Chrysler 300/300C

dkrhardy

OK, it IS indeed a resonance BUT only happens when in the 4 cyl mode of the MDS. Sure, why not? The ingredient I left out of my combo "soup" was that it had to be in 4 cyl? OK by me! Sure wish I could find that thing I saw on the subject, the offering may have been the same as yours and just worded differently.

 

Merry Christmas to all.

golfgti4789

and to all a good night

randy

My 300c now has 8,400 miles. Took delivery April 27th. Only problem is outside temp. reading incorrect at times.

Just purchased a set of Bridgestone Blizzak Snows WS-50's for rear. Size 235-55R 18's. Fit great. Deep side treads. The only other choice were Pirelli's, which did not have deep biting side treads. ESP in conjunction with snow tires is working well in snow.

581955

I too have a problem with outside temps, mainly in hot weather, haven't noticed as much since weather turned cold. Took delivery on mine 5/20/04 and have about 8200 miles on mine. I envy you for being able to get the Blizzak tires, I was told at the time snows were not available for the C so I settled on the Perelli Scorpion 235/60R18. There was one other tire at the time put out by Dunlop but I was told the Perelli was the closest I could come performance wise to the Blizzak. I have used the Blizzak on my 3 previous Chrysler Concordes starting in 1993 and was more than satisfied. I was surprised to hear that you only put them on the rear. All the tire dealers told me to put on all fours. It's too soon to tell how these tires match up as we have not had much snow in southwestern CT. Good luck with your M/T car of the year and your tires. Hopefully we both will have many pleasant miles ahead of us.

steevr

Are there any AWD owners out there. I went to two dealerships looking at a 300 Limited for my sister-in-law and one dealership said AWD is not yet available and the other says it's available only on the 300C. Edmunds and KBB both say it's available on all models but the base.

 

Hopefully someone with a 300 Touring or 300 Limited has AWD and I can tell both dealers they just lost a sale because they need to hire competent help. Thanks.

jglackin

AWD is available on the Touring, LTD, and C. While some dealerships have not seen any yet, they have (in all three trim levels) been trickling in to inventories across the country. You have met 2 salespeople who have not learned their product (or just want to sell what they have).

bigmike5

Alright you "whiners" who are still waiting for your 300 to be built. My local dealer had 6 on the lot and 2 of them were Cs. One Vanilla and one Black. The Vanilla stickered at $39K so it had just about everything. The owner is driving the black one which is stickered at $35K. I live 40 miles south of Louisville, KY. They had a bunch of Limited's and one base model. One of the Limited's had a Bentley style billet grill and chrome panels between the doors. The grill looked pretty good but the chrom panels were a little over the top. Anyway, if anyone wants to get in touch on any of their inventory, send me an email and I will give you the name of a saleman there. They might even fly you in for the deal. Oh yeah, and I checked the build date on the Saphire blue Limited on the floor and it was 08/04 and they got it from another dealer in Ohio.

markcincinnati

The configurator on the WWW says you can order AWD as noted above. I left my card with two dealers with a note: Call me when I can test drive an AWD 300C -- my phone is silent. There are many Chryco dealerships here in RiverCity (Cincinnati), and the two I chose were big dealerships -- so the operative word must be "trickle" in!

 

While I'm whining, are there any Chrysler dealers that have the "Acura, Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Lexus" - like "attitude?" My fellow posters here on edmunds and my wife can't imagine dealing with a Chrysler dealer (based on the two we visited, think Herb Tarlick from WKRP) after nearly 30 years dealing with an Audi dealership.

 

The contrast is sharp -- but with a winning product like the 300 appears to be, it would seem like a "re-grooved" dealer with sales consultants rather than "lot lizards" would clean up, sales wise.

 

Just wondering. . . .

hardhawk

There are Chrysler/Dodge dealers out there with the right attitude. Mine works toward building a long term relationship with me as a customer. When I could not decide to order either a black 300C or a red Magnum RT, they ordered both and let me deicde which one I wanted. They let me take the cars home and told me I could keep them for several days for a test drive, but I only needed one day and night. They would have sold either to me at their invoice. I paid $200 over because I had them add some accessories that they installed before delivery. The entire transaction, including the financial stuff, was handled by telephone, e-mail & fax so that when I went to pick it up, I was only at the dealership 20 minutes. My sales person came to my home to show my wife & I everything on the car and how it worked. When I wanted to add the Mopar splash guards, the sales person came and picked it up at my house and left me his demo to drive for the day. He does that for regular maintenance too, and well after the warranty period is over, as he did the entire 8 years we owned the Town & Country we sold when we bought the Magnum. My dealer "gets it". I just wish more of them did. I could not be happier. By the way, my dealer is in another town 20 miles away from where I live and work.

markcincinnati

Are you anywhere near Cincinnati?

hardhawk

I am in SE KS, about 30 miles north of OK and 75 miles west of MO.

markcincinnati

I have not visited all of the dealers within my geography, but two of them (5 star) seem to be right out of the 70's or 80's -- and this is NOT to suggest that Chrysler itself promotes this look and feel. However, it would seem that Chrysler would perhaps prefer higher profile representation if they had a "magic wand."

 

My friend who has been working in car dealerships for more than 25 years tells me the main difference between selling Premium cars and near Premium cars (does this include the 300?) is the Customer. He claims that selling VW's and Toyotas vs Audis and Mercedes (for instance) is this: the customer who comes in to look at the VW or the Toyota will usually "buy" the car right then and there -- but that a much higher percentage of these customers "can't get the deal done" with the finance company. On the other hand, the customer at the other brands he has been selling can get the deal done, but that they take longer to decide (often months) and require a more consultative approach during the sales process.

 

Maybe dealers outside of Cincinnati are out of the time warp.

 

New subect -- very nice write up of the SRT-8 in the new Motor Trend.

grohk

Purchased 300/Limited two months and 6000 miles ago. Great car. Have one concern: Oncoming headlights appear double. The second image is always above the actual and the two images converge as the approaching vehicle nears. Road signs are difficult to read at distances greater than 150'. Thought this was an isolated incident until stopped by a fellow 300 owner and asked about the same issue. My dealer has agreed to replace the winshield but offers no assurance the problem will be corrected. Anyone else experience this problem? What, if any remedy have you received?

thanks

jeep

Boy, if I were you, I would think twice about anyone replacing my windshield. Are you sure you haven't had one too many?

 

All kidding aside. This sounds like a classic example where you should leave well enough alone. I can almost guarantee you that you will end up with more problems than you have now.

bdyment

Distortion in a windshield can make a car almost undriveable, especially if it is right in your line of sight. It is always worse at night and seems more prevalent to those who wear glasses.

 

I would take a chance on a new windshield. I have had three windshields replaced due to distortion and lamination faults. Two of the three were successful. The last one on a Buick Park Avenue was a mess. This, however, was due to sloppy installation by the glass shop.

rtk725

It is difficult to close the trunk on the 2005 Chrysler 300C without touching the trunk lid. Is there an aftermarket "handle" available to facilitate closing the trunk?

hdvablkman

I recently read that the Euro version of the 300 had a top speed of 155 while the US version was limited to 128mph. Can anyone tell me if this is indeed true and if so, can the limiter be defeated. Not that i'm ever going to go that fast but for some reason, i feel a little cheated in that I can't take the car to it's upper capability.

 

Herb

intrepidspirit

The Euro version probably has performance tires, suspension, brakes and steering. The limiter domestically is set due to the standard equipment limitations.

 

My 2003 300M is limited to 118 mph due to the equipment restrictions. My wife's 2003 300M, however is not restricted due to the performance equipment (original) on the car. The 300M has been tested to 159 mph, although neither of us has reached that level yet in her unrestricted M..

 

I know some 300M owners tried to get the chip removed, but ran into difficulties -- I don't know if they were sucessful.

fuzzywuzzy

WOW!! That is some dealer you have there!

tayl0rd

Hey, intrepidspirit, where'd you read that the 300M was tested to 159MPH? I read some place that the Special can hit 155MPH, but I can't for the life of me find it again. And I don't have a barren enough road around here to take my Special to the max.

 

It really is a bummer for the 300C that it can blow away a 300M in acceleration only to have the 300M eventually disappear over the horizon in front of it.

intrepidspirit

This goes way back to the 300M's early reviews as Motor Trend's car of the year for 1999. I believe Chrysler's claim was 150 mph with the performance handling package. But one of the many reviewers claimed a 159 mph top speed test.

 

This shouldn't be too surprising -- my 2004 Crossfire has been tested in Germany (where they are built) at 150-155 on the Autobahn. And that's with a 215 hp engine...

 

I'll take a look at some of the hard copy data I have at home to see if I can find the review.

 

Yes, the 300M with the performance handling package (a bargain at about $500), as well as the Special can go faster than the current 300C, but that is entirely due to the limiter, which is required due to the equipment configuration on the car...

bjsohio

Go to your Chrysler dealer and order a trunk pull for a 1999 LHS (about $6). Clip off the plastic clip with wire cutters or whatever and put a small metal screw through the plastic part into one of the plastic thingys that holds the carpet on beside the trunk latch. I did it and it works perfect.

hdvablkman

Thanks for the info intrepid, I'll just wait to see if some sort of chip becomes available this summer. I'll make sure to stay away from any 300M's until then. But since the 300 touring supposedly has the same engine as the 300M...hmmmmmmmmmm. Naw, i'll stick with the hemi.

markcincinnati

. . . anyone have an AWD 300 of any flavor, yet?

philly3

Have 300 Touring that pulls to right. Notice others have same problem. With 4000 mi took to dealer was told this is engineered by chrysler on purpose !!! so if you fall asleep car will veer off road instead of into oncoming traffic. This has to be pure BS. Anyway they refused to fix. I am going to take to alignment shop and correct so car goes straight if I release steering wheel. Has anybody had success realigning?

bigelm

There's a TSB fix for the pulling right. It has been discussed various times here. Search in this discussion, find it and throw it in the dealers face.

 

Otherwise, go somewhere else where they know what they're doing...

 

Good Luck!

rtk725

BJ: thanks for the tip; I ordered the LHS trunk pull.

Ron K

philly3

Thanks bigelm for info. copied TSB. Also went to another dealer who was aware of problem wants to realign, if that doesn't work then try cradle bolts. from what I've read that may not solve problem. Can't see wasting time in and out of shop. Will wait for better TSB fix or just live with the defect. Anybody who's discouraged about the 300's because of the problems DONT BE it's still a dynamite ride for the buck. philly

bjsohio

I've heard that the SRT-8 won't have a limiter or MDS.

jglackin

I don't know about the limiter, but it will not have MDS. They are, BTW, available for order now.

fuzzywuzzy

I had my 00 300M(PHP) to 149-151. Wouldn't go any more then that. Was paced with a friends Viper.

tayl0rd

So you're the one! I mentioned that on another forum a long time ago and got nothing but flack because of some of the people's disbelief that a 300M is strong enough go that fast. Proof positive that it has always been underestimated.

 

Anyway, back to the 300. I can't imagine that the SRT-8 would have a governor. If it does, it will more than likely be the "corporate" 155MPH as is customary with the Germans.

markcincinnati

. . .version apparently, will be offered in AWD guise too.

 

Here is the "fine print" -- only 10,000 copies will be made of the SRT-8. I suspect that means order difficulties, over MSRP selling prices and/or "take what comes in, 'cause if you don't, somebody else will."

 

Thus far, however, I have seen neither posters here on edmunds or the AWD cars themselves.

 

I guess the lack of traffic here regarding the AWD versions means "the numbers are still very very low."

 

Hoping to hear about the AWD version. . . .

bigelm

what the pricing will be for the AWD before I commit on ordering either the SRT8 or the 300C.

jglackin

No problem...

MSRP w/ no options is $39995

options....

7 speaker Boston Ac. system $235

Sunroof $950

Option group 1 - $440 (buncha side air bags and air filter

Option gorup 2 - $1964 (nav, 6 disc, sirius, u connect)

 

Silver or Black

Leather and Suede with Dark Slate Gray/Light Graystone

 

Good Luck

bigelm

Thanks but I know that already... I had posted the info but it was removed because of a "invalid" link :rolleyes:

 

Anyway, I meant the AWD version....

jglackin

I haven't seen anything from DCX about AWD pricing/avail, or the like. If it goes like the others, it would be about $2000 more, but I'm not sure they'll make an AWD version of a vehicle that is meant to be fairly limited. We'll have to wait and see.

markcincinnati

Production of the AWD SRT-8 begins January 10th.

cmyers300m

Curious markcincinnati, where did you hear that the SRT-8 was going to be available in AWD? Last I read, DC had no plans to make an AWD version of the SRT since it is based purely on high performance and numbers are limited.

I live in Dayton, and I too would like to see DC produce the SRT in AWD form, but I'm pretty sure it's not in the plans right now.

By the way, my dealer here in Dayton has a silver 300C AWD on their lot right now. Sticker is 40,595. I know it's not their first one either, maybe they have connections at DC??

I have a 01 300M and I've been watching the forums here for feedback on the new 300C since I'm planning on getting a new car in the spring. What I haven't seen here is alot of feedback on the 300C's ability to drive in the snow. A few people have said they put snow tires on their 300's. Is that because of terrible traction??

This is my greatest fear. I love my 300M, which I've now had for 4 years with not ONE problem. One thing I love is its great traction control with the front wheel drivetrain. I'm really worried that the reardrive 300C will be one scary nightmare without AWD. Can anyone chime in on this subject??? Thanks.....

mikeyjohn

I also had a 01 300M and was on the other board. This 300C is the best vehicle in snow that I have ever driven and if you have driven in snow before, I can tell you it does not need snow or ice tires. The ESP is the best system I have ever seen and it keeps you on the straight and narrow and is fun to drive and we have plenty of it right now, plus very cold temps, so nothing is melting. I would suggest that you take one for a test drive and if you can find a mall parking lot with snow, play with it and you will see what I mean. The 300M can't hold a candle to the C. Try it and see!!!!!

tayl0rd

The 300M can't hold a candle to the C.

 

Outside of a V8 and RWD, in what regard?? I drove my 300M Special with the summer tires on last year in one of the worst ice storms ever (which is worse than snow) here without a single problem.

barry626

I was very nervous buying my 300C & how it would be in snow?

 

Day after Christmas I had to drive 5 1/2 hrs. from NJ to NY State.

NJ, Penn. and New York State was nothing but snow.

Snow was apprx. 3-4 inches all the way home.

 

My first time driving this car in snow, I took my time driving 45 MPH.

Instead of usual 70 MPH.

Car was beyond what I ever thought it would be, Fantastic!

 

Driving up & down steep mountain roads, only one minor slip.

Guess I hit patch of ice & light on dash flashed split second.

At one point I could not see in front of me "White Out".

I drifted into fast lane which had deeper snow.

I got little nervous as I was going apprx. 50.

I lightly touched the brake & let off only to easy steer back in center lane.

I just can not believe how easy this car handles!

 

Glad I bought my car in April instead of waiting 8 months for AWD.

I feel the RWD is just fine & if need be? will throw on rear snows.

 

All tire stores I checked & car dealer says RWD only needs 2 snows?

AWD & FWD need 4 snows, how true I don't know?

 

Thought I would post something positive for a change about the 300C.

Seems most post are always negative & nothing about how great this car is!

 

Enjoy your cars!

mikeyjohn

I repeat what I said, the 300M can't hold a candle to the 300C, and it needs no clarification, please go and try one out and you will see what I mean.

 

Right now with our bloody cold temperatures we have both ice and snow and nothing is melting and this car drives like a dream. I could not say that in my 300M.

cmyers300m

Hey mikeyjohn, I remember you from the 300M board! It was great to hear such positive things from you (and barry626) about snow traction. Where I live, in southern Ohio, our big snow of 15 inches is already melted and gone, but winter isn't over! I'll probably wait till early spring until I buy a 300C, but you answered my big question about snow traction. I really didn't want to buy the AWD version, it costs more and I don't like the rims on it either.

It's hard for me to believe that the 300C out handles the 300M in snow, but since you've had both I suppose you would know. I do want to do the test drive like you suggested, but right now we have no snow to speak of.

I went to the dealer yesterday to see how many 300's they have. They have about 12 in stock, half were 300C, one was 300C-AWD. I'd love to get one of the 300C SRT's when they come out, but with so few made I'm sure price gouging will be common.

 

Hey mikeyjohn, what color did you get? Do you like the one you chose? So what's it like going from 250hp to 340hp????

tayl0rd

mikeyjohn, I've tried the 300C (not in the snow, of course), and I still hold that, outside of the V8 and RWD, I don't see a clear-cut advantage over the 300M. And I repeat that I drove my Special with the summer tires in one of the worst ice storms on record last year without a single problem, steep hills and all. This from a car that doesn't have the ESP nanny to keep it on the road. I think you should give the car a little more credit.

 

I know you're still enjoying the newness of your 300C, but that's no reason to downplay the 300M so drastically. Do you think you would feel the same if the 300M did have an ESP?

bigelm

Though I haven't owned a 300M, so my words will probably mean nothing to you; based on the reviews (which happen to be consistant with others), the 300C is a world of difference than it's predecessor - not just in the drivetrain either.

markcincinnati

Go here:

 

http://www.arifleet.com/production.html

 

Note production date for SRT-8 AWD.

rayainsw

I have seen that also - but I believe they are in error.

 

I have not even see speculation, at this point, on an AWD version of the SRT-8 from any reputable source.

 

- Ray

Wondering what adding AWD would do the the 19 MPG highway fuel economy estimate . . .

mikeyjohn

I don't think I am downplaying the 300M. I enjoyed my car, but I will repeat, again and again the 300M cannot hold a candle to the 300C in handling and of course in HP. The 300M does not have ESP so I don't know what I would have said if it did, and yes I really enjoy having the rear wheel drive again as this is what I got my licence on plus my time in the military and my time as a police officer. I feel more comfortable in my choice.

mikeyjohn

I first looked at this car in early April and managed to take one on a very short test drive (low on gas) and fell in love, went back to dealer who I had dealt with for quite a few years and asked a price on a factory order but was disappointed in price. Went to a dealer closer to my home and met the business manager who I had know for years, who gave me a better price. I ordered the car on April 24th and the car was deivered on the 26th of June, but in fairness it had sat in storage in Brampton for just over 3 weeks before it moved.

 

I ordered the car in Satin Jade with the light interior. I had ordered most equipment except u-connect and sirius which is or was not available in Canada and did not get Nav as they wanted too much and I can stop and ask directions (yes, I really can!!!!) I added the after-market u-connect and also the wooddash trim which I also did in my 300M. I paid 41,500 Cdn for this car and since May or June the price of the car has sky-rocketed and they are now asking about 49 K, so I think I got a good deal. I have heard the horror stories of dealers asking way above MSRP but it never happened to me. I repeat that this is the best car I have ever owned and the comments I get really make me swell with pride. Try one on for size!!!!!