Technical Specifications
| Brand | Chrysler |
| Model | 300M |
| Generation | 300M |
| Type (Engine) | 3.5 i V6 24V (252 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1998 |
| End of production | 2004 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 13.1 l/100 km (18 US mpg, 21.6 UK mpg, 7.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 9.1 l/100 km (25.8 US mpg, 31 UK mpg, 11 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 11.5 l/100 km (20.5 US mpg, 24.6 UK mpg, 8.7 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 7.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 7.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 225 km/h (139.81 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.5 kg/Hp, 154.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.8 kg/Nm, 208.6 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 252 Hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Power per litre | 71.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 340 Nm @ 4000 rpm (250.77 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | EGG |
| Engine displacement | 3518 cm3 (214.68 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 96 mm (3.78 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 81 mm (3.19 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.9:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.7 l (4.97 US qt | 4.14 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 10.5 l (11.1 US qt | 9.24 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1630 kg (3593.53 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2130 kg (4695.85 lbs.) |
| Max load | 500 kg (1102.31 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 475 l (16.77 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 530 l (18.72 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 64 l (16.91 US gal | 14.08 UK gal) |
| Length | 5000 mm (196.85 in.) |
| Width | 1920 mm (75.59 in.) |
| Height | 1420 mm (55.91 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2870 mm (112.99 in.) |
| Front track | 1575 mm (62.01 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1565 mm (61.61 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 225/55 R17 |
The Chrysler 300M 3.5 i V6 24V, produced from 1998 to 2004, marked a deliberate shift for Chrysler towards a more sophisticated and European-inspired large sedan. Positioned as a premium offering within the Chrysler lineup, the 300M was designed to challenge import competitors like the Toyota Avalon and Buick Park Avenue. Built on Chrysler’s LH platform – shared with the Concorde, Intrepid, and Vision – the 300M distinguished itself through unique styling and a focus on a more refined driving experience. The 3.5-liter V6, generating 252 horsepower, paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, represented the top-tier powertrain option for the 300M, delivering the highest performance level available for this model.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The core of the 300M 3.5 i was the EGG engine, a 3.5-liter (3518 cc) 60-degree V6. This engine featured a cast iron block with aluminum cylinder heads, employing a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. The engine utilized multi-port fuel injection, delivering fuel directly into each intake port. The 9.9:1 compression ratio represented a balance between performance and the ability to operate reliably on readily available 87 octane gasoline. The four-speed automatic transmission (42RE) was specifically calibrated for smooth shifts and comfortable cruising, prioritizing refinement over aggressive performance. While not a particularly advanced transmission by contemporary standards, it was considered reliable and well-suited to the engine’s torque characteristics.
Driving Characteristics
The 300M 3.5 i provided a comfortable and composed driving experience. The automatic transmission, while smooth, did diminish the sense of direct control somewhat. Acceleration to 60 mph in approximately 7.4 to 7.8 seconds was respectable for the era, but noticeably slower than the performance offered by the 300M equipped with the optional manual transmission or the higher-output versions found in other Chrysler models. The gear ratios were optimized for highway cruising, resulting in a relaxed feel at higher speeds. However, this also meant the engine could feel somewhat strained during aggressive acceleration or when ascending hills. The front-wheel-drive configuration contributed to a slight tendency towards understeer, particularly when pushed hard through corners.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 300M 3.5 i typically came standard with features such as air conditioning, power windows and locks, a premium sound system, and alloy wheels. Interior upholstery was generally cloth, with leather options available. The dashboard featured woodgrain trim and a relatively straightforward layout. Optional extras included a sunroof, an upgraded sound system with a CD changer, and automatic temperature control. The 300M aimed for a more luxurious ambiance than its siblings, the Concorde and Intrepid, with a greater emphasis on interior materials and sound insulation.
Chassis & Braking
The 300M utilized an independent front suspension with spring struts and a double wishbone rear suspension. This setup delivered a comfortable ride, effectively absorbing bumps and road imperfections. The braking system consisted of ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) were standard equipment. The chassis was engineered to prioritize ride comfort and noise isolation, rather than outright handling prowess. Stabilizer bars were fitted front and rear, but were relatively modest in size compared to those found on sportier vehicles.
Market Reception & Comparison
Critics generally lauded the 300M for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and refined styling. However, the automatic transmission was occasionally criticized for its lack of responsiveness. Compared to the base 300M with the 2.5-liter V6, the 3.5 i offered a substantial performance improvement. Against the manual transmission versions, it traded some performance for convenience. Fuel economy was average for the class, around 20.5 mpg combined. Reliability was generally good, although some owners reported issues with the automatic transmission over the long term.
Legacy
The Chrysler 300M, particularly the 3.5 i variant, remains a relatively affordable and comfortable used car option. The 3.5-liter V6 engine is generally considered reliable, provided regular maintenance is performed. The four-speed automatic transmission, while durable, can be susceptible to wear and tear with high mileage. Today, the 300M is appreciated by enthusiasts for its distinctive styling and comfortable driving experience, representing a unique chapter in Chrysler’s history as they attempted to move upmarket and compete with established luxury brands.
