Anyone with the OEM Rear VES installed? Got questions...

[GoofyTimL]

Also posted this in 300Cforums.com... just lookin' for the most input...

These question are for those of you with the OEM Rear Video Entertainment System installed... the one which folds up from the center arm-rest/console...

When I check that option ($1150) on the "Build Your Own" 300 website links at Chrysler.com, it automatically ALSO selected the DVD-based GPS Nav/6CD Changer option (an additional $1895).

Q1) Why is that? Since you can't play the DVD on the front system (without a hack), and the rear system appears uses IR headsets to listen to the moive.

I understand power has to be run through the console and probably up to the original radio or head unit, but why else would one HAVE to have the upgraded Radio/GPS? Is there an audio connection as well to play through the car system (would have to be tied into having the tranny in Park I would think).

You can get the GPS Nav without the rear VES, but not visa versa. Why?

You can get Sirius Radio ($195) with the "normal" 1CD AM/FM Radio, so it isn't the Sirius option that is causing the extra "mandatory" connection between front radio and rear VES.

Finally,
Q2) Is the screen format widescreen or normal 4:3?
Q3) How good is the visibility and usefulness of the system the way you use it? The screen looks relatively small (7" diag. I think) and
Q4) How good are the headphones?

Thanks.

[Ikarus]

Q1)I can't say for sure, but I think that the VES requires part of the NAV wiring harness to work. You do get audio through the car's main speaker system as well as through the headphones. The VES also will allow for radio/satellite, but not NAV viewing.

Q2)Widescreen as far as I know, but I have not tested it with many movies.

Q3)It is fairly small, but for watching a movie it is fine. Mostly my cousins use it when we go somewhere and it is more than enough to keep them distracted.

Q4)Headphones are pretty good. Sound quality is about what you would expect and they seem fairly durable. I have three on the system now.

The only complaint that i have is that the power button seems to only shut off the screen and if you leave a DVD in the drive it will continue to play the movie and you can still hear the audio through the cars sound system. With the car gone for Superchips testing!!!! I have not been able to test that to see if it is still an issue and have the dealer check it.

Aftermarket solutions can be had for less, but I prefer the idea of maintaing dealer parts only in my car.

Any more questions or if you need pics let me know.

[GoofyTimL]

Thanks everyone. Here's what I've learned from talking with the salesmen (by phone while my wife was in his office - conf. call so-to-speak).

The GPS/Nav/6CD radio is a must have forced option when you select the rear VES on the 300C Build Your Own website, but apparently it is an option you can order independently with the Heritage Edition. I think this is because the H.E. comes with the Sound Group 2 7-speaker upgraded sound system... which includes the 6CD Radio, but not necessarily the GPS/NAV. At least that's what I'm hoping.

There really are very few options available for the H.E. (Basic Price $33,625) Basically they are:
Moon Roof ($950)
Color ($225 extra for the "exclusive" Inferno Red Crystal Pearl Coat)
U-Connect ($275)
Rear VES ($1150)
Sirius ($195)
Protection Group II (parking sensors, mud flaps, winter mats, etc., $840)
and the "Customer Preferred Package 29R" ($1995)

The later (29R), apparently is all the "other stuff" that is "standard" in the H.E.
SmartBeam HID headlamps with washers
Power/Memory SRT-like seats
The audio stuff
The Chromed Aluminum wheels and Touring tires, etc.
Performance Steering and shifting configuration for the tranny
SRT-like color-matched spoiler

We're going to talk with the salesman again tomorrow and the dealership owner. They can't tell me when the car would be delivered, and say that Chrysler says the prices may yet change... but said they are willing to put it on order with whatever options we want, and no money committed. When it comes we will discuss the final price, any incentives, and the trade value for our '05 300C with its increase mileage (probably +8k by mid-May - likely to drop trade-in by at least 2k more). If we don't like the price, or the trade value, etc., we can walk away and keep our Midnight Blue, and they will attempt to sell the Red H.E. from the lot.

Sounds like little risk to get the H.E. here and see if it's all I expect it to be.

[GoofyTimL]

Well... we made the decision to order the Heritage Edition. Put $500 down to hold the deal... at MSRP. Order was put into the computer today (because the dealer's daughter, who does that stuff, just happened to pull up while I was there). We're hoping that the order-to-build time difference will be similar to Chromer's... and if so, we'll be makin' the journey to S. Calif. at the end of April in the new '06 Red HE C vs. the current '05 Blue C. However, we'll be going to KC next weekend in the Blue... hopefully the weather will open up a bit and the roads will be clear!

We decided to try the order for the rear VES without specifying the 6CD/NAV Radio... we'll see if the order forces an amendment (and additional $2k) or not...