Chrysler 300/300C

chr12345us

There seem to be a major discussion here about 300M/300C. I own a 2000 300M and a 2005 Dodge Magnum. Test driving a 300C/Magnum will not do it especially if you have a 300M. You are inclined to down size the differences between them because you are not actually ready to get rid of one and get the other. I felt the same way when I test drove the 300C early last year. But in June I bought the Magnum. It is like night and day (I felt almost the same way when I bought the 300M versus my old 94 Intrepid). The power is one thing (quite impressive I might say) but the handling is outstanding. And the transmission is 5 speed versus 4 (the 300M always lacks power when it goes from 2nd to 3rd). And then there is comfort and quietness. Try the back seat of the 300C/Magnum on a long trip. However, all this being said, nobody should rely on a 340HP, rear wheel drive car, with 3season tires, in snow. Have a backup of some sort (a 4wheel drive something will do)

markcincinnati

What makes you think this URL / site is in error?

barry5

Has anyone driven a 300c with AWD, if so what was your impression.

tayl0rd

Fair enough, mikeyjohn. I prefer a V8 w/ RWD as well (which is the major reason why I picked up a new Mustang GT). But, if you look at the performance numbers in magazines, the 300C does not outhandle the 300M. At least, I haven't seen any numbers showing the 300C outhandling it. Even the SRT-8 only matches the 300M Special in handling and is only two tenths of a MPH faster through the slalom despite having a 340HP V8 and RWD; and the SRT-8 is worlds better than the C in the handling department.

 

Motor Trend has tested both cars (300M Special and SRT-8, not together of course).

 

SRT-8

60 - 0 114'

600' slalom 65.1MPH

.88G (or was it .89G)

 

300M Special

60 - 0 114' (Car & Driver and others have stopped in 112')

600' slalom 64.8MPH

.89G (Chrysler tested it to .91G)

 

I'd say that's pretty dog-on good for a FWD V6 that's down by 85HP and 132TRQ, and it certainly doesn't show the C to be "worlds better" in handling. It's more aptly, barely better considering the advantages it has (340HP vs. 255HP, RWD vs. FWD, ESP vs. none, 20" wheels vs. 18").

 

The 300C might feel like it handles better, but all the numbers I've seen for both prove otherwise.

bigmike5

Hey Mickey- Let me know when the 5th person that is a stranger to you approaches and tells you that the 300 is the best looking car he/she has ever seen. Doubt it will ever happen, but it has happened 5 times to me over the years with my 300M. The 300 is getting looks now because it is new on the market, but the 300M has a timeless beauty. I get the same "looks" with my 04 Vette, but nothing can match the comments at shows, gas stations, parking lots, etc., that the 300M has garnered.

cmyers300m

I'm not sure what that website is, but I've read in one of my car mag issues about the AWD drive not being available yet on the SRT. I won't argue it, just stating what I read.

 

Going back to the 300C versus my 300M, I believe the guys who say they are like night/day. Just looking at them side by side will show you that. If mikeyjohn can survive in the frozen tundra of Canada, then i think I'll survive here in Midwest Ohio with rear drive. My wife's only concern was that my next car have heated seats like my current 300M, go figure. Although, she actually prefers the Magnum's looks over the 300C. But the Magnum does not have a memory feature for the seats, mirrors and pedals.....forget that car! My wife sits so close the steering wheel I risk injury just getting in the car after her. Gotta have memory seats!

 

Mikeyjohn, like the color choice. I do wish they offered the 300C in more colors. The black I looked at yesterday is so metallic it looks grey! I like my current black color better. The cool vanilla color is starting to grow on me, but the last 'white' car I had was harder to keep clean than my black car is now. I think DC needs to add some more sporty colors.

 

I feel for the guy here that loves his 300M, I like mine too, but after 4 years it's time to trade up! Some guys here have complained of price gouging...I haven't seen that around here. In most cases the dealer wants sticker or a tad below. By spring maybe things will settle down more......

cmyers300m

I get comments on my 300M too, but mostly due to the billet grille I have on the front. I'm not sure about the looks being timeless, but it looks good nonetheless. Around here 300M's are a dime a dozen, so again my grille is really the only thing that makes it stand out.

I think the 300C gets looks because it stands out more than most cars on the market. It has a love it or hate it design. The 300M was a pretty 'safe' car as far as designs go. Not bad, just not too radical. 300C is radical, so much that I hated it when it first came out. Now I like it because it's so different.

Everyone has their own taste, but since this is the 300C forum I would say most here think it's the best car out there. Can't fault them for that.

jcsganga34

bigmike5, with all due respect, 5 strangers in the first week of me owning the car came up to me and told me it was the nicest looking car they have ever seen and how I liked it. I've had the car for 7 months now, and not one week goes by where someone doesn't come up to look or talk to me about the car. I have never experienced anything like it in my life. I know from my other boards that it is a pretty common experience with the 300C. In fact, park both of the cars next to one another and see which car people flock to. The 300M is a very nice car but the 300C gets a lot more attention from what I can tell. You should read some of the consumer reviews at edmunds and you will see many of the people describe the exact same scenarios all over the country. Just commenting on my experiences.

wantone1

I have had my 300C since Oct 2004 and am very happy with it. Not many in my area yet so I receive a lot of nice comments. I keep the car washed as much as possible but today I was sadden to see "Pit" marks in the wheels. Where the Clad meets the rim. I rushed home and got out my bottle of metal polish to see if I could buff them out. No such luck, I have pit marks on all 4 wheels. Have a oil change scheduled for Friday, at which time I will present my case for new wheels. Anyone else encounter this problem.

mikeyjohn

I too wish they had more colour choices and also wish they had this car in Inferno Red with beige interior like my 300 M, but having said that I do like the interior colour as it matches my Satin Jade. I'm not into the white or the black due to the trouble of keeping it clean. My car is filthy right now due the the mild snap we had (1 day) and the bitterly cold we will be having starting to-morrow, so my car stays dirty.

 

My answer to bigmike is I have only had one person come up to me out of the blue and talk about my 300M, I have had the odd one give me the thumbs up (at least I think it was a thumb!!!!) while driving. I am having people now approaching me, young, old, male and female looking at the car and giving me their opinion that this is the nicest car they have seen. I don't know if it will last but I will take it for as long as it lasts, and if another car comes along in 3 or 4 years that is better as long as it's a DC product, who knows I might jump to it, as this is what I did with my 300M.

 

I have nothing against the 300M, it was and is a beautiful car, but better technology is available and I took advantage of it.

batista

Are you sure those pit marks are a result of the salt corrosion? I bought 4 brand new wheels w/tires from TireRack and had it installed at the dealer and when picking up the car all 4 of the rims had pits on them. The installer was careless with the air wrench and he just butchered them.

I had a talk with the manager and I got compensated. Did you take your car to be serviced a little while ago?

microrepair

I haven't owned either the 300M or the 300C, but I do have an E320 MB with what is probably the exact same ESP system as used on the 300C. This is my first winter with the E320 and it is so awesome on snow that I have yet to put my snow tires on. I'm running Michelin XGT4's and with the ESP on it is impossible to make it spin out on a curve unless you are intentionally approaching the corner too fast to start with. If you go through a corner with power on, the ESP prevents too much torque and also will jab the brake on any wheel that starts to slide. It is fantastic.!!

 

With regard as to whether you need 2 or 4 snow tires for rear wheel drive, keep in mind that you need to STOP too! Having snows on the front will give you much more stopping power and will give you a balanced setup going through the corners, minimizing loss of traction at the front. That's what I've used for the last 5 years with another rear wheel drive car and I have been able to get around in anything except an all-out blizzard.

cmyers300m

That was some neat insight on the ESP system. I'm one guy here interested in the 300C and the snow traction with rear drive. I'm almost positive the ESP in your Benz is the same. I know the AWD and 5spd transmission are directly out of your car. Man, the decision to get this car gets better and better. Thanks everyone for good input!

wantone1

no these maks are a dark grey and look like stops. Rough the the touch.

rayainsw

"What makes you think this URL / site is in error? "

 

I believe that this is incorrect (and it is only speculation on my part) based on the following:

 

0.5 – Others competing in this (very loosely defined: say 390 or more HP 4-door sedans?) ‘space’ do not appear to believe that AWD is currently an absolute requirement. For example: The Caddy CTS-v and STS-v and BMW M5, the Jaguar S-Type R and supercharged XJ.

 

1 – Since this was posted on Arifleet (back in September, I believe) I have seen no other confirmation / mention / speculation of an AWD production version in the 4 major US car magazines or on any other 300 related forums I follow. And the spy network focusing on new cars appears very well staffed!

 

2 – Given already limited production (variously reported as 5,000 or 10,000 units) for the RWD SRT-8, I would be amazed if a case could be made for offering AWD. At least not right now.

 

3 – Limited budget for upgrades for the SRT-8 version (referred to in C+D, I believe) leads me to believe that the additional engineering required to upgrade the AWD components for the additional HP / TQ means – not likely to be produced in CY 2005.

 

4 – And the RWD is EPA rated at 19 MPG HWY. I consider this already pretty awful. AWD would not improve that number . . .

 

Just my speculation.

 

- Ray

Always reserving the right to be wrong . . .

bjsohio

I stand corrected. The SRT-8 has a 130mph limiter.

coby03

I test drove a 300C AWD and loved it. I was running short on time so didn't test drive the RWD, which I need to do for comparison. I live in NE Ohio (snowbelt territory!) so I really think AWD is the way to go. One problem is that I don't like the wheels on the AWD at all. Chrysler usually does a nice job on wheel design, especially on the top line model. I have the 300M Special and those wheels are great. The salesman is checking to see if I can special order a 300C AWD and get the chrome wheels from the RWD on it. Any problem doing that? It would save some money instead of aftermarket (i.e.; Tire Rack).

tayl0rd

I stand corrected. The SRT-8 has a 130mph limiter.

 

<bully kid from The Simpsons>

 

HAA-ha! Eat my dust!

 

j/k ;p

jcsganga34

I believe the governer will be taken off for the SRT, top speed will be 155 just as the European and Canadien 300C's. The US models are governed to 128 because of the tires they come with.

mikeyjohn

I don't know where you got the idea that Cdn 300C's don't have the limiter, but you are so wrong. The only place in North America where you can get the non-limiter is in Mexico, and I understand that will also be the norm for the SRT8.

jcsganga34

My understanding was that the Canadien ones were unrestricted as well, I guess not...take it easy man!

bjsohio

Here's the link (an article from MPH Magazine)Scroll to the bottom under "Performance": http://www.savingpictureas.com/~bri/pics/mphmagazinefeb2005scans/- 52_G?full=1

mikeyjohn

I was only answering your post and this has been answered before. Why are you getting upset?

jcsganga34

I am not upset except for the way that you answered by saying "but you are so wrong". Based on discussions from other boards (which I know you are a member on too), some people from Canada had said that they had taken their 300 to 146 MPH. I had assumed that because of those posts, all of the 300's up in Canada didn't have a speed limiter. It was an assumption I had made and it was wrong. I thought that only in America we were limited to 128. My mistake. No problems over here, everything is cool.

cmyers300m

coby03.....I believe the rims from the 300C and the 300C/AWD are not interchangable. Since the AWD would have a different offset on the rims. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

I commented earlier in this forum how I too don't like the AWD rims. I'm surprised DC didn't do a better job selecting a nice set for the car. This is why I've been asking guys here about snow traction with the RWD version. I've gotten some great responses which leads me toward getting the RWD version with the much nicer rims and cheaper price too!

 

I think it sucks that the 300C's have a limiter on them. My 300M has the PHG package which removes the governer, mind you I've never gone much above 100mph but who knows I may need it someday (hahaha). I guess if I lived somewhere other than in Ohio(which is the speed ticket capital of the world), I would push the limits. I feel for the guys out there that CAN push the speed limits but are limited in their 300C. Maybe DC will change this in a year or so.

bigelm

Normally AWD vehicles have a different offset and the casting is different than RWD vehicles. I say if you're not liking the factory ones, look into aftermarket.. the RWD rims will NOT work with the AWD.

mikeyjohn

No problem, but as far as I know it was Northern Rider who was the only one that says he has no limiter, and I am a little skeptical about that, if this is the case then he has managed to use a starscan to do it and it may be possible for others to do the same, but not sure how DC would handle the warranty issue especially with the black box that we have, plus the tire issue.

#1hemi

As far as the speed of the 300c , I have one and I had the car up to 135mph and it did not stop there. I had to stop because I was running out of road. My dealer told me that it will max out at 145mph. I haven't tried it yet but if I get enough road I will. I have not made any adjustments to the car. IE chips or take out the limiter. I was on a flat straight road and the odometer was at 135mph. I just bought the car in 12/04 in deep lava red. This car is just incredible! By the way I am in Florida and these cars are far and few between.

barry5

Thanks for the information for now I know the 300C-AWD exists. Did you get a price quote? It would be interesting to get your comments on the difference in the drive with RWD. I do not care what is being said on the posts, when you live in snow country AWD is the only sure way to go. Thank you again for your post.

markcincinnati

AWD with a RWD bias (the 300C is 37% 63% I recall) and a suspension set up designed for AWD, should be "better" (no flames please) under practically any road condition than either FWD or RWD.

 

Although many feel that AWD is overkill unless you "need" traction in slippery conditions, AWD can be a performance enhancer under all circumstances.

 

It has proven so good that Audi has been thrown out time and again for having cars that "put the 2WD versions at a disadvantage."

 

RWD is great, no doubt -- for my needs, AWD is the all the time performance advantage that just happens to add a measure of safety and fun.

 

Coupling AWD with ESP+ABS+Brake Assist (and some other TLA's) and a smart transmission (which one assumes the 5spd DC transmission qualifies as) is part of an overall formula that improves the drivability (for me) of the automobile.

 

These factors, plus the value proposition, are the reasons why the 300C -- even if I go back to Audi for the 28th time -- has earned my admiration and respect.

 

Whenever I think about the AWD 300C with every possible do dad plus some upgraded after market wheels for about TWENTY THOUSAND dollars less than a new Cadillac STS, I just shake my head.

 

All the naysayers (not me) say "yea but it's a CHRYSLER," as if it is some dirty word. Perhaps the dealership experience (which I grant is important) is better at a Cadillac dealership. But, coming into this from my experience (with an Audi dealership that treats me like a king), neither Chryco or Caddy is likely to afford me a comparable experience in that regard. So, from the purely bang for der buck mode, the STS, nice as it is is about $10,000 too high when an all out 300C AWD with full power everything, sat radio and navigation -- is, er, so "cheap."

 

coby03

barry5 and cmyers,

 

Thanks for the responses. I still haven't test driven the RWD yet, thinking that the AWD is the best way to go (I agree with what markcincinnati said in his recent post about the overall merits of AWD). But I hate the fact that I can't get the nice rims with it.

 

As far as pricing goes, I thought I had a good deal going but Chrysler seems to have pulled the rug out from under me. They just announced (effective 1/11/05) that the new Employee/Designated Individual Program no longer covers any Chrysler vehicle that uses the Hemi engine. This was a sweet deal at 2-3% below factory invoice, and was honored up until yesterday. The dealer said he'll work out a deal for me, but no way it's going to be as good as the program deal. We'll see.

mn300c

My 300C AWD is due to be delivered to me in the next few days. I agree that the AWD rims aren't nearly as nice as those on the RWD, and am considering purchasing replacements, at least for the summer months. There are a lot of sellers on eBay with "new" sets of 300C rims and tires, undoubtedly off of cars who's owners bought and drove their 300C directly to the tire shop for 20-22" replacements. I've considered picking up a set off eBay as the average selling proce appears to be around $1100. Not a bad deal for a complete set of factory tires and rims. I decided to hold off until later in the year though, since it's AWD weather in Minnesota right now. Plus I'm guessing that the average selling price will drop as more 300C's get delivered. Also, although at least one tire dealer I contacted through eBay insisted the factory RWD rims will fit the AWD model, after reading the posts here I'm going to check with my dealer first.

prince812

I live in Northern CA and have rain, but no snow at all.

Is there a difference in driving experience of a 300C AWD vs RWD under normal weather conditions? In someone's opinion, if there is a difference, is it worth the price difference for what you experience under normal weather conditions?

espo1

Where did you get the information about the change in policy for the employee program? Do you know if it effects orders placed before Jan 11th?

bigelm

I just checked.... This is the fine print:

 

&#134; The Chrysler 300C is not eligible for the Preferred Price.

 

I don't know if it was effective for the new year.

coby03

The Employee Choice Program, which I have a copy of, indicates the period January 4, 2005 through December 31, 2005. So although this came out on January 11, 2005, I take it that it would have covered an order placed any time after January 4. The model eligibility states "All Chrysler Group vehicles except 2005 model year vehicles Magnum RT, 300C". The dealer hasn't come back with an offer and my calls to the salesman have gone un-returned, so I guess I'm off to make a deal with Acura (TL) or Infiniti (G35).

cmyers300m

You may want to hold off on buying factory 300C-RWD rims for your AWD version, the offsets are different.....I would check into aftermarket rims.

fooe

Has anyone had trouble with their abs,and esp dash light coming on .I was travelling down the road and a bell started going off, with the dash lights staying on. If anyone had to get this fixed let me know what the dealer had to do.

espo1

Since my last posting I have found out that the restriction on 300cs to employees was first implemented in October 2004. The vehicle is to popular. From what I understand it is not retro active. If you placed your order before October you can still get the discount. I might join you except that I would prefer a RWD to FWD. Or I may get a preowned owned low mileage manufactures certified MB or BMW.

mn300c

Does anyone know if the tire pressure monitoring systems are being delivered on 300C AWD's yet? Mine was shipped from the factory 1/3/05. Don't have it yet, but I'm curious if it will have the option.

budda

I just picked up my 2005 300c on Jan. 1st and it had to be towed into the dealer today (only 189 miles on car) because the trany was not going into higher gears. It's rear was also making a loud & sudden grinding noise if more gas is given!

I won't know for a couple of days the results. Does anyone have any further answers?

itshemi

If you read page 249 Owners Manual for 300C It states to "use snow tires only in set of 4"

 

I've driven my 300 back an forth from Charles Town WV to Springfield Va, in ice the orginial AS M/S on the car worked well with no problems. ESP/TC/ABS did it's job.

work great...

 

See my photos.

http://photos.yahoo.com/Jlsy2001

itshemi

Great pictures, SRT-8 an Bentley, about 5-6 individuals have asked me if it was a Bentley.

 

http://photos.yahoo.com/Jlsy2001

jeep

Why must you post the same item in seperate boards? Isn't once enough?

markcincinnati

My sig tells you I live in Cincinnati -- a large town, OK, maybe it is a small city -- whatever. We are in a geography that is considered 1.5 million population (A.D.I. or SMSA). The point is, I found "1" one, the number 1 -- 300C AWD at a dealer today. The dealer says he "has the only one in Cincinnati" because of the Cincinnati Auto show which is here in February.

 

"Oh, you have only one?" "Yes." "Is is sold?" "No, we have it because of the auto show -- this car is really really rare." "I see, will inventory be a problem say in a month or two based on your queue?" "Inventory will always be a problem with the AWD's -- because you take a car that is popular and don't produce more, but you shift some of your RWD production to AWD -- so AWD's will not be plentiful." "OK, do you order them for customers?" "Sure, the lead time is at least 12 weeks."

 

"Can I test drive the car?" "We haven't prepped it yet." "When will it be prepped?" "Sometime this week." "OK, it is Tuesday, can my wife and I come in Saturday afternoon and test drive the car?" "I suppose it will be prepped by then." "Is this car sold?" "No, we can't sell it until after the Cincinnati New Car show." "So we will be able to test drive it this upcoming Saturday."

 

"Yes, come and see me my name is __________."

 

Now he was cordial, polite and somewhat responsive -- he was not "eager" to allow the test drive -- I guess if this is such a rare bird, I can understand that. Man, this was not a warm and fuzzy way to build rapport and perhaps begin a long-term seller/buyer relationship.

 

One guy does not represent the dealership and certainly not the brand -- is this "supply is scarce so 'go away you bother me'" sub-text the way it will be as long as this car is as popular as a hoola-hoop (and for about as long?)

 

There, when is the last time you saw hoola-hoop (or hula-hoop) in print!?!

jeqq

Budda,

 

I have no problem with your posts. I too would be looking for answers/advice, in various 300 forums. I'm sure the dealer will have you up and running real soon. Please keep us informed.

dkrhardy

I too agree that the more you ask the better your chances of an answer. The only thing I dislike is when people post the same question on several topic areas on the same forum.

jeqq

The thing is, Budda just picked up his car Jan 9th, put 189 miles on it and now it's in the shop. How would you deal with that? I don't know if posting is an adequate response. I think he's being quite civil about it.

 

BTW, last night saw a 300 with it's lights on. Chrysler did a great job with the look of the lighting effect at night.

pat

Folks, I think what happens is that at first new members don't realize that folks who read one discussion on a vehicle more than likely read all discussions on that vehicle. They think they are reaching different audiences when they post similar to what you are talking about.

 

Let's just get back to the cars now. Thanks.

dkrhardy

Actually I was sticking up for him/her and whining about something a bit different!

 

I've had my C for 13K+ miles and have had NO problems. But, Budda, I will tell you that my dealer has been 100% about any questions or concerns. Give them a good try, good luck to you. Tell us what you find out.