PCM 1 8 bit or 16 bit ?

Ive been trying to fathom out of I have the 8bit or 16bit PCM1 version in my 996, the cars a mid 2001 registered car, so assumed it would be a 16bit, ive got the upgrade disc to 2002 ( thanks Rich ) to do the first upgrade then got myself the 2009/2010 Opel disc to do that upgrade, but I cant get over the first hurdle, mines on 2000-2002 disc, so the early version, and needs the first sw update to allow the others ( if its a 16bit that is !) ive done the ac and push button and the results i get point to 16bit, can someone confirm either way please ? thanks

Not very helpfully I can give you the part numbers of the units (which are stamped round the back, sorry): 16 BIT: 996.642.122.03 8 BIT: 996.642.122.00 to 996.642.122.02 The 16 BIT units were built from 31/01/2001. The version number needs to be updated to PONA642D to accept Vauxhall/Opel (later) discs.

I've done a bit more Googling, and I am coming to the conclusion that yours is an 8-bit navigation drive. I can only seem to find some French, Italian and Swiss Porsche forums, but from my limited command of French, it seems like: Nav Software Ver POIE609D - 8bit Nav Software Ver PONA642D - 16bit This is strange if your car was registered mid-2001, as the 16-bit drives were fitted from 31st January 2001. It must have been built earlier than that, and sat around somewhere before being sold. Very unusual at that time. Out of interest, what is the 10th digit of the VIN? You could get the build date from Porsche Customer Services at Reading, but you would probably have to send them a copy of your V5C.

Email (or fax) a copy of V5 to: [email removed] or 0118 916 5199 Request build date, they will phone you back immediately (well they may take their time calling you back, but the info is immediately available on their systems)

Thanks, I emailed and got no response so called, and it seems a bit grey but they think I have the 8bit version ... 5HIT .. ill pull it to confirm , so I pull the cd part out and check the numbers on the back ? if it is the 8bit theres no upgrade at all is there so its 16 bit pcm 1.2 upgrade or pcm 2 upgrade... thanks'

Maybe keep an eye on eBay for a second hand 16-bit navigation drive (WITH it's security code). Probably as rare as rocking horse poo. Upgrading to PCM2 would be more difficult. It has loudspeaker outputs, which you could use instead of the MOST bus, but I think it would end up being a bit of a 'mare, especially if you wanted a CD-changer. An aftermarket double-DIN, perhaps?

The part numbers are on the back of the the main unit - that's where the processor resides. The CD transport is just a reader (and is rated at 16 BITS anyway, as that is the Compact Disc standard).

Ah har, thanks Paul, Ill have a go at pulling the main unit out, just had a look, cant see any little holes for inserting small round pins to extract unit, any pointers or advice on getting the beast out ? cheers

There is a small plastic cover on each side of the nav drive. Just unclip them, and you will see the holes for the extractor rods to insert. The units are bl**dy tight in the mounting cage, and most times the cage comes out too!

I've got a TomTom you can borrow?

:floor: thanks ! thats what the iphones for whats the after market double dins like, any that suit the porsche and look good in there ? dont want a tacky looking over the top lights flashing unit if you get my jist

Do a search for "double din" and click search for all terms. Or check this out as an example: http://www.911uk.com/viewtopic.php?t=49811&postdays=0&postorder=asc Richard has done this AFAIK, sure he will be along with advice.