PCCM+ or not?

While I like the idea of having modern conveniences in my 996 via the PCCM+ upgrade, I feel there is something really pure and simple with the stock circa 2003 set up. Has anyone purposely avoided such an upgrade out of nostalgia or am I smoking something?

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Personally, I like to keep the car as close to stock as possible. However, the Porsche classic radios still blend in very well by maintaining the original look of the original PCM-type and single-DIN systems while giving you modern functionality. IMHO, this is a smart move for Porsche because as the original Becker radios wear out, people will be looking for a replacement, but can't stand the techno-look of aftermarket units. Well, at least most of them look like they came out of Darth Vader space ship. haha

I'm looking for something that is an improvement in sound. My Ford box truck has a better sound system in it and it has more road, etc, noise while driving. It needs to be simple to use, and I agree, not too silly looking. Preferably relatively easy to install. Not sure the PCCM+ fits the bill as far as install goes. I like the look though.

The Continental head units will give a boost in sound while maintaining a simple look. https://www.bergvillfx.com/categories/head-units

I spent over $2G on my factory ordered Jeep Wrangler. That was due to including GPS. Well, within 2 years, GPS is very outdated. I use Waze for Nav and it includes radar traps. As much as I like the look of PCCM. I think it will be dated in 5 years where as my factory Becker will look as good as it does today.

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True but the outdated GPS on your Jeep is part of the static OEM software. PCCM+ is essentially an interface to display whatever your phone can serve up. It won�t age in the same manner and is a helluva lot better match for the dash than just about anything sold by Best Buy or something. I think it�s an elegant, though expensive, solution.

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I agree with you on the elegant part. I wouldn't go aftermarket. Here's a pic of my setup. Usually no wire, but we were on an extended trip. [img] https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...27b414b736.jpg [\img]

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Actually not a bad solution at a fraction of the cost. Who makes the adapter and the magnet?

Not sure if this is what is above but Rennline makes a magnetic mount for our cars: https://www.rennline.com/Porsche-996...tinfo/PM01.08/

$30 phone mount bluetooth - Rennlist - Porsche Discussion Forums

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I feel the same way. Just bought a new-to-me 996C2, which is a throwback to my first Porsche almost 20 years ago. Before taking delivery I excitedly looked into PCCM+ and tentatively scheduled to have it done at local dealer. But since getting the car, I immediately felt nostalgic about playing CDs in it that I used to play in my first 911. Also, I really DO like the simplicity of the old infotainment system. I�m nostalgic for it, I suppose. It�s a bummer PCCM+ doesn�t play CDs at all, as it has no built in Disc player nor is it compatible with the frunk-mounted factory 6-disc CD changer, which my car also has. As far as modern conveniences, a simple solution is to use AirPods for phone calls while driving. If you need to see screen for navigation, etc, just get one of the new MagSafe mounts. I also don�t like that PCCM+, even though new in last year, doesn�t support wireless Apple CarPlay, which isn�t very elegant.

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This is exactly me. I've had my 996 for about 2 weeks now and I'm going to try the RF Bluetooth transmitter solution and see how that goes for a while and if it doesn't satisfy then I'll probably go with one of the Continental head units that has bluetooth built in. I think they look great and are a perfect match for the interior of the 996. I'm pretty sure the speakers are going to have to get an upgrade at some point though because they're a few point below adequate for my tastes.

From what I've read, wireless Apple CarPlay often seems to be quite slow and unreliable. That might be a reason to stick with a cable. I think I'll stay with the factory CDR-220 since I love its period look, and I've got an aux wire so I can hook up my phone for Spotify and calls (using the mic in the phone actually works reasonably well). One thing is that I've now got updated speakers (Focal) but the audio quality is still not that great. I'm missing the speakers in the doors, so I'll never get much bass, but I'm also wondering whether an external amp might improve things. Seems like a b**** to wire up though.

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I dont have direct experience as mine is stock, but other threads I've read have stated that the factory head unit is the bottleneck when it comes to sound quality. I would look into upgrading the HU before throwing money at the speakers looking for better sound.

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I fitted one of these to my car but got a constant interference buzz that Tor didn't have an answer for at was great at refunding. Went with the PCCM+ in the end as listening to the local radio is mind numbing , audio quality is great, its a pretty easy install and for me adds to the experience vs detracting

I recently retrofitted the stereo and feel it blends nicely. Originally planned to purchase the Porsche product but ended up with this Pioneer unit. Perfectly happy with its performance so far...

Have definitely decided to keep mine factory original with the CDR head unit... Have only just driven car at night a few times and noticed how nice it is NOT to have lots of bright light filling the cabin from a large touchscreen, but rather the faint warm glow of only the matching orange displays throughout the whole dash. Also, I am liking CDs again, which prevent me from constantly fiddling with selecting a new song to play on my iPhone and instead listen to a whole album. Finally, I�m finding my iPhone in the cubby in center console with bottom edge (mic) pointed out works absolutely fine in speakerphone for clear calls when I need, and if I want any better phone audio quality I can just pop an AirPods earbud into my ear(s) and presto. These cars are now rising in value. The biggest turn off to a lot of people (myself included) when shopping for a used Porsche is aftermarket stereos and other non-factory original modifications. Yuck.

I've owned my 03' Targa for 5 years...and have just ordered the PCCM+ and plan to have it installed in early May. While I'm an OEM guy....I also like having the latest tech. The price is steep...but I'm going to pull the trigger to bring my car into the 2020's while still looking like it belongs in a 996. I can appreciate aftermarket solutions...but they just don't look quite right to me. Do I wish it has wireless carplay and was less expensive? You bet! I'll keep the old parts and if I do sell it on down the road, the next guy / gal can go with what's there or put it back the way it was delivered...warm orange glow and all.

Does anybody know a good installer in Minnesota to install a PCCM+ in a 996. Thanks.

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I don�t think you need to find a �good installer�. Pretty much any installer can do this fairly easily.

This is so funny I am having the same thoughts as many others on this thread. I really like my OEM Becker head unit. I did try one of these on a whim and guys... This works well Bluetooth Module Adapter AUX Audio Cable for Porsche Becker Bluetooth Module Adapter AUX Audio Cable for Porsche Becker . The thing I like the most is that it is a simple and seamless solution. This with the Rennlist magnetic mount is the perfect solution if you want to keep your Becker in place.

Very interesting. How does that get installed?

For the CDR 220 it is so easy. The yellow plug that feeds your amp snaps into the blue/green bluetooth adapter cable and all three snap neatly into place. You can even fold the and attach the cable into the open cable guide hooks in the back of your unit. I couldn't believe how painless this was. One thing... I do think if you have a CD Changer you lose that with this, but I don't really use mine so no biggy. I will confess that because of some of the reviews I bought a spare, just in case. Once you have that in place follow the instructions here to activate your aux port. You Tube

Just completed the PCCM+ installation into my 2003 996 Turbo that had a CDR 23 / Bose / MOST configuration (no CD changer). For this configuration, it was very plug-and-play and came on with no issues regarding sound amplification, buzzing / hissing, or the unit thinking the car was in motion while sitting still. I guess I caught a good break compared to others on the forum who have or are experiencing these issues and I certainly learned a lot from the various threads that made it pretty easy. A few comments: 1. Since this unit is specifically designed for 986 / 996, it astounds me that Porsche makes the microphone and GPS antenna cables so unnecessarily long. You need to get a bit creative where you want to bundle up and secure the excess length and not have the bundle of excess wire become a source of rattling. 2. At the other end of the spectrum, the cable for the media box is unnecessarily too damn short. Another 2-3 inches would have made a world of difference in being able to plug in the connectors to the back of the PCCM+. 3. I bought a Sirius SVX3000 satellite receiver from Crutchfield which installed nicely on the tray where the MOST box sits. Sirius has an even longer antenna cable than the Porsche GPS antenna, but I can understand this because it is generic for every possible vehicle out there. 4. I mounted the antennas under the black cowl panel in front of the windshield next to the cabin air filter and routed the cables through the larger rubber grommet to the lower right behind the battery (when looking at the battery from the front of the car) where another Rennlister placed them. The round rubber grommet (about 2.5 inches in diameter) is above the brake pedal on the firewall and has thick felt insulation adhered to it on the interior cabin side. 5. I looked into mounting the GPS and Sirius antennas on the dashboard under the plastic trim piece where the security light pod sits, but there wasn't enough space under that trim piece to fit both antennas and I didn't want the antennas sitting out in the open on the dashboard. 6. I mounted the microphone on the steering column. Others have routed it to the factory microphone port on the left side of the instrument cluster.