PCM options for a 1999 which had PCM1?

Hi All. So, the 1999 996 I am buying originally came with PCM1 (see picture). Previous owner removed the PCM1, Nav disc unit, and porsche amp. Replaced head unit with aftermarket double DIN, and a Rockford Amp. I'd like to know what my options are to install the original PCM1 back in (although people say it is very outdated), or, ideally, a newer version of a PCM... how "new" a PCM could I find and install? What would this newer PCM unit be called? PCM2? PCM 16bit? What is the latest year PCM I could install in a 1999 car? Thanks!

I guess both PCM's are so bad that no one commented...?

OK, I'll ask ... why would you possibly want an antiquated PCM as opposed to a modern double DIN with nav, Bluetooth, apps, better sound, easily updated maps, etc?

Oops

You can reinstall PCM 1.0 into your 996 and make it work. You'll obviously have to find the amp, the CD drive, etc. The early 996 cars use an analog system with traditional copper wires. The benefit of doing this is that you'll retain the OEM look, as pictured above. The downsides are: outdated nav, no Bluetooth, no satellite radio, no phone connectivity, etc. The 2003+ cars used PCM 2.0, which is a digital system that communicates between components using the MOST fiber optic ring. The only way to install a newer Porsche unit into your car is to install all the MOST components. You would have to run fiber optic cables too. This isn't impossible, but it would be a major retrofit, requiring extensive work and the purchase of many components. I would be really surprised if you could find all the components and an installer capable of doing the job. It would require a custom installation by somebody who is very familiar with modern Porsche electronics. It would be very, very expensive and time consuming. Additionally, even the "modern" Porsche electronics didn't really come up to class standards until PCM 3.0 was introduced in 2009. Your best bang for the buck is an aftermarket system.

Only reason I'd want the original PCM system back in is to maintain the "factory" look... but after hearing all the down sides of the original PCM system... maybe a new head unit is the right way. Especially since I DO want to have bluetooth and phone connectivity (the only time I catch up on phone calls is while driving... and hands free would be nice). Any suggestions on good aftermarket double DIN head units... with NAV, bluetooth, etc? I've heard of some units that you can program to display a Porsche logo on the startup.. ideas?

I had a Kenwood unit in my 996 and I was happy with it. It had Garmin navigation, Sirius XM, Bluetooth, etc. One thing you should consider is the fact that handsfree conversation is difficult in the 996 due to engine and tire noise. There's lots of noise in the cabin, especially at highway speed. I only used mine when I was on a conference call and I could keep my line muted for most of the call. The Kenwood unit that I had did allow for the Porsche "splash screen" on startup.

Do you recall which Kenwood unit? And, how would one go about adding a Porsche logo to the screen?

Mine was the Kenwood Excelon DNX-6960. I don't think they make that model any more, but I'm sure they have a replacement for it.

I've got a Kenwood dnx6990hd, which is a 2012 model and has also been discontinued. It was fairly cheap (under $500), has Garmin navigation, iPod control, Bluetooth, and all the usual stuff. The newer units probably have better app control than mine does -- I just play Pandora through Bluetooth audio, and it works fine). I have a custom "Porsche" splash screen that was easy to load. I followed the procedure outlined in this video: How to Change Splash Screen on Kenwood DNX6190 - YouTube

Hi MBA SAILOR I have a 1999 C4, and have been researching the PCM issue to exhaustion. My objective is the same as yours - keep the car true to its original look. I would not install the PCM1, because it is a dead end if you need repairs. There is, however, a firm in Germany called Elektronik Idee rebuilds these, incorporates na Alpine Nav unit into the PCM 1, and sells them for 1round 1600euros. After all that you basically get a radio with a nav unit. The phone function is not integrated. So... that is out. Might as well bite the bullet and get a top of the line stand alone aftermarket NAV system for the same amount of Money. But... the look of an up-to-date NAV system... is just too much for my 15 year old austere rough and tumble German 996. Anyway... I just saw your post and the response someone wrote up. They said the PCM 2 uses all sorts functions which require special fiber connections (whatever they are, they doesn't work in the old-timer cars). Forget those special functions ... probably steering wheel controls, and on-screen engine functions, trip autonomy, etc. Whatever they are, do they have to be wired up to make the PCM2 work? Now... my question is.. to anyone who might know... Shouldn't it be possible to wire-up and run a PCM2 as a stand alone unit ?? ... just as a modern aftermarket system would work, as a standalone ? 12v speakers - OEM basic system - not BOSE NAV system radio and CD player phone module(this last one should not be impossible - my car came with a basic CD22 radio and uses a NOKIA CK300 bluetoothh interface for my I-phone, which automatically mutes the radio, CD, and has voice recognition.

Anything is possible if you spend enough money. PCM 2.0 requires fiber optic connections for the amp and CD changer. The speakers use traditional copper wire. PCM 2.0 uses CD-based navigation and the nav CDs are loaded directly into the head unit (only one at a time) for the appropriate region. PCM 2.1 uses DVD-based navigation and the DVDs are loaded into a separate DVD player that connects to the head unit (it's in the trunk in my 997). The 996 cars never had steering wheel controls to my knowledge. I don't know if you could successfully install a PCM 2.0 head unit without installing a separate amp. Also, some PCM 2.0 head units will accept a telephone kit and have the phone buttons, some are not telephone ready.