Positioning:
Luxury sports coupe/roadster, blending American design with German engineering for a unique market segment.
Key Competitors:
BMW Z4, Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class, Porsche Boxster (aspirational), Audi TT.
Design Heritage:
Based on the Mercedes-Benz SLK platform (R170), featuring a distinctive long hood, short deck, and unique interior styling.
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts seeking a stylish, rear-wheel-drive sports car with a premium feel at a more accessible price point than established European rivals.
Powertrain:
Engine operation, starting procedures, fuel system overview, cooling system, exhaust system basic information.
Transmission:
Automatic transmission operation and indicators (if applicable), manual transmission basic operation.
Chassis:
Braking system components and operation, steering system basic overview, suspension system basic explanation.
Electrical:
Instrument panel and gauges, lighting systems, power accessories (windows, locks), basic warning indicators.
Climate Control:
HVAC system operation, climate control settings.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system explanation, seatbelt usage, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) operation indicators.
Operation:
How to start and stop the engine, operating controls, parking procedures.
Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, basic cleaning and care.
Emergencies:
What to do in case of a breakdown, tire changing procedures (basic), jump-starting procedures, warning light explanations.
Consumer Assistance:
Contact information for customer support, warranty information overview.
Depth:
Consumer-level, focusing on safe operation and basic maintenance. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or repair instructions.
Digital Format Availability:
Likely available as PDF for digital sale, but original format is printed.
Print Quality:
Original: High-quality OEM printing. Resale: Dependent on the seller's reproduction quality.
Binding:
Original: Typically saddle-stitched or perfect bound. Resale: Can vary.
Paper Quality:
Original: Durable, often glossy paper. Resale: Can vary.
Engine Type:
3.2L SOHC V6 (Mercedes-Benz M112 E32)
Displacement:
3199 cc (3.2 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
89.9 mm x 84.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Horsepower:
215 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
229 lb-ft (310 Nm) @ 3000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 AKI or higher recommended)
Engine Control Unit:
Bosch Motronic ME 2.8.1 (typical)
Transmission Type:
6-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag 236)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Automatic Transmission (Mercedes-Benz NAG3)
Automatic Modes:
Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
MB 236.10 or MB 236.12 (e.g., Pentosin ATF1 or equivalent)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90
Length:
167.5 inches (4255 mm)
Width:
69.5 inches (1765 mm)
Height:
53.5 inches (1359 mm) (Coupe) / 53.0 inches (1346 mm) (Roadster)
Wheelbase:
94.5 inches (2400 mm)
Trunk Volume Coupe:
7.4 cubic feet (210 liters)
Trunk Volume Roadster:
5.7 cubic feet (160 liters) with roof up
Curb Weight Manual:
Approx. 3197 lbs (1450 kg)
Curb Weight Automatic:
Approx. 3274 lbs (1485 kg)
NHTSA Frontal Impact:
4-star driver, 4-star passenger (for Coupe, 2005 model year)
IIHS Small Overlap Front:
Not rated (vehicle not tested under current IIHS protocols)
Braking System:
4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BAS).
Traction Control:
Electronic Traction Control (ETC) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP).
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, side-impact airbags.
Restraints:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Rollover Protection:
For Roadster: Integrated rollover protection bars behind the headrests.
Audio System:
Factory premium audio system, often with CD player and AM/FM radio. Optional navigation system.
Display Type:
Central display for audio/climate, often monochrome or basic color screen.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Parking Assistance:
Rear parking assist sensors were an available option on some trims.
Bluetooth:
Not standard on 2005 models; may have been an aftermarket or dealer-installed option.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).
Engine Air Filter:
Replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed.
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) (if equipped with original iridium plugs).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-40 Synthetic (MB-Approval 229.5 or 229.3)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 quarts (8.0 liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
MB 325.0 or MB 326.0 compliant (Chrysler spec: HOAT, 50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Problems Wear Items:
Subframe bushings, wheel bearings, clutch wear (manual), convertible top hydraulic system issues (Roadster), HVAC blower motor resistor.
Common Problems Electrical:
Window regulator failures, CAN bus communication issues, ABS/ESP sensor faults.
Common Problems Mechanical:
Oil leaks from valve covers or oil cooler seals, fuel pump failures.
Chrysler Heritage:
Chrysler's history includes a focus on innovation, styling, and a wide range of vehicles, though the Crossfire was a departure into a niche sports car segment.
Crossfire Development:
Conceived as a production version of the 1998 Chrysler Chronos concept car. Developed and built by Karmann in Germany using Mercedes-Benz R170 SLK components.
Production Years:
2004-2008
Manufacturing Location:
Osnabrück, Germany (by Karmann)
Key Variants:
Base Coupe, Base Roadster, Limited Coupe, Limited Roadster, SRT-6 Coupe, SRT-6 Roadster.
