PCCM+ for 997.1 Melb Installer Recommendations

Impatience got the best of me and I ordered the new PCCM+ unit for my 997.1 from France. Does anyone have an installer they’d recommend? It’s available here (and oddly they seem to ship to Australia) if anyone else is keen: https://www.boutiqueporschemontpellier.fr/produit/99764259000-porsche-classic-communication-management-pour-997-987-2-din-porsche/

Automotive Integration in Moorabbin - they do custom installations of stereos, reversing cameras, trackers, etc. on all prestige cars. Highly recommended for quality work.

Watching with keen interest as I really want to add this to my 7.1 daily driver... also for any other interested parties, Sun Coast Porsche (US) are taking names for their wait list https://www.suncoastparts.com/product/sku997pccm.html

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Worth noting that there are 2 versions of PCCM+. One is ‘US’ and the other of ‘Rest of World’. So I’d be careful ordering from US if you’re in Aus. I guess it has something to do with radio frequencies? I’ll come back and update once I get it all setup.

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You're definitely right on that, these are the part #'s as posted on RL 997.642.591.00 [USA] 997.642.590.00 [ROW] I am guessing it is radio frequencies too? Please do keep us posted!

im keen!

Mine should have arrived by now but has been held up at customs. Something that suprised me in the video above was reversing camera compatabililty (not that they got it to work but cool that it can).

Any updates? I have just my order in with PCSS parts, they are expecting stock in February, which suits me fine. This is the quoted prices $2,900.83 - 99764259000 - Porsche Classic Communication $196.77 - PCG64250200 - SD CARD Also my contact at parts told me service dept. will be charging $1100 for the installation FWIW.

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Jeeebus H Christmas...... That price!!! Makes the non official one seem like a steal @$385USD...... and it has wireless CarPlay...

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link?

Go to last page of this thread: https://rennlist.com/forums/997-forum/1154248-cheap-android-head-unit-review-41.html This is the unit - apparently a RL member had a fair amount of input...... https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804867302302.html?pdp_npi=2%40dis!USD!US %24641.38!US %24384.83!!!!!%40212a645516714139346143164e28a9!12000031466839974!im&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa4itemAdapt&_randl_shipto=US

Ok, I’ve seen that one on RL… it doesn’t quite cut the mustard IMO, the ideas good just not the final execution.

Agree, just doesn’t look right. I’m happy to sacrifice wireless CarPlay for it fitting the design of the car. Design is what made the car cost a premium in the first place. Why scrimp on a part you’ll spend so much time looking at? Mine arrived today and luckily my car was over at PCM getting new bumper stops. chucked it in an Uber and they installed this afternoon. Will report back once I pick it up tomorrow.

Porsche got it in and partially working. The unit looks great but they’ve messed up something relating to the radio antenna as I can’t get and DAB+ stations and FM cuts in and out. Also they told me they didn’t hook up nav as I didn’t have an SD card and mentioned I’d be using Google maps. Pretty shit experience but like the unit. Going back next week to get it sorted.

Very nice! Hopefully you get it sorted... thanks for the update

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Other than the buttons - i think it looks pretty darn close? Better than an Alpine/Sony unit with no dials? And has wireless CarPlay too? Someone would need to be the Guinea Pig i guess.... and actually hold it to see? That inbuilt trip functionality / integration is the good however! Gotta say - still looks old fashioned to me. But maybe its the silver? Hope they fix it up for you!

Greetings fellow Porsche folk - first time poster, 2005 C2 I also ordered mine today at the local Porsche Dealer in CBR - price as quoted above, The chap mentioned some stock already in Aust so only a few weeks - we will see I guess Will be installing myself as I fitted the MR 12Volt unit a few years back which has worked Ok for the most part It is interesting Rerve has issues with the DAB+ - did they (Porsche) mount the new Amplifiers in the A pillar as in the Greens video? That looks the most complicated part of the process

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Not sure but these are the parts that were left over.

Those who bought overseas - what was the process like importing them seeing as they are over $1k? I've always been put of by dealing with brokers/customs (bad experience when importing coilovers many years ago)

Customs will hold it up and then charge the import tax. Better to just get locally now I reckon.

Thank's Rerve, looking at your bits left over, Top left 2nd DAB amplifier? (Greens they installed both), Top Right, GPS amplifier not used as no SD card ordered? Then, Most bypass cable for internal phone or CD changer, Black multiport adaptor not sure what that is for and finally an antenna adaptor or extender, You mentioned taking it back in to solve the radio signal issues - can you ask why only 1 amplifier used? It may be an AUS thing compared to UK?

I would also recommend Matt from Automotive Installation in Moorabin. There is a very informative YouTube on the installation from these guys in the UK.  Recommends where to put the new GPS etc.. looks like you need to order the European Model then add the Australian Navigation maps when available.  Please let us know how you get on.  Have been watching with interest and Porsche Melbourne not overwhelming with information. Suspect it’s cheaper to buy overseas then get installed here like you did https://youtube.com/watch?v=FGwilpM3izM&feature=share

Cheaper to buy here I reckon. Cost me $2870 shipped, then $350 customs duty. I hear the price in Aus is around $2900 here (3k with the SD maps).

Total paid when ordered 30 DEC, was $3,252.48 including SD Card Popped into the local Dealer here who advise the card is in and the unit will arrive between Jan 16 and 29 Did the radio issues get sorted when you returned it to Porsche?

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Yep, they’ve installed it properly and radio is working fine now. I have noticed people are struggling to hear me on phone calls though. Not sure where they put the mic but it isn’t on the steering wheel column like others I’ve seen. Will have to test more and might chase them up again.

Do you have the original telephone module? I wonder if they placed the Mic inside the steering wheel column cowl where the telephone module mic lives. The kit recommends placing the new mic on top of the steering cowl with double sided tape. Also did they mention why only one DAB+ amplifier used, or did they end up also installing?

Also, the PCCM+ supposedly has an internal mic, looking at Rennlist, folk have tested it and state that it is clearer than the external mic - they seem to have the same issue as you: " Regarding the microphone: knowing what I know now, I wouldn't even bother installing the external mic. It doesn't offer better audio quality (and based on my findings, the external mic is arguably worse) and you already have one that you can use that is built into the PCCM+, so I would just stick with that one and make life a little easier on yourself." I wonder if the external mic is more for Convertible's and Cabs due to wind noise with the top down etc?

My PCCM+ arrived this week from Porsche and installing over the weekend. Will let you know how it goes!

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Mine has arrived too, but I’m currently away… so I have the next week to think about how to approach the install… the dealer wants a lot of coin to do the job, and I don’t think it’s worth paying for what is a pretty straightforward as I understand installation… definitely look forward to your feedback

Installed over the weekend and all seems to be working including AM/FMDAB, phone connects with bluetooth and Apple Carplay via the front USB port as well as the PCCM Navigation.  Here are my thoughts/notes: Watch the FGP video closely then watch AGAIN 1 Unpack and build the PCCM plus - put the metal plates on both sides and the tray between them where the control unit sits.  add the control unit with supplied double sided tape strip and cable back to the PCCM 2 remove the coat hook and then the A pillar cover on both sides. - This I would call the most complicated part. Start by removing the coat hook -push up and back then go along and pop out the cover, section at a time. the trick is give it a good yank the cover has press clips that sit in holes. Once off, you have the 2 amplifiers to remove (white one on the left and black one on the right) and replace with the new DAB ones that come with the kit.  The old ones are attached with torx screws and there is limited room due to the dash and windscreen. I used a small socket and wrench to hold the torx bit to fit in and unscrew. Now the old amplifiers have two connections to the antenna via a flat cable, a round cable back to the PCM and a power cable. The new amplifiers only have 2 connections one to either flat antenna cable and round cable back to the PCM. the others are disregarded. .Secure in a spot that fits best with double sided tape and your done. 3 add the GPS antenna to the A pillar. I found it fitted best on the left, The antenna is a flat small box shape with a long cable and being magnetic, easy to secure. I ran the cable down the weather strip across the footwell on the passenger side behind the carper and into the center PCM area. # when refitting the A pillar covers, start in the reverse order at the windscreen then back to the coat hook 4 add the FM bypass loop cable. .At the back of the PCM on the floor is the FM modulator,. On the drivers side, pull the carpet back unplug the 2 white connectors and add the bypass cable. tuck that back in. 5 min task 5 remove the old PCM and unplug. 6 add the external Mic. I placed it where they recommend on the steering column with the provided double sided tape, it's easy to run the cable through the column and back to the PCCM. - 5 min task 7 connect the new PCCM. Plugs and connectors only go in one place so fairly straight forward. - see image below 8 the micro SD card for the Nav is inside the SD card provided. Had me confused at first till I worked it out - picture below Hope that helps! Good luck!

A few more points left out of the previous post: #The orange MOST fiber cable plugs into the control unit but you have to pull out the grey cover over the pins. There is no sound if you do not plug that in! #Some on Rennlist are placing the magnetic GPS antenna on the metal shelf next to the control unit. Makes for a very simple install. I tried it here first but was unable to obtain a signal. That changed when placed on the A pillar. These folk are in the US and their signal strengths may be stronger who knows?- Interesting to see what others find #The one remaining cable that does not plug into anything (green connector on a yellow cable) is for reverse camera and that works for Tip vehicle like mine. The reason is that the Auto sends a signal to the dash screen to advise what gear it is in including reverse (manual does not do that) I plugged a camera into the green (Fakra) connector and the screen when in Reverse immediately displayed what the camera was pointing at. So next project will be properly installing the reverse camera possibly just above the rear number plate.  Folk have got a manual working also however that was far more complicated I believe ie additional cables tapping into the reverse light etc # Working on both sides of the car with the doors open for long periods as well as testing the unit eventually drained the battery.  Needed to jump start. Keep an eye on that as 911's inherently eat batteries at the best of times!

Thanks for the comprehensive write up! 👍

I grabbed this wireless CarPlay adaptor a few weeks ago and it works beautifully. Connects almost instantly and no lag. Also small enough to fit in the little cubby hole under the AC controls. https://www.ottocast.com/products/u2-air

I picked my unit up this week, it is getting fitted next week (along with a service) looks the business, very pleased with the overall aesthetic of it, OEM as it should be. I've read mixed reports on the external mic, but it seems the general consensus is that its better to have it, especially whilst underway... right now with the original unit and mobridge BT my call quality is pretty poor, so I am wanting to make sure this is a marked improvement! Any feedback on placement? It is currently on the column for the old system, I'd read of people placing it up on the A pillar is better ?

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Great write up,, have you noticed any difference between the screen resolution between your old and new PCM’s,? I have been researching the new PCM and have noticed that you need to plug in your phone to access Airplay could you advse if this is correct. I have found another alternative and that is to install an interface card within the existing PCM,, which offers wifi & Bluetooth connection eliminating a cable Cheers,,, Warren

Screen resolution is substantially. Improved on the PCCM+ compared to the old PCM 2.1 (997.1) - Night & Day. Yes, for Carplay you need to plug in the front USB port via cable. That is fine as I do that to charge up and my use on bluetooth covers 90% of daily needs with the phone anyway. That said, Reeve in a post above has purchased a wireless adaptor to go with the PCCM+ and is happy with the results. If yours is a 997.2, this PCCM+ version is only for 997.1 and replace PCM 2 units. The one for 997.2 cars are a few years away.

Thanks for the info, yes I noticed it states its suitable for the 997.1, I am trying to investigate what are the differences between the 997.1 & 997.2 radios. thanks again

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I found the best location for the external Mic is where Porsche designed it to go - On the steering column and attached with the double-sided tape it comes with. It is almost invisible there and the sound quality in a call is very good. I had the Mr 12 volt adapter previously. with its external mic sat in the dash amongst the dials and the sound quality on a call is far better now.  Re the internal mic that comes in the PCCM+, is fine when the car is parked but very poor when the car is driving and the noise that comes with that - Hence the need for the external mic!

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Hi Warren, I have the nmautomotive solution in my 997.2, a few others same concept of add another box behind and some boards inside the PCM while using the aux connection. Installed myself, not too bad but similar car play is wired. Might look at the wireless adapter mentioned above at some stage but as others said i use it to charge as i drive anyway, most annoying bit was locating the phone so it does not fly away... Only issue is playback volume is low, i need a new PCM firmware version to enable a loud option via the aux connection but need a dealer to do it. Keeps it fully OEM on the outside, also keeps the same screen which actually works ok. Which one did you find that is fully wireless? Thanks, Taffy

Hey Rerve, the climate control switches look really good. Have they been replaced?

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Yep, that was the first thing I did to the car. Makes a big difference.

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Was it a diy or did you get somebody to do it? I've seen some videos on Youtube and it honestly looks like a job that would take me half a day easy. I'm in Sydney and looking for somewhere to do it. Do your new switches light up?

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DIY. Took about an hour all up. And 30 mins of that was a trip to Bunnings to get the tiny Torx bit I didn’t have. I don’t think they lit up originally? We’re just talking about the up and down switches right?

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You must be quite handy, from what I've seen on Youtube, I think it would take me a few hours. I'm talking about the "temp" and fan toggle switches. The original switches light up when the headlights are on.

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Yep we’re talking about the same switches. And yep, you’re right. They light up.

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Also changed my temp and switches on the AC unit also when I installed the PCCM+, purchased from Climarepair in the UK for $52 Euro which has come down alot from a few years back. The quality is good and as Rerve said, a 30 min task especially if the side panels are already off. The Auto Amateur chap on YouTube does one on this exact task. Very thoroughly explained so follow that and you cannot go wrong

I got my daily driver 997 back today… amongst other things, I had the PCCM+ installed my god, this slashed 10 years from the age of this car… very happy I went this path, love the native integration into steering wheels controls, dash display and fit & finish, outstanding!!

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Congrats that looks perfect.  I have the Porsche system in my 993 and it’s the little things that make this brilliant and worth it.  Oem is amazing isn’t it.

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For sure! Whilst I know this is a commercial exercise for Porsche, I really do appreciate a manufacturer that’s so invested in keeping their older cars up to date, and therefore more usable… I know for those that don’t do regular use it probably makes no sense, but if you’re stacking on the miles, it really makes the car so much easier to live with!

Hi all, I want to install the PCCM+ in my 997 but given the cost I am considering installing it myself. I'm a bit nervous about that though as I've never done an install like that before plus my current PCM has a Mobridge M2 Pro installed so expecting to find some wires that aren't covered by the YouTube videos. Thoughts on likelihood of getting this to work given I have limited knowledge on this? Worst case I can just take it to an installer if I can't get it to to work?

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I would install myself if one was available for a 997.2, I have previously pulled my PCCM apart and fitted a reversing camera card, (I do stupid things like that). In January Carrera1 posted an install and it looks easy, there a re a few Youtube videos available.

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Yeah it looks doable even for someone who hasn't done it before. PCM quoted $1,400 to install...ouch

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I think I would have crack, And as you say you have got the pro's for back up 👍

Hi all, I've finally pushed the button on this and bought the PCCM+ to install. I've watched all the recommended videos etc and am pretty comfortable I know what to do. One question though, my car currently has a mObridge M2 Connect installed so I'm expecting they installer for that would have done some work behind the current PCM. Any thoughts on what I need to do with the mObridge unit? I presume remove it but I can't find any instructions online for how those things are installed so not sure I'll be able to work out how to remove it. Or just leave it and hope it doesn't interfere with the new PCCM+? Any thoughts / help would be appreciated.

You won’t know until you look, remove the existing radio and remove the mobridge and associated cables etc, and on sell them. Leaving it will most certainly cause problems.

I installed mine earlier this year and had to remove the Mr12v bits that were there previously. I expect the mobridge is a box tucked in behind the PCM2 which you should see once you remove it. It would have the fibre connected (duel Orange cable) via a plug, power which may be paired to the PCM power and the external mic?  Does the mobridge have one? either way you must remove the mobridge as step 1. PCCM comes in after that!

Thanks guys - spoke to the guys who installed it and they were super helpful with telling me how to remove the Mobridge (basically what you said Carrera_01). Going to give this a crack tomorrow - wish me luck!

Hi all, I successfully installed the PCCM+ and all is working well. But…I think since the install my remote key fob range has been dramatically reduced. I used to have great range but now I basically have to stand right next to the car for it to unlock. Yes I have replaced the battery and no difference. Is there an antenna on the A pillar that I might have impacted when I installed the new DAB antenna? Any help would be appreciated.

Not sure but try asking/searching on rennlist forums. they are USA based, so a lot more information available.

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Thanks seems to be a lot is post re this issue for 996 but not 997. I’ll remove the A Pillar covers again and have a look.

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Well done with the install, enjoy spending the $1400 you saved not having the dealer install it.

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Thanks I took my time with it and all up took about 4 hours. Not that hard thanks to all the good instructions in this forum plus YouTube vids. Crazy that Porsche want to charge $1500 for it. The only thing I don’t like about the new unit is that the usb for car play is at the front of the unit and the usb cord initially annoyed me when I was shifting into 3rd as it made contact. But I sorted that now with a 90 degree bend cable. Would have been better to have an option to have the car play cord come out of the back of the unit so you can route it into glove box or similar but can live with it. There are some instructions online to do this but it means opening the unit, playing around with wires etc which is a step to far for me at the moment 🤣 .

I am hanging out for 997.2 series version, which I suspect is the same as a 997.1 but requires a black facia. I have pulled my unit a part and fitted a front/rear camera card so fitting a rear USB should’nt be difficult.

Hi All, reviving an old thread here. I'm looking to pull the pin and buy the Porsche PCCM+ for my 987 Boxster S. When I spoke to Porsche Sydney South, they told me to not worry about getting the navigation SD card because it was done in 2021 and it's not updated and just not worth the money. Can somebody here confirm that?

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What radio is currently in your car

The car came with the CDR34 (non navigation screen), I think its called, but the previous owner put an after market Sony head unit in that does all the Apple Carplay stuff. Never used the car with the original unit. The after market Sony unit has okay sound quality, it's just that the touch screen barely works and it looks kinda crap. They also installed an after market rear camera that comes on when you put the car in reverse. Who knows what they've done behind it all to achieve what they did?

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I just use Apple CarPlay with the PCCM+ so no need for the SD Card. So as long as you are planning to use CarPlay you won't need it (just use Google Maps).

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I get you. Only really thinking the Porsche navigation because it has the Porsche "points of interest". Not sure if it's really interesting or not, though. Lol! Also on the rare occasion I might be out of mobile reception, sat nav will still work. The guy at Porsche South Sydney was pretty adamant it was a waste of money, though. So curious to hear others experience with it. It's a lot of money for old maps if it's true.

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I bought it, never used it. Save your $$ and use the Waze/Google Maps capabilities that you're buying the PCCM+ for

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Couldn’t agree more about Nav options, recently used Waze in Europe and its far superior to any others. Bluetooth Carplay with the Waze App to the PCM and off you go, the camera connection will be an RCA plug easy to connect. The radio wiring should be plug & play if they didn’t hack it fitting the current radio.

$64000 question............whats the bill for the current PCCM+ supplied and/or installed

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https://shop.porschebrighton.com.au/pccm-apple-carplay-dab-987-997-classic-3

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Waste of money, after all its still a Chinese radio. There is a good discussion on 911uk about radios from Aliexpress & Amazon.

Seems that the Porsche guy at South Sydney was correct in telling me to forget about the nav card. I agree that the price is an absolute rip and in the beginning, I was heavily against doing it, but after my experience with the Sony - which is supposed to be a good brand, I'm not sure about the financials of a no-name unit. My wife seems to think that if I go cheap, it'll end up failing like the Sony unit. The other side of the equation is I can't see myself selling it. I've driven the later model Boxsters but they left me cold. Too civilised, too good. I like the rougher, more visceral feel of the earlier cars. I love the no chrono, no sport mode, no umpteen different suspension modes, bullcrap. Just turn the key and go. There is also a couple of ways the Boxster has gone backwards. No rear storage box in the cabin. The storage in the doors of the new Boxster is also worse. My Boxster is full leather and it's a nicer place to sit than a brand new plastic interior Boxster. The carpet is thicker in my Boxster than newer ones. I also swear that the rear boot is smaller in the new ones too. Never driven an air cooled Porsche, but I imagine I'd love them. YMMV. Sorry for the rant... I got a little carried away...

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Isn't that what the internet is for....

I have the PCCM for Cayenne in my 955, fitted it myself. I thought all the things posted above, but there's something nice about how it connects with all the trip computer(s), and other features that show up in the centre of the cluster, GPS, and everything else that was in the last headunit. Additionally, it doesn't display as 'Gateway not contactable' when running a diagnostic test on the car.