BadgerBox's Yank Tank Mongrel (300c)
Discussion
Welcome to my ongoing project.
Bought at a bargain price back in April 15 from the original owner who has had the car from new. He would take yearly trips to Italy from the UK and only had one breakdown...
It's an early 2006 300c Touring CRD in Magnesium Pearl and it's in amazing condition considering the age, with minor stone chips on the front.
Here she is on the day of purchase;
NEW RUBBER
Recently had to buy some new tyres - went for Vredstein Ultrac Cento from here.
Decent set of tyres for the money, appear to be better in the wet than the Michelin's they replaced so we'll see how they wear.
ANDROID RADIO
Recently purchased an Android Radio system from a follow member to replace my sh*tty stock radio (non-nav/6cd/mp3). It is advertised everywhere as Plug and Play, definitely not for this car...
However, after doing my research and cross-referencing wiring diagrams with the original intention to bypass the factory Boston Acoustics Amp, I decided it was going to be to much effort so bought a Maxxis CHTO-013 adapter instead. I won it from eBay (US) for $32(£20) including delivery to UK, as it was of unknown condition (stock return). I took the risk, living life on the edge...
It arrived two weeks later and I set about converting my 2008+ radio to work in my 2006 Touring. The CANBUS module works on all cars 2005-2012 even though it's only advertised as working on 2008+ models. All that is needed to fit is the facia from a facelift model (will require trimming at the bottom) and to change the plug on the radio.
The way I did it was to create a custom converter loom to place in between the radio's 2008+ connector and the car's radio connector whilst also incorporating the Maxxis CHTO-013, so that not a single wire on the car was touched.
Now, let's plug it in and test it...
Success! All working perfectly. Just needed to play with the potentiometer on the Maxxis for the best sound quality and reassemble the dash.
I also updated the Android HU to run KitKat 4.4.4 using a rooted custom firmware.
AUTO HEADLIGHTS (FREE)
After kicking about on the internet, I discovered a (free) mod that allows you to have automatic headlights by simply modifying the original switch and it works a treat. All you need to do is remove the headlight switch using a butter knife and cut away the stop lug here:
Then replace the headlight switch and twist it all the way left past the off position like so;
Cover up the sensor and watch the magic
WHAT'S NEXT...
Replace the wheel nuts as the originals have swelled??
Fit the Startech Grill
Full Deep Clean.
Then plan for more power
Bought at a bargain price back in April 15 from the original owner who has had the car from new. He would take yearly trips to Italy from the UK and only had one breakdown...
It's an early 2006 300c Touring CRD in Magnesium Pearl and it's in amazing condition considering the age, with minor stone chips on the front.
Here she is on the day of purchase;
NEW RUBBER
Recently had to buy some new tyres - went for Vredstein Ultrac Cento from here.
Decent set of tyres for the money, appear to be better in the wet than the Michelin's they replaced so we'll see how they wear.
ANDROID RADIO
Recently purchased an Android Radio system from a follow member to replace my sh*tty stock radio (non-nav/6cd/mp3). It is advertised everywhere as Plug and Play, definitely not for this car...
However, after doing my research and cross-referencing wiring diagrams with the original intention to bypass the factory Boston Acoustics Amp, I decided it was going to be to much effort so bought a Maxxis CHTO-013 adapter instead. I won it from eBay (US) for $32(£20) including delivery to UK, as it was of unknown condition (stock return). I took the risk, living life on the edge...
It arrived two weeks later and I set about converting my 2008+ radio to work in my 2006 Touring. The CANBUS module works on all cars 2005-2012 even though it's only advertised as working on 2008+ models. All that is needed to fit is the facia from a facelift model (will require trimming at the bottom) and to change the plug on the radio.
The way I did it was to create a custom converter loom to place in between the radio's 2008+ connector and the car's radio connector whilst also incorporating the Maxxis CHTO-013, so that not a single wire on the car was touched.
Now, let's plug it in and test it...
Success! All working perfectly. Just needed to play with the potentiometer on the Maxxis for the best sound quality and reassemble the dash.
I also updated the Android HU to run KitKat 4.4.4 using a rooted custom firmware.
AUTO HEADLIGHTS (FREE)
After kicking about on the internet, I discovered a (free) mod that allows you to have automatic headlights by simply modifying the original switch and it works a treat. All you need to do is remove the headlight switch using a butter knife and cut away the stop lug here:
Then replace the headlight switch and twist it all the way left past the off position like so;
Cover up the sensor and watch the magic
WHAT'S NEXT...
Replace the wheel nuts as the originals have swelled??
Fit the Startech Grill
Full Deep Clean.
Then plan for more power
I can understand a stereo upgrade on pretty much any U.S car. Good work!
I don't really know much about these, other than they probably came about from the Daimler/Chrysler merger and are based on the older E class? An Italian colleague now drives one with Lancia branding, so it's now recycled under the Fiat/Chrysler brands!
What are they like to drive?
I don't really know much about these, other than they probably came about from the Daimler/Chrysler merger and are based on the older E class? An Italian colleague now drives one with Lancia branding, so it's now recycled under the Fiat/Chrysler brands!
What are they like to drive?
5potTurbo said:
I can understand a stereo upgrade on pretty much any U.S car. Good work!
I don't really know much about these, other than they probably came about from the Daimler/Chrysler merger and are based on the older E class? An Italian colleague now drives one with Lancia branding, so it's now recycled under the Fiat/Chrysler brands!
What are they like to drive?
Pretty much spot on. It's a true mongrel with parts being thrown on from all over the Daimler/Chrysler union. It is based on the Chrysler Rear Wheel Drive LX platform, utilising Mercedes W211 E-Class parts (especially wiring and rear suspension setup) with W220 S-Class front suspension and powered by OM642 Diesel Engine mated to a W5A580 (NAG1) transmission. It was also built in Graz, Austria along side the W211 E-Class Mercedes and others.I don't really know much about these, other than they probably came about from the Daimler/Chrysler merger and are based on the older E class? An Italian colleague now drives one with Lancia branding, so it's now recycled under the Fiat/Chrysler brands!
What are they like to drive?
The latest generation is pretty much built using mainly American parts (except the diesel which uses a VM Motori engine) and sold worldwide under various badges. You can't get this in the UK anymore as Chrysler pulled out of the UK market a few months ago...
It's very comfy. Although it uses W211 and W220 suspension, it's not exactly sporty (especially when it weighs a healthy 2000kg) but it does turn corners confidently. Just have to manage the body roll and when it's settled, it will turn in harder. The 218bhp 3.0 diesel gives me enough shove to get me going and is smooth in operation. I've fitted a TranZformer to the car which allows me to control the shifts and basic operation of the gearbox which improves it more. For the money, it's an excellent car and a similar specced Audi, BMW or Merc worked out around £2k more...
977 said:
Martin's Tyres in West End is the absolute dogs. Closest thing I'll ever get to an F1 pit stop.
Definitely recommend them to anyone. Not sure what their tyre prices are like but tyreleader.co.uk deliver to their premises and they had all 4 tyres fitted in 20mins.We did not have the 300 estate in the US. It looks like a 300 front end and a magnum rear, The Magnum having the Charger front end. I had a 2009 300 with the 3.5V6 petrol. Not a sports car but I used to travel 400 miles in a couple of days very often and it was great at getting me there fresh. I tried to swap out the radio on mine but was thwarted by the generation of CAN BUS. You may have the CAN BUS from the Magnum which was more user friendly. Mine would not talk to radios out of other Chryslers let alone after market.
h0b0 said:
We did not have the 300 estate in the US. It looks like a 300 front end and a magnum rear, The Magnum having the Charger front end. I had a 2009 300 with the 3.5V6 petrol. Not a sports car but I used to travel 400 miles in a couple of days very often and it was great at getting me there fresh. I tried to swap out the radio on mine but was thwarted by the generation of CAN BUS. You may have the CAN BUS from the Magnum which was more user friendly. Mine would not talk to radios out of other Chryslers let alone after market.
It is the Magnum as you've said with 300c front and interior, except your Magnum was made in Canada and the 300c Touring was made in Austria. I like the "Chargums" it's a shame they are so expensive for parts over here...The CANBUS systems on all the 2004-2012 era Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep models are the same which made finding adapters quite easy. The Maxxis CHTO-013 is a BestBuy version originally for a Jeep (apart from the soldering to the aftermarket HU) it was plug and play.
I travel 500 miles a week, and I could easily do more if I needed too it's that comfy!
h0b0 said:
We did not have the 300 estate in the US. It looks like a 300 front end and a magnum rear, The Magnum having the Charger front end.
Pretty good summary.The other difference is that they were all called 300C irrespective of engine.
Good cars for the money. I used to get a new one every few months as a company car.
spaceship said:
Love these.
Really had my heart set on one but I've since discovered it wouldn't fit in my garage as they are so bloody long.
So you find the parts expensive for them?
The touring measures nearly 5m long, struggle parking in town sometimes Really had my heart set on one but I've since discovered it wouldn't fit in my garage as they are so bloody long.
So you find the parts expensive for them?
Parts and work isn't really that expensive as I do all the work myself and I always shop around for parts which brings the cost down alot
Cost to date;
4x Vredstein Ultra Cento Tyres 225/60R18 = £384.99 fitted
Parking Brake Fitting Kit (Shoes, springs and adjustment) = £29.99 delivered
Major Service Kit (10l Shell Oil & Filter, Air & Pollen Filter) = £67 delivered (Brake fluid I already have 5l of...)
Wear and tear items can be found cheaply and some parts can be bought from the US cheaper than UK (including delivery)
BadgerBox said:
It is the Magnum as you've said with 300c front and interior, except your Magnum was made in Canada and the 300c Touring was made in Austria. I like the "Chargums" it's a shame they are so expensive for parts over here...
The CANBUS systems on all the 2004-2012 era Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep models are the same which made finding adapters quite easy. The Maxxis CHTO-013 is a BestBuy version originally for a Jeep (apart from the soldering to the aftermarket HU) it was plug and play.
I travel 500 miles a week, and I could easily do more if I needed too it's that comfy!
The CANBUS on the 2009 300 was a different revision to the 2009 Dodge Journey. Taking the radio out of a journey and putting it into the 300 appears to be a straight swap but takes down the entire car. There's more detail on the dodge forums but I think the 300 had an earlier version that didn't like to talk. Probably different for the U.S. sourced cars to the European ones though. The CANBUS systems on all the 2004-2012 era Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep models are the same which made finding adapters quite easy. The Maxxis CHTO-013 is a BestBuy version originally for a Jeep (apart from the soldering to the aftermarket HU) it was plug and play.
I travel 500 miles a week, and I could easily do more if I needed too it's that comfy!
I know this because I used to run a fleet of chargers, caravans, 300s and journeys.
h0b0 said:
The CANBUS on the 2009 300 was a different revision to the 2009 Dodge Journey. Taking the radio out of a journey and putting it into the 300 appears to be a straight swap but takes down the entire car. There's more detail on the dodge forums but I think the 300 had an earlier version that didn't like to talk. Probably different for the U.S. sourced cars to the European ones though.
I know this because I used to run a fleet of chargers, caravans, 300s and journeys.
I can only assume that was because the CANBUS system used on the 300 and models made before 2008 utilised the Mercedes CANBUS as part of the DaimlerChrysler group. Dodge Journey was produced under the Fiat Chrysler group so wouldn't be surprised if those Italians changed everything...I know this because I used to run a fleet of chargers, caravans, 300s and journeys.
BadgerBox said:
h0b0 said:
The CANBUS on the 2009 300 was a different revision to the 2009 Dodge Journey. Taking the radio out of a journey and putting it into the 300 appears to be a straight swap but takes down the entire car. There's more detail on the dodge forums but I think the 300 had an earlier version that didn't like to talk. Probably different for the U.S. sourced cars to the European ones though.
I know this because I used to run a fleet of chargers, caravans, 300s and journeys.
I can only assume that was because the CANBUS system used on the 300 and models made before 2008 utilised the Mercedes CANBUS as part of the DaimlerChrysler group. Dodge Journey was produced under the Fiat Chrysler group so wouldn't be surprised if those Italians changed everything...I know this because I used to run a fleet of chargers, caravans, 300s and journeys.
h0b0 said:
That makes sense. I was trying to "steal" the navigation unit out of a fleet car and put it in mine before the new employee took the car. Chrysler had stuck it in there for free so I was only taking the car down to standard spec anyway. But, it did not work as it prevented anything from turning on in my car including the ignition.
Haha, that would of been brilliant if it worked. Free SatNav!UPDATE - 18 Sep 15
Been a little while in updating this!
I've done 10,000 miles in the past 6 months and so far it's been faultless!
NEW FACE
Fitted the Startech Chrome Grill (finally) and I think it refreshes the front of the car.
HEADLIGHTS
The headlights are starting the show their age and are suffering from scratches as you can see...
I've bought some Meguiars Headlight Restorer to try and get them clear again as it worked fantastically on my old cars.
WORN OUT BOOT STRUTS
I never realised how heavy the boot was until the struts failed causing it to be introduced to the back of my head. So bought some new ones and fitted them pretty much straight away. My only problem now is it's really hard to close the bloody boot...
ALBANIANS
Treated it to a paint swirling car wash at the weekend as I haven't managed to find the time to spend a good few hours cleaning it myself. I prefer a two bucket, snowfoam and resin polish to seal the deal however, they really did a good job!
ECONOMY
Now, I knew buying the 300c wasn't the most economical choice I could of ever made but she's doing me well. For a 2100kg 3.0L Automatic Estate, 43.1 MPG isn't bad although the EVIC was a little more optimistic (not far off though). This was around 80% motorway sat at 60-65mph...
WHAT'S NEXT
Well I'm looking at power upgrades but keeping it reliable so doing my research at the moment
watch this space...
Been a little while in updating this!
I've done 10,000 miles in the past 6 months and so far it's been faultless!
NEW FACE
Fitted the Startech Chrome Grill (finally) and I think it refreshes the front of the car.
HEADLIGHTS
The headlights are starting the show their age and are suffering from scratches as you can see...
I've bought some Meguiars Headlight Restorer to try and get them clear again as it worked fantastically on my old cars.
WORN OUT BOOT STRUTS
I never realised how heavy the boot was until the struts failed causing it to be introduced to the back of my head. So bought some new ones and fitted them pretty much straight away. My only problem now is it's really hard to close the bloody boot...
ALBANIANS
Treated it to a paint swirling car wash at the weekend as I haven't managed to find the time to spend a good few hours cleaning it myself. I prefer a two bucket, snowfoam and resin polish to seal the deal however, they really did a good job!
ECONOMY
Now, I knew buying the 300c wasn't the most economical choice I could of ever made but she's doing me well. For a 2100kg 3.0L Automatic Estate, 43.1 MPG isn't bad although the EVIC was a little more optimistic (not far off though). This was around 80% motorway sat at 60-65mph...
WHAT'S NEXT
Well I'm looking at power upgrades but keeping it reliable so doing my research at the moment
watch this space...Fantastic styling on these - lovely car OP, and very different from all the German stuff!
Back in the 2000s I was working for a US-domiciled company and a V6 300C was the default company car in the US, whereas our budget in the UK could just stretch to a TDi Golf!
I'm sure you could get it mapped for a bit more grunt without too much trouble!
+1 for Martins Tyres - they've always been cheapest whenever I have shopped around in the last 10 years or so, to the point I don't bother now I just go there!
Saw a lovely SRT saloon the other day........classifieds here I come (your fault)!
Back in the 2000s I was working for a US-domiciled company and a V6 300C was the default company car in the US, whereas our budget in the UK could just stretch to a TDi Golf!
I'm sure you could get it mapped for a bit more grunt without too much trouble!
+1 for Martins Tyres - they've always been cheapest whenever I have shopped around in the last 10 years or so, to the point I don't bother now I just go there!
Saw a lovely SRT saloon the other day........classifieds here I come (your fault)!
Thanks Mr Tidy, it is different and it still gets people wondering and looking at what it is. I would like a Hemi (budget couldn't stretch to a SRT yet) but I average 25k a year so can't justify fuel costs 
h0b0 - The 3.5l is a popular car for LPG conversion which helps the sting on MPG!
h0b0 - The 3.5l is a popular car for LPG conversion which helps the sting on MPG!
Edited by BadgerBox on Saturday 19th September 07:02
PRE-WINTER CLEAN
Spent three hours yesterday cleaning the outside of the Yank Tank and applying a polymer resin coating to protect the paint through the next few weeks, then I'll repeat the process again before Christmas.
DIAGNOSTICS SCANNER
I've invested in a new Autel MaxiDiag Elite MD802 scanner for the car. Pretty pricey at £200 however, will be worth it as a scan at my local stealership is £60 a time and this scanner covers over 45+ car makes so will do all of the family and friends.
It connects fine to the car and scans all 20 modules in the car (PCM, TCM, ABS etc...) and found a few faults I knew about and some I didn't. Already cleared them all and started a fresh, £60 saved already
Spent three hours yesterday cleaning the outside of the Yank Tank and applying a polymer resin coating to protect the paint through the next few weeks, then I'll repeat the process again before Christmas.
DIAGNOSTICS SCANNER
I've invested in a new Autel MaxiDiag Elite MD802 scanner for the car. Pretty pricey at £200 however, will be worth it as a scan at my local stealership is £60 a time and this scanner covers over 45+ car makes so will do all of the family and friends.
It connects fine to the car and scans all 20 modules in the car (PCM, TCM, ABS etc...) and found a few faults I knew about and some I didn't. Already cleared them all and started a fresh, £60 saved already
Edited by BadgerBox on Wednesday 21st October 19:34
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