PRE the firing of hundreds of Chrysler workers. If ANYONE nice is left there it would be surprising. Good luck. Just remember to stick to your guns if you know you're right. They want you to give up, get fed up and disappear. Fortunately, I did NONE of those things!

I follow this topic all the time so I'll follow your progress or lack of it.

fastdriver

fastdriver · July 2003

blonda-

Look at these..... scary......

http://www.safetyforum.com/interlock

http://www.khorrami.com/Cases%20Web/Chrysler/Chrysler.htm

fastdriver

FYI Christine was built in April of 1998.

pjyoung · July 2003

My advice would be to roll up the drivers window..

blonda · July 2003

Wow...pretty scarey. I remember a few years ago someone on this board mentioning their M shifted into drive while sitting at idle (obviously wasn't in park all the way). I have always remembered that and usually turn the car off when I have to walk in front or behind it for any reason even for a few seconds. At least with the M you have to push the button on the shifter to move it. The vans I think all have those column shifts where I could see a kids more easily moving it. You'd think a recall would be in order on at least the mini vans.

blonda · July 2003

The price for the input/output sensors seems too high. I have heard most people purchase them for $11 to $16 each. When my input sensor went out the dealer only charged me $49 total to replace it including parts and labor (didn't even touch my warranty as I had a $100 deductible)-- so sounds to me like they have a high mark up. Go to the 300mclub site and check the links there for good place to buy and part numbers.

$108 for the OEM pads sounds about right if you want to go with the same ones. Just make sure they aren't quoting the "value line" pads which are cheaper. I went that route when I wasn't happy with my aftermarket pads. The dealer charged me approx. $200 for the pads and labor.

bigmike5 · July 2003

McKinney Dodge had the tranny sensors for: list: $23.35, net $15.23 [in-put] and list $25.35, net$14.53 [out-put]. They are on the net.

300mspecial1 · July 2003

I saw a picture in the '04 brochure, I think, of an available navigation system in the '04 300M's. Is this an option and if so, what would be required to retrofit it to my '02 Special? Any idea on price? This is not a must have, but it would be nice if it can be done. I've seen many systems as options in the $1500-$2500 range, so I know it won't be cheap.

Thanks for any info.

Andy

Chrysler 300M

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