Chrysler 300/300C

yak54

I have a 300C on order since 5/10. I am hoping they have fixed the pulling problem as they build them by now, but I am getting mived messages on this forum. Are they still making them with the problem with hopes of fixing them later or what?

dougus

I think Mike was talking about his 300M not a new 300C.

nvbanker

My bad. Still, bad report on the 300M.

rwdevore

I looked at their stuff when I had my 300M and it looks pretty cool. Waiting to see what they do with the new 300s. The US site is www.Startech-usa.com It's worth a look.

bigmike5

I don't have a 300C, I did not get one because I did not like the exterior style, but I liked the rest of the car. I have an almost 6 year old 300M, that has had very, very few problems in 6 years of driving. One door lock activator, one window activator, one starter switch and relay [wasn't sure which was the problem so I changed both under warranty, and the relay was $10 so it made sense to do it]. Also didn't like the OEM Badyears but DC got a lot of complaints about them and changed to Michelins the next year. I now run 245/50-17 Goodrich Comp TA's [OEM were 225's] and like the wear, ride and handling a lot better. My last 3 GM products- 96 Aurora, 93 Regal GS, 87 Toro had about the same number of minor, and I mean minor, part problems. All covered under warranty. The 87 Toro [also a first year build for that style] had the fewest issues, and ran great for 9 years. All I was saying is that my case, the 300M, despite being a first year build, has been very good IMHO. The build itself, fit and finish, was and is still excellent, but manufacturers are at the mercy of the part makers who sometimes let them down. Look at the Acura tranny problems, and the Audi iginition packs. And the fabulous Ford Focus had more NHTSA investigations, recalls, etc., than many cars. It just happens sometimes. The issue is how the mfg responds to the problem. [If you drive something that's had fewer problems/issues over a six year period let us all know what it is.] If DC is slow to respond to issues with the 300C, or gets bad dealer support it won't take long for the word to get around the Internet and for the orders to dry up for a year.

bigmike5

I read in Autoweek that Startech is a MB affiliated company that works on tuner kit stuff for the 300's. I know that they had expensive stuff [like Lorinser] for the M, and probably might for the 300C, although one auto writer told me that DC with its new 300 design was trying to take the 300C away from the SEMA / tuner crowd.

yak54

Could someone list other forums where this car is being discussed, please.

mnmatches

None... but my guess is that they'll want to keep the prices below the 40k mark and will probably set it around $36k-$38k. $40k-$42k fully optioned!?

Unfortunately this will most likely be pushed out of my financial reach... but maybe things will change in the next year and I'll get lucky. Maybe I'll be blessed by the Auto Gods and one will be parked in my driveway one morning... all shiny and pretty.

mnmatches

Check out #8.... http://www.edmunds.com/townhall/rulesoftheroad.html?tid=edmunds.g- .forums.secnav.4.1.*

The is the best forum on the net.... BUT if you insist on a polygamous relationship with this forum you could probably find others using google, yahoo, msn, etc. You will probably do as I did and find your way back here anyway. Not to get my nose all dirty but this forum, although sometimes over managed, retains a good level of civility and has some of the best postings.

fuzzywuzzy

I see no reasron why Chrysler wouldn't use the SRT-8 name. The X-fire has an SRT-6 version. Makes sense to me. 6 for a 6cyl, 8 for an 8cyl.

As I stated before it would be nice to get a stick shift on the SRT-8. Don't think it will happen though. You can't get one on the X-fire's SRT-6.

kvilleboy

The following URL, http://www.donlen.com/Whats_New/new_buildstart_daimlerchrysler.ht- ml , lists a date of 4/30/04 for the "early build final order due date" on the 300/C, and 7/19/04 as "normal model production start up."

I have also heard that Chrysler is no longer accepting new orders (rumor - I have not confirmed). Have they stopped new orders to produce current orders before the 7/19 date? What is the difference between a car built during "early build 2/04 - 4/30/04, and one built after 7/19 in normal production? I wonder if tire pressure monitoring will be available on cars built after the 7/19 date?

stephen

I've got 1284 miles on my black 300C now. I am very, very happy with it. So much fun, so much pleasure!

There is still a very slight pull to the right, but I'm sure that will be resolved when Chrysler provides whatever kit they're working on for the front end. The only other mechanical issue is a loud noise that eminates from the center of the instrument panel that occurs every time the car is driven, parked in the sun for a short time, then driven again at a speed of 60 mph or more within the first four or five minutes of restarting the car.

It does this every time the car has been parked briefly where the sun hits the top of the instrument panel for 15 to 30 minutes on a warm day. It sounds like water shriek that you might hear as you gradually turn a faucet off on an older bathroom sink at home. The shriek lasts for approximately one minute, and when it is about done, the intensity of sound diminishes and the pitch of the sound goes up slightly.

It does not occur on a cool, cloudy day. It does not occur at any time beyond the first five minutes of road travel. It does not occur on a hot sunny day if you drive slower than 50 mph for five minutes. It sounds like it could be wind noise, but that is unlikely. I taped off the inlet grill to the HVAC system, and it still made the same noise.

One theory that might make sense is that the sun hitting the instrument panel for 15 to 30 minutes raises the temperature of the evaporator or activates a sensor in that area. Then when you get in the car and drive 60 mph or faster within the first five minutes, cool air hitting the condenser or a sensor in that area causes the expansion valve to open wider than usual to correct the disparity between the high side and low side and that creates the noise. The noise occurs even if the HVAC is turned off for the test run perhaps because sensors will activate the system under certain conditions independent of the HVAC control settings.

I have only noticed the sound occurring when the car is driven, parked for a short time in the sun and then driven again. I have not done any testing to see if it would make the sound if it was parked outside in the sun for several hours. The car is normally garaged. It never makes the sound on an initial run starting from there. Nor does it make a sound if it is driven, parked for a short time on a cloudy day, and driven again.

stephen

fastdriver

axguy-

I've asked SYLVIA to put a notice at the top of the TH pages reminding people to check their profile and make their e-mail address public. They claim there was a "glitch/bug" the last time they updated which made EVERYBODY'S e-mail private. They also claim that some people are having a problem making their e-mail address public and are working on it, but so far everyone that I have mentioned it to have had NO problem changing from private to public?

I've seen a few 300's around here, but can't tell if they're regular ones or hemi's. I know it says hemi on the side and the trunk and some trim is different, but by the time I notice that, the car is gone unless it's going the same way I am. So far the colors are plain looking Tutonic ones. I think they need to zip them up a little.

fastdriver

saywhat

After YEARS of getting screwed with quality problems of all the so called "big 3 or 4" car makers and their dealers attitude of that's not my job and is it time to go home yet?,I started to buy foreign made cars like Acura, etc. There were some problems with those nameplates too, but the dealers always bent over backwards to fix them. Now my question is can Chrysler now be trusted to do the right thing with any problems that occur like right side pulling of the steering wheel, a little hard starting, etc. etc. especially with a first year new design, or will it be business as usual when the car is taken to the dealers for repairs and their famous attitude of "Oh, the motor falls on the ground when you shift into reverse, that's normal for that car, I'm sure they will have a repair kit for that problem in the next year or so". Most of you out there seem very knowledgeable, so what do all of you think?

shaggy

Ordered a 300C Cool Vanilla, Sunroof, Nav and Soundgroup II, HID, U-Connect, and Serius.

What is the latest concerning the time it takes for orders to come in?

THanks for any insight.

jeep

You can have the problem of the dealer telling you that they all do that with any car you buy. That is not necessarily the manufacturers fault, just incompetency on the dealers part. Listen, if you like the car, buy it. You can have problems with any new vehicle you purchase even if it is the second or third year of the model. The manufacturer changes parts/suppliers on an ongoing basis. So, you may encounter a problem in the second manufacturing year that wasn't a problem the first year. Rest assure that Chrysler will correct any problems they find in any new release.

coronet68

From earler post on the poor skidpad rating "... is because of the stability system. All of the car magazines note that the skidpan results suffer because you can't turn it off and it will stop you from getting too aggressive.......Better tires may not help much."

While the stability system interfence may still hurt this rating, my experience is that much better traction tires can make a huge difference. My wife's Sequoia came with nice looking Bridgestone Dueler's HT and a traction control system - unfortunately it would kick in, sound warning bell, and retard engine acceleration on even mild acceleration with a sharp turn. When I checked the tires for snow performance, found that they were had poor traction in snow, also very poor traction in wet, also poor traction in dry,... replacing them with top line all seasons (mich. cross terrains) and problem solved. Traction control now no longer kicks in any where near as often. Point is it just makes sense - much better traction tires let every traction system work better so it would probably take the point where the TC kicks in at a much higher g-force and might make a big difference in g-rating.

So - Aren't there any 300C owners who've tried out some tire swaps yet and can report how much of a difference it makes? The 245/55/18 BFG G-force seemed like it was a likely candidate in 18" size anyway.

It sounds like the 300C SRT-8 (or whatever the performance version will be called) will be worth waiting for (and hopefully not to pricey) but I'm still interested in how close 300C w/the right upgrades could come to that now.

carcom2

You'll also notice on the 300 C the rear lights are different and you'll notice the chrome tip dual exhaust.

itshemi

I have 600 miles on my new 300C and have started to experience the pull to the right. Next week I plan to notify the dealer I purchased it from. Let me know if you hear any thing further on this subject.

By the way I have identified and acknowledged by the dealer, who has also notified DC that the Wheel Locks for the 300C wheels do not work, they extend out from the wheel to far, you can't put the cap back on.

jeep

Has anyone encountered the "passenger airbag off" and "red airbag warning lamp" on dash, simultaneously stays on for an extended period after starting engine? This has happened to me on numerous occasions. It will ultimately go off after a mile or two.

itshemi

I'm definetly a MOPAR Fan, Wife let me get 300C because she made sell my 1968 1/2 RoadRunner--Forest Green Metallic. You see why I got my 300C in Magnesium...

http://photos.yahoo.com/jlsy2001

stephen

Nice slideshow! Love the Virginia license plate.

stephen

fastdriver

itshemi-

Ah... a loyal Chrysler family. Lots of luck. Drive it in good health. That's the nicest color I've seen so far on the 300.

I like the plate too! ;-))

fastdriver

sledford_98

I have narrowed down my car choice to the '04 Honda Accord LX sedan and the base '05 Chrysler 300. The 300 is just a flat out beautiful car and in my opinion has the looks that can stand toe to toe with anything that BMW, Lexus, or Mercedes has on the road. BUT, I am concerned about the reliability of Chryslers and reading about a significant problem such as the 300 pulling to the right soon after its initial release with no immediate fix from Chrysler concerns me. I am not excited about the drab looks of the Accord but I least I am confident it will be on the road in good condition in 10 years (if I chose to hold on to it that long).

Any opinions from current 300 owners who have had Chryslers in the past. Are you happy with the brand's reliability and customer service at the dealerships?

hardhawk

Saw a Magnesium 300C with the medium grey interior today. Very sharp. Much richer looking IMO than the Satin Jade one they had with the light interior. The dark carpeting on the medium grey will be far easier to maintain than the light carpet that comes with the lighter interior on the C. If I wasn't waiting for the Blue 300C they have ordered for me I would have been tempted to drive this one off today!

carcom2

Original I thought I wanted the 300 C in Midnight Blue but then ordered the Magnesium 1 wk ago. Saw the Blue on a base 300 and I'm sure the 300C would look better with all the chrome on the C. I like the Blue a lot too. Still going back on forth about the color. I saw each color next to each other in the lot and asked three different guys which they liked better. All three said the Magnesium. I'm still not positive which I like more because I haven't seen the C version. I'm still wondering which upper dash color looks better for Magnesium. The Jade or what I ordered -the Dk upper with the light seats. I prefer this combo to the dark gray. All but the C versions seem to have dark carpet with the light gray leather.
If mine comes in with the light carpet the dealer said he would through in additional mats no charge(because he knows I wanted dark carpet w/ the light sets). It's been mentioned here on the forum that someone put the dark mats over the light carpet and it looks good. I'll have to see it to decide. They more I think about it, I might decide to get the light colored slush mats instead of the dark.

sandbagger

My 300C story:
1.Ordered Magnesium 300C with navi and Protection Group 2 on April 10
2.Car finally built on May 26
3.Went to dealership today and was told the car is "on hold pending final quality inspection"
All 300's were now going through a "rigorous bumper to bumper fine tooth comb inspection before delivery to the customer".
Went will I get my car? Do not know. May be a few days or may be weeks!
One customer's car was built on May 10th and is sitting still waiting inspection.
I was also told today by my salesman that only 300c"s were getting sunroofs and heated seats and other models will have to wait for the time being because more C's were being made then any other model.

hardhawk

I would do the slush mats in the lighter color. In my 1997 Chrysler T&C van we got the camel leather with light carpet. We also got at the time the camel colored slush mats. They still clean up great after 7.5 years! On the color choice, the MAgnesium 300C I saw today had the dark grey upper instead of the Jade. It looked sweet! The only difference between this car and the one you have coming is the seat and carpet color. Yours will look great too. These cars are just plain sharp!

ed c.1

Mine came on when I put some groceries in the seat. I think this is how it is supposed to work, recognizing a light weight.

If nothing is on the seat, then the system may have a problem.

mikeyjohn

My car was also built on the 26th and have not heard about shipping. There apparently is a DC site that allows you to track your vehicle if you know your dealer code. I got my dealer code to-day but this site will not recognize it. I too am anxious to get my vehicle, but I was told by my dealer on Friday that it might take up to 2 weeks to ship to Calgary. I could walk from Brampton to Calgary in that time. Well I might have to jog!!!!!LOL

itshemi

Stephen

On the subject of the pull, check air pressure, mine seem to be low on air..

Thanks for the compliment, I couldn't believe that the tag name was not taken, every other "HEMI" type plate was taken.

itshemi

Thanks, I couldn't believe the plate was not taken, there were alot of phrases that were already used with the word "HEMI", I was thrilled when I got this one.

itshemi

My problem was with air pressure..

http://photos.yahoo.com/jlsy2001

nvbanker

I'm facinated by how much equity the old 'Hemi" brand has among younger people who were never around for the original (Like I was). Trust me, the original Hemi was never as popular as saying your new Dodge or Chrysler has one in it today is.... What a marketing coup DCX pulled off with this one!! Kudos to somebody.

kvilleboy

For everyone wanting to see this color there are several pictures on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&cate- gory=6175&item=2480590716&rd=1

dennis

You need to read the manual. This is perfectly normal and is listed in the owners manual.

mikeyjohn

Thanks for the pics on the Lava Red. I'm now glad I ordered the Jade, as the Lava is too dark for me. If they had this car in Inferno Red it would be a different story.

paisan

However, I checked out the 300s this past weekend and really was impressed. I'll see how the reliability is and maybe pick one up next year.

For everyone going gaga over "hemi" almost all engines for the past 10 years have been "hemis"

-mike

bigdaddycoats

http://www.detnews.com/2004/autosinsider/0405/31/c01-167862.htm

soozpk

NvBanker wrote: the original Hemi was never as popular as saying your new Dodge or Chrysler has one in it today is.

The Hemi didn't really become popular until the 392 ci came out in 1957 at 375 hp. Before that,
there were 331 ci, and a 354 ci at 300 hp. The 426, if one was lucky enough to afford one made you "King of the Street", but it came without a warranty, and the cost equalled about half the base price. Besides, for only a few hundred bucks, one could have ordered the 440 at 375 hp, which was producing numbers as nice as the more expensive, tempermental Hemi.

I see in the new Motor Trend, the 300 SRT-8, due out next year will be rated 425 hp, using the
6.1 ci engine. No sense looking for MDS on this one, as anyone who orders one isn't buying one for fuel economy. It's a nice move, but will likely push the price to over 40,000, well out of my range. I'm content with my C, for the moment, but I'm looking for what the Dodge boys will
bring out in the next year's Charger R/T. The choice of either a 5.7 , or a 6.1??? Perhaps they'll follow that with a no-frills SuperBee to make it affordable to the younger crowd.

kvilleboy

I'll bet you SNOOP's order doesn't take 16 weeks (or more) if he wants a sunroof.

dkrhardy

I just returned from a 2600 mile trip to Texas and back. So I now have a total of 3600 miles on my "C". Reset the mpg, so for the 2600 miles I averaged 24.9 MPG. Had I not driven around Victoria Texas for a day and a half it would have been better. But all I had hoped for was mid 20's on the highway and I got it. I drove speed limit plus a "bit". The car has never pulled to the right. Don't know my build date, just haven't looked, but I'm fairly sure it is an early one. Wait ... I'll go look now. All it says is 2-04 ! I thought that the had it as xx/xx/04, for an exact date. It is on the sticker with the VIN# as well as the manufactured in Canada, right? Anyway, drove GREAT, decent MPG, loves to go fast, and got a lot of attention ... looks on the hiway, looks and questions at every stop.

Only 2 issues ... my darling wife is small and couldn't get comfy, kept sliding on the seat. Good thing I don't Armorall them, huh? Second issue ... that front end (big and flat) sure does draw bugs! Or the bugs wanna get a close look .... oops, splat... too late! Sorry, bad humor.

Long trip made better sitting in a great road car. Lots of power when you need it, never even made more noise when climbing STEEP grades. Can you tell I'm happy with this monster?

jeep

At the bottom left of the sticker in small numbers says xxxxxx, which refers to the month, day, and hour that it was built.

fsmmcsi

I have seen Deep lava Red on cars at a dealership and on the road - to me is just a dark brown with a very slight red bias.

It seems that many of the Mazda 6 colors would look nice on the 300 / Magnum.

I also wonder how soon before someone paints a 300 or Magnum with Mystichrome [spelling?] paint (it looks different colors from different angles, and comes in a variety of color ranges.

Hopefully, DCX will offer more colors and a better looking front end for 2006. With the factory so busy, I wonder how they will be able to introduce the Charger (which I hope comes without the truck front end of the Magnum)?

kvilleboy

A quote (dated today 5/31) from "another message board" --- this is a response from Chrysler when asked about AWD option release date:

All wheel drive will be available for the Chrysler 300C later in the
model year. A production start date has not been announced. Select
features including UConnect are on hold until further notice. A release date is not currently available. Please stay in contact with your
dealer for the most up to date information regarding the availability of these features.

Now - buried in here is the statement "select features including UConnect are on hold until further notice." COME ON CHRYSLER!!! First the sunroof now UConnect - will I ever get my car unless I turn it into a stripped version? I feel like I'm playing the lottery, not ordering a car. Get your act together Chrysler the patience of your new-found customers will not last forever.

itshemi

I just returned from 330 mile trip from Spring field VA to Dover Del, got 23.9 MPG. I have whopping 600 miles, drove at about 60mph.

I ordered my car 24 March 2004, Dealer said it would be in June, called me and I picked it up 27 April, Build date 041706.

Dealer was just as surprised as I was. Though the previous Chrysler owner status helped. Just bought 2003 Sebring LXI for daughter in Feb 2004 (bad news though it was stolen and the insurance CO totaled it thank goodness, thieves stole in MD stripped in in Washington DC, but what was really bad was the towing CO didn't lift the car on the Bed, they DRAGGED it since it didn't have any wheels, Dum.....

I got four (4) options, equivalent to the Limited Luxury Package (Moon Roof, 380watt/7 speakers), CA Wood Grain, and UConnect)

See mine at http://photos.yahoo.com/jlsy2001

cjs2002

ya know I was all set to decide between either an 04 TL or C class.. then out of fluke I learned I can recieve a chrysler family discount and well just for fun I figured I'd take a gander at the 300C (with the HEMI) knowing I can get a discount as well as some other owner loyalty rebates I'm beging to sway towards getting the 300.. yet I'm planning to get thes wensday and I need to do a lot of research in a small amount of time... any one know of any good sights that have reviews of the 300?

shaggy

ordered a 300c Cool Vanilla; Nav and Sound GroupII; Sunroof; HID; U-Connect; Serius; Dark Slate- Medium Slate;
Called Chrysler Customer (I don't know anything I just work here) Service. I was trying to find out how long the orders are backed up. Particularly those with sunroofs. The answer I got was "Gee I don't know".Then I asked him to find out. After 10 minute hold the answer I got was "Gee I don't know they are not telling us anything they are having problems from the sunroof suppliers and the units that are being placed now are being built in the order they are being received."I asked well how many orders are currently placed with sunroofs. Answer I got was "Gee I don't know" Give me a break you mean to tell me you have computers controlling robots that are building these cars but don't have computers keeping track of how many orders are being placed. Someone has to have access to this information. Then I asked how many sunroofs are being built weekly? Surprisingly, Answer I got "Gee I don't Know" Same as above, someone has to have access to this information. WHY CAN'T CHRYSLER GIVE US AN ESTIMATE OF HOW LONG THIS WILL GO ON FOR? THIS IS BS
I would be willing to bet some executives over at Chrysler have employees of some type that read this forum to get feedback about clients that have either purchased or thinking about purchasing their product. if you are a representative from Chrysler reading this, Guess what this client is very unhappy with the treatment he is recieving from Chrysler. If the order will take 12 months then tell me that don't be afraid to tell me the truth because it may turn me away to an E500. The time frame would not turn me away;it would be the skeptical instinct that some isn't going right with the production of the car which I am afraid is the case. This is a multi billion dollar business don't blame it on the sunroof supplier after all they were chosen by Chrysler to be a supplier.
Heard Snoop Dog has contacted CEO of Chrysler for a 300c. You think Snoop Dog will wait 16+ weeks for his 300c.
We all have to keep calling Chrysler Demanding Answers to What is the Problem?
Oh If you are reading this and work for Chrysler report to your Boss that they have failed 2 laws of business
(1) Don't plan on underpromising and over delivering if it is not possible
(2) Never underestimate the intelligence of your clients

lincoln lover

Hey, never bought a premier model, but I fell in love with the 300C and have to have it. Never expected this much hassle though. How long does it take for a new car to come into the dealership in large quantities--large enough for a dealer to have a full supply on the lot and for me to get a good price? Anybody know?

pat

Cjs - what's wrong with right here?

There is an Editor's Review here on this site (link) and this discussion is a wealth of information.

Good luck.