PSM Question

Hi all, just spotted a 996 C2 facelift in great condition + full OPC history but other than sports seats fairly low spce most notably no PSM............should I be bothered that is dodnt have it or is it a must have?? :dont know: cheers :thumb:

Hi Bishy, :welcome:..... Ooops- mouse trouble I have a 996 C2 facelift with PCM1.. and tbh its not very good by todays standards. it better than not having one but... Im seriously considering upgrading to Pioneer avic f900bt ... http://caraudiosecurity.com/shop/product/products_id/8416.html free ipod touch too....

Hi Bishy, PSM is a desirable option on the C2 models (it was standard on all the 4 wheel drive cars). Quite a few of the C2 drivers on here have it, but quite a few more don't. Personally I would have it if I was looking for a 996 again as well as the PCM module. ~ Maxie

Just so people aren't confused PSM - Porsche Stability Management, This will try and keep you on the road should you get things a little out of hand. It will however not defy the laws of physics. Personally I would prefer to have a car with it but some find it a little too intrusive for sideways fun. PCM - Porsche Communication Module. This looks after your navigation, phone and in car entertainment. PCM1 is now outdated and the navigation is (IMO) complete shite. PCM2 is a little better although nothing to write home about.

And not forgetting PSE -Porsche Sports Exhaust, an essential and happily retrofittable switchable exhaust system. For any 996 ex Turbo, GT2, GT3. Back to PSM... I have a C4, and I've seen the psm light flash on the road only once, on ice. I've certainly felt it doing stuff though at other times. Its a great system, very unobtrustive, but not essential if you know what you're doing behind the wheel. It may however just save your bacon if you hit a patch of diesel etc mid corner... For what its worth, the great Walter Rohrl was only a couple of secs slower round the 'Ring in a C4 with PSM on than with it off.

I don't have PSM on my C2, and I've driven with ice and wet leaves on the ground and not missed it, bit I'm also not silly under those conditions. The C2 has a lot of grip for a relatively powerful RWD car. I've had previous (non Porsche) cars with and without, and on balance I prefer without. I specifically looked for a 996 that didn't have it, as I've had cars where it was anoying - though I understand the 996 one is pretty good. - Steve

I'd rather have it and not die the day I do something silly, or worse, someone else doing something silly which causes me to have to change line away from best grip (ie emergency lane change or other unintended swerving) ... besides, there is a button to turn it off. And yes, it may still monitor you incase you REALLY do something stupid, but that is pressumably not the kind of involving drive you think PSM may inhibit.

Other cars with PSM? Which ones are they? ~ Maxie :?

I went on an advanced driving course some years ago and they got you to drive around in an ever tightening circle with and without the PSM on and off. The difference was dramatic in how much more control you had of the car with the PSM before you got cronic understeer and lost the front end. Now I am not saying that's an everyday manoveur but the instructors point was well demonstrated that its a very sofisticated system on the porsche and really is a very unobtrusive driver aid. For road driving I'd say its a worthwhile option to have. You'll never know its saved your bacon - but it can't hurt!

+1 spot on

Maxie, generally LSD and other driver aids I think no23 meant - I personally prefer seat of the pants stuff without any of the aforementioned. - Simon

That's what I thought. LSD, ESP etc usually came free with the likes of sporting cars such as Golf GTI etc but PSM is much more advanced. All 996 models (2 or 4 wheel drive) come with a traction control device (eg LSD) as standard which can't be switched off. These are not as advanced as PSM which not only takes into account braking at each wheel but steering inputs as well and controls it all when things start to go wrong. A few forum members have reported they felt a twitch in the steering as they witnessed PSM take control of the car to bring it back into a straight line. Also you'd expect an option that was costing £965 when it first came out to be a bit more than LSD. I am sure someone with more technical knowledge can explain better the nuances of PSM? Wattie, Daniel, Adrian...? ~ Maxie