300c Crd (diesel) Uk / Euro Spec

[Geordie]

As promised here is a brief overview of the Chrysler 300C UK spec cars.

The 3.5 and 5.7 petrol versions were launched in the UK in November 2005 and the CRD diesel model arrived last month. The 'on the road ' price of the 3.5 and CRD are the same at £25,750 and the 5.7 costs £32,995. Not sure what that equates to in $US but they are all considerably more expensive in the UK!

The only difference in outward appearance is that the diesel has the CRD badge on the trunk lid and the front bumper apron has an additional air intake vent in the centre below the grille.

I had test drives in the 3.5 and CRD before deciding that the CRD was the one to go for, primarily because the fuel consumption (fuel is very expensive in the UK) is vastly superior at 35 mpg (imperial gallon) on the 'combined cycle' which rises to 42 mpg during 'extra urban' use. The torque of the CRD is also compelling and is almost on a par with the HEMI!

The CRD, which is made at Gratz in Austria, has the latest 3.0lt V6 refined turbodiesel common rail Mercedes Benz engine of 2,987cc producing 218 bhp at 3,800 rpm and 376 lb ft of torque at 1,600 - 2,800 rpm. Top speed is 143 mph and 0 - 62 is reached in 7.6 secs. Startech have produced a tuning kit which further increases the output to 262 bhp!

The CRD is also fitted with the Mercedes Benz 5 speed fully auto transmission with 'AutoStick' manual over-ride which perfectly complements the CRD engine.

I understand that Euro diesel fuel is more refined than that used in the States and that it is intended to introduce this grade of diesel into the States in the near future following new legislation? It is therefore highly likely that this brilliant engine could be ultimately available to the US spec 300C!

The standard spec list on all three models is very comprehensive and there are only 5 available factory options viz. Calif. walnut Accents; 7 speaker Boston premium acoustic sound system with sub woofer and 380 watt output; full screen sat. nav; 6 disc CD auto changer and electric sunroof. There is also a 3 years or 60,000 miles warranty.

I have ordered the CRD in mineral grey metallic; dark slate / light slate interior with all 5 factory options and hope to take delivery next month.

The only mod that I am intending to make is the installation of a T-Rex triple chrome mesh grille which is currently ordered and on its way to the UK courtesy of my son who resides in CA. I know that aftermarket grilles are the 'norm' in the States but over here even the car is a rare site and Chrysler only intend to make about 2,000 300C's available to the UK market this year. In consequence there is presently a waiting list until November for the CRD which will be the most sought after model in the UK.

The 300C is fantastic value for money and there is nothing that can be compared to it in the UK. Just cant wait for it to arrive!

I will post some pics and provide a new owner overdue soon after arrival.

Regards

Geordie

[Kim Hufty]

If new orders are not being delivered until November how did you get yours so quick?

I think the states are about ready for diesel. Look foreward to your review and PICTURES!

[Superleggera SRT8]

I live in the states, but i found Startech's website when i was trying to see if any mercedes tuners were doing any work on the LX forums. Startech has done some cool things to the line, like the exhaust set up. I wonder if i can have them ship parts to the states or if they will even fit on my 5.7L.

[NC-SXT]

now if we could get the tuner AND one of these


http://www.startech.de/homee.htm

[Geordie]

If new orders are not being delivered until November how did you get yours so quick?

I think the states are about ready for diesel. Look foreward to your review and PICTURES!

Hi there 'Kim Hufty'...

Good forward planning and a bit of luck really!...I had done plenty of research on the CRD re motoring press articles etc pre-launch but had to have a test drive before commiting myself as I had not previously owned a diesel car.

Immediately after the test drive, early January, I contacted a few dealers re my choice of colour and spec. My local dealership couldn't get my choice of vehicle for a few months but I was fortunate to track down a dealer outside of my area who just happened to have ordered my colour and spec that same day and he did not have a customer lined up for it! Since the launch the UK motoring journalists have given the CRD rave reviews hence the creation of the waiting list.

Regards

Geordie

[Geordie]

I live in the states, but i found Startech's website when i was trying to see if any mercedes tuners were doing any work on the LX forums. Startech has done some cool things to the line, like the exhaust set up. I wonder if i can have them ship parts to the states or if they will even fit on my 5.7L.

Hi 'FOOSEified RT'...

I have established a good contact at the Startech H.Q. in Bottrop, Germany. Christopher DIETZE looks after Export Sales and I have found him to be very helpful when I have contacted him via e-mail and telephone re queries on Startech products. His contact phone number is +49 / (0) 2041 / 777552 and his e-mail address is Christoph.DIETZE@brabus.com. He also speaks good English.

Regards

Geordie

[mikoazca]

The U.S. Startech distributor is CRD North America, Inc. 4040 Campus Drive, Newport Beach, CA. 92660. Ph: (949) 851-1006. Email is info@brabus-usa.com
This came off the Startech website www.startech.de
Mik

[Yelloo]

have buy same size as Startech given wheels size to my 300C
Startech is same company as BRABUS for Mercedes

[Superleggera SRT8]

Thanks for the information. I am going to contact him in regards to my car. Now only if we could the deisel over here as well.

[PaulFix]

Now that is what I would change my Hemi Mag for, a chipped Turbo Diesel Mag.

[midnight_blue_rt]

Hey Geordie - can't wait to see some pics! How rare will this car be over there? It's been 15 years since I lived in the UK, and I don't remember ever seeing a Chrysler product at that time. Does Chrysler have a dealer network there?

[jbol]

I am very interested in if Startech/Brabus will be bringing anything over from europe for the LX. One thing about Brabus though...they are expensive!

I would LOVE to have the front end of my Mag look like the 300c Touring. That looks GOOD!

[Geordie]

Now that is what I would change my Hemi Mag for, a chipped Turbo Diesel Mag.

You may be interested to know that the SRT-8 arrives in the UK in April followed by the 300C Touring (Dodge Magnum equivalent?) in May which is also available in CRD guise and of course can be 'chipped'!

[Geordie]

Hey Geordie - can't wait to see some pics! How rare will this car be over there? It's been 15 years since I lived in the UK, and I don't remember ever seeing a Chrysler product at that time. Does Chrysler have a dealer network there?

Hey there 'midnight blue rt'...

Chrysler have been established in the UK for quite a few years now and of late their main offerings have been the Neon saloon (sedan?) and the Voyager ( MPV) models.

There are currently 90 dealerships throughout the UK and the recent arrival of the 300C (petrol Nov 2005 & diesel Jan 2006) makes them a very rare sight indeed. That will continue to be the situation as Chrysler only intend to release about 2000 300C's to the UK this year which hopefully, will keep depreciation to a minimum.

Since the demise of the Vauxhall Omega and the Ford Granada in the UK (both were very large cars) the 300C is considered to be the successor to those models. Therefore being unique, it has no direct competitors and its outstanding spec and reasonable price will ensure that it will be well sought after over here, particularly the CRD model.

Regards

Geordie

[midnight_blue_rt]

Ford Granada in the UK (both were very large cars)

Lol - my father had one of these in the early 80s - what a tank (in our case a beige tank with a beige interior).