Boxster 2005 stereo

Another newbie question I am looking at perhaps upgrading the standard Boxster stereo, not the Bose and like to know how I can tell if it’s the optical or standard model. a part of me says keep it all original and the other part says get new stereo and listen to Spotify. cheers

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Sorry Frank, Keep it original are my thoughts.   But I am an old fart and have no idea about Spotify.  Going from AM to FM is a major challenge for me. Better still drop the roof and listen to that Flat 6.....

I think there should be a logo on the door if you have it. You can double check though by opening the frunk, open to the compartment where the tyre goo/pump is and if you don't see an amp there I don't think you have BOSE. I'm just about to replace the PCM3 in my 987.2 with a Pioneer unit. You can get a top of the line unit, adaptor and bezel for <$1000. For me that's well worth it to have Wireless Carplay + Android Auto. Euromotorspeed on ebay sells a wiring kit for $80 shipped (includes detailed instructions) and there are a bunch of Bezel options for ~$100 if you look online. I'd say buy the parts and go to a shop to get an install quote showing that you know how to do it but can't be bothered. If you go into a car audio shop they'll see you coming and quote you the Porsche price. I got quoted $1800 from one place.

If you have a 2005 987.1 it will almost certainly be a "Sounds Plus" with no optical. The first thing to do though is to look at replacing the door speakers as they will most likely be damaged, as they did not use good speakers. There are plenty of threads and YouTube videos about speaker replacement.

Change the radio, get streaming, digital radio and phone. If you are concerned that changing the radio is not in keeping with originality then keep the radio for the next buyer to swap back,  If I was buying another car that has not been upgraded I would be disappointed.

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Thanks mate. I do have the little amp in the frunk but no Bose stickers or sub in rear parcel shelf just the storage boxes. i check out some more stereos and those kits. cheers mate They actually sound ok, car been pretty much pussied all it’s life and indoors.

Frank, I have a pair up upgraded door speakers and dash speakers from a 986 I'm parting out.  Door speakers are in the original enclosures.  Not sure if 987 is same as 986, but if so, and of interest, shoot me a PM and I can send some more info. Our 987 S had the standard radio and speakers, sound was pretty crap I must admit, but we never listed to it much, listening to engine note with roof down was much nicer 🙂 Bose system in my 996.2 was pretty good though. I recently put one of the Continental 7412 units in the GT3, and am really impressed with it, looks the part and has the required phone connectivity etc, but this is a single DIN unit, not sure whether you have the double DIN PCM unit in your car

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Thanks mate I keep it in mind, not sure what I am doing yet but like a few others have said. listen to the exhaust and might just do that and see how I go.

Is it a CDR 220 or 23 Frank? If NOT the MOST/optical then you can easily for the Continental/VDO unit from Classic Sound Labs in Melb I believe.  They are very helpful. Instant BT and streaming from your phone.  If you want to keep the Becker original, try the Transit Blue for phone and streaming (and Spotify ...).  Takes 30 mins to install and works really well in my recent experience.

Do you want the ability to play CDs, Aux etc? If not there are new units out that basically have a screen and usb for your phone. I've got a unit that is a few years old, so does DVD, SD, USB, Aux etc. And does Apple and Android navigation etc. I swapped it in, replaced the stock amp, then replaced all the speakers and put in rear speakers into the parcel shelf. Then put in a newer steering wheel, with stereo controls. Had a few issues along the way, but all sorted now. Its nice to have up to date Nav, and phone charging/tunes.