Map Update for PCM 2.1 Navigation

So the new map DVD for 2013 is about to come out (part # 997.044.90351). The dealer wants $300 for the disk and $130.- for the re-flash or whatever they do to make the new disk talk to the existing Nav system. That is about as much as a good stand-alone Garmin Navigation system would cost. So my question: how can I reduce that price? Can I update whatever firmware or re-flash is needed myself? Are there third-party providers from whom I can get the map disk cheaper ( Porsche buys its map DVDs from Harman/Becker)? Thanks, JM

Nobody knows nothing? Any other resources/forums that could be of help?

Auto manufacturer GPS map updates are notoriously expensive. You can try Suncoast or Pelican Parts to see if they have it. Can't speak to the upgrade process as I have not done it.

I am also wondering about the necessity to reprogram, rather than just sticking in the new DVD. And, if reprogram is necessary, does it have to be done for $130.- at the dealer?

I'm with you on that. I used to own a 2005 Acura TL with the DVD Nav. I updated it once by simply removing the old DVD and replacing it with the new one. I'm guessing PCM fiber optics has something to do with the flash. That's $130 bucks worth of beer money wasted. :beer:

Just got an email blast from Suncoast advertising PCM2.1 NAV update for $325. But they don't say specifically what year the update is - it just says "replaces older maps with the lastest maps on PCM 2.1 units." So maybe it's still only the 2010 map update - who knows? They say that if your car is 2005-2006 model year you must upgrade the software from version "A" to "B" before installing the new disc, but if you have a 2007-2008 you should already have "B" installed. I've avoided bothering with an update because my iPhone works better, is easier to use, and I can get traffic info from Google Maps.

I was thinking about doing this update as well after seeing the blast from Suncoast yesterday but I don't know what more the updated maps might have or how the software might be different vs. what I already have. It would be nice if they published the changed specs. When we used to update our Honda Nav DVD it would publish how many miles of new roads, how many new POIs, etc. etc. the new disk had so you could make a judgement on whether it was worth it or not. I doubt the dealer does anything more than load the DVD, if it were me I'd just buy the DVD from Suncoast or another sponsor and try to load it and see what happens. I'm pretty sure I already have the "B" software upgrade but would have to check my PCM to make sure...

Hi everyone. I am new the the Porsche community and this forum. I recently purchased a 2006 Boxster S with navigation and had the same questions around how to update the navigation maps and if it was worth it. After a bunch of research I decided to take the plunge. I decided to go with the update versus using my iPhone due to the fact that I like the larger screen and the built-in look. The PCM system is not as easy to use as the phone and I will likely still use the phone for looking up POIs. I ordered the latest maps from my dealer ($300 minus a 20% PCA discount) plus $125 to install. I actually had to tell them about the 2013 version part number as it has not been formally published! However, they were able to order it. As I am on PCM 2.1B I suspect the install process is only a DVD firmware update. Suncoast was not able to tell me the model number and they wanted $325 plus shipping. I am having the work done next week in advance of a road trip and will let people know how it goes.

As I mentioned, the latest map DVD (part # 997.044.90351) costs $300 from Sunset Porsche in Portland. Why pay more when the dealer in this case seems cheapest? Sunset sells the disk as the PCM 2.1 compatible 2013 update, according to the parts man I talked to. I have not checked back whether they have it in by now.

Update: My dealer performed the Navigation update today. The Navigation update set included the discs to perform the PCM update as well as the 2013 Navigation disc that remains in the unit. However it does not come with instructions. I suspect one could find the instructions and perform the update oneself but why risk screwing up the PCM unit. I drove by some new developments on the way home that did not appear in the 2005 version and sure enough they now appear on the map! The interface is still the same but that is to be expected.

Now that's a great update. Thanks. Because my 2006 has still the same maps. Roads don't change that much over here, but I was wondering if the interface got updated as well...

I took my car into OPC a couple of weeks ago and they did an update on my pcm 3.0 completely free. I ask the technician there and he said its common practice when they do some work to update for you. I don't know if you go to OPC for work but if you do it's worth asking them

very interesting stuff here. picking up my 06 cs this wkend and have no idea which dvd is in it navigation wise. anyone here not using the nav in their cars much at all?

Took the car to VT last week and was glad I upgraded the Nav versus using the iPhone as I had no cell service half of the time!!!

I guess you were trying to use Google/Apple maps for navigation. I bought Navigon a few years back and once I have map of the state downloaded (I can download either all or just individual states), I don't need cell service for navigation.

is it possible to just update the PCM 2.1 software without needing the new Maps DVD? Meaning I just want the OS software upgraded and then use the same older Map DVD without needing any new discs to stay in the system. reason i ask is i know a friend that has the updated discs but wouldn't keep his Nav disc.

are there no other options for this? either pay the outrageous price or just ignore the going on a decade old map dvd?

I wanted to report in, regarding the ability to load the DVD map update for the PCM 2.1, as a do it yourself task. When I purchased my '06 CS in 2011, I purchased the then current maps (and updates) to replace the originals. At that time, the dealer installed the "B" software update. Now, fast forward to the new map update; I just received the new map DVD from Suncoast . Included with the new map disk are the exact same software updates that were included in the 2010 map update. Knowing that I already had the B update installed, I turned on the PCM , and replaced the old DVD with the new disk. The PCM gave a prompt for installing the new maps, which I accepted, and the new disk installed in about 30 seconds. If you don't have the "B" software installed, then you may need to visit the dealer for updating; I can't verify.

On the Suncoast order page for the new maps, the procedure is listed for checking your software version; you can read your version # directly from the PCM . I did not need the software update, but if you do need the update, it does come packaged along with the map DVD. The software update disks that ship with the 2013 maps are the same version and part #s that came with the 2010 maps.

Hey- Brand new Cayman owner here, trying to sort through this. My 06 has a PCM in it, I checked the version (3.3 overall at the top of the screen, then 05024ED1 on PCM .) I have 3 discs - PCM 2.1 Multimedia Update CD Navigation PCM 2.1 Multimedia Update CD 1 911 Boxter Cayman PCM 2.1 Multimedia Update CD 2 911 Boxter Cayman So I've got software version B it looks like, but no Nav DVD... right?

So do you have to provide your VIN to Suncoast when ordering the maps update DVD? Is there anything to prevent someone from burning a copy of the DVD and sharing it with their Porsche friends instead of everyone paying $300? Is the DVD somehow specifically coded to only work with one car? Edit: Not that I would advocate doing such a thing of course, just curious...

don't believe this is necessary... i bought the firmware updates and 2012 maps off the web, followed the instructions and looks to be working fine.. didn't have to provide VIN no or anything

What site did you buy them from? Cost? Ease of install?

Update on installation of the 2013 maps in my car: my wife was good enough to purchase the new maps from Suncoast as a Christmas present, and I finally got around to installing it this weekend. Following the procedure on the Suncoast website I had confirmed that my PCM software was up to date, so all I did was (1) insert key and turn on car accessories, (2) pop the frunk and open the plastic door that conceals the NAV DVD player, (3) press eject and remove the old maps DVD (which was dated 2005 in my case), and (4) insert the new maps DVD. Then got into car, started the PCM and pressed "map." The screen asked if I wanted to update software, I pressed yes, and the system took about a minute to read the new data and come to life. All-in-all it was quite easy and straight-forward. I can confirm that in addition to the 2013 maps the set of discs from Suncoast also includes other DVDs for system update - which I ignored - and a copy of the 2010 version of maps. So a total of five discs, only one of which is necessary.

Who (which company) supplies Navigation equipment to Porsche ? Is it Becker?

According to the dealership service department [on the 2011 Cayman ] maps are updated on the hard drive [no CD] and the cost is upwards of $300. That's highway robbery IMO.

Chip, You want sell your 2010 copy? Pm me.

I have always wanted to update navigation maps on my 06 Cayman S but didn't feel that it was worth $300+ with the possibility of having to update software. I found this site selling 2.1 map update for $130. 2014 Porsche PCM 2.1 Navigation North America | Car Navigation DVD Maps Verified that I have "B" software installed and decided to give it a try. 2 days after ordering received an email from the seller letting me know my update has shipped....from Bosnia! and provided tracking information. Received the update in about 10 days. 5 disks were included. I ejected my old nav CD, 2005, and inserted the new disk dated 2013, ignoring the others. Next I turned on my PCM, selected maps and was prompted to install the map update. 45 seconds later it's done. Display is the same as I expected. Verified that new roads and freeways near me now are included. Happy with the update!

Did exactly the same as "Marko". Took 11 days to get from Bosnia to Western Canada. Install was easy. Old DVD out and New DVD in. Took all of 60 seconds. Works great, should have done sooner.

Sounds like a plan! Thanks.

Works great. Just make sure you have software "B" installed prior to ordering Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I just order the set as well this weekend, will keep everyone posted.

FYI got my discs last Friday. Works great but 99% sure they are copied discs of original equipment.