Segment:
Sports Car / Grand Tourer
Brand Perception:
Chrysler's attempt to offer a stylish, European-influenced sports coupe/roadster based on Mercedes-Benz technology.
Key Competitors 2006:
Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Corvette (entry-level trims), Nissan 350Z, Mazda RX-8, Pontiac GTO.
Design Influence:
Designed by DaimlerChrysler's German design studios, heavily influenced by the Mercedes-Benz SLK R170 platform.
Powertrain Source:
Utilized Mercedes-Benz engines and transmissions.
Body Styles:
Available as a coupe and a roadster.
Powertrain:
Engine operation, starting, stopping, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system basics.
Drivetrain:
Transmission operation (automatic), rear-wheel drive system overview.
Chassis:
Braking system operation, steering system overview, suspension basics.
Electrical:
Instrument panel and gauges, lighting systems, power features (windows, locks), battery, fuses (basic locations).
Body:
Doors, windows, convertible top operation (if applicable to the specific trim), seating, safety belts, airbags.
Climate Control:
HVAC system operation, air conditioning, heating.
Infotainment:
Audio system operation, radio, CD player, basic settings.
Operation:
Key usage, starting and stopping the engine, driving instructions, parking, fuel filling.
Emergency Procedures:
Jump starting, tire changing, towing, accident procedures, warning lights explanation.
Maintenance:
Fluid checks (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, basic cleaning instructions, scheduled maintenance overview.
Consumer Assistance:
Information on contacting customer support, warranty information overview.
Depth:
Owner-level (basic operation, user-accessible maintenance, troubleshooting of common symptoms).
Physical Format:
Printed booklet
Print Quality:
Standard OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) quality, likely black and white text with some color diagrams.
Binding:
Stapled or perfect bound (typical for owner's manuals)
Paper Type:
Standard paper stock, durable enough for regular use.
Engine Code:
M112 E32 (Mercedes-Benz V6 engine)
Configuration:
3.2L (3199cc) SOHC V6
Horsepower Hp:
215 hp @ 6000 rpm (standard models)
Torque Lb Ft:
229 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (standard models)
Acceleration 0 60 Mph:
Approx. 6.5 - 7.0 seconds (RWD Coupe)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane recommended for optimal performance)
ECM Type:
Bosch Motronic (specific variant varies)
Type:
5-speed Automatic (Mercedes-Benz 5G-Tronic)
Features:
TouchShift manual shifting mode.
Type:
6-speed Manual (available on some Coupe models, particularly SRT-6)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
MB Specification 236.10 / 236.12 (e.g., Mobil ATF 134, Pentosin ATF1)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
MB Specification 235.10 (e.g., Mobil Mobilube Syn FE 75W-90)
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not rated or not tested (typical for specialty sports cars of this era)
IIHS Front Impact:
Acceptable (for comparable R170 platform vehicles)
Traction Control:
Standard (ASR - Acceleration Slip Regulation)
Stability Control:
Optional or standard on higher trims (ESP - Electronic Stability Program)
ABS:
Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags, side airbags (standard or optional).
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up rollover protection bars (standard on Roadster).
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pre-tensioners.
Audio System:
Chrysler premium audio system with AM/FM stereo, CD player (single or in-dash changer), and auxiliary input (on some models).
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available on higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Bluetooth:
Not typically available from the factory in 2006; aftermarket solutions common.
Seats:
Sport bucket seats, optional heated front seats.
Convertible Top Operation:
Power-operated convertible top with remote operation (Roadster).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil).
Transmission Service:
Automatic transmission fluid and filter change every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or as recommended by dealer service. Manual transmission fluid inspection.
Coolant Change:
First change at 100,000 miles (160,000 km), then every 50,000 miles (80,000 km).
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 0W-40 Synthetic (MB Approval 229.5)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 7.5 quarts (7.1 Liters) with filter change
Coolant Specification:
MB Specification 325.0 / 326.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant, Blue color)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
MB Specification 236.3 (ATF Dexron II/III)
Common Wear Items:
Suspension bushings, catalytic converter, various interior trim pieces, convertible top hydraulic lines (Roadster).
Electrical Quirks:
Occasional sensor failures (e.g., ABS/ESP sensor), radio static or interference.
Major Service Items:
Spark plug replacement (typically every 100,000 miles for platinum plugs), serpentine belt inspection/replacement, brake service.
Chrysler Legacy:
Chrysler has a history of producing stylish coupes and convertibles, though the Crossfire represented a more niche, performance-oriented segment.
Crossfire Genesis:
Developed from the Mercedes-Benz SLK (R170) platform, with Chrysler styling. First introduced for the 2004 model year.
Production Years:
2004-2008
Manufacturing Location:
Karmann Coachworks, Osnabrück, Germany