Can anyone comment on the PCCM system that's available?

Hello All, I'm contemplating shelling out the bucks for the new PCCM (Porsche Classic Communication Management Plus) system for my '02 996TT. It looks great and seems to fit nicely in the older cars. Especially since the old Kenwood system the PO installed really sucks. I've only seen it in one Porsche around here, and the owner likes it. But, I've heard a few folks tell me they decided against it when they compared specs to other systems that are much cheaper. I wanted to ask here that have purchased and installed it their take (so I can have more than one data point). My questions would include: does it live up to the advertised expectations? how easy/hard was it to install? (I plan to do it myself). does it interface easy with your phone? how well does the stereo sound? anything you were surprised about? Either in a good or bad way. Constructive comments would be welcome. Thanks much, Steve

Steve, I have no first hand knowledge of this but did watch a pretty good video on the install a couple of weeks ago: They offer up a lot of comments about it that you may find helpful.

Thanks Tom, I’ll watch it. Appreciate the lead, Steve

Hey Tom, That was a good video, and it certainly gave me confidence that a do-it-yourselfer could install it. Thank you, Steve

They have a good YT channel with a lot of good info for 996 / 997 cars. I realize you are probably more interested in the unit for a 996, but they make some constructive comments for the 996 also. Good luck! I wish to keep my CD changer so it seems like I am stuck with the OE unit as best I could tell, the new PCCM or even new after-market units will not support the CD changer. Let us know how it goes!

Yes, you are right. There seems to be a trend away from even the CD's now. Getting more and more reliant on the phones doing the heavy lifting for your music library. Thanks, Steve

I guess I'm waaay behind the times...I don't even use a cell phone! My Mac desktop is really all I need. I need to hire a 10 year old to come over and show me how to use a smart phone!

Hi, first time poster. I bought my 53K miles triple-black 1999 Cab in November 2022. I received it late January 2023, but that’s a story for another post. It came with an Alpine receiver and CD changer installed. Nothing like 20-year-old silver-faced electronics smack in the middle of your otherwise stock and perfect Porsche black console. So I just received a refurbished Becker CDR-220 with Bluetooth. Looks amazing. But I haven’t installed it yet. I’ll have to map all of the wiring from the Alpine to the new Becker harness first. I did swap out the cassette storage unit for a minty CD storage thing, and that’s kind of retro cool. I’ve since bought about 25 of my favorite CDs, and I’m finding the old school, music only system to be very fulfilling. Anyway, good luck with the PCCM!

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Hi there! Your post slipped through the cracks so I just wanted to pass on a welcome to Carpokes and a thank you for joining! Old school music, however one defines it, is often the best. CD's - I've accumulated a ton of them over the years but they mostly remain unused these day so it's kind of refreshing to know that you've revived their use in your car. Looking forward to the "story for another post" - those kinds of experiences are usually interesting. Carpokes is a picture-friendly site, so post away!

Hi, I have the PCCM+ installed in my 1998 Boxster. I had it done at the dealership, since the head unit in the car was aftermarket and had all kinds of crazy wires leading to it. I am satisfied with the way it works and looks. Is it perfect ? Not at all, but it’s definitely an improvement, and the touch screen is great, having a screen for gps is great!

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Glad it's worked out for the better. Welcome to Carpokes!!

I have been going back and forth over the new system for months. My existing system works well and has a cd player. Only thing is I can’t change the date. Now that being said I saw a good friend of mine this past Saturday at a Porsche event he has an ‘08 997 and had it done. It’s glorious. It fits like original equipment, it’s got all the bells and whistles: Bluetooth, Spotify etc and it just looks great. I’m leaning very hard to pulling the trigger.

I just put one in my 2007 C2S. My friend/mechanic put it in. He said it was easy. At first, the radio tuner had no antenna. Quick research said to install a bypass wire that came with the unit. Perfect. The navigation is an embarrassment. I can't believe Porsche would create and market such crap. The nav chip comes separately. Don't waste your time or money. Just use your iPhone's Map app. and Apple CarPlay. I was also disappointed that the unit does not have wireless CarPlay. [the Dynavin unit I recently installed in an '05 Cayenne is wireless and works perfectly. What's your problem, Porsche?] I bought an aftermarket bluetooth device that plugs into the USB slot. Works perfectly. I like it for quick trips. But for a long trip, especially using Maps, you'll want to connect iPhone using the USB slot since the iPhone will be getting charged as you go. I made sure my latest and best playlist was downloaded onto my iPhone. Then no need for a cell tower and data charge.

Outstanding info. Thank you.

We've had some nice weather so I've been driving the 997. The unit is a huge improvement and really updates the car. I really enjoy having CarPlay. It takes less than a minute for the wireless BT to pair. I have a little button controller that sticks on the steering wheel to I can jump to next song without taking my hand off the wheel or eye off the road. I'll paste the link at the end. The album art and the big screen is great. I haven't figured out how to make the voice turn by turn navigation to be louder. I started memorizing radio station presets. Fairly straightforward except I have trouble going from FM to AM and back. Ohio just passed a distracted driver law. It's nice to make and receive calls on the unit. Very happy. Worth the money. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RM75NL0?ps ... ct_details

Thanks guys. It arrived from Suncoast a few days ago and my Porsche guy is installing it next week.

Thank you all for the comments. Good to hear the different point of views. I realize everything is a trade-off. Kinda like life! Steve

Hello I have it in my 2000 911 and absolutely love it. Apple Play, phone messages and talk. And my music. It’s a game changer if you ask me.

I have installed the PCCM+ in a 2000 C4 and a 2000 Boxster S. The kit is excellent and install is straightforward. The only confusion might be depending on the options your car has (e.g., CD Changer). The one tip I'll offer is that some videos don't mention that you need to pull out the center frame where the unit sits, install the PCCM+ from the back of the frame, and then reinstall the center frame. Perhaps that is obvious to some, but it's not required to take out the factory PCCM unit. The one choice you have on install is where to place the remote USB connection box... Anyway, connect to Android Auto or Apple Carplay is easy through the USB. The ONLY complaints I have is that 1) the touchscreen appears to be resistive vs. capacitive, so a small amount of force is sometimes needed and that 2) the volume change after turning the volume control knob is sometimes delayed a bit... as if the processor reading the knob position is busy (as if the knob is not triggering an interrupt, but its position is read only every so often unless a change is detected). They are great additions to 2000ish era cars.

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Thanks for the info and the post. And, welcome to Carpokes!

Hi there folks, I am very new to the site. I wanted to upgrade my system (PCM) without getting rid of the original equipment. I purchased an upgrade for the original unit from NM Automotive. (Specialist Porsche Independent) PCM CarPlay and Android Auto Kit. By the way I own a 2011-911 Carrera. This system brings your unit to a whole new level, I was even able to install a reverse camera. If you are handy you can install it yourself. It connects easily to my phone via bluetooth and you can switch back and forth from the regular system to the CarPlay as desired. Great options for those that who want to keep the car original. Comes with everything you need, no welding or cutting, all plug and play. You do have to remove the unit.

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Thank you for the feedback - many are wanting to make changes and that kind of info really helps! There have been others who have commented here on those kinds of upgrades, so your experience will be beneficial to others. By the way, welcome to Carpokes!

Hi there first time poster here. Also own a 2002 996TT and I am in the process of researching stereo options for my car. I have the factory PCM 1 cassette head unit with navigation module in dash, Bose speakers and subwoofer and CD changer. I really like the porsche classic option. My only complaint is that there is no input for rear view camera. This my 5th Porsche and my favorite so far. It’s my dream car really. I have been after a TT for a long time and had the opportunity to pick this car up a year ago today.

Another quick note on the PCCM plus radio option according to the vendor I spoke to about it unless it’s installed by a Porsche dealer there is no support from porsche on the radio.

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Thanks for the post and welcome to Carpokes!

Hello all, this is my first post on this forum. I have a PCCM installed in my 996.2. I didn't install it myself, but had the dealership do it for me. 1. If you can install it yourself, do so. you'll save yourself all kinds of money. 2. I'm not 100% satisfied with my unit. The value is just not there. You REALLY need to care about the OEM look. I thought I really cared, until I started using it, then I realized, nope, I'd rather have something that worked a lot better. Why don't I think the value is there. 1. Its a little slow. 2. It doesn't sound great (ok I know the speakers in the car aren't great either, but still) 3. No option for a backup camera. 4. No real vehicle diagnostics within the unit. Doesn't really measure anything from the vehilce as far as I can tell. 5. Turn by turn should be available on the center console on the dash, but this only works with the stock NAV app, which, lets be honest, isn't great. 6. The dealership did a REALLY bad job with the install. (I know this has nothing to do with the unit, but it's just one of those sour tastes you can't get out. My opinion is that it would have been better to find a unit by a reputable head unit manufacturer, in the correct color, and have a proper stereo shop install it.

Thanks, Isolating...appreciate the input! I've not pulled the trigger on the PCCM+ largely for the reasons you mention. So, my question to the group...Has anybody landed on an awesome aftermarket unit that does the things we want and looks like it belongs in the car too? I think Kenwood and Alpine make some units, but I have little to no experience as to what is really the ideal answer. Much thanks! -Tom

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Thank you for sharing the feedback - that kind of info can be a great help for others. Also, welcome to Carpokes! Please feel free to add to the collection of knowledge shared by so many - it is appreciated!

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Wow. Sorry your experience is so bad. I honestly have never had an issue, it works flawlessly and since 90% of what I do is through Apple car play it’s been seamless. Wow seriously sorry it went south for you. My experience is exactly the opposite. My mechanic/tech guy has installed several of them and did a fantastic job. Went into my 997 4S , phone mic is mounted discreetly on steering wheel and gps reader tucked into a window corner. The look is perfect (big issue to me at least) apple play boots in instantly. Only complaint is navigating the fader/bass/treble controls it took me a minute of monkeying around to get there. It is not an inexpensive head unit, I think 1300-1500$ plus install. I justified the expense the same way you justify repair bills, it’s the cost you pay to play. Will likely do the same on my 987 Cayman as I’m keeping these cars until I assume room temperature!

I have it installed on my 99 996. It was installed (very poorly) by a Porsche dealer in Austin, Texas where the previous owner lived. First, visually it looks great, it was made for the car and kudos to Porsche for continuing to support our classic cars. But you don't buy a PCCM for the looks, you want it to sound as good as it looks. Mine sounded like crap. Once I got it home I replaced all of the original speakers with upgraded new ones, for a marginal improvement in sound quality. Also, my bluetooth worked, but no one could hear me on phone calls. I finally had to pull the unit and review the wiring. Turns out they had plugged the microphone into the wrong socket on the back of the unit, easily fixed. My MY 99 does not have the MOST system, so it's all hardwired. I had the midrange audio system from the factory, so there was a factory amp between the unit and my new speakers. Turns out Porsche makes a harness that converts the signal from the unit to whatever the amp needs, (line level input I believe) and without that harness, the wrong signal is sent to the amp and the sound is terrible. Why the dealership didn't know that is beyond me, but my local dealer had no idea either. Adding the harness made a big difference, but the sound is nowhere as good as my 944 with a Sony head unit. Also there is no provision for a back up camera, a real oversight. My next step is going to be to either add or replace the amp, to take full advantage of the new speakers.

I installed two summers ago in 2008 6MT 911 Cab. I found the installation straightforward and I took my time with it. Definitely think you should DIY. I wanted Sirius and installed the antenna under the cowl by the windshield wipers, and the GPS antenna as well (although I’m not using the PCCM+ NAV running the wires back to the unit via the existing hole in the firewall in driver footwell, phone antenna in front of the steering wheel hidden as per guidance. i wasn’t interested in a backup camera. One benefit of putting these under the cowl is there is room to store the excess cable as behind the PCCM+ unit gets pretty tight. Tons of DIY videos, instruction steps, pictures, and tips available if you search around. In another popular Porsche bulletin board, a “hack” is described that moves the CarPlay USB to come out of the rear of the unit, and an unused non-CarPlay USB function moves to the USB slot in the front. It does require you to open the unit up and get some wire pin connectors from AliExpress or the like. No soldering. I was nervous about “opening the unit and messing around” but pictures and instructions were clear, links for the cables, and I completed the hack with no difficulty. I’m super happy I did. It allows me to run a CarPlay cord from the back of the unit down out through the cubby in front of the shifter, so that the cord stays always connected, yet out of the way when not in use. Others have done this hack and put a Bluetooth unit in their glovebox to have Bluetooth connectivity for CarPlay (or the Android counterpart). I had already burned most of my CDs to FLAC files to store in an Audi media file system in another car. I bought a nearly-flush USB drive, put my FLAC (it might not be FLAC I might have converted them to another format) files on that, and have it plugged into the front USB slot (which the ‘hack’ enabled). It doesn’t show album art, but net-net is I have all of my music available, in addition to CarPlay, without cords hanging out of the front of the unit or needing to mess with CDs. I had previously installed the Rennline Exact fit phone mount so everything is handy, neat-and-tidy. Another advantage of doing it yourself is you scan wrap the excess cord, connectors, etc. In foam or bubbler wrap when you insert the new unit to eliminate any possible rattles behind the unit. As others have reported, screen sensitivity can be sluggish. But I like that it’s appearance matches the rest of the car, I retained the PCM info that shows in the instrument cluster, have a knob for volume. I use phone + CarPlay for navigation and/or listening to books on long trips, but otherwise get by with Sirius and the music on the USB drive and appreciate being able to keep my phone in my pocket (if I even take it with me) on short trips. I find the sound better than the old unit (especially music from the USB), but I’m in a noisy Cabriolet with crappy Porsche speakers and Gundo-hacked exhaust so I’m not going for Audiophile. Bottom line is I think you should DIY. Do your research and you will find all the guidance needed to have a successful install (with add’l capability if you do the USB hack.

I Had an Indy install a PCCM plus in a 2007 C2 S. Big improvement and it works perfectly. If I recall correctly (my son has the car now), it was not Wireless. However, he has an add-on Bluetooth device that makes it wireless. Of course, that alternative is not available for my 2010 turbo. I installed, personally, Mr. 12 V. The installation is not for the faint of heart, but if I can do it most anybody can. I bought it from Roman Goldin and he was great providing support. I like it and it works well. The Mr. 12 V has recently become available for my 2016 Cayenne. However, so far, I have been happy with connecting my iPhone to the PCM via Bluetooth for music. I prefer having Apple maps on my iPhone anyway and have not missed CarPlay too much so far.