2007 Radio and Nav stolen. Replacement options?

[heartdoc]

As the title says, my entire center console was stolen- from the AC vents down to the cigarette lighter. From my driveway no less. To say the least, I am pissed. Visions of shotguns and angry rotweillers come to mind....
The car is a 2007 SRT formerly with nav and 6 cd changer. Insurance will cover the replacement (less a hefty deductible). What are my options? I have heard that the 2008-9 nav system is much better than the 07 (which was a piece of crap) so I was considering replacement with that unit- even if I need to pay the difference out of pocket. I called the dealer and was told that the 2008-9 system would not work in my car due to "old technology". I assume this means the can bus. Is this really the case? Can't the bus be upgraded? Is the newer nav/radio better than the old? One thing I would like for sure is an mp3 jack (standard on the newer radio/nav). I am trying to make the best of a really f'd up situation, so any help is appreciated.

[jackiert]

Sorry to hear that. Since I too have a 2007 SRT8 (Torred no-less), I will be watching this thread. I agree, the nav stinks and I would like an upgrade, possibly with MyGig. It'll work out for you either way and will be better than before.

[SUBNUBS]

I recently installed the new Kenwood DNX6140 into my '07, here's a link: http://www.chargerforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=109432

Sorry for your loss though it does open up an opportunity for a nice new system, good luck!

[jeeplaw]

Man, sorry to hear that. What state/city do you live in?

[SupremeG]

Sorry to hear about your nav being stolen. Correct, mygig will not work on older LX's because of the can bus. However, I believe there was a work around made to allow older LX's to use mygig. But I think I remember someone saying that the maker of mygig was coming out with updates to defeat the workaround.

[heartdoc]

I am in Long Island, NY. After contacting my insurance company, they have told me of recent increases in Dodge and Chrysler break-ins after remotely disabling the alarm. They advised me to get the Viper system in addition to factory. I am looking at factory options as well aftermarket for the radio - was looking at kenwood, alpine, eclipse. The other option is to just get factory radio w/bluetooth and ipod integration and a portable nav unit like the garmin. Maybe less desirable to steal?

[heartdoc]

Well, I got an estimate from the dealer today. It will cost approx $3300 !! to replace what was stolen. The radio alone is $2455 in parts. They estimate 3 hrs labor to reinstall everything. Considering that all that is needed is to plug the units in and screw them in the dash, I feel this is outrageous. I think I will have the dealer install all but the radio and check out the Kenwood DNX9140- which I have heard very good reviews about, and pick up a Viper alarm as well. What do you guys think?

[Grimlock]

You probably do not want to go with MyGig. It can be done (LX Forums has some great guides) but it is still buggy. Sirius will flash "no signal" in your EVIC, the clock will stay at 12:00 at all times, etc.....I think people are sorting most of these things out, but most people in my car club wish they had kept the stock REC Nav unit your car came with.

I recently upgraded to the REC Nav unit in my car this last week from the single disc unit.

The bezel is a bitch to find right now in factory silver since it is on national backorder. I got the Nav unit for $400 (off the LX forums), the bezel for just under $200 (cost extra because they are hard to find), and the antenna cost me $70. I also added the iPod adapter seen here ( http://www.amazon.com/Peripheral-CHYP-Auxiliary-Interface-Chrysler/dp/B0015G5UN0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1246050730&sr=8-1 ).

The installation is super easy. Now that I am an expert on installing these I under stand how easy it was for these criminals to rip you off. I could steal one in under 2 minutes. The only slow part is removing 4 screws.

If you can get your insurance to cut you a check for $2500 and then you do the work yourself you could actually do VERY well for a little trouble.

I added the Viper alarm that works with the factory key fob a while back too. It was very affordable and these experts on this forum who do alarms for a living recommended it. I think it is sold under several names, so just ask for one that works with the factory key.

If I can help in any other way feel free to ask. I am kinda an expert after just doing this stuff in the last week.

[IH8RICE]

How did they get to the interior of your Charger? Broken glass, popped door lock, or remote unlock? Just curious.

Mike

[Here'sJohnny]

if you're gonna spend the money, i'd go aftermarket. The 08 mygig is cooler than the 07 imo but it still isn't the hottest **** ever... from what i hear the pioneer avic is worth looking at but that was a couple years ago i think, im sure something tighter has come out...

[heartdoc]

How did they get to the interior of your Charger? Broken glass, popped door lock, or remote unlock? Just curious.

Mike

Must have been a remote unlock since I lock my car all the time, as a matter of reflex. My wife says it's like wiping your a$$- you just don't forget to do it:) I am sure there was an "order" for this and must have been very professional.
The unit I am thinking about now is the Kenwood DNX9140, which can be integrated into the steering wheel controls, is satellite capable, has ipod and USB inputs, and navigation by Garmin. From what I have been reading, it also has a sensitivity adjustment for the microphone, which solves a problem that the 8140 had with oversensitivity and poor bluetooth quality. I have called Kicker and found out that the speakers are 4 ohm (except of course the sub), so the Kenwood unit would be compatible (one installer claimed that sometimes manufacturers use 2 ohm speakers, making it harder to install aftermarket head units).
I know the bezel is on backorder nationwide and Dodge dealer told me at least 2 wks wait for that.
CHUBB was a bit surprised at the estimate from the dealer ( they claimed at least 3 hrs labor @ $105/hr to install, and none of the wires were even cut. Seems like plug and play for the factory unit to me) and is sending their own appraiser to deal with the shop. Ultimately they will reimburse me what the shop would charge, and I am free to use an aftermarket unit if I wish.

[Grimlock]

The order to pop the thing out?

Its too easy.

Pull the bezel off with your hands and the vents, ac controls, ESP switched, etc all pop out. (Takes maybe 5 seconds)

Unclip the harness. (Or cut it.)

Unscrew 4 screws to the radio.

Unclip the harness. (Or cut it.)

Done.

Whole job is maybe 2 minutes, or faster if they cut the harnesses.

This is a *SUPER* fast job assuming they know what they are doing (which they probably do.) I am betting they stole it and are going to put it in another Charger to upgrade for free. But you could watch Craigslist and eBay in you area and see if anything familiar shows up for sale.