Chrysler 300/300C

bigelm

I'm sure it was... normally for AWD version vehicles, gear ratios tend to be slighty different, if not the final drive, to compensate throttle/torque distribution vs. RWD.

sls002

Not sure about the AWD 300C, but the STS offers 3 different axle ratios. The base axle is probably the 2.73:1 ratio, and the 3.42:1 is available/standard with the premium luxury package (for lots more money). My guess is that the RWD STS EPA MPG is based on the 2.73:1 gearing. The AWD gets 3.23:1 gears only, so that results in a big hit. My guess is that the 3.42:1 gears will not do much better than the AWD version.

Generally AWD will result in 1 to 2 MPG worse. Remember that the posted number are reduced from the actual and then rounded off to the nearest integer value.

The 300C's unadjusted numbers are:
5.7 RWD 18.8/31.5
5.7 AWD 19.2/30.6

rayainsw

Everything I have seen says that the STS AWD (and all other 1SGs) have only the 3.42 final drive.

Quite possibly, so that the AWD version feels lively, acceleration wise, despite the increased weight and drag of the AWD.

I am wondering if the AWD 300C keeps the same final drive - or even lowers it (numerically) vs. the RWD version.

- Ray
Thinking that perhaps the HP / TQ of the 5.7L Hemi needs less help in this area . . .

sls002

there is only one axle ratio for AWD: scroll down to transmissions:
http://media.gm.com/division/2005_prodinfo/cadillac/sts/index05.h- - tml
How the three RWD axle ratios are used is not clear. However, the premium luxury package does say that the 3.42:1 axle is included.

markcincinnati

For almost 20 years, Audi has been touting the IMPROVED fuel economy that AWD can afford. So it does seem odd that there is ANY hit for AWD whatsoever.

I am not able to articulate the reasons that have been publicized for the improvement other than to say, that "AWD adds weight -- current technology should limit that weight hit to 150 pounds, sometimes more, sometimes less." However, AWD is claimed to IMPROVE miles per gallon above a certain speed (I think above 40MPH) due to the reduction of "rolling friction."

The net of this is that on a combined city and highway loop, the car gets poorer around town milage and better highway milage which should limit the milage hit to .5 to 1.5MPG. Of course this can be further reduced with a change in the final drive ratio, but generally the mfg's don't like to do this because of the hit on 0-60 times.

Indeed, sometimes a fractional lowering of the FDR is part of the AWD deal, and that insures no performance hit and a very slight milage hit.

Generally the performance improvements and safety improvements are well worth the slight added milage penalty.

I wouldn't get one without AWD, personally.

And, not here, please, AWD is not just for places that have weather -- the improvements in performance and safety are afforded in dry, wet, snow, ice and "other" coefficients of friction.

So, I guess I am not too surprised by the 1MPG hit -- other than to say it is "nominal."

sls002

If you are driving all four wheels I think that the drivetrain is going to have more parts and so there has to be more friction. FWD may have the least friction losses, but since the front wheels also steer, RWD may not be that much different. I don't know what Audi has claimed, I think that the quattro's usually are rated lower for economy.

sandbagger

I am planning on storing my 300C for the winter and drive my 1995 Ford Explorer and having never done it before I would like some suggestions.
For example ..Is a heated or unheated garage the best? If unheated do you take the battery out? Do you put the car up off the ground? Gas tank full or empty? Buy car cover or not?
As you can see any and all ideas would be more than welcome as I have really no clue as to the best course to take.
Thanks

wantone1

Ordered on 8/20 and still in BG status - Order passed edit, but cannot be scheduled regardless of order status.... I have my VON from my dealer and called 1-800 992-1997, and spoke with a person that confirmed the BG status. The oders backlog is so great that she couldn't tell me when it would be sheduled for production. Is anyone else ordering a 300 other then a 300C having the same problem????

elmer2

I bought my 300C in July, ordered it with the Deep Lava. What a beauty. The fit and finish are great, the craftsmanship is very well done. The only problem I have with it, albeit a small one is the seat belt light for the passenger seat comes on when no one is sitting in the seat. I will be bringing it in for its first 3 month service and hopefully it will be fixed. Other than that I have had no problems with it. The car is very unique and catches many looks. I absolutely love it.,

hotrodlincoln1

I have stored my vehicle for about three months at a time twice. Both times, all I did was unhook the battery. Due to finances, I had to leave the car outdoors, in the summer, in Mississippi. Mechanically, everything is still just fine, but my dash and other interior vinyl are worse for it. As aftercare, I always changed the oil as soon as possible after began using the car again, and it always ran a little funny until I burned the old gas out of it.

If I had it to do over, with more resources, I would go ahead and add a fuel stabilizer. Just follow the directions on the package. If I was storing indoors, I wouldn't bother with a cover. As for heated or unheated, IMO the actual temperature is less important than the daily variation in temperature. Whichever would hold the temperature and humidity closer to constant would be better. Leaving a car sitting for long periods of time can put flat spots on the tires. This has never happened to me, and I understand that a flat spot from sitting will almost always go away after a few days of use. If you're really concerned about flat spots, you could put the car up on jackstands, but in my opinion this is not necessary.

bowlee

Okay, hope this isn't too late for all of you who are suffering with fobs that will not control your memory settings - we bought our 300C two weeks ago and love it ... however we bought it because not only is it so sharp, but it has memory seats controlled by the fob, which we required in a new car (like our Park Avenue). Anyway, we struggled with the 300C fobs to control the seat and asked our dealer about it. The dealer gave us the fix which is explained below (and is an addendum to the owner's manual now), however it did not work quite right, as for us, you MUST set the "Automatically move seat back on exit" in the Personal Settings to OFF - and then the fobs will work fine. If the setting is ON (as the manual says it can be), it will not work properly. Now - we checked our Park Avenue to see if you can have the Exit set as well as the fobs working, and the Park Avenue gives you the choice to EITHER use the Exit, or the Memory - so we can only assume that you really cannot use this feature in tandem on the 300C either. So, now here is how to set the fobs to work (after you have disabled the Exit feature in the Personal Settings):

Note: There is a yellow card that is an addendum in our car manual that updates the seats section of the owner's manual. It basically states (my own words to try and make it clearer):

To program your transmitters, perform the following:

1) Get in the car and CLOSE ALL DOORS - DO NOT BUCKLE SEAT BELTS. Turn key to ACC and go the Personal Settings, turn OFF the "Automatically Move Seat Back on Exit" feature if it is not already OFF. Set the seat for the first driver. REMOVE KEY FROM IGNITION

2) Press the "S" button, then press the memory position 1 button, then press the LOCK button on FOB #1 (you'll get a message saying Memory Position #1 set). The memory seat should now work fine when the unlock button is pressed on this FOB.

To set the second driver settings, perform the same steps above, only after pressing the "S" button, press the memory position 2 button, then press the LOCK button on FOB #2.

mikeyjohn

I am still having problems with my C since I got this car. I will try this procedure. I still can't get the pedals to move or the steering wheel to move. It is so frustrating and to take it back to the dealer is a waste of time because I know more about this car than they do except about the memory!!!!!

roma3

Had the same problem.
dealer did a little hocos pokus on the computer
problem fixed. no big deal.

bigelm

Out of curiosity.... is your name Elmer, as per your screen name?

mikeyjohn

Just to let everyone know that this procedure did work, but at first I thought I was back to square one because I did not go back into settings and turn back on the exit feature after I had followed the directions, but once I did this I was off to the races and everything works. Thanks a million!!!!

alphawolf

I'm not sure if this is a strange comparison or not. :-)

The 300c looks simply *awesome*.

However, I am somewhat concerned about DC's quality.

I'd like to see some JD POWER data on the model.

I'm getting into real estate in Florida and will be leasing a vehicle early next year. I have been Internet Shopping... reading this site and others for a while.

To be honest I've been all over the map vehicle wise trying to strike a compromise between carrying multiple passengers around and my own satisfaction.

I've actually even considered a Toyota 4Runner.

I keep looking at the 300c's pics and drooling though. It is big, impressive, strikes a perfect balance between aggressive and luxury IMO.

On the other hand the Infiniti G35 RWD leans a bit more towards the sportier spectrum while offering *some* luxury.

The price comes to damn near the same after options.

With all the electronic do-dads on the 300, I'm concerned something will quit working on me.

Overall, how would you rate the 300's fit and finish + mechanical quality compared to the likes of Acura, Infinity, and Lexus?

In particular is there *anyone* here who has been tortured between the 300c and Infinity g35?

I'd also appreciate prices paid in the Orlando area.

Thanks in advance.

Dean

hardhawk

Dean:

If you are going to be carrying passengers in your business, the 300C will offer significantly more rear seat room and comfort than the G35. That being said, the G35 is an awesome ride, as is the 300C. The 300C will offer more power and more radical looks than the G35, which is more conservative. I guess what your definition of sporty is would be important. For me, it would be the power coupled with the room that would cause the 300C to win out. However, you can't go wrong with the G35, IMO. On the reliability issue, my Chrylser products in the past have been far more reliable than my GM vehicles. I have never owned an Infinity, but have friends who have. They love them and claim they are reliable. Good luck. Either way you go you will get a great ride.

bigelm

It's a relatively akward comparison but understandable one. I won't go into biggetry of the 300 but it is MORE car, and if you're concerned about interior room and comfort, the 300 is the one hands down. Yes the G35 is a tossible car and attractive (not as much as the 300), but just like every car, you risk in things that may be of inconvenience.

The era of making comparisons of domestic vs. foreign has dissipated. Why? Well, because domestic is 'stepping it up' and foreign is 'slacking off' OR it could be just good competition.

If you're in real estate, then that tells me you'll be doing some driving. I'd prefer the 300 over the G35 on room and comfort alone. Also, keep in mind that there's a class action lawsuit against Infiniti because of the brakes. So, if you'll be driving alot, you'll be eating/replacing alot of brakes and rotors. Though Infiniti has agreed to service the vehicle under warranty, it would also lose value as well - which is what the lawsuit is about- among poor brake pads and rotors. (Florida just entered the case last week).

alphawolf

Thanks folks. I was looking at the g35 sedan last night and it's just too bland looking compared to the 300c. As far as 4 doors go the 300c is superb.

I presumed the 300c would be more comfy for myself and clients.

If Infiniti could stretch the awesome looking coupe inot a 4dr and retain it's shape that would be some vehicle.

But...yes- I am strongly leaning towards the 300c.

The 300 is still fairly rare. I'm not in real estate yet nor do I live in Florida yet. I'll be there beginning of the year and yes- I'll be doing quite a bit of driving. The vehicle will be like my 2nd home.

I feel quite good about the 300c and how it will serve me well.

The new g35 coupe 6 sp manual w/ nearly 300HP will be one heck of a nice ride based on all I've read.

However, not appropriate for my needs. Hopefully, I'll do well and can get the g35 6sp manual coupe to use as a spare.

I'll continue to read the forums here.

Thanks again.

Dean

golfgti4789

dont worry dean, if you have any problems, its a lease, and chrysler gives out a terrific warranty, plus the 300 has a better style in and out over the G anyway day. And even though the G is almost pumping out 300 horses in a much smaller car, you still don't have the torque of the HEMI. the 300 has so much more room. and i test-drove both recently, the G begin a auto, and the 300C won my heart hands down.

fuzzywuzzy

Just be warned the 300C is NEW. It has not proven its self for reliabilty & quailty like the G35 has. The G35 I think is the better car. However there's tons of room in the 300C as should it be that way since it's a full size car. If your leasing that's good. No way to tell resale of the 300C at this point 3 years from now. The G35 should have better resale. Also you will be paying for the 300C. You can get good deals on the G35, but since the 300C is in demand & the factory isn't pushing many out, your selections of colors, options & price will be limited. The Infinity dealers by me have tons of G35's on their lots. Not 1 Chrysler dealer by me has a 300C in stock.

pen101

Anyone know when this car will be produced and at what price point? I'd buy it today.

bigelm

http://www.chrysler.com/300/300c.html?context=300-index&type=- promo

greenwings

Thanks for the tip about the memory seats. Your instructions worked, but after step 2, I had to put the key back in before opening the door to get out. Otherwise the alarm(horn) would go off and the memory seats would not work.

alphawolf

Would Chrysler give out a good loaner *if* they needed to do warranty work?

Nice to find someone who has tested both.

Torque is good.

When I was in college I had a '79 Ranchero GT with a 1970 460 cu inch mildly tuned engine. 4:11 rear. The previous owner was setting it up to drag race on weekends when he sold it. Had the chrome blacked out...

I drove it back and forth during the worst snow season in NY's history.

Eventually the chassis simply cracked.

I ended up going from a *huge* but fun pig to an 86 Honda CRX! LOL. I was embarrassed at first. Parked FAR away at school.

But when filling up the Honda it never took more than a $10. The Ranchero ate $45/week. Average 6-8mpg.

The CRX was like a Go-cart. Everything felt perfectly placed. Different fun than the Ranchero for sure...but cheap and super reliable.

Times have changed and domestics seem to be closing the quality gap. Like you state- they have a solid warranty...but I hope not to use it.



Dean

fuzzywuzzy

"Would Chrysler give out a good loaner *if* they needed to do warranty work?"

It's not Chrysler's policy. The dealer has more of a say in this. So with that it depends on the dealer. Some give loaners, most give rentals & some don't give anything.

mikeyjohn

Greenwings, you forgot to hit the unlock button on the fob. I did the same thing, but now I am a happy camper.

microrepair

Have you checked the Maintenance Forum for hints? If there is nothing there, write me an email and I'll give you some tips on my 8 years of storing my Fiat Spyder. fredo1@comcast.net

pat

Instead of posting your email address, it's better to just make it public in your profile.

If you post it on a public webpage, the spambots will harvest it - sooner rather than later you will be inundated with garbage.

But if you just make it public in your profile, only logged-in registered users can see it. That protects you from any of the automated email harvesting tools in the world.

If you want me to delete the message with your address in it, just let me know. You can repost without it.

Hope this helps.

jeep

You are incorrect. The 300 comes standard with a dealer loaner feature for 3/36. If your car is taken to the dealer for any service and you ask for a loaner car when you make the appointment, Chrysler will pay for the loaner car for a period up to five days.

300hemifl

You are correct. I've had my 300C for 5 1/2 months and the only issue I had was the Passenger Seat Belt light came on whether occupied or not. When I took it in for my 3000 mile service, they gave me a loaner for the day....very willingly I may add. The car was ready in 1/2 a day....all service complete.

fuzzywuzzy

"You are incorrect. The 300 comes standard with a dealer loaner feature for 3/36. If your car is taken to the dealer for any service and you ask for a loaner car when you make the appointment, Chrysler will pay for the loaner car for a period up to five days'

Where is this in writing? From Chrysler? From the selling dealer?

jglackin

Well, it should be printed in the warranty portion of your owner's manual. Technically, it is called the Premium Care Plan. It's available for purchase on any new Chrysler, Jeep, or Dodge - but included on a few (i.e. Crossfire, Pacifica, 300). If you can't find the info in the owner's manuals, ask the dealer to provide a copy. It actually goes even further to tell the dealers that DC will pay the dealers up to $30/day for a non-DC vehicle and up to $40/day for a DC vehicle, so it is a way to promote the brand as well.

lenny

This will be the first Northeast winter for my new 300c (as with all of us) when I questioned the salesman about putting different wheels on for the winter driving and the salt. He said there is "no need to as the salt will not effect this wheel" This is my first vehicle with chrome wheels, but I always thought the salt just ate them (chrome wheels) alive. Thanks for your thoughts

lenny

Road and Track is looking for folks to vote for the best car of the 2005 models and the 300C is part of the vote. You can do so at www.roadandtrack.com/rtvote1. Let's make the 300C the "Best Car of 2005" as we all know it is!

itshemi

Did it 300c
http://photos.yahoo.com/jlsy2001

hardhawk

My dealer finally got its first Magnum RT in today. I went down to look at it this afternoon and they convinced me to take it home for an overnight test drive. It's the new Blaze Red color with the darker grey leather. I have driven the 300C as well and am torn between the two. The 300C has more bells & whistles and looks more richly appointed inside. The Magnum just looks like a bad [non-permissible content removed] hot rod that will run. The Magnum is much plainer inside but all the really necessary stuff is there. The interesting thing is that this one has the roof rack, which I can take or leave, but my wife, who has hated the Magnum before (too wagony), thinks the roof rack makes it look more like an SUV and she actually likes it with the roof rack! Go figure that??? The black 300C they ordered for me is about $3000 more than the red Magnum. It had a better stereo, HID lights, and the protection group, which the Magnum does not have. The 300C is due in sometime in the next month or so. Do I wait for the black 300C or go for the red Magnum that is in my garage now? Pricing on them both is the same- at invoice including the advertising invoice charges, which is MORE than fair.

carnaught

If you don't need more cargo room, wait for the 300C, much classier.

bjsohio

There's a "Premium Care" link on Chyslers web site (along the left on the 300 home page).

lenny

I agree, if you don't need the cargo room wait for the 300C. Driving home a new car ALWAYS makes you want it, but the feeling you get when you drive home the new 300c will be even more exciting! I have heard nothing but great remarks on the 300c. I've heard the "station wagon" remark on te Magnum. I agree with your wife. I had a station wagon once as a company car and adding the roof rack made it look more sporty/SUV like, but I still would go with the Black 300C.

fuzzywuzzy

I see. Didn't know this was a package that had to be paid for unless it's on a 300, or other "special" car. I questioned it cause I never got a loaner when my 300M was in for service & the 3 dealers by me said they don't do loaners when I called to ask.

lenny

The Premium Care covers the 300, Crossfire and the Pacifica only. It gives you a free loaner for any warranty work or schedule service even an Oil Change. Nice deal for the first 36/36,000. I receives a letter from Chrysler direct after I got my new 300c. If you have problems with a dealer they give you an 800 number to call.

bigelm

As if the 300 models isn't enough... now DC is offering a nice package:

http://www.chrysler.com/300/signature.html?context=300-index&- type=promo

alphawolf

Thanks for the info regarding the Premium Care. Good stuff to know.

Dean

itshemi

The Premium Care is value added to the 300C. Just got my first 3000 mile oil change and they asked if I would like loaner. I opted for them to take me to Metro station, which the dealer has a shuttle for. The surprise was the Oil Change, be prepared, $90, it seems that owners with Hemi's require 7 qrts oil and Mobil1 Syn due to the special requirement of SAE 5w-20w motor oil, which is not a popular commodity. The good news is that my first oil change was FREE due to the dealer rep thought I had a 2.7/3.5 6Cyl. I may have to go back to the days I changed my own oil.

intrepidspirit

Re: oil change -- don't feel too bad. It cost me $125 for an oil change on my Crossfire. Seems it requires a special $40 filter and lots of (syn) oil. They overfilled it and I got messages about the oil pan being too high.

DC recommends 7000 mile changes with syn oil. I changed it at 6000 miles, but I will be stretching it to 7000 in the future (it's on lease)!

I will also be shopping around for my next oil change...

lenny

So did you go with the Magnum or are you waiting for the 300C?

bigmike5

All right you dogs who have been clamoring for a hot 300. There is a vanilla convertible on eBay right now for $56K. Only drawback is that it isn't packing a Hemi. Looks pretty interesting.

jeep

$90., Are you insane? My dealer charged me like $26.95. He couldn't give me the special $23.95 because of the Hemi. I suggest you go elsewhere.

hardhawk

Lenny:

Went with the Magnum for the extra cargo space. Will give up some of the extra luxuries of the 300C for the versatility of the Magnum. Am putting in the automatic lights from the 300C by replacing the Magnum's light switch with one form a 300C. That's all it takes to do it. Now I wonder who will buy the black 300C that is coming in in a couple of weeks?