Segment:
Full-size luxury sedan
Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, owners seeking detailed maintenance and repair information
Competitors:
Ford Crown Victoria, Chevrolet Impala, Toyota Avalon, Buick Park Avenue
Vehicle Features:
Spacious interior, comfortable ride, distinctive styling, powerful V6 engine options
Benefit To Owner:
Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs confidently, saving money and ensuring quality workmanship.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, cooling, lubrication, fuel, ignition, emissions control, diagnostics
Transmission Systems:
Automatic transmission (42LE), clutch, torque converter, shift controls, diagnostics
Brake Systems:
Front disc, rear disc, ABS, hydraulic system, parking brake, diagnostics
Suspension Steering:
Front suspension (struts, control arms, ball joints), rear suspension (trailing arms, shock absorbers), power steering, alignment
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, body controls, power accessories, HVAC controls, audio system, diagnostic connectors
Body Chassis:
Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, frame, exhaust system, fuel tank, ride height control (if applicable)
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, fluid checks/replacements, filter replacements, tune-ups, belt replacement, spark plug replacement, brake pad replacement, tire rotation
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, power steering pump replacement, alternator replacement, starter replacement, body panel repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), wiring diagrams, component testing procedures, scan tool usage
Depth Level:
Comprehensive: from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical system diagnostics, and bodywork
Engine Type:
3.5L V6 SOHC (Single Overhead Cam)
Bore X Stroke:
96.0 mm x 81.0 mm
Horsepower Hp:
214 hp @ 5700 RPM
Torque Lb Ft:
220 lb-ft @ 4250 RPM
0 60 Mph:
Approximately 8.5 seconds
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane recommended
ECU Type:
Proprietary Chrysler Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
Transmission Type:
42LE 4-speed automatic transaxle
Optional Transmission:
N/A for 2001 models
Transmission Features:
Electronically controlled, lock-up torque converter, driver selectable modes (e.g., Power/Normal)
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Material Standard MS-9602)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 10.2 quarts (9.6 liters) for a complete refill
Length:
201.0 inches (5105 mm)
Width:
74.7 inches (1897 mm)
Height:
56.9 inches (1445 mm)
Wheelbase:
113.0 inches (2870 mm)
Passenger Volume:
106.1 cubic feet (3.0 cubic meters)
Trunk Volume:
16.0 cubic feet (0.45 cubic meters)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3600 - 3700 lbs (1633 - 1678 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approximately 4770 lbs (2164 kg)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Driver:
5 Stars (as per NHTSA data for comparable LH platform vehicles)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Passenger:
5 Stars (as per NHTSA data for comparable LH platform vehicles)
IIHS Frontal Offset Score:
Good (for vehicles of this era on the LH platform)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants
Child Seats:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system, rear child safety door locks
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles (5,000-12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions.
Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) with platinum-tipped plugs
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2-3 years
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30, meeting Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.7 quarts (4.5 liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, Mopar brand recommended
Power Steering Fluid Type:
ATF+3 or ATF+4
Common Problems 1:
Premature wear of front suspension components (ball joints, tie rods), especially on early models.
Common Problems 2:
Issues with the automatic transmission (42LE), such as slipping or delayed shifting, often due to fluid degradation or solenoid issues.
Common Problems 3:
Cracked dashboard plastic, particularly in hot climates, leading to peeling or bubbling.
Common Problems 4:
Water pump leaks and radiator issues over time.
Common Problems 5:
Electrical gremlins, including faulty power window motors, door lock actuators, and HVAC blower motor resistor failures.
Brand History:
Chrysler has a long history of producing American luxury and performance vehicles, dating back to the 1920s.
Platform Basis:
Based on the Chrysler LH platform, shared with the Dodge Intrepid and Eagle Vision (and later Chrysler Concorde)
300M Introduction:
The 300M was introduced for the 1999 model year as a premium, performance-oriented variant of the LH sedan, positioned above the Concorde.
Production Years:
1999-2004
Manufacturing Location:
Bramalea, Ontario, Canada
Car And Driver 10Best:
Chrysler 300M was recognized on Car and Driver's 10Best lists in multiple years during its production run (e.g., 1999).
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Variable consumer ratings, often praised for styling and ride comfort, but with noted concerns about reliability in certain areas.
Emissions Certification:
Meets EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions standards for its model year.
