To B or not to B, that is the question

[UK Jez]

I'm due to receive my 300C next week. The spec is, 300C CRD, Midnight blue, Startech Wheels, Grill, front skirt and rear boot spoiler, Tinted windows, 6 Disc CD. I've have previously owned various German marques and yet I am looking forward to this new arrival more than any of them.
I do have one concern however, since I ordered it I am increasingly aware of the 'that's the one that looks like a Bentley' comment, even on a none 'Starteched' model. I ordered the car because I thought it looked fantastic and is refreshingly different to the various (mainly German) sanitised alternatives.

What are your views, as actual owners, on this 'Bentley' issue?

[CUEBALL]

I never have seen a Bentley, haven't seen one on the roads sine I got my 300c (live in Germany), and doubt anyone except Bentley owners care. Enjoy your ride!!!

[Geordie]

Originally Posted by UK Jez

I'm due to receive my 300C next week. The spec is, 300C CRD, Midnight blue, Startech Wheels, Grill, front skirt and rear boot spoiler, Tinted windows, 6 Disc CD. I've have previously owned various German marques and yet I am looking forward to this new arrival more than any of them.
I do have one concern however, since I ordered it I am increasingly aware of the 'that's the one that looks like a Bentley' comment, even on a none 'Starteched' model. I ordered the car because I thought it looked fantastic and is refreshingly different to the various (mainly German) sanitised alternatives.

What are your views, as actual owners, on this 'Bentley' issue?

Hi there UKJez...

Like yourself, I am due to take delivery of my 300C CRD next week (mineral grey with all factory options).

The selection of 'which grille' is very much a personal choice often influenced by what style effect you want to achieve. I think that there can be little doubt that a mesh grille with centre bar (as per the Startech unit) is very reminiscent of a traditional Bentley style grille. I would suggest that most owners who install the Startech are rather pleased that their 300C is often compared to a Bentley and there cannot be a better vehicle to be compared with unless you have reservations about such a comparison!

I have opted for a T-Rex triple chrome mesh without the centre bar which I have had to get imported from the US so I do not think there will be many (if any) of those in the UK.

However, I do intend to retain my OEM grille...just in case! That is one of the many plus points about 300C ownership...it allows itself to be adapted to a wide range of styles.

Remember, the choice of grille doesn't have to be a permanent fixture and you can always change it later on for the current 'flavour of the month' or even refit the OEM for 'free'!.

Regards

Geordie

[LSV1970]

Here in Switzerland (living a pretty large town), in average I can spot 1 Bentley per day and about 1 300C per month.

I keep the stock grill because it looks like a Chrysler 300 "letter series". Anyway a lot of custom grills look pretty cool.

Since April 08th 2005 (delivery), I never heard the word "Bentley" about my car. It's a full size US car and most people seem to know it.

[UK Jez]

Originally Posted by Geordie

Hi there UKJez...

Like yourself, I am due to take delivery of my 300C CRD next week (mineral grey with all factory options).

The selection of 'which grille' is very much a personal choice often influenced by what style effect you want to achieve. I think that there can be little doubt that a mesh grille with centre bar (as per the Startech unit) is very reminiscent of a traditional Bentley style grille. I would suggest that most owners who install the Startech are rather pleased that their 300C is often compared to a Bentley and there cannot be a better vehicle to be compared with unless you have reservations about such a comparison!

I have opted for a T-Rex triple chrome mesh without the centre bar which I have had to get imported from the US so I do not think there will be many (if any) of those in the UK.

However, I do intend to retain my OEM grille...just in case! That is one of the many plus points about 300C ownership...it allows itself to be adapted to a wide range of styles.

Remember, the choice of grille doesn't have to be a permanent fixture and you can always change it later on for the current 'flavour of the month' or even refit the OEM for 'free'!.

Regards

Geordie

Interesting, have you had to ask your dealer for the OEM grill or are you just expecting them to hand it over with the car. As I mentioned earlier I'm getting the Startech wheels aswell, assuming the same goes for them, I should get the 4 OEM wheels and tyres, yes?

[Geordie]

Originally Posted by UK Jez

Interesting, have you had to ask your dealer for the OEM grill or are you just expecting them to hand it over with the car. As I mentioned earlier I'm getting the Startech wheels aswell, assuming the same goes for them, I should get the 4 OEM wheels and tyres, yes?

UK Jez...

You have already paid for the OEM grille; wheels etc so they are your property and you are entitled to them unless a part ex arrangement has been made with the supplying dealer which in my experience is extremely rare.

With other new cars that I have purchased and had uprated wheels etc fitted, I have always requested the return of my OEM items. If you don't 'ask' you very likely will not 'get' and your new parts will be returned to stock or sold on etc.

Small tip...if your Chrysler dealer is installing the Startech grille, make sure that you request that the OEM grille is removed undamaged which will probably entail the removal of the front bumper area. There is a 'short cut' whereby the OEM grille can be removed without removing the bumper but that method sometimes necessitates cutting off the lower securing pins rendering the OEM grille useless.


Geordie

[Murphy The Cat]

Hi Uk Jez

It's really nice to welcome another Brit to the forums - I hope that you enjoy yourself here as much as I do.

Regarding your Bentley question.

I was coming back from Barrow in Furness today when my wife shouted out "look at that 300C with the Bentley grill over there. I don't know what it is but it somehow looks a bit tacky compared to yours. As the driver of thr £115000 Bentley Continental Flying Spur went the other way, he probably wondered what the big bloke in the Chrysler was laughing about !!

There are a LOT worse cars on the road that I would like my 300C to be compared with - just a quick word of warning though, when I initially got my 300C I encountered firsthand some bitterness/hostility from people who thought that I had got a Bentley (hence my signature on here), once they found out it was a 300C their attitude immediately changed - mabye one to keep an eye on for yourself.

Other than that, I'd like to confirm the good advice that Geordie has given you. YOU have paid for the items that are being replaced and they are your PROPERTY. If you were to get a quote for a set of new wheels/tyres for your car you'd probably keel over in shock. As it is you MUST notify your insurance of your modifications as they would be well within their rights to refuse to pay out for 20" Startech wheels/tyres if you were unfortunate enough to be in an accident. I am insured with Chrysler (NU) and their was no loading for my minor MODS and I would be surprised if they loaded yours - they would however be mightily peed off if you did not let them know, or even cancel your insurance which then creates all sorts of problems for the future.

I hope that you enjoy your can when it comes. I had absolutely HUGE expectations of mine and I am delighted to sya that these have all been exceeded. Don't forget to send us some piccies when the car comes.



MTC

p.s. True story. a chap I know quite well has just splashed out on a £48000 BMW 535 DSE Touring. Seeing his new car parked up at his works the other day, I pulled in just past it and sat outside his warehouse chewing the fat over business, the weather, our kids and his new car. While we were there (quiet rural location on steep hill) 6 cars came to a halt and the drivers had a good old rubberneck ay my car (one guy even parked up and got out for a better look). The guys brand new Beemer never got a second look & to think that you could (neraly) get to 300C's for the BMW, well it made me feel all fuzzy inside.

You won't just enjoy your car when it comes, you'll love it.

[bentley black]

Originally Posted by UK Jez

I'm due to receive my 300C next week. The spec is, 300C CRD, Midnight blue, Startech Wheels, Grill, front skirt and rear boot spoiler, Tinted windows, 6 Disc CD. I've have previously owned various German marques and yet I am looking forward to this new arrival more than any of them.
I do have one concern however, since I ordered it I am increasingly aware of the 'that's the one that looks like a Bentley' comment, even on a none 'Starteched' model. I ordered the car because I thought it looked fantastic and is refreshingly different to the various (mainly German) sanitised alternatives.

What are your views, as actual owners, on this 'Bentley' issue?

Hi Jez I have a UK CRD car now with 1200 miles on it it Black, tints , grille with centre bar, d badged , 22 chrome wheels etc always polished and it looks and drives the bo**ox(well i think so).
Customers and friends all like the car and when i tell them it was only 30k they can't believe it .
I had 1 customer last week asked me how much it was (he knew it was a Chrysler) i said how much do you think he said 60 k i said no way he then said 70 k can you believe he went up not down!! that sums up what people think about the car when you tell then you can get 1 for 25750 they are gob-smacked.
yes the Bentley comments are happening all the time too many to mention yes the grill does make it like a little like a Bentley 4 door but have you seen the launch interview with ABC in the states when they first launched it last year the CEO of Chrysler said the had copied the designs from the RR and the Bentley and wanted it to be the USA version of these cars so it is hardly a surprise that people think it is one.
I have had numerous people when iam stopped at the lights oncoming traffic has stopped for someone to have a look and this is numerous times.
My son is 15 and he said the other day that he knew how Posh and Becks felt now with people starring!! .
I have said in other thread that by have been fortunate to own plenty of high value cars from Range Rovers to Porsches and none of them have ever had the same reaction as this one.
So what i would say is i enjoy having a 30k Diesel car that looks like a 100k car i also enjoy getting 32 MPG (at the moment) which the Bentley doesn't If you have had the wheels, body kit it is because you want your car to be different which i think is part of the appeal of the car and the fact that their arnt many arround just yet.

As for the OEM Grille i have just asked my dealer for mine today as he hadn't given it to me on handover so it seams you have to ask!!!

If you want to make it more like a Bentley i have 2 x Bentley "B"badges for the OEM grille and rear wing emblem(I havent fitted them but people do!!)

Enjoy your car and the attention and stay away from Solihull as i have the only 300c so far and that is how i want it to stay!!!!!!!!

Bentley Black

[Murphy The Cat]

Hi BB

I just thought I'd show you a picture of Arnie coming down the driveway.



MTC

[bentley black]

Originally Posted by Murphy The Cat

Hi BB

I just thought I'd show you a picture of Arnie coming down the driveway.



MTC

Hi Sir MTC Very Regal indeed. those gates are nearly as big as mine, I wonder if the Americans realise that they are conversing with Gentry!

Now these are Gates.




Sir BB
P.S still loving every min of it.