The Chrysler 300 (2005) was positioned as a premium, large sedan, often marketed as a 'retro-styled' vehicle with a distinctive, imposing presence, competing in a segment against established luxury brands.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Key competitors included the Cadillac DTS, Lincoln Town Car, and to some extent, entry-level luxury sedans from brands like BMW (5 Series) and Mercedes-Benz (E-Class) due to its aggressive pricing and rear-wheel-drive platform.
Key Features
Design Language:
Distinctive American luxury styling with a strong emphasis on bold grille, chrome accents, and an upright posture.
Powertrain Options:
Available with powerful V6 and V8 HEMI engines, offering a blend of comfort and performance.
Platform Sharing:
Utilized the rear-wheel-drive LX platform, shared with other DaimlerChrysler products like the Dodge Charger and Magnum.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Engine Coverage:
3.5L V6 (EGG), 5.7L V8 HEMI (EZH)
Transmission Coverage:
5-Speed Automatic (W5A580/NAG1)
Drivetrain Coverage:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Body Style Coverage:
4-Door Sedan
Trim Level Coverage:
Base, Touring, Limited, 300C
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
2000+
Manual Type
Manual Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, exhaust, engine control systems (ECM)
Transmission Drivetrain:
Automatic transmission (NAG1) service, diagnosis, overhaul, transfer case (AWD), drive shafts, differentials
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes (ABS, ESP), wheels, tires
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, body control module (BCM), comfort controls, power accessories, navigation, audio systems
Comprehensive: Covers everything from routine maintenance and diagnostics to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Format:
PDF
Searchability:
Searchable text content
Print Quality
Print Quality:
High-resolution scans, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual.
Binding Type
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital PDF)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine 3 5L V6:
3.5L SOHC V6 (EGG)
Engine 3 5L V6 Displacement:
3518 cc
Engine 3 5L V6 Bore X Stroke:
96.0 mm x 81.0 mm
Engine 3 5L V6 Compression Ratio:
9.6:1
Engine 3 5L V6 Horsepower:
250 hp @ 6400 rpm
Engine 3 5L V6 Torque:
250 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm
Engine 5 7L V8 Hemi:
5.7L OHV V8 HEMI (EZH)
Engine 5 7L V8 Hemi Displacement:
5654 cc
Engine 5 7L V8 Hemi Bore X Stroke:
99.5 mm x 90.9 mm
Engine 5 7L V8 Hemi Compression Ratio:
9.6:1
Engine 5 7L V8 Hemi Horsepower:
340 hp @ 5000 rpm
Engine 5 7L V8 Hemi Torque:
390 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended, 91 octane for HEMI recommended for optimal performance)
Performance
Hemi Mds:
Multi-Displacement System (MDS) on 5.7L HEMI for cylinder deactivation to improve fuel economy.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Standard Transmission:
5-Speed Automatic (Mercedes-Benz NAG1/W5A580)
Optional
Optional Transmission:
N/A (5-speed automatic was the sole transmission option for 2005 models)
Features
Automatic Transmission Features:
Electronically controlled with adaptive learning, driver-selectable shifting modes (e.g., AutoStick).
Fluid Specifications
Transmission Fluid Type:
Mopar ATF+4 (MS-9602) or equivalent specified by Mercedes-Benz
Fluid Capacities
Transmission Fluid Capacity Approx:
9.5 liters (8.4 US quarts)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
120.0 inches (3048 mm)
Length:
196.1 inches (4981 mm)
Width:
74.1 inches (1882 mm)
Height:
58.4 inches (1483 mm)
Interior
Passenger Volume:
104.3 cubic feet (2953 liters)
Cargo
Trunk Volume:
15.2 cubic feet (430 liters)
Weights
Curb Weight Approx V6:
3850 lbs (1746 kg)
Curb Weight Approx Hemi:
4068 lbs (1845 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Approx:
4950 - 5100 lbs (2245 - 2313 kg)
Wheels Tires
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5 x 114.3 mm (5 x 4.5 inch)
Standard Tire Size V6:
P225/60R18
Standard Tire Size Hemi:
P245/45R19
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Frontal Driver 2005:
★★★★★ (5-Star)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger 2005:
★★★★★ (5-Star)
IIHS Frontal Offset 2005:
Good
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Esp:
Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP) / Traction Control
Passive Features
Airbags Front:
Standard front advanced multi-stage airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional/Standard (depending on trim) front and rear side-curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
Front seat pretensioner seatbelts
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment System:
Available Boston Acoustics premium audio system, optional navigation system with CD/DVD player.
Controls:
Steering wheel mounted audio controls.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear park assist sensors.
Connectivity
Auxiliary Input:
N/A (No standard auxiliary input port for this model year; aftermarket solutions may exist)
Comfort Features
Remote Start:
Optional remote start system.
Heated Seats:
Available heated front seats.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (refer to manual for exact mileage based on driving conditions)
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Typically 60,000-100,000 miles, or as indicated by maintenance schedule/warning lights (consult manual for specific type and interval).
Coolant Change Interval:
Every 100,000 miles or 5 years for the initial change, then every 50,000 miles or 3 years thereafter (specific Mopar OAT coolant required).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type V6:
SAE 5W-20 (API Service SN or newer, Chrysler MS-6395 compliant)
Engine Oil Type Hemi:
SAE 5W-20 (API Service SN or newer, Chrysler MS-6395 compliant)
Engine Oil Capacity V6:
5.0 US quarts (4.7 liters) with filter change
Engine Oil Capacity Hemi:
7.0 US quarts (6.6 liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant (MS-9769), typically orange or pink.
Known Issues
Common Issues Electrical:
Water intrusion into TIPM (Total Integrated Power Module), leading to various electrical gremlins; faulty power window regulators.
Worn front suspension components (ball joints, control arm bushings) due to vehicle weight; premature brake wear on some models.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Chrysler Heritage:
Chrysler has a long history of producing large, comfortable, and often stylish American sedans and luxury vehicles, dating back to the early 20th century.
Model Evolution
300 Lineage:
The 2005 Chrysler 300 marked a significant revival and reimagining of the Chrysler 300 nameplate, drawing inspiration from classic '50s Chrysler designs and the revived rear-wheel-drive platform.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Brampton Assembly Plant, Ontario, Canada
Production Years First Gen:
2005-2010
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
North American Car Of The Year:
No specific award for 2005, but launched to significant critical and sales acclaim for its styling and value proposition.
Kbb Best Full Size Sedan:
Often cited by automotive publications for its bold styling and strong performance, particularly the HEMI variant.