Chrysler 300M

[themangeraaad]

Looking into a 300M just for fuel economy and just as a more comfortable ride for the 60+ miles I am driving daily now, plus the long haul to and from college (Plus a nicer/newer car would be nice for senior year). Keeping the XJ of course, just taking it off the road and giving it a break...

Question is: Does anyone know how to distinguish between the normal 300M and the 300M with the handling package? I mean, other than takign it on the highway and seeing if it will break 116 mph... (non-handling equiped models were electronicly limited to 116mph, handling packages were something around 140)

I am just curious if the one I am looking at has this package or not, I mean, its got everything else, but I am wondering what I can look for to definately tell this has the package...

 

[EvanH]

Take it for a test drive and if it doesn't go up to 140, it doesn't have the package.

 

[themangeraaad]

yeah, thats what I figured. But I ended up findign out that it has 16" wheels if its the package, and 17" wheels if it doesnt. So if anyone else cares, thats how you can tell if its got stock wheels

 

[89Daytona]

"The Chrysler 300M Special and the Performance Handling Group included stiffer front calipers, outboard-vented rotors, and high-performance linings at all four wheels."
http://www.allpar.com/cars/chrysler/300M.html
http://www.allpar.com/reviews/300m.html

"An optional $500 handling package (standard on European-market 300M models) includes firmer strut damping, taller rear jounce bumpers, a firmer feeling steering gear, 225/60VR16 Michelin XGTV4 all-season V-rated performance tires, high-performance brake linings, stiffer front brake calipers and externally vented brake rotors"
http://www.internetautoguide.com/reviews/45-int/luxury-cars/chrysler/300m/2000/index.html

 

[BlueCuda]

I never understood why the handling package has smaller wheels.

They are nice cars, my mom has a 99 with about 110K on it and its been great.

 

[89Daytona]

Some of the websites I read said the Handling package had 16" wheels and the base 300M had 15" wheels, maybe it depends on the year....

MSNauto lists the two wheel sizes as 225/55R17 for all base 300Ms, for the '02 Special it lists 245/45R18, for the '03 & '04 Special it lists 225/55R17.

The stiffer suspension and the outboard vented rotors should be a good indicator of the car having the handling package.
Outboard vented rotor pic1
Outboard vented rotor pic2

Regular vented rotor pic 1
Regular vented rotor pic 2

 

[zachxj01]

i got a honda civic for the same reasons and even better gas mileage