Mopar remote start in 2005 Chrys. 300

I am considering installing a MOPAR remote start system in my 2005 Chrysler 300.  I have installed other aftermarket remote starters before, but have never had to deal with security bypassing.  I have decided to go with the MOPAR version because I have heard that it does not effectively disable the factory anti-theft like an aftermarket one does (by using a spare key).  Basically I was told that with the aftermarket/spare key method, a thief could use a screwdriver to turn the ignition and the car would start because of the aftermarket remote starter using a spare key/transponder.  Even with just a screwdriver, the car thinks it is a transponder key.  How does the MOPAR version not do the same????  Or was the dealer just trying to scare me into choosing the MOPAR version over an aftermarket (and much cheaper) version?

More importantly:  Has anyone installed the MOPAR remote starter in a 2005 Chrysler 300?  I have heard it is "easy", as it mostly plugs into the factory harnesses, but it seems to me that it would be difficult to get to the ignition switch to wrap the antenna wire around it for the transponder bypass.  I was also told by the dealer that a special "tool" is needed to program the remote starter to the car, however, they let me read the installation directions while I was there, and all I saw was that you needed to follow a procedure with both original keys, press a button on the remote start module, then on the remote start transmitter, then it was done.  Is this correct?  Or do I need some special tool?  Is the dealer blowing smoke up my tailpipe trying to get me to pay an extra $230 for labor?  I am no stranger to wiring or taking cars apart, but I am a bit nervous as this car is very new.  Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Kevin

30 minutes!  The dealer wanted to charge me a FLAT rate of 3 hours (coming to around $230).  I could tell that they really didn't want me to do it myself, but then they are in business to make money.  I'm sure I can do it myself, but it will probably take ME about 3 hours, being the first one in a 300.

So is it true that the aftermarket remote starters pretty much disable the anti-theft system?  That's a bit scary.  Since the mopar one works kind of the same, it almost seems like it wouldn't be any better.  However, the dealer swore that the mopar one is perfectly safe, and the aftermarket ones are not.  Regardless, I will still go with the mopar one simply because it should be easier to do AND it will be covered by the 3 year Chrysler warranty.  Although the dealer also told me that if I install it myself, the parts would be covered but not labor.  I told him, "If I am going to install it myself in the first place, don't you think that if it needed a new part, I would replace that myself as well?"  :)

Thanks for your response!

I figured that with any remote start system it would make it easier to steal, but the Chrysler dealer said the "key under the dash" method is less safe.  I told him I planned to grind the edges of the key after I programmed it so that a thief could not retrieve the key and simply put it into the ignition, which was when he said it wouldn't matter so long as they transponder is in place.  He didn't specify, but I suspect he meant that the car would be easier to steal using a screwdriver WHEN THE CAR IS RUNNING via the remote start using the spare key method.  I only use the remote starter in the mornings when the car is in my driveway, or at work before I leave, where it is clearly visible through a window.  A thief would still have to break the window or otherwise get into the car somehow, so I am not too worried about it.

I have decided I am going to install the Mopar starter myself.  I was originally going to have and aftermarket one installed, but all of the installers around here use the spare key method.  The cheapest I found that would do it was $180.  Add another $120 for the spare key from the dealer, and I am up to $300.  For the same price, I can get the supposedly safer Mopar starter and do it myself.

Thanks for all of the replies, by the way!  I have been installing stereos, remote starters, and other electrical accessories since I was 16 (that's about 16 years now).  I've learned a lot over the years, and am confident in my abilities, but it was great to have stumbled on this site.  Very handy and helpful!!  This security bypass thing had me a bit scared, but from the responses I have been getting, it is no big deal.... especially with the Mopar system.

Kevin

Thanks for the extra info, Fred!  I figured that panel pulled right off, but I wasn't sure if I needed to pull the trim ring off of the ignition first or not.  I will definitely put the sticker where it says to, as well as install any other safety devices it says to install.  I have installed two Bull Dog remote starters (in my previous car as well as my wife's current truck), and both times I placed the sticker where it was clearly visible and wired the pin switch to disable the remote starter when the hood was up.  It's nice that the mopar one comes with a mercury switch (didn't know that)... that is easier to install than a pin switch because you don't have to figure out the best place to mount it where the hood will open the circuit when closed.

I plan to order it within a week or two, but I'm not sure when I will get around to installing it.  Any tips on the best way to run the wires through the firewall for the mercury switch and tach wire?  I know some cars make it relatively easy to do, but on my last car I had to drill a hole through the firewall.  Is there a handy place to run it through on the 300?