Chrysler 300/300C

cerberus300

I noticed some rough idling not long after purchasing my 300 Touring and told the dealer at the first 3 month service - not having had a brand new car before, it could just have been the engine not settling in write or something. They said it seemed okay to them, despite me having driven other 2004/5 cars with 3.x litre V6's without the trembling that seemed to be happening when stopped with the car in gear. Switching to neutral helped a bit, but not much. They said to try it for another month and see if it calms down, if not then they'd have a more thorough investigation done.
Anyway, I sat down and read the owners manual (as you do on a slow night on TV) and I noticed that Premium fuel is not recommended and to use 89octane on the 3.5 and 5.7 engines. After clearing around 3/4 of a tank I filled up with 89 and the rough idle seemed to have subsided quite a bit. After a few tanks of 89 with no body tremble whatsoever, I pulled into a station that only had 91 premium available - the rough idle returned almost immediately after I filled up. Definitely sticking to 89 oct when available. I still notice a bit of a rumble through the pedals, but don't get the trembling through the seat and car that used to happen. Performance doesn't seem to be affected using 89oct over 91oct either, and the car is smoother and quieter on acceleration and at speed.

This may not be your problem, but worked for me.

BTW - I haven't had any wiper problems (touch wood).

illini4

Solution to wiper noise interfering with phone conversations: Stop talking on the phone while driving.

kevm14

The one aspect I couldn't believe was how loud the wiper blades were when they would "hit" bottom

That's kinda funny. My Camaro does the same thing (I'll fix it soon - it already caused a blade airfoil to break). I'd be upset if a 300 did that...

Anyone having rough idling?? The dealership told me that it is the cam

I believe the dealer (for once) is actually correct. Seems that some cars do it more than others, but this pushrod V8 with no variable valve timing (and 340hp) isn't going to idle like a Lexus V8. That's just a fact of life.

priggly

Anyone know if the 300C is quiet at highway speeds? Much wind or road noise?

cerberus300

Not sure about the 300C, but with my 300 if you're talking around the region of 70kph or 90kph then the road noise is the most noticeable thing, especially when driving over concrete surfaces. I put that down to the poor tyre that DC have shod the 300s with. It's still quite a low volume and voices don't need to be raised though. At around the 130kph mark the wind noise becomes noticeable, but still isn't as bad as I expected from the large front nose area.

Kirstie_H

A reporter hopes to interview a Chrysler 300 buyer whose previous vehicle (immediately previous) was an import or foreign-based brand. Please respond to jfallon@edmunds.com by Monday, July 25, 2005, and provide your daytime contact information and vehicle history.

bigmike5

The Chrysler 300M Club is going to the Woodward Dream Cruise,north of Detroit the third weekend in August [20th], and on the following Monday [22nd] after we caravan to Brampton we will be getting a tour of the Chrysler plant in Brampton,Ontario where the 300M's, and now the 300's, Magnums, and Chargers are being made. We expect to have some openings for interested 300M/300, Magnum, Charger or DI owners to come along on the plant tour if any are interested. We made a similar tour a couple of years ago and it was a kick. We have a host hotel at the Holiday Inn-Select in Brampton for Sunday night [and Monday if desired]. We will have a group dinner on Sunday night at a local Italian restuarant. If any 300 owners might be interested in coming to the Dream Cruise and/or attending the plant tour you can email me or leave a note here and give me a contact for you. Our host hotel in Detroit for Friday and Saturday is the Embassy Suites in Southfield, Michigan. We had a group rate at both hotels which has expired now [for the Embassy Suites] but if you mention the "Chrysler 300 group" it may still be made available to you. Our block of rooms is still available until 21 July at the Holiday Inn. We would be happy to have any of our 300 brothers and sisters join us for part or all of this gigantic weekend. For info on the Woodward Dream Cruise check Google. It is the single biggest one day car extravaganza in the world, and to follow it with a tour of the plant is hard to beat. :shades:

Check my July 6 posting at the Edmunds 300M Forum for details, phone numbers, etc.

patticakes

Next fill up I will be more than happy to fill'r up with the cheap stuff. I am optimistic that the "problem" will be fixed.

patticakes

For myself this car is way quieter than anything else I have had since I have only had trucks with aggrssive tires - not the quietest interior - but I always have a radio on. Especially now with the 300 & an open road. Radio up, cruising, I can't hear road noise. I don't drive the highway with my windows open because I can't stand the beating from the wind.

abe

the road noise is a little obtrusive but not unbearable. as someone stated before you dont have to raise your voice. wind noise doesnt really kick in until about 75 mph, 70 if its really windy outside and even at that it isnt bad. the car is relatively quiet compared to a lot of cars ive driven but its not lexus quiet

smithed

We left home with 180 miles on the "C" and returned 5 days later with 1940. Climbed some hills, interstates and two lane roads--Some twisty. Varied speeds a lot and did some full throttle acceleration as specified in the owner's manual for the break in period.

Things I like so far. 1. Sirius radio. I wouldn't have ordered it, but now am hooked. 2. Smooth ride 3. Acceleration at the on ramps 4. The older gentleman who tapped on the window to ask how we liked the car and to say that he was having trouble finding one. 5. No right pull. 6. The dark green color of the dash complements the light green exterior. 7. The fact that my older son, who doesn't like to drive much, drove for 3 hours straight and wanted to do more. 8. Seemed pretty quiet to me while cruising at 80, 9. nice sound it makes when asked to accelerate.

No complaints to date. :shades:

carnut5

I am with you, I get bored with cars and buy every 2 to 3 years. So I have owned quite a few vehicles at the ripe old age of 44. All I can say is that the 300c is the best built car with the fewest problems that I have ever owned. Also, it looks like nothing out there and the design is just beautifullllllllllllllll !!!!

timcar

To add to what has already been written - An earlier thread appeared to establish that the 300C has added sound deadening insulation compared to other 300 models. So descriptions of the noise levels from those models may not apply.

My 20 minuets in a C did not include highway. However when examining the handling on a twisty, I thought I was doing slightly more than 40, looked at the speedo, and found I was doing 60. No noise, and it felt like about 45. And it was immediately noticeable as being substantially quieter than the Audi A6 I was then driving. I'd describe it as a very quiet sedan.

sgssbi

">Well, it happened. I was on my way to church on Sunday on I-95 with the windows up and the CD player on thinking I was going around 70+ when I hear the dreaded siren and see the flashing blues behind me. The very pleasant lady trooper politely asked if I was in a hurry and then told me she had clocked me at 85! I apologized and she let me off with a warning (I really was on my way to services and I think she felt sorry for my obvious advanced years). As I mentioned in an earlier post, I don't have the C with the Hemi (If I had it might have been 95 she clocked me at) but the Touring 6 is still a lot more engine than even my old Grand Prix offered. I only mention this as part of the discussion on wind noise. I absolutely would have known I was going 85 in the Grand Prix but my 300 rides like a whisper in comparison.

mike_sp1

The selection of 300C's was very limited with other options taking priority, so I ended up with the NEC sound/nav system which is the weaker of the sound systems with only 6 speakers and no subwoofer. It is not a bad sound system, but could use a little subwoofage. I noticed that the build statement that came with the car indicated that it had an 8 channel amplifier (probably NOT the 368 watt high end amplifier), but that led me to wonder, since there are only 6 speakers, if it was possible to retrofit an OEM subwoofer that might easily plug into the sound/nav sytem?

Mike

mike_sp1

Four years ago when I purchased a 300M, the general consensus was that Zaino Bros. wax was the only wax to use on that vehicle--both for high gloss and lack of swirls or darker and lighter areas where it was applied. In four years, things change, and as a result, am wondering if there is a better product for a black vehicle for durability, gloss, and lack of swirls and darker or lighter areas after being waxed? Opinions?

Mike

smithed

Can't keep your foot out of it, heh?

Neither can I.

Kirstie_H

A reporter hopes to interview a Chrysler 300 owner whose previous vehicle (immediately previous) was an import or foreign-based brand. Please respond to jfallon@edmunds.com by Friday, July 29, 2005, and provide your daytime contact information and vehicle history.

ddstl

Has anyone increased to the 20 in. on the 300C? I am thinking about going to either a TOYO proxie S/T or the Goodyear Eagle RSA. The proxie has a V rating while the Eagle has an H. My concern is what is going to the 20's going to do to the transmission or brakes? I know the SRT8 is going to come stock with the 20's, but I also know that they did some changes so the car would respond to the bigger tires.

freshwave

I take the 10east from LA to Arizona frequently.

Coming back at 2:00 a.m. on a Sunday morning I got stopped by the Quartzsite police for going 91.

Nobody on the road. The lesson here is to be careful and drive the same at 2:00 a.m. as 2:00 p.m.

By the way....the car is smooth at 120 and the zoomers exhaust rocks.

Seven months and 10 thousand miles....I'm very happy.

freshwave

I've done 120 and didn't notice wind noise

mrdithers

I have heard so much about the AWD problem that has halted 300C production. Does anyone know what the problem is?

mike_sp1

Upon washing my new 300C, I noticed that the chrome-looking wheels are not really chrome as were the wheels on my 300M--they are spoked wheels clad in plastic to look like chrome. On the up side, they have wonderful shine and there is no need to apply protectant against road salt in the winter to prevent corrosion, but on the down side, I have to wonder about the durability of the plastic against being abraded by the wheel scrubbing machines at carwashes. Any thoughts on this latter concern?

BTW--CAUTION--the salesman cautioned me against getting tire sidewall conditioner slopped on the plastic--that it will spot permanently.

Mike

mikeyjohn

I have already had my plastic wheels repaced under warranty. If you have a 05 then watch that the wheels don't start pitting and corode. I also had a 01 300M and the wheels were chrome but then DC went cheap after that and started putting the plastic covered wheels on the cars.

If you run into this problem with your C then demand that they be replaced and don't take no for an answer.

lavender1

We live in Michigan and they think salt is the cats meow during the winter.Our dealer noticed that wheels on our 300c were pitting so they replaced them under warranty then gave me the old rims to use during the winter.When we got our new rims they came with new tires also so I'm set for winter.

mikek7

I noticed a piece of plastic hanging from the interior roof liner right next to the front windshield. When I went to pull it off, I noticed that the roof liner was cut all the way across within an inch or two from the front windshield. There is no molding or other finish, just the cut end of the liner approximatley 1 inch away from the front windshield. While not visible, it seems that our C may be missing a piece of molding there. Can anyone tell me whether this finish is normal? Thanks

lavender1

mikek7 Ours is the same way.This has been the way several cars we have had in the past does there head liner the same way.I think the reason they do this there will be no squeaks in the molding that would attach to the front,and it looks better.Just my thought.

celonabar

HAS ANYONE OUT THERE BEEN TO ONE OF THE CHRYSLER INSPIRED DRIVE PROMOTIONS-----I REGISTERED FOR THE ONE IN SEPT. IN TAMPA AND WAS WONDERING WHAT TO EXPECT. THEY HAVE A DRAG STRIP, FULLLINE COURSE, AND THRILL RIDE WITH PRO DRIVERS AND YOU IN THE RIDERS SEAT. SOUNDED INTERESTING AND THOUGHT I'D ASK IF I COULD GET ANY FEEDBACK????

mikeyjohn

You must have a great dealer!!! I was lucky to have had my rims replaced without a lot of arguing, let alone being able to keep my old rims for winter!!!!

lavender1

Mikeyjohn My dealer said that DC didn't want the rims back.So after the rep looked at the rims for rust they called and said to come and get them. I would check with your dealer and see if they will do the same for you.

bigmike5

Any chance you or others from Canada can join us 300M owners who will be tourning the plant in Brampton on 22 August. I know there must be some new 300 owners who would want to getting a briefing at the plant and then see how the cars are made. We have some openings for our group tour, so if you can make it let me know. :shades:

mikeyjohn

I remember when the gang went down the last time when I had my 300M, unfortunately I am in western Canada and a little far for an afternoon tour. Try putting this on to the other forums and you might get some response from folks who live closer.

mikeyjohn

I am off the next couple of days and I must take your advise and contact my dealer and see if he still has the rims. I know there were several customers who were in the same boat as me, so they should have lots of rims hanging around. Thanks for the heads up.

mark_wny

I just visited the Chrysler site, where they have posted 'build and price' info for 2006 models. Is it my imagination - or has Chrysler slightly softened the front end of the 300, so that it's not quite so 'in your face' - ?

bigmike5

I've posted just about everywhere trying to get some more attendance, but it has been a little thin so far. We have a couple more weeks so maybe a few more will be local enough to join us for the day. :shades:

kevm14

I think their pictures are computer simulated or something. Try looking here at Edmunds.

hasan1

I have been snowed everywhere trying to buy a 300C maintnance manual or a CD or DVD with same information. Owners Manual is for explaining where to turn on the lights etc. Any locations that have manuals for sale? I recently bought a loaded 300C that is doing fine so far.

njerald

Buy direct from Chrysler or check periodically on EBAY. Nothing on EBAY at this time however.

imidazol97

Talk to your friendly dealer service manager. He should be able to tell you where a manual is available. I just checked Helmin.com and they don't have Chrysler. They write manuals for many other brands.

Someone makes a manual available for Chrysler mechanics; if it's not offered in the back of you owner's manual, he can tell you who supplies them. It may be pricey. I think my last one for my 03 car cost $120. A CD was available that covered many GM cars; I opted not to get it. Now it's not offered at Helm.

mike_sp1

OK--I give up--where's the oil filter on my 300C? I have done the routine service on all of my vehicles since 1961 and it appears that it will be necessary to remove the splash shield in order to locate the oil filter--is this correct and if so, is it on the driver's side or passenger side of the engine? TIA

Mike

mikeyjohn

I stopped by my local dealer yesterday and asked about the rims and they got back to me to-day and told me that DC will not give the rims back due to warranty issues. You got lucky!!!!!!

mike_sp1

OK--found out that the oil filter is located toward the back of the engine above the splash shield. Next question--is it possible to remove only the back two retaining screws and let the rear of the splash shield drop down to allow enough space to change the oil filter without having to use a service station lift?

Mike

ford624

Recently traveling to my Grandson's 3rd birthday I was able to enjoy many of my recently bought 2005 300c fine points.
I live in San Jose, my Grandson lives near Seal Beach.
I like the Navigation system. It is especially good when I take side trips after arriving to destination. It was easy to get back to my Son's home.
I also like the Sirius radio, especially channel 5, for the Golden Oldies. I liked to roll down the windows and turn up the music while in traffic. Great Boston Speakers.
The hands free Bluetooth worked good too especially in traffic.
The power going over the Grapevine Mountains was never questioned. It took the mountains with ease.
It was also cool that most everyone likes to check out the car. That is easy to understand. My polished Silver 300 C is quite a handsome looker.

sgssbi

I bought a 2006 300 Touring RWD in late May this year and have enjoyed checking out the Edmunds.com comparisons with other cars in that class. Chrysler also uses Edmunds to give comparisons on its site. In all the different comparisons, the 300 Touring is listed as having "storage" on the back of the seats and "storage" in the rear center arm rest. I sure don't have these features and while small, I'm hoping they are not things added to production after mine was made. The production date on my car is April 2005. Does anybody know about this or does Edmunds have an answer? Or are these features on the Limited not the Touring marque?

mitch17

My 300C with 4000 miles started making loud noise whenever I pressed accelerator--am being told problem is with transmission--not sure yet what it is--anyone had this or knows what it is? Thanks.

fuzzywuzzy

Long time no post
I am going on a road trip next week. South FL to TN to NY then back. I'm renting a 300 for 7 days. Getting the limited/touring model from Dollar. Great deal at only $226. Have some questions...
This version has the 3.5L correct? If it does do I need to use midgrade gas? I know the 300M I had used it. How are the seats? Will I be comfortable in them for such a long drive. Do the head rests tilt? Does it have a CD changer or single cd? I rented the base version before, but not this upgraded one so I'm not sure what it has.
Thanks

qbrozen

i certainly wouldn't put anything but the cheapest possible gas into a rental car ... but i guess that's just me.

shep4

Just bought a 300 Touring--had been Rental with 20,000 miles. Got the CD from DC--cost $118. incl UPS. The printed books (7000 pages) cost $350+. Can print any page from the CD. Can't read the CD--must print it. Along the way I learned a Rental car is not eligible for the 75000 mile warranty--just the 36M. I would really like to convert the heater/AC to auto temp control--my dealer says it can't be done. Anyone have a solution?

fuzzywuzzy

pat

Ahh, maybe it's just taking a two-day nap. I'd like one of them, myself. :P