Chrysler 300/300C

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Comments

  • hardhawkhardhawk Member Posts: 702
    The 300C has had an incredible reception by the public. They are, in most areas, flying off the lots as soon as they arrive. Unless you order or have a long standing relationship with a dealer, you are going to pay more for this car than a different model. Until the "bloom is off the rose" it is going to be a seller's market. I don't agree with the pricing strategy (see an earlier post of mine for that) but that is crass supply and demand theory at its best (or worst). I was in the KC area a couple of weeks ago and agree with your assessment. Even the biggest dealers had a paltry selection. Since I was looking for a specific color, I didn't even stop to ask about price. There are dealers out there who will order you a 300C at or below factory invoice. Of course, with the current bizarre situation with the factory orders, especially with certain options, if you can find a stock unit with what you want, you had better take it.
  • rwdevorerwdevore Member Posts: 10
    My 300C came in on Friday night and they just prepped it. Came with everything except a sunroof, wood, and UConnect. Going to go get it now. Ordered it May 4th.
  • tayl0rdtayl0rd Member Posts: 1,926
    hankc, have you tried your other key fob? I thought I had a problem with my 300M Special's memory system when I bought it a couple of years ago and couldn't get the Driver 1 options to work with the key fob. I played around with it for days then the light bulb went off in my head. ding! "What if I try the other key fob??" Worked like a charm! Good luck.

    You could also erase the settings/link with a key fob, but that's more involving than just using the other fob. Your fobs are probably already preset at the factory for Driver 1 and Driver 2 selections. Mine were. You probably just need to swap the fobs around.
  • tibbunetibbune Member Posts: 76
    The seat and wheel adjusting on key turn functions great, but beware the sneaky tech that re-adjusts the settings unbeknownst to you. The Lojack installer came to my house and spent an hour dismantling and reassembling my vehicle. When I got in to drive it later that day, the seat began gliding forward, as usual, but did not stop, as it usually does, where it usually does. I just kept creeping forward. Before I knew what was going on, I was pinned to the steering wheel. He must have scooted the seat pretty far forward when he was working, and when I got in, the car simply went back to the seat position he'd previously set.

    That was my theory anyhow.

    So, I'm pinned to the wheel, but can still move my arms, and I press the "1" button, knowing full well this will send the seat back to my preset comfort positions and free me of my bond.

    No dice, the wheel telescoped out into my spleen, the seat found a few more inches to move forward with, and I was suddenly back to a 30 inch waistband and wondering why Chrylser engineers felt the wheel should be able to touch seatback.

    Turning the car off got me back to breathing capacity again as the seat retreated from its assault. Me thinks the Lojack tech was playing a slight prank.
  • hankchankc Member Posts: 12
    LOL!! That's my predicament! I had memory seat on my last car and also had the setting to move the seat all the way back and the steering wheel up on exit. Whenever I got in the car after the rare occasions that my wife had driven it, I had to endure the trip of my chest to the steering wheel and knees to the dashboard before I could set the memory back to my position. Not a pleasant experience, especially considering I'm 6'8" tall.

    I was very pleased to find the FOB feature available on the 300C. If only I can get it to work. I did read something about the factory settings and I believe I tried switching the keys but can't be sure. I'll try it again tonight when I get home.
  • fooefooe Member Posts: 21
    Took my 300c to the dealer today and had to leave it there.I guess some other people have had problems with the car actually stoping on the road on them,then when towing they have to use a flat bed.For some reason your not suppose to tow a 300c..Sometimes it won't start untill I use the gas pedal which is not right with fuel injection.As of now they don't have a solution,has anybody had this experinece or does anybody have any guesses.As of now I have a sebring rent a car which is not a 300c on its best day.
  • hankchankc Member Posts: 12
    OK. I've tried both key fobs to no avail. I tried the procedure to "unlink the transmitters" (under NOTE on page 94) and tried to relink them with no success. I guess I'll have to leave it for the service techs tomorrow but it has me puzzled.

    Another thing...the manual often refers to and shows the ignition switch in text and visual reference and the switch is clearly marked "LOCK", "ACC", "ON" and "START". However, the instructions for programming the key fob memory feature (again page 94) begins with "1. Insert the key into the ignition and turn the key to the Run position."

    OK. There is no Run position! Are they asking me to start the engine? I have tried programming them by both starting and not starting the engine. Nothing works. If they wanted me to start the engine they should just say so! If not, how about "turn the key to the ON position without starting the vehicle."
  • soozpksoozpk Member Posts: 205
    To Shaggy, and everyone else that want answers: Here's a repost of mine that helped me cut through the BS, and get the lowdown on where my car was at the time. I used this phone number at the end of March, and was viable at the time. Chrysler may have been unindated with calls and may have changed or deleted this number, but if so, just call the Brampton Chamber of Commerce, or CAW1285 for a viable number. However, try this number first, they were extremely helpful to me at the time. REPOST:

    I'm going to give you a toll-free number for Brampton Assembly, HOWEVER, it's against house
    rules to post phone numbers. Load these three words onto your browser, and hopefully, you'll
    have it. One word of caution when calling: Be courteous, be patient, be specific. No long stories, just have your VIN handy. They patched me through two people until they found someone who finally knew that my vehicle had been shipped. Hopefully, the number is still viable.

    caw1285, systemdoc, phonebook
  • yak54yak54 Member Posts: 72
    Congradulations!Hope you are enjoying your 300c. Since yours is a fresh one, could you let us know if it pulls to the right. hoping they have fixed the problem. Mine is still in BG status since 5/20 (moon roof I guess).
  • autoguyautoguy Member Posts: 23
    Here's my story:

    I found a mobile tint guy that's been in business for 10 years. He tinted my 300C last week and had problems tinting the back window. He couldn't exactly get the tint down around the brakelight. He got all sides except one corner....

    He came back today to re-do it and 2 hours later he removed all the tint from the windows and gave me my money back. He said he just wasn't happy with the job. He said even the side windows weren't good. He went on to say that a lot of fibers from the top of the window door kept getting onto the glass when he wet the window to lay the tint down. Thus, he said I'd have to take it to an indoor shop and let them deal with it. He said he would never attempt to tint a 300 again.....

    I did see what he meant about the fibers at the top of the side windows.....

    Has anyone else had any problems with tinting?
  • tibbunetibbune Member Posts: 76
    Autoguy, it sounds like your tint guy would be better off in a different profession, say "crossing guard" or something else limiting the need for 'talent'. Yes, it is tight back around the rear light in the back window, but it is easily cut around...easily cut around by someone experienced at the craft at least.

    My tint guy was actually excited to do the job, and it looks awesome. My 300C was the first black one he'd done, but it was his 5th 300C through the process. He showed no desire to 'hang it up', and in fact he volunteered to drive the car to my house after it was done.

    I consider that drivng experience his tip.
  • rwdevorerwdevore Member Posts: 10
    In short, I'm happy. The car is perfect. No pulling to the right. No build problems. I'm enjoying the satelite radio and the approving looks and comments. The light grey mats do look like they ask to be dirty but it's not a problem yet. It was fun to put the new car next to my old white 300m for a comparision. What a complete difference. Aside from four doors its hard to think of them as coming from the same company! I'll be putting some highway miles on it this weekend and see if it's the long distance cruiser I'm hoping for. Gotta go for a spin!
  • rwdevorerwdevore Member Posts: 10
    One other thing though, my car is the black metalic color and the tires do throw some road grime and water onto the side of the car so I will be getting the chrysler splash guards for my car soon. Superdave's web page show them on his car with the parts numbers.
  • jon300cjon300c Member Posts: 1
    Hello,

    I took my 300C to an indoor tint place here in the KC area. They actually removed the back seat, back break light, and cover over the speakers. It cost me 145.00 and looks perfect.

    Jon
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Yup sounds like an inexperienced tinter. My tint guy tinted my '92 SVX, which if anyone knows the car has 9 windows with the sides being super curvy and the rear is shaped like a hatchback, but is a coupe.

    -mike
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Glad to see that they are actually going to make this. I'm not in a rush to get v1.0 so I'll probably wait til next year in the summer to pick one up, maybe a leftover 05 or 06 model.

    Has anyone taken theirs to the road course yet? I'd be curious to see how it handles on a road course.

    -mike
  • crispiegeecrispiegee Member Posts: 90
    Here is a great article on the new 5.7 Hemi from Popular Hotrodding. It helps clear up whether the new engine is a real hemispherical head or not. I was very interested to find out about how ruggedly the engine is built, right down the composition of the lightweight pistons.

    http://www.popularhotrodding.com/tech/0403phr_hemi/index.html
  • tibbunetibbune Member Posts: 76
    I'm glad to hear I'm not the only who can't get the garage door codes to operate right in the car's overhead buttons.

    Wait a minute, why am I glad about that?

    My car claims to accept the code, but the garage door won't budge when it sends the code. Oddly enough, the same garage door opener had the codes for the front gates of the neighborhood, and the car accepted those codes and they work just fine. In fact, the gate has always been a nuisance getting it to open with the garage remote, but with the car's buttons it is flawless.

    Is it possible that certain garage door openers just aren't an option with the 300C? Or could it be something to do with the part of the car that sends the signal possibly not aiming correctly?
  • hardhawkhardhawk Member Posts: 702
    If your garage door opener is a newer roaming code model, the programming sequence takes 2 people. One in the car and one on a ladder at the opener motor. You have to push the car and opener motor buttons within a quick time window to make it work. Also, some door openers have a limit on the number of remotes that will open the door. Read the opener's owner's manual to find out for sure. When I did the homelink programming on my Envoy, I ended up having to reset all the other remotes and keypads as well as when I went over the limit of remotes, the opener deactivated ALL of the remotes and keypads I had been using! Good luck.
  • mnmatchesmnmatches Member Posts: 111
    Great article! Thanks for finding and posting it!
  • stephenstephen Member Posts: 131
    Found the source of my noise problem which I speculated might be wind noise or air conditioner pressure control valve noise a few posts ago.

    When Best Buy installed the XM radio antenna, the wire created a small gap in the flexible windshield molding. After the car sits in the sun, that molding gets hot and flexible, and it would sing like a canary at speeds of 60 mph or more for five minutes, then after it cooled, it was quiet.

    I fixed the problem with a little piece of black electrical tape.

    Only problem left now is a slight pull to the right. Chrysler issued a bulletin with new alignment specs last week, and that may resolve the problem. Realignment is scheduled at the dealer tomorrow.

    stephen
  • jeepjeep Member Posts: 86
    If you have a garage door with the rolling code technology, you have to set the opener to accept the homelink transmitter. Look several pages further in your manual. It explains how to program the opener.
  • 300c4me300c4me Member Posts: 4
    What part of the country are you in and what is the name of the outfit you used to do your tint? I am looking for a good tint shop in the Phoenix area.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I used Leeberb's http://AZPInstalls.com/leetint

    -mike
  • tibbunetibbune Member Posts: 76
    300c4Me, I used Airpark Window Tint in the Scottsdale airpark, on Hayden road. He did a fantastic job. I upgraded to a metallic tint (Arizona glowing orb of death defense), and paid just over $200 for the rear window, all 4 side windows, and the sunroof. We went so dark on the sunroof that you can't see it from the outside until it opens. Kind of a neat effect.

    Then again, the whole car is a neat effect!
  • 581955581955 Member Posts: 18
    I originally ordered a 300C in Cool Vanilla less the navigation,up-graded sound system,HID headlamps.UConnect, power pedals and Walnut wood trim on 4/30/04. Three days later I got the word on the sun-roof problem. Not knowing how long I would have to wait, I asked the dealer if he had any cool vanilla coming in that wasn't already sold? Of course he said "YES", but it had a "little more equipment" (everything but the satellite radio.) To make a long story a little shorter, a few days later,5/7/04 and $4K more, I said go for it. They already had my $500.00 deposit. On 5/20/04 I picked up my 300C with dealer installed splash guards and side window air deflector. I'm waiting on the darker carpeted floor mats, 18" 5-spoke polished aluminum wheels and wheel locks all found in the Mopar 300C accessary brochure. I've had the windows tinted with no problem, (took one and a half hours while I waited.) I have no pull to the right, no garage doors issues, I even have a 2nd button programmed for a friends house. UConnect works fine with my Motorola V-600 Cingular service, seats and pedals re-adjust fine and the navigation system is awsome for a non tech guy such as myself. I purchased the original street Hemi in 1966 in a Plymouth Satellite. This Hemi is quicker and smoother by far than the old street Hemi. I'm getting nothing but compliments with my personal touch of pin stripes and the other dealer installed options. Am I happy? You bet! A lot of car for the money. I'm not sorry I took the extra options.
  • etcarrolletcarroll Member Posts: 87
    Showed the article to a mechanic friend of mine, the following are his thoughts-

    Some of their arguments for the DC engine don’t hold a lot of water. For instance, they mention the Chevy's parallel valves as a drawback. Changing the valve configuration is as easy as swapping to different heads. In other words, it's pretty darn easy. For an apples-to-apples (or hp-to-hp) comparison, look at the fact that the new Corvette engine, an LS6, has no problem producing 500 hp, pushing that close to 2-ton beast to 12.5 second quarter miles. Need more than that?

    Believe it or not, the piston design they describe is fairly old tech these days.

    I'm actually surprised they're using a speed-density injection system. Mass flow isn't exactly state of the art and is better. Easily changed...

    Coil-on-plug ignition also isn't a big deal these days. Heck, even a lowly 3.0 liter Ford Taurus uses it.

    It's old news that the heads really aren't a true hemispherical design. It's also old news that hemi heads aren't as efficient as a pent roof combustion chamber, as would be used on a well-designed 4-valve head. So why would someone want to "go back" to a hemi when there have been better designs?

    There certainly are some good points. For instance, cross-bolted mains are nice - much better than a normal 4-bolt cap. Rover's been using them on their all-aluminum V8s for years.

    In summary, I think DC's hemi advertising is just that - advertising. And it seems that Popular Hot Rodding got a couple of those advertising dollars from them. :-)
  • hankchankc Member Posts: 12
    Stephen...where can I get info on Chrysler's bulletin regarding new alignment specs? I picked my car up this AM from my dealer to get the "drift right" fixed and they simply did an alignment job that did not fix the problem. I looked on the NHTSA website for Chrysler service bulletins and I don't see a new one listed.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Coil-on-plug ignition also isn't a big deal these days. Heck, even a lowly 3.0 liter Ford Taurus uses it.

    My 1992 Subaru SVX has this on it's 3.3L quad-cam H6 motor! Also it turns off 1 bank of cylinders during upshifts to smooth out shifting. So turning off a bank of cylinders is nothing new either!

    -mike
  • fsmmcsifsmmcsi Member Posts: 792
    Don't forget that the new Chevy LS6 uses many expensive parts, such as sodium-filled valve stems to allow it to rev high to generate those numbers. DCX could easily upgrade the HEMI with such parts, but at the expense of long-term durability.
  • hankchankc Member Posts: 12
    I spoke with Chrysler Customer Service today and confirmed the TSB 0200304 has been issued for the pulling right fix and it does involve new camber bolts. At first the person was unaware of the issue until I provided the TSB # I got from an earlier post.

    There was a back order on the camber bolt kits but many orders were filled and now there seems to be another back order. If you car pulls right, I suggest you get your dealer to put an order for the kit and not try to fix it without it, which my 5* dealer tried to do.
  • epfatboyepfatboy Member Posts: 17
    I'm new to this tracking a new car thing so I hope the trouble I'm having is a simple fix.

    Here is what I have:

    DEALER CODE
    &
    VON
    I'm using the following site
    http://insightnl.extra.daimlerchrysler.com/inl_dealer/Dealer_LOGI- N.jsp

    Once there I enter the dealer code to login.

    Next I select search by VON and enter my VON number

    The list comes back with no entries.

    So then I select search by dealer code

    The list comes back with many entries for the dealer
    The problem is my car is not on the list.

    I ordered the car on 5/17/2004. I thought it would show up by now but maybe I'm wrong. Anyone have any info about this or should I call the dealer who by the way has been very helpful and responsive!
  • rwdevorerwdevore Member Posts: 10
    My car didn't come up on this site right away but once it did it was very accurate. Just had to be patient, which stinks.
  • tibbunetibbune Member Posts: 76
    My car drifts to the right, as many 300s do.

    No big deal really, an annoyance, an oddity, but nothing to scream "poor quality!" about.

    Supposedly there is a fix for it (TSB 0200304). Therefore, I want it fixed. Seems fair enough. So I called my FIVE STAR dealership and ran into a FIVE STAR jerk response from the service manager. He claims Chrysler has not updated his system to reflect any problems that need to be fixed as far as alignment, or camber bolts are concerned. In fact he was in disbelief that such a problem exists.

    O...k. I then explain to him that such a TSB does exist, I even have the number for it. He responds "no, it doesn't exist, my computer would say it does if it did". I then offer him the TSB number, AND HE DECLINES TO TAKE IT! He says if his computer doesn't show it, they won't or can't fix it. He then suggests I call Chrysler myself, and have Chrysler call HIM if a drifting problem fix exists. I'm his secretary now? Granted this is my car...but sir, it's YOUR JOB.

    This is FIVE STAR treatment?

    If anyone has info on TSB 0200304, preferably something from Chrysler, website, official form, or a person I can call at Chrysler to get and give the necesary info to this "fairly rude gentleman" (G rated) I would greatly appreciate it.

    Time to get medieval.
  • robaltima1robaltima1 Member Posts: 4
    I hope I am not missing something, but isn't the point of the article that the Hemi, with all it's potential for hot rodding, is a viable alternative to the Chevy short-block. Both engines are good places to start. Whether Mopar/after-market vendors support the engine is the key for the future of the Hemi.
  • hankchankc Member Posts: 12
    I called Chrysler Cust Service at 1-800-992-1997. After giving the rep the TSB #0200304, she confirmed it and pulled it up and read it to me. She was unaware of the problem before I gave her the TSB#. I didn't get a copy of it as I assumed it was communicated to the dealerships. You should try that number and see about getting something official sent to you.

    I did ask for a issue date and she said she saw a date of 5/25/04 but couldn't be certain if that was the official issue date. My dealer is aware of it and has already placed orders for the kits so I am surprised at the response you got.

    I would be on the phone in a heartbeat with the GM/Owner of your 5* dealership and let him know what I think of his service manager for sure!
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    That is how most dealerships are these days. Nothin new there. If it's not in their computer they can't do the work and can't get paid from Chrysler for it. Don't blame them, blame Chrysler for it or the policy of the dealership.

    -mike
  • hmk123hmk123 Member Posts: 122
    I did the same thing. Mine doesn't show up either. However, it seems to list only vehicles with a VIN. So our orders (VON) won't show up there until we get a VIN assigned. I am not sure what tool dealers use to check on the status of an order. I ordered mine on 4/19 and the status is still BG (checked with the dealer today).
  • fastdriverfastdriver Member Posts: 2,273
    tibbune-

    "In fact he was in disbelief that such a problem exists."

    Get used to it. It's only just begun. This is EXACTLY what they're like! This is why I DON'T understand why Auburn Hills does nothing about this treatment ESPECIALLY when you have a TSB number.

    They haven't changed since I had Christine back in 99. Read this http://www.fivestar.com and then COMPARE it to YOUR "5-STAR"! ANY comparison? ;-))

    fastdriver
  • chuckgchuckg Member Posts: 69
    tibbune- Your email is private. Email me.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    If you have information about the pulling problem/TSB or anything that might be helpful, please post it rather than confining it to a private exchange!

    :)
  • kvilleboykvilleboy Member Posts: 45
    This is not a link or promotion, it is simply crediting the source. Not to credit the source would be unethical - from dodgemagnum.net:

    SUBJECT:
    Right Lead
    OVERVIEW:
    This bulletin involves adjusting the alignment to revised specifications.
    MODELS:
    2005 (LX) 300/Magnum
    NOTE: This bulletin applies to vehicles built prior to April 25, 2004 (MDH 0425XX).
    SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
    The vehicle operator states the vehicle leads to the right.
    DIAGNOSIS:
    Drive the car on a FLAT road. If the car tracks straight, the vehicle operator is experiencing
    crown sensitivity. If the vehicle tracks to the right, perform the Repair Procedure. Crown
    sensitivity can not be eliminated in all the cases. Vehicles built on or after April 25, 2004
    already have the alignment biased and no further action should be required or taken by the
    dealer other than verifying the vehicle is set at the revised specifications listed in this
    bulletin.
    NOTE: Before evaluating the vehicle, it is important to check the following:
    1. Tire pressure - Adjust tire pressure (if necessary) in all four wheels to
    the pressure stated on the door placard.
    2. Tire size & type - Verify that all four tires are the same size and type.
    NOTE: When evaluating the vehicle, always drive the same road in both directions to
    get a feel for the effect of road crown & cross wind.
    SPECIAL TOOLS/EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:
    NPN Alignment Equipment
    REPAIR PROCEDURE:
    1. Use the procedures outlined on TechCONNECT to set the wheel alignment to the
    specifications below.
    NUMBER: 02-003-04
    GROUP: Suspension
    DATE: May 25, 2004
    NOTE: When aligning the front end to induce right caster bias (the vehicle will tend
    to track toward the side with the least positive caster), target the cross caster
    to be -0.8 degree and no more than -1.3 degrees. That means you will have
    more caster on the right than on the left. Cross camber should be set in at
    +0.2 - +0.3 degree. That means you will have more camber on the left than on
    the right. Utilize the cradle shift method PRIOR to using the caster/camber
    adjustment bolt kit, p/n 05134117AA. The adjustment bolts only provide
    about 0.2 - 0.3 degree change and should only be used as a last resort. When
    shifting the cradle, the passenger side of the cradle will move forward in car
    and the driver's side will move rearward in car.
    NOTE: After the cradle has been shifted, torque all 4 cradle bolts to 175Nm (130 ft.
    lbs.).
    CAUTION: If an adjustment bolt is to be installed do not allow the bolt head to turn
    during disassembly or assembly, the cradle tension link joint or the lower
    control arm bushing inner metal sleeve will be destroyed and require
    replacement. THE NUT MUST BE UNTORQUED AND REMOVED, BEFORE
    THE BOLT. Once the nut is removed the bolt can be slid out.
    REVISED ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS
    FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT PREFERRED SETTING ACCEPTABLE RANGE
    CAMBER - LEFT -0.1° -0.60° to +0.40°
    CAMBER - RIGHT -0.20° -0.70° to +0.30°
    Cross-Camber (Maximum side-to-side
    difference)
    0.20° -0.30 to +0.60°
    CASTER - LEFT +10.30° +9.00° to +12.10°
    CASTER - RIGHT +11.10° +9.00° to +12.10°
    Cross-Caster (Maximum side-to-side
    difference)
    -0.80° -1.30 to -0.50°
    INDIVIDUAL TOE 0.10° -0.05° to +0.15°
    TOTAL TOE** +0.20° 0.00° to +0.40°
    Maximum side-to-side difference 0.00° 0.06°
    RIDE HEIGHT - INDIVIDUAL 328mm (12 15/16 in.) 318 to 338mm (12 1/2 to 13
    3/8 in.)
    CROSS RIDE HEIGHT 0 -12 to +12mm (1/2 in.)
    REAR WHEEL ALIGNMENT PREFERRED SETTING ACCEPTABLE RANGE
    CAMBER* -0.75° -1.25° to -0.25°
    Cross-Camber (Maximum side-to-side
    difference)
    0.00° -0.50 to 0.50°
    INDIVIDUAL TOE 0.10° -0.05° to +0.25°
    02-003-04 -2-
    FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT PREFERRED SETTING ACCEPTABLE RANGE
    THRUST ANGLE 0.0° -0.50° to +0.50°
    RIDE HEIGHT - INDIVIDUAL 296mm (11 5/8 in.) 286 to 306mm (11 1/4 to 12
    in.)
    CROSS RIDE HEIGHT 0 -12 to +12mm (1/2 in.)
    Notes:
    Vehicle height and suspension alignment values reflect after vehicle spring settling values.
    * For reference only. These are non-adjustable angles.
    ** TOTAL TOE is the sum of both left and right wheel toe settings. TOTAL TOE must be equally
    split between each front wheel to ensure the steering wheel is centered after setting toe. Positive
    toe is toe-in and negative toe is toe-out
    POLICY:
    Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.
    TIME ALLOWANCE:
    Labor Operation No: Description Amount
    02-00-02-90 Set Front and Rear Toe / Center Steering Wheel 0.7 Hrs.
    02-00-01-91 Alignment Using Cradle Adjustment and Set
    Front and Rear Toe / Center Steering Wheel
    1.0 Hrs.
    FAILURE CODE:
    LM Leads Right
    -3- 02-003-04
  • chuckgchuckg Member Posts: 69
    pat- I didn't post a link nor did I copy and paste the TSB because I thought it would be against forum rules. :)

    But I see kvilleboy posted the bulletin.
  • teddtedd Member Posts: 19
    I have a 2002 300M Special. I'm "growing fonder" of the 300C, although I sometimes think it looks like a mobster's roadster. But maybe that's good!

    After reading all of your 300C comments, I'm wondering if I should wait awhile before putting in an order. My question - to former 300M owners: Are there more "bugs" in the 300C in its early development than there were those experienced in the early 300Ms? Or has Chrysler got its act together?
  • fastdriverfastdriver Member Posts: 2,273
    tibbune-

    Ah... there you go. PRINT that out now and bring it to your "5-STAR" and see if that will enlighten him!

    chuckg-

    It gets confusing sometimes what you can and cannot post especially with the "loosening up" of the "rules". If it's a no-no, it will be deleted and you'll get an explanation why. If it stays, then you're all set.

    fastdriver
  • stephenstephen Member Posts: 131
    My advice would be don't wait. Chrysler has a hit, and if it proves to have legs, they will raise the price.

    I owned an early 300M and bought an early 300C. The only problem I had with the 300M was the Goodyear Eagle LS tires that were specifically produced for that car caused vibrations or pulls to the left or right. One window mechanism failed. Those were the two most frequently noted weaknesses.

    So far, the 300C has been much more pleasant in comparison, because the only defect is a slight pull to the right, that I am sure will soon be fixed by a factory kit, due at dealers in mid June.

    Another early model that I bought in 1992 was the 1993 Intrepid ES, also manufactured at Brampton where these 300C's are made. That car was excellent, no deficiencies at all.

    I'm not always first in line for a new model. Earlier this year I bought a 1961 Cadillac six window sedan - 17,000 miles on it. Just barely broken in. You could say I waited 43 years for the bugs to get worked out. But already I've had to have the water pump rebuilt, and had to replace a wheel cylinder. And it pulls to the left. You just can't win!

    stephen
  • aaron_taaron_t Member Posts: 301
    Don't forget that the new Chevy LS6 uses many expensive parts, such as sodium-filled valve stems to allow it to rev high to generate those numbers. DCX could easily upgrade the HEMI with such parts, but at the expense of long-term durability.


    The 6.1L Hemi under development is using exotic materials to sustain higher engine speeds as well.
  • bigmike5bigmike5 Member Posts: 960
    Its a crap shoot with a first year build. My 99 300M had nothing wrong with it for a long, long time, except the Badyears, which I finally dumped. After maybe 2 years I had one window actuator and one door lock actuator problem, and had those parts replaced. One starter relay and switch at year 4.5. Never had the input/output tranny sensor problem. Paint still looks brand new. Problems I have noted here and elsewhere [talking to a few 300 drivers] on the new 300C/Touring] are the pulling to the right [fix in the mill, maybe], temp. gauge readings finnicky-but it was on the 300M too, not starting on the 1st turn of the key-- taking several attempts to crank, sticking parking brake, some "displeasure" with the Conti tires, but not articulated well enough to know what the dissatisfaction is, tranny sensors [only heard of 1 problem with that so far]. There were some issues with the hardness of the Dark Blue and Lava Red paint, but those have apparently been solved. On balance, aside from the pulling issue, which would drive me nuts I think, I haven't seen anything that would scare me off from buying if I liked the exterior design. Oh yes, the other unknown is the servicing dealer. If you have a good one it would help on the decision.
  • jrct9454jrct9454 Member Posts: 2,363
    I note in reading the details of the TSB on the pulling problem that the solution involves the idea of a different caster setting for one side vs the other. [Caster is the angle of the strut as viewed from the side - i.e. how much the bottom of the suspension is set in front of the top - hard to explain without a diagram.] More caster causes a car to resist changes in direction; less caster makes changes in direction easier.

    Our 2002 Mercedes C240 had a noticeable pull to the left that was quite apparent on my pre-delivery test drive. Right after delivery, I took it back to the dealer to have it corrected, and the [very sharp] tech took it upon himself to use more caster on one side vs the other as the final solution to the problem. I thought that took some imagination, and incidentally, it solved the problem permanently - the car tracks like a train now. I carry a copy of the final alignment numbers in the car in case the job ever needs to be done again.

    It's fascinating and discouraging at the same time when dealers think their job is to do as little as possible rather than as much as possible to keep a customer. This particular MB dealer I had been dealing with for about 9 years, and I never considered them to be anything special - guess I was underestimating how mediocre the competition is.
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