Stereo Upgrade?

[mcelvogue]

Hi, I am new to the forums but have been searching around for some options regarding upgrading the stereo in my Chrysler 300c.

The exact car model is the 3.0L CRD JP Chrysler Signature Series. I am also located in Ireland and I am seeing some differences in the UK cars in terms of the interior trim which is starting to worry me in terms of compatability.

The dealer where I bought the car has advised that the only upgrade option is to spend €4,500 for the SATNAV all-singing, all-dancing stereo. They have also advised that the MOPAR uConnect handsfree does not work very well and advised to buy a parrot kit or similar and have this installed elsewhere.

From my perspective, the car costs €60,000+ over here in Ireland and I don't want to have wires dangling everywhere, nor do I want to destroy the clean and simple look of the car interior. The audio upgrade shops I have tried over here all want to take my dash apart to inspect the wiring which I am not really happy with. I get the feeling that few people have upgraded these cars over here and I don't want to be the guinea pig so I would appreciate some guidance and hopefully words of wisdom from other members who may have done similar upgrades.

The current model of the radio/cd player is REG (which I imagine is the entry level standard radio-CD player). I am looking for a stereo which has the following features and I was hoping I might get some suggestions from those with more experience and knowledge.

Requirements:
1. 6 CD changer
2. Able to play MP3 CD's
3. Integration with iPhone for handsfree operation
4. I would prefer to use the already installed microphone rather than have more wires plumbed in
5. Would like the final result to look as unobtrusive as possible - ie not looking for plasma screen solutions etc - something simple and functional

Thanks in advance,

Tom

[Silver300CRD]

Hi
I have the same model as you and got it around th end of Feb. I have searched fruitlessly for a solution to the problem of upgrading the REG unit. My paticular aim was to achieve an AUX in and video for the kids. I wanted to move the A/V media box I had in my old car to the 300C and have music through the stereo and video front and back.
There is a way to achieve an fully wired AUX and that is to have the rear VES ( DVD) fitted at about £2500 or E4000. I did n't have the cash. In the end I have fitted a hardwired rf modulator. That is, a type of FM transmitter, but it is very low powered anddoesn't actually transmit accross free space. You interupt the regular ariel input and slot the thing in between the aerial and the radio. Its what Chysler can sell you for about £178 fitted but was £19.00 at Maplins. I didn't want a dash mounted switch so made a small infra red control which sits in the glove tray. Cos I was feeling creative I made it switchable between two inputs, one is wired to the Garmin by the drivers pillar and one to my new Ipod. You do have to go through a procedure of selecting a pre-selected radio channel and all together it is not as convenient as it would be if they had just spent another tenner on a better stock radio. Dont even get me started on where to mount the Ipod. I have ended up making one from aluminium stock. It took all weekend to polish up so it looks like the facia. I will try and up load some photos later in the week.
If you want an easy life, have £180.00 and already have an Ipod....go with the dealer ipod option it will reduce long -term-hair -pulling -out.
My installation works fine and looks quite neat but not for the faint hearted.

[watsonofearnock]

Hi two newbies in the one go!! Welcome to the forum. I haven't a clue what you are talking about but as long as you understand each other that is the main thing. I believe there have been upgrades to the standard stereo set up carried out on the 300C and in the Glasgow area - but exactly what these were defeats me. Use the search engine and you will perhaps come up with something or alternatively someone else may see this posting and come to your aid. I think it was Florin_m who installed a different stereo set - and it works well. Good luck anyway.
Cheers John

[Murphy The Cat]

I've got the RAR stereo which I upgraded to from the single cd. It gives me a 6cd stacker and MP3 ability and looks absolutely 100% identical to the REG system (because it IS identical !!!), but I don't know anything about Iphone compatibility/microphones/aux input/aux outputs.

[gizmo]

Hi.,
this may or may not be of help. I dont know if the Can Bus wiring is the same. I am sure however that a good Auto Electrician could tell you.


Anyone changed their stereo from stock?

[watsonofearnock]

Tom, just in case it isn't clear to you if you click on the link in Gizmo's post "Anyone changed their stereo from stock" you will be taken to a thread where Gizmo explains what he has installed and who installed it for him. Should be of interest to you. Where about in Ireland are you from? If you are in the north you could pop over for our Meeting on the 4th May at New Lanark - I know for a fact that Gizmo will be there and able to show you over his fitment.
Cheers John

[gizmo]

Hi John,

don't know if i want to show anyone my "fitment".LOL

[watsonofearnock]

Don't know about LOL but dirty snigger maybe!!

[gizmo]

Hi John,

I like a bit of innuendo now and again. How are things progressing on the Meet front? What are the numbers like?

ATB Gizmo

[watsonofearnock]

Hi Gizmo,
Plenty of folk coming to justify the effort. I am currently working on producing a trophy suitable for the Chrysler meeting - Murray Motors were kind enough to donate a brand new Chrysler radiator badge which will set off the trophy rather well.
Cheers John