I want to play mp3 files. Any easy upgrades?

[Dale_K]

I have a base model 300C with the 288w system. I am completely happy with the sound but I'd like to burn mp3 disks and play them in the car. I would rather not get an ipod.

Can I simply buy the next upgrade head unit (I understand this will play mp3's) and have the dealer put it in? Will it connect correctly to my current amp and speakers? Any other cheap & easy solutions?

[SilverBackGorrilla]

Originally Posted by Dale_K

I have a base model 300C with the 288w system. I am completely happy with the sound but I'd like to burn mp3 disks and play them in the car. I would rather not get an ipod.

Can I simply buy the next upgrade head unit (I understand this will play mp3's) and have the dealer put it in? Will it connect correctly to my current amp and speakers? Any other cheap & easy solutions?

to answer your question yes you can do that and the newer deck will play mp3's.. as long as it says mp3 player on it

[MR Bulk]

I got a like new takeoff unit from e-bay for $279, and they are even cheaper if you aren't impatient like I was, and just watch and wait. Not sure the car dealer's retail price but it's likely much higher. Although I did have my local Chrysler/Dodge dealer do the replacement and that way they said they would warranty the unit same as the rest of the car. And I can burn and play up to a hundred-something songs PER CD now...

[II kings 9:20]

Yes, as stated as long as it says MP3. It is a simple plug and play, many of us did our own Nav/6CD/MP3 upgrade. One thing you want to make sure of is without a Nav screen can you scroll through organized folders. My buddy just got a 330Ci cab used and is going to upgrade to MP3 but only a single song will display , no folders.

When I first burned my Mp3s as music they randomly appeared on the disc and I had no clue where a particular song was, even if you alphabetize it is still a real PITA to find songs.

It was very frustrating having 200+ songs on a disc and not being able to find a particular song. I re-burned them as Data discs and all the neat alphabetic folders appeared on the Nav screen with various sub folders just as you would view them under "My Music" on your computer. You scroll with the joystick and hit enter to open folders or songs. You also can freely scroll while a song is playing without disturbing it.

How does one do this without a joystick or an enter button on the MP3 head without a Nav screen?

[Dale_K]

Thanks for the replies. I found a stock 6 CD unit for sale on another forum. I think this is the next level upgrade from my current single CD system. The guy has the center stack bezel too. I guess I'll go for it. My main worry was the plug & play aspect. I didn't want to buy the head unit and then find I needed a new harness or amp or something to get it installed. I'll probably have the dealership install it.

[II kings 9:20]

If your car has not been modified in this area and it is a DC factory unit, it is plug and play. My dealer wasnted $300 because they had to do some "rewiring" pure pasturized horse sh!t. If you can unplug a phone jack then you (or dealer for a fair price) can install the radio. I would pay no more than ONE HOUR labor, I did my Nav/mp3 install in my own garage in under an hour having never done this before, surely the dealer can do yours in far less time, they may have a minimum 1hr labor charge, if it is your selling dealer, talk to your salesman to hook you up with the service dept.

[BigSlipper]

I have a 05 300T and i bought the nav/6 disc off of Ebay---i installed the head unit on my own...I had to get the dealership to drill a hole in my roof for me...for the antenna, and I had them run the cables through my roof...just like factory... but after that it was simple...i installed the Mopar sirius...

They charged 150 for the install...thought that was fair for drilling and so on

BTW i ordered the kicker upgrades and they should be here on Tuesday

[II kings 9:20]

No drilling for me as I did not opt for Sirius. $150 seems reasonable, at $75/ hour that's 2 hours of work.

[mexi]

i just sold dale the one i had up for sale .....he drove down and in 10 min i installed it and he was on his way....he has a nice c....i want a c....he showed me some cool thing that his did that my touring dosent im jealous....

[Dale_K]

Just to finish off this thread, yes I have the 6cd unit in the car. Don't ever try to steal anything from Mexi - his dog is big enough to eat you for breakfast.

Now I have the original single CD unit. I think it is called the "REF" model and it has an external plug receptacle in one of the buttons so you can plug in an Ipod. Is this worth any money? What should I charge if I try to sell it?