I'm a new owner of a 2004 Coupe, actually I've paid for it and will take possession in a few days. My car has a bit over 50K miles on it. I've been reading a wide variety of forum posts, and realize that naturally, people are posting most often when there is a problem. However, in the opinion of those who've owned one (or more) for awhile, are Crossfires more prone to problems than other cars? I'm not a mechanic, have done some mechanical work back in the day, but am aware there are very few mechanics (and apparently NO dealerships?) that really know how to work on these cars. Just wondering if my hint of buyers remorse is warranted? Thoughts? Thank you.

 

Welcome, they are very reliable with a few potential problem areas. Be sure to get a spare RCM, crank position sensor (BOSCH) and cam position sensor (BOSCH). You may never need them but they are weak points. Be sure to have two functioning keys and FOBs. They also require strong batteries. Do not let your battery get too old and if it sits a lot, get a trickle charger. Try to avoid jump starts. There is a lot of good info here.

Index of Crossfire problems and repairs - CrossfireForum - The Chrysler Crossfire and SRT6 Resource

As you said, you only hear about the problems. They are mostly 15 - 17 years old so things go bad but 90% of any repairs you can do yourself. Except for body parts they are basically a 2003 Mercedes SLK 320 (unless you have an SRT-6 then it is a 2003 SLK32 AMG) and most parts are interchangable. Do not go to any dealerships. If you need to have work done, find a good independent import shop that works on Mercedes.

 

Thanks for your thoughts and encouraging words. Based on your advice I've ordered the Bosch crankshaft and camshaft sensors. Is there a particular brand RCM that works for a 2004 coupe? Looking forward to getting on the road with this and connecting with other Crossfire enthusiasts.

 

Got my 2004 52k coup 3 years ago. Replaced all the items listed in Zeracers post above. It’s been flawless except for a failed resistor in blower fan motor ($35) which I think stemmed from a easily fixed clogged drain in firewall area.

*check all fluids - paying attention to brake fluid moisture content which I had replaced.
*check underside of doors at grommet for rust formation.
*maintaining a strong battery will help keeping away a few stray electronic gremlins,
*reading the Forum makes you aware you can do it.

you got yourself a tank.

*

 

Congrats on your recent puchase & soon-to-be acquisition of a 2004 Crossfire. You should be able to locate a reliable Mercedes-Benz independent service center where you can take the Crossfire for any servicing/repairs pertaining to the rolling chassis & drive-train. Here's link to a website where you can search for an independent M-B Service Center near you: CLICK

 

JoeO, what brand RCM did you use...does it matter? Also did you need to replace a 2nd key...I may have to do that. One works...one may be dead batteries (fingers crossed). who can replace the key? thanks!

 

RCM brand doesn't seem to matter. The least expensive keys are from Josh Chase or SOS Diagnostics. The one that doesn't work may be dead batteries or a bad contact. The batteries are for locking and unlocking, I believe the key should still start the car. You want a spare working FOB just in case.

 

i googled josh chase and find nothing related to keys. how do i connect with him/them? I currently have one fully working fob and have heard that makes it easier to get a second one. would josh chase and/or sos still be the places to turn? thanks

 

Josh Chase's business is called The Mercedes Swap Shop. He is a Crossfire owner (with a V-8) and I just had a new fob and valet key made. Highly recommended.