Chrysler 300M

dustinnewton · February 2001

A- Look here: http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=984864&a=7235661 This is my install. I have a California Profile 400sx amp pushing 400 watts peak into 2 6.5" Bazooka bass tubes. I used the tubes instead of a box/speaker setup because the tubes are a good bit more efficient than a normal speaker. I like the mounting location a lot too. Works very well for me. Don't skimp on watts because you will need the extra power to get the sound to go through the rear seats. Tandee has a really nice Rockford-Fosgate sub setup in her M. I think she has 2 10" subs, She had a custom enclosure made and it has a lighted pocket for the amp and the pocket is covered with plexiglass. It wasn't cheap, but it looks VERY good and I'd put money on it kicking bigtime! I paid $139 for my amp, and $99 each for the Bazookas. Bazookas also come in 8 and 10 inch sizes. I wanted to start with the 6.5 inchers and I could go up from there. It's a VERY easy install. If you have specific questions, e-mail me at dustinn@bellsouth.net and I'll be happy to help you out.

Beach-I agree with Fuzzy. Write down ALL problems, and contact your dealer. Keep up with EVERY call, no matter how short. Write down who you talked to, what you asked, and what they said (summarize). Even if you don't get an answer, write it down. If it comes down to it, a call log might turn the tables in your favor. If you wind up going to DC, it would carry a lot of weight if you had a notebook with say, 75 calls in it. That proves that you have done everything in your power to get things taken care of. Look at this site: http://www.lemonlawamerica.com/ I don't necessarily endorse this site, but it appears to have details of the lemon laws in all 50 states. From what I hear, each state is a bit different than others. I hate that you are having problems and I hope that DC takes care of things to your satisfaction. Good luck and keep us updated.

fuzzywuzzy · February 2001

I too have added 2 12" Kicker subs, & a Kicker ZR-600 Amp. I'm pushing 250W/channel. Had the box custom made to fit exactly between the wheel wells. The subs are mounted to create a horn effect. It does increase spl. I still have full acces to my spare. The amp is mounted on the back of the box, along with a 1 farad cap. Install was easy. Power went to the battery. There's a hole in the firewall behind the center cluster. Ground went to a seat bolt on the frame. Turn on was spliced into the factory amp connection. The rear speakers were tapped for signal using a line output converter. I have the gain on the amp turned up, this way I can lower the bass on the head unit to limit the bass coming from the smaller speakers. Sounds really good. Not too loud, unless I drive with the trunk open. Note on speaker replacment. The factory amp handles X-overs. Replacing the rear 6X9's with good full range speakers has no effect on sound. The factory amp limits the rear's to bass duites. Same with the front. I have some pics of the system here:

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1280600&a=9485515

grunschev · February 2001

The low quote I got was $135, but those guys normally do Hondas and Nissans. They looked at the 300M several times and declined to do the work. (They didn't know how to take the back seat out and didn't want to bust anything. I was happy they knew their limitations.) Their price didn't include an alignment. The high quote was $650 or so. I told them I already had the springs and they said, "Yep, that's labor only. But we know what we're doing." Finally I found a place that did it for $350 or so, including the 4-wheel alignment.

None of the dealers would touch it, except for a Dodge place about 60 miles away. None of the chains would do it because it changes the ride height. Even places specializing in suspensions wouldn't do it. I would suggest looking for an alignment shop or somebody who specializes in lowering cars.

Igor

denverm · February 2001

The door seals in my y2k M were ill-fitting at the upper corners near the B pillar. I noticed it while sitting in the driver's seat with the front passenger door open; I could see light between the trim (connected to the weather stripping) and the car. I took it in to the dealer and they replaced the seals, and they now fit tight in those corners.

I turned off my stereo and heater fan the last time you posted about creaking dashboard, etc., and drove over some bumpy roads in PHP M. My car did not make any noises and seems to be tight and well-built.

I've gotten some paint chips on the hood, but with sanded roads in winter that's just a fact of life. I try not to follow too closely. As for shine, I just ordered my first batch of Zaino products, and you might give that a try, too. Everyone who has tried Zaino raves about the results. http://zainobros.com

As for the lemon laws, first, you don't really make clear whether you have given your dealer an opportunity to correct these problems. I think most lemon laws require multiple attempts at correction. I also suspect that a lemon law will not require the mfr. to take back a car because of some creaks and moans. Do you still hear these if you have some tunes in the stereo at a modest volume?

You mention front end noise when you go over bumps. There is a TSB about crunching sounds from the front suspension over bumps, and several who have posted have said that their problem was fixed once they got the dealer to do the fix specified in the TSB. Others may know where to find details on this.

Sorry you're having these problems. Hope some of the above helps.

beach15 · February 2001

I thank some of you for giving advise. I really don't think that anyone will take my car back anyway, regardless of what is wrong with it. I'm just not very sure that Chrysler and all their current issues help problems with their vehicles. My dealer treated me well at first but who knows what will happen now.

To whoever sait it, NO, I DO NOT EVEN TOUCH THE CAR!! IT IS CONSTANTLY WASHED AND KEPT CLEAN!! ALTHOUGH I DO NOT HAVE A GARAGE, NO CAR THAT I HAVE EVER OWNED HAS HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE PAINT (ROUGH SPOTS OR CHIPS)!! EVEN MY LAST VEHICLE A 97' GRAND VOYAGER HAD A WONDERFUL PAINT JOB WITH NO PROBLEMS AFTER THREE LONG YEARS.

I have called about these problems but I don't know if the dealer will fix them completely. I am quickly becoming an unsatisfied owner.

fuzzywuzzy · February 2001

Just wondering, what color you M is? Also what part of the US are you in?

racefan9 · February 2001

the dealer can't fix buyers remorse!!! you haven't even tried to have the car repaired.

adplusone · February 2001

I have never owned a Chrysler product before but have driven and are interested by a 300-M. I must admit somewhere back of my mind I hear a nagging voice on build and quality issues. To silence the little voices I would appreciate the following from 300-M Owners...

1) What three things do you like the most about you car?
2) What three things would you change about your car?
3) What has been the most troubling problem you have had with you car?

Thanks in advance!

Jeff Schmalz
McAllen, Texas

denverm · February 2001

Like most: performance (power and handling; I've got the PHP option), styling, luxury features

Would change: tough one! Car's pretty near perfect, in my mind. Might add dual exhaust. Heated rear seats would be nice. Maybe a V8 . . .

Problems: door weather stripping didn't fit right, dealer replaced 'em. No other problems at 10,000 miles.

beach15 · February 2001

My car is deep slate/agate. I originally wanted white or black but liked the deep slate car when I saw it and that's what I ended up buying. I live in southern Delaware. The weather is usually very nice here with only a few wintery days each year.

Racefan- I did contact the dealer now twice. The second time I just made an appointment to drop my car off Tuesday night so they have all day Wednesday to work on it. From the way they sounded on the phone, it doesn't seem like it will be a very productive visit.

racefan9 · February 2001

1) 3 favorite
Roomy:
this is a full size north american car not a mid-size rice burner.
Performance:
very fast and handles like a corvette, car and driver clocked it one second slower than the corvette in the slalom-cones, autoweek said "we can almost forget the impala ss was ever built" get the performance package well worth the extra $500
Looks:
this car is eye-candy

2) 3 changes
cup holder:
is in a bad spot
heated seats:
nice in the front but rear passengers need some too
self cleaning option:
you know like ovens have, that would be nice

3) problems
only one problem had a squeaking front end they fixed it on the first visit.

Getcha One!!!

racefan9 · February 2001

here want some???

Racefan9's 300m

scotian · February 2001

Every once in a while, I hit a bump and my CD skips (four CD in-dash player). It recovers pretty quickly, but I'm wondering why, today, they don't always have at least a ten second buffer in car CD players?

racefan9 · February 2001

MP3 time, crutchfield sells a rockford fosgate mp3 changer that holds 8 cards and comes with a docking station to hook up to your computer for transferring the files, would have to change out the head unit which in my opinion would be a good thing $250 for the changer $229-300 for the head unit, take out the 4 disc and you'll have a nice place for sunglasses...

has anyone changed out the head unit???

pjyoung · February 2001

Favorites:

1. Looks
2. Performance
3. Bun Warmers (heated seats)

Changes:

1. Allow the windows to operate in ACC mode
2. Allow trunk release to operate with car in gear
3. I can't think of a third

I haven't had any "troubling problems" in the 18 months and 19,000 miles. I did have the driver side window motors replaced (known problem in 99's). I noticed that the rear window didn't operate, my dealer replaced it AND the drivers window motor when I dropped it off for an oil change.

ajpiii · February 2001

Thanks Everyone for the responses, I am definately going to do this one soon... I would like to see a pic of that box that Tandee had made up, Im a sucker for plexiglass and maybe a little neon

racefan9, too bad about that site, thats the one I was looking for... Its what got me started with this whole idea.

fuzzy, like your install, do you have a pic of the mounted cap ?

dustine, the email is on the way

Thanks Again !

ajpiii · February 2001

Wow thats a pretty big range... Finding someone who doesnt want an arm and a leg, and who knows what their doing outta be fun... I'll shoot for the same price range as you, unfortunately I have to wait till next week for the springs to come in

ajpiii · February 2001

Has anyone had the wheel center cap of their RazorStars just fall off ? I was cleaning my wheels (for the first time in a few months, Winter Sucks) and it just popped off, and won't go back on... It looks as if it was glued on or something...

racefan9 · February 2001

Tandee doesn't get out on the board much, can't say i blame her, i'll act as her agent :~)

Tandee's 300m

ajpiii · February 2001

That is so sweet and a nice clean Install... I like everything about it... very nice... the interior pics just reminded me to go order that chrome shifter too

thanks for the link, definately gave me more ideas ...

300michael · February 2001

Likes: Handling and performance (except for 0-60)
Roomyness
Layout/Looks
Changes I would make: Better transmission.
Color selection (would like lighter interior and exteroir colors)
road noise (I have added sound deading)
Problems: None to date

I have an 1999 300M, two years and 10 days old.

fuzzywuzzy · February 2001

My 4 cd has skipped a few times, turning over a bumpy road. Nothing to worry about. Most factory cd player/changers do not use buffer memory. They use dampening, little springs inside th unit to absorb vibrations.

No I do not have a pic of the cap. It was installed after the pics were taken. My dig camara is being fixed, & when I get it back I will post a pic. It's due to come back next week.

fuzzywuzzy · February 2001

The 3 things I like about my 300M
1-The great interior room
2-The great handling
3-The great purchase value

The 3 things I would change on my 300M
1-Needs a better tranny/or drivetrain
2-Like to be able use windows/sunroof with the car in acc
3-Make the seats have more thigh support(for me anyway)
The most troublesome problem I'm having right now. The dealer replaced my drivebelt, on misalighned pullys. The belt broke, & the force of it bent the power steering pully. Now they have to replace the entire power steering pump, because great DC builders decided to make the pully part of the pump. You can't just replace the pully. It's been at the dealer since Tuesday morning waiting for the part.
Other then that, I'm very happy. Have had my 300M a little over a year, & put over 32K miles on it.

bigmike5 · February 2001

Never had a Chrysler product before this car caught my eye. Always Olds and Buick. 3 best things: looks great; handles great; no significant problems in 2 1/2 years (I have a 99M)
with 26K miles. 3 things I don't like: Badyear tires have a low speed (30mph) tendency to shake, wobble, whatever; I would put the autoshift indicator where the high beam indicator is so it can be seen more easily in turns; gas mileage for this 6 cylinder car should be better. I get 20 around town and so far about 24-25 on long hauls. My wife's Eldorado does better with 8 cylinders. Would I buy another one? Can I wait for the Hemi C to arrive. Pleaaase DC, please.

300slate · February 2001

I have a 2000 300M/PHP and my ACC/SUNROOF/WINDOWS operate independently whether the ACC is on or off. Is this a set-up option ? I like mine the way it is.....

scotian · February 2001

As far as I know, the sunroof and windows are powered only when the ignition is in the ON position, not ACC.

jmcmanus · February 2001

Today while driving to work I came into a curve on what looked like a slightly wet part of the road (it snowed over night and the roads were wet but salted). All of a sudden I was sliding at a 30 degree angle to the road. I tried to steer into the slide, fishtaled and ended up with my passenger side sliding at a 45 degree angle toward a telephone pole. All I could think to do was to try the breaks since steering just seemed to make it worse. The antilock came on and slowed me enough that I could straighten the car out and avoid the pole. This car handles great!

kamalee · February 2001

Like everybody,
1) 3 favorite
Roomy: How much bigger can you expect
Performance: but don't mistake it is as a Porche.
Great interior and exterior looks: interior with real wood is great

2) 3 changes
cup holder: front cup holder is hard to use
more sensitive transmission: again, don't take it as a Porche.
better soundproof:

3) problems
Not yet, I have it just 2 months, 2001 Cinamon Glaze, I love it!

rklass · February 2001

My first 300M, an early production '99, was trouble-free for 30 m0nths 69,000 miles.
3 best features:
1.Very adequate power
2.Excellent handling & brakes (PHP)
3.Great bang for the buck.

3 worst features:
1. Road noise Improved significantly for '01)
2. Brake wear (also improved for '01)
3. Spotty remote entry operation. (corrected '01)

Problem areas: none

Just got an '01, silver/PHG/Luxury Group/roof.
1st 3000 miles have been great. Noticeable NVH improvements, great new interior color (Taupe)
New PHP 17" tires should be excellent when spring comes.
Would highly recommend the 300M to anyone who values outstanding overall performance in a large sedan!

300michael · February 2001

Can you elaberate on the NVH, improvements on your 01 compared to your 99 you had?

beach15 · February 2001

I just got the pictures back that I had taken of my problematic M. Some of them don't look that great but here's the link:

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1172860&a=9559248

rklass-Yes, could you elaborate on the 2001 NVH improvements. Is it really that noticable of a difference?

ajpiii · February 2001

I finally did it ! I finally got up enough nerve to take apart my dash to install my custom clockface !

It was so easy, I couldn't believe how fast it went in... Here's some Pics

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1507958&a=11387283

Thanks Scotian !

rklass · February 2001

NVH improvements for '01 are hard to state specifically. Some were actually '00 improvements, such as the added rear wheel-well sound deadening material.
The '01 just seems more solid overall, and I thought the '99 was very good.
The '01 doors close with a more solid sound, the car feels even tighter over railroad tracks, and there is significantly less wind noise at highway speeds.
Hope this answers your question.

rklass · February 2001

The wheel center caps have spring prongs that hold the caps in place. If none of thr prongs are broken, you can CAREFULLY bend them outward for a tighter fit.
The caps should be left on the wheel, unless you are replacing a tire, when they must be removed to put the wheel on a tire machine.
One good looking modification I made on my '01 wheels was to put Chrysler emblems on the center caps. The round emblems were standard on the rear door sail panels of the '99 LHS. They are self adhesive, and should fit the '99 and '00 razorstar center caps. For the '01 caps, which are convex, I had to add a bead of black windshield sealant to the perimeter of the cap so it would lie flat.
The emblems cost $12-$15 each depending on how good your Chrysler parts manager is to you.

ajpiii · February 2001

Actually I just lost another one driving down the highway yesterday. Its weird the center cap is made of two distinct pieces, the round chrome piece you see, and the piece with the prongs that holds it in the wheel. Whats happend is the two pieces are seperating from each other, off goes the chome piece, and Im stuck with the piece with the prongs.

5* is ordering replacements, but it takes a week to get em

Whats weird is its random, I havent done anything with the tires at all...

Do you have any pictures of your wheels with the emblems ?

fuzzywuzzy · February 2001

but what is NVH??

fuzzywuzzy · February 2001

I put the wheelskin on this weekend. It really is a nice leather cover. Feels very nice, & my hands grip it better. It is a very good fit. No loose sections, it looks factory. Solved my problem. The install took 2 hours, because I had to figure out how to skip holes for the spokes. For someone who never picked up a sewing needle before, it came out really good. It's one of the good interior mods I recommend. No pics yet, but coming.

tictac3 · February 2001

When outside yesterday am.. to get the Sunday paper and noticed a large amount of oil under my 2000 M. Popped the hood to check the oil level -- not a drop of oil! Called Chrysler roadside assistance and within an hour a tow truck was there. Carted it off to 5*. I'm waiting to hear from them. Hope it is only a seal or a loose filter, nothing more. Fingers are crossed.

rklass · February 2001

If the wheel cap emblems are seperating from the pronged part, the warranty should cover it. You may want to see if the '99/'00 PHP center caps w/Chrysler logo will fit. They will not fit the '01 wheels, which is why I had to use the stick-on emblems.
I will have pix later in the week. Will send to photoPoint and post link here.

dustinnewton · February 2001

3 favorite things:

Power, Handling, and overall quality of car.

3 things to change: make the seat heaters an option. They work good, but are useless unless you live where it's cold (which I don't). Maybe make them a part of the cold weather group. I wish the center console had matching wood grain from the factory. I wish the cruise control buttons were lit at night. (It's really a FANTASTIC car and it's hard to come up with things I don't like or would change!)

Most troubling problem: Haven't had a SINGLE problem yet! Not one, no matter how small. Everything about my car is perfect and I love it. I WILL buy the next model of it in '04 whether it be the Hemi C, or the 300N. I would also buy the Crossfire in a heartbeat. This has been the best car I have ever had, and I am VERY picky about cars and issues with them. It's especially fun to pull up to a light and blow away the kiddies in their little souped-up Hondas. They get especially down when the see my M has 4 doors!! Kind of a "Grandpa in his luxury car just toasted your little a$%" deal!

Dustin

Y2K Deep Slate/Agate/Chrome wheels w/big spare/big stereo/hole in roof and 13K HAPPY miles!

Good luck in your decision and if you get an M, join us back here on the board and at http://www.300mclub.org

dthobart · February 2001

2000 w/ big stereo, hole in roof, no PHP, matching spare, added wood trim to window controls and around stereo/ac controls....

Owned for 11 months with about 22K miles, I change the oil every 4000 miles or so with Mobil 1 and rotate the tires every second oil change - no vibration problems.

The 3 things I like:
1- I love the cup holders, they are sturdy, work effortlessly and hold just about anything - Not sure what people don't like about them. I just tap my cup/bottle on the cover, they pop open, and voila... They're a bit close to the seat, but there is no other logical place to put them.
2- Nice interior room, comfortable on long trips.
3- Quick and agile for the size of the car.

The 3 things I would like to see different:
1- Like to be able use windows/sunroof with the car in ACC or off for about 30 seconds.
2- Would like to be able to set the climate control to Auto, and then select the appropriate setting/zone - it ALWAYS chooses floor/defrost.
3- Hate where the foglight indicator and rear defrost lights are located. Tough to see either of them from the driver's seat.

Problems: Windshield washer didn't work on delivery.
Brake squeal at 12,000 miles - 5* replaced the pads.
Some paint issues - a couple of areas with 'blobs' of paint. Don't want the dealer to touch it though... fear that they'd just make it worse.

Overall, I love this car...

jgoodson · February 2001

I jusr bought a 99 300M and love it. The only problem I can find with it is belt noise when cold engine is cranked. The belt noise (slapping, clicking) goes away after about a minute of idling. Anyone have this problem? Haven't talked to dealer yet - was waiting to take it in for an oil change.

willngayle · February 2001

I have a 2000 300m with 10K miles. The right side doors, and pillars (B&C) have creeks & rattles, especially C pillar. The dealer made some adjustments but still not that great. Any suggestions?

pat · February 2001

Can you find a link to that article and post the link instead of the text itself? What you have posted is a violation of copyright laws and will need to be removed.

It would be good if you could post the link, then delete your post. Either way, that post can't stay here for more than another day or so, sorry.

Pat
Host
Sedans and Women's Automotive Message Boards

rogor2k · February 2001

Here is the link to the article I quoted on the advantages and disadvantages of rotating tires. Sorry about the copyright infringement, had no desire to go there.

http://www.amarillonet.com/stories/051300/whe_cartalk.shtml

I will delete my original post.

rogor2k

rogor2k · February 2001

Glad the Wheelskin thing worked out for you. I knew it had to be better than trying to swap out the whole steering wheel, interested in seeing pics when you get them.

laurasdada · February 2001

Noise, Vibration and Harshness.
My '99 has been with me for 19 months and 19,000 miles.
Likes:
-Styling, exterior and interior
-High speed cruising ability. Effortlessly cruises at 90mph and effortlessley gets there!
-Luxury touches: Memory, heated seats with the slide back/forth entry assistance, CD player, climate control, Auto headlights, etc...

Dislikes (although too strong a term)
-visibility: Large pillars, A, B and C. Small back window.
-I'd like a little more low end grunt
-???

This is still a wonderful car that has been flawless (except for two window motor replacements, a known defect with '99s).

silverbullet4 · February 2001

That doesn't sound right to me. I can manually select any outlet. In AUTO mode my 2000 will select FLOOR if heating is required. I always have to manually select the DEFROST mode. See your dealer.

pat · February 2001

Thanks rogor2k, appreciate it!

Pat
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Sedans and Women's Automotive Message Boards

denverm · February 2001

I think what dthobart meant in #241 is that if you have the climate control set to auto and then manually change one setting (e.g., change the air outlet from floor to dash), ALL the settings go to manual mode - the fan starts blowing continuously at whatever speed you have the fan knob set to and the temperature setting is apparently overridden, too. In auto mode the fan speed automatically increases and decreases as needed to get to and maintain the specified temperature. You lose that when you make any manual change to the auto settings. That's the way my '00 works; I've assumed that is the way it's designed to work.

Chrysler 300M

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