I have a 2003 300M with 25,000 miles on it. Apart from engine problems when new, the only service has been regular oil changes.
A few weeks ago after a 80 mile drive on the NJ Garden State Parkway I heard a 'scraping' or 'swooshing' sound as I departed from the toll booth. Applying the brakes did not seem to change the sound which, at first, I thought was an aircraft overhead. The sound then disappeared and does not recur on short local drives. The sound appears to be coming from the right rear of the car, but I am not 100% certain of this.
A week later, the same thing after a 25 mile drive. This time I thought applying the brakes made it slightly worse, but again it disappeared. In all it has now happened four times, so I am taking it into a Chrysler dealer next week. The brake pads all look to have plenty of life left in them.
I am asking if anyone can give me their thoughts on possible causes. It only seems to occur after running for 20 miles plus continuously.
I have never been impressed with Chrysler service, after having used two so called Five Star Dealers, so any heads up would be appreciated.
I still have the original Chrysler 7 year warranty that came with the car, although I believe their are a couple of local service garages (not affiliated with a car brand0 that friends have recommended, who say they will honor the warranty.