Both of mine work as advertised. In general the difference, though, is not huge. When turning it as you sit in the seat (first, I'd not overburden the gizmo by pushing back hard in the seat while you do it....just gently) you should feel the seat back push out in the area of your lower back. Perhaps you were expecting more and looking for changes elsewhere?
I would wish that it were a little more pronounced...when you get to be my age, your back will have troubles too. But it does do what it is said toi do as is.
As for the comment that electric lumbar (a'la Caddies) pushing up the overall price, if taken collectively with certain other 'creature comfort' odds and ends....the statement is true. Myself, I don't feel the need for an electric system in this are as long as there is an effective mechanical system in it's stead.
I'd glady trade the electric in favour of mechanical in exchange for certain other upgrades to the interior. Yes, that would drive the price up, and I'd still pay it. Mine went over 40 anyway.
That is part of the problem with Chryslers' dim-witted decision to market low end models of the 300. Any company should want their flagship product to have an elevated image. Granted, Chrysler will never be in any danger of toppling Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Aston-Martin, or any of the others. But stil they should want their top end vehicle to be something that people might aspire to.
Instead, with these lower end models (calm down, I am NOT begrudinging anyone who owns one) Chrysler drags down the image of the marque ...as well as the image of the company in many ways. Be that as it may, one of the other prices paid for this is that certain things gravitate to the lowest common denominator. Everyone complains about plastic parts and pieces in the interiors of their 300C's. Well, they would not be there were it not for the lower end models. Certain items, for ease of the manufacturing process, need to remain constant up and down the product line. The lion's share of the interior is one of these items. Were it not for the need to make cheaper 300's, there wouldn't be a need for cheaper 300 interiors. Granted, the overall price of the vehicle would go up if such upgraded items were included. But as I said earlier.....I'd be willing to pay for it.
Am I whining? No. I am merely exploring the reasons for many of the things that people hereabouts regularly complain upon. Myself, I don't begrudge anyone who owns the lower models. We all have our reasons for owning what we have. But, strictly from a business standpoint, I do blame Chrysler for making a less than intelligent decision in the matter.
One could counter that, with the present state of things, Chryslers' bottom line is fatter. And, this is true. But at what cost? In the short run, they are richer. In the long run, people will not look to Chrysler for anything other than mid-level vehicles at best. And, should Chrysler ever actually decide to swing for the bleachers with an upscale product, will they be taken seriously? A look at Volkswagens' more or less failed attempt with the Phaeton should answer that question. But, if Chrysler is happy churning out 300's, Chargers, and Pacifica's for the masses.....who are we to question?
....sT
