PCCM Plus

With Christmas just around the corner (i have been a good boy this year), i am thinking about buying the PCCM Plus for my 996. With that said, the Australian price is a little steep (just under AUD$3k). Suncoast have the USA model for about US$1300 (AUD$1750) and suppliers in Europe seem to have them for about € 1300- 1500 (AUD$2050-2400). Does anyone know if the USA/Europe models are compatible with Australia?  From my cursory review the part numbers seem to be identical.

Is the $3k installed?  What's the split between the unit / installation?

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I believe they are the same with the only difference being the built in maps in the navigation. If you’re happy to use only Google maps via the Android Auto, then I don’t see any reason you couldn't use it. There might be some sort of agreement with Porsche for sellers not to sell internationally. It’s one way to help control their market.

As i understand, Porsche Centre Melbourne are charging $3k for the unit plus installation and any minor additional parts you may need for your specific car (i.e. climate control trim to relocate it to the lower compartment, etc.).  I havnt confirmed the installation/additional costs with Porsche Centre Melbourne. Having done a little more digging this morning, there seems to be 2 model codes available. 996-642-591-00 996-642-591-00C I am having trouble confirming the differences, but i suspect the 996-642-591-00C unit is for the US market (even though some sites suggest the 996-642-591-00 can be purchased in the US).  If i try and get this internationally, i think it is safer to get it from Europe, due to the similarities in the DAB and FM/AM ranges between Australia and Europe. The 'onboard' maps are sold separately on an SD card.  The prices above do not include the maps.  The price of the maps in the US is about US$150.  I am not sure if the Australian maps will work on an international unit (i.e. if they try and 'region lock' the PCCM+ unit).

Do you guys know if anyone in Sydney has them? I rang Porsche Parramatta last week and they said they don't have them and don't know when /or even if they are getting them!

For those interested, i fell down the rabbit hole yesterday and think i have figured it out. There are 2 models: 996 642 590 00 (Rest of the World, RoW, model) 996 624 591 00 (US model). The units themselves seem to be identical, but the US model does not come with the DAB module (the RoW model includes the DAB module).  As such, for Australia, you would really want to get the RoW model. The cheapest supplier of the RoW model seems to be Rose Passion in Europe.  At current exchange rates and with shipping and taxes, it is likely to cost about AUD$2400.  For me, this is not enough of a saving to make it worthwhile.  I will just purchase it directly from Porsche here in Australia.

When I spoke to Porsche Melbourne 4 weeks ago they said that it would not be available till next year. Sounded more like end of q1..

@AndrewM That is interesting.  The RoW and US models seems to be readily available online. I wonder if this is to do with the unit itself or the maps? Our AM/FM/DAB frequencies are the same as europe.  GPS is standard.  So i dont expect they would need a new model specifically for our region.

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I agree. I too wonder whether there is some sort of "DRM" on the devices so that we can be sold the devices and the "maps" at Australian prices...

Did u purchase? I did from PCM and have self installed.

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Do you mind if I ask how you find it?  Any issues with the install?  Is your car MOST and/or Bose?  It seems the widely reported noise and amp power issues are only with the earlier cars (PCM1, or perhaps non-MOST?).  A bit of a minefield to work out what spec gives the issues and it's a big chunk of money for something that doesn't work correctly. I'm also interested in some of the other basic functionality which doesn't seem to have been mentioned in the very generic "reviews" online.  Does it for example adjust the volume automatically with speed, and if so does this work well?  These cars are pretty noisy and one thing I like about the PCM2 is that the volume adjustment per speed is done very well.   Does the unit default back to its previous mode, eg if you have the radio on and turn the car off does it come back on exactly as before when you hop back in?  My Audi always defaulted to the off state after you stopped, which was annoying in that first world problem kind of way. Just after a general vibe on a real world impression of the unit.  It is clearly just a lightly rejigged android headunit the likes of which I got for my e39 for $400.  That unit is great but has some weird behaviours I can accept given the price.  The same sort of faults in a $3k unit would be harder to take.

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From the reviews I have read online about it, it is generally thought of as poor value for money. I can’t comment on the functions you are after but from features that you can get with aftermarket units, at a 1/4 of the price, its quite antiquated. BUT ... if I was going to update the unit in mine, I would also put one of these in. The reason I would, and probably most others do, is to keep the factory look. I am yet to see an aftermarket unit not look “out of place” in a 996 ... I think overall though, most buyers are happy with the unit ...

I looked at the PCCM for mine and eventually went with an aftermarket Kenwood unit. A number of reasons for this cam eup, but primarily functionality and the ability to run a system with different external amps etc. I agree the PCCM looks stock and blends in, however for me I was not that wedded to maintainign stock look and I like the end result of the install.

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Do you have a pic of the Kenwood installed?

I went for the Alpine LX-107 with Wireless CarPlay and installed a reversing camera. Feeding cable to rear a bit of a job. MFX video certainly an inspiration. Works well, although I have a little AM crackle. Considering PCCM for the authentic look, but it has less features. For now I'm happy.

Nice work @White_996 , did you install it yourself or get someone else in Melb to do it? What camera did you purchase?  I have a wireless one that I haven't installed yet but it links to my phone and I'm wondering if the Alpine would just take a straight wireless connection direct from the camera (presuming it needs to recognise the camera software)? What about the surround, does that come with the display and fit the dash or did you get that somewhere else?

I ended up buying from eBay from one of the retailers recommended via Renlist (I think) Noticed they don't come with the Porsche logo on top now? https://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=PORSCHE+DOUBLE+DIN+996&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&_osacat=0&_odkw=PORSCHE+DOUBLE+DIN

I just got my car back from Autohaus Hamilton after they fitted the PCCM Plus system for me in my 1999 996. My vehicle has the analogue factory amp fitted. Things I like: * The sound quality is good * display is easy to read * "control/rotary knob" is awesome to be able to quickly turndown volume * touch display works well with an iPhone. What is terrible however is the "external usb interface". With the USB box installed in the top middle of the cubby, I can just squeeze my iPhone X below it, but my wifes iPhone 11 won't fit. I have just ordered https://www.amazon.com.au/BATIGE-Female-Extension-Motorcycle-Dashboard/dp/B01N66N1JK/ref=sr_1_2 so that I can hide the box behind the cubby.

Does the navigation system still work off CD or have they gone modern with satellite?

There is an 'sd' card, but that is not available in Australia yet. Just been using Waze and Google Maps...

Cool , Who's wifi, Does the unit have its own wifi source? Or does the wyfy come through your phone.

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No wifi ... It uses android auto or apple car-play to mirror the maps and apps. The phone connects to the unit via a USB cord. In other aftermarket units, the phone can connect via bluetooth.

Edit that spelling for me will ya @Dreamr 😂

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Your wish is my command! ... 🧞‍♂️

Hi @Stepo I cant remember brand of reversing camera. I picked it up at SSV  Car Audio in Melbourne, they also have surround kit etc. Camera is cable connected to head unit. I kept original amp and speakers. I installed my self.

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Late reply...Work interceeds again

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Thanks for the pic. Doesn't look too modern for the interior. Naturally the PCCM unit is the winner for aesthetics, but it may be the features/practicality of the other brand options that win out.

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If you are worried about it blending in they sell ones without a Bezel which can work. Even the side buttons which illuminate on the touch screen you can change the colour to whatever the interior light colour is. This is the one I have on my 987.2 model which is the Pioneer DMH-Z6350BT which has both wireless Apple Carplay and wireless Android Auto which PCCM doesn't have (they only do wired) and you can rebrand the launch screen if you really want to. Way cheaper!

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Love it. Yes, the interior looks out of place with some. Especially in the 996. This is Way better looking IMO - without the bezel makes it fit right in. Also, will be way more useful having the wireless feature. Thanks for sharing the model no, will do some searching.

I definitely agree that the lack of wireless Carplay plus the ugly external USB connectivity box is a huge detractor from the PCCM plus solution. The biggest point for me was the rotary volume control, to quickly be able to silence the radio without having to stomp on buttons, or even worse, attempt this from a touch screen. The other alternative for me would have been the Sony XAV1000 - https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/sony-sony-xav-ax1000-apple-carplay-head-unit/561850.html again unfortunately without wireless carplay. However, having said that, I would imagine you will require some form of charging solution with wireless carplay as would Waze or Google Maps not chew through the battery really quickly? In which case, maybe the cable for power (and data) isn't such a terrible thing after all...

I've decided to just get a Mr12volt adapter so I can stream bluetooth and answer the odd phone call.  For the rest I'm happy enough with the PCM2 and the odd occasion I need navigation etc I just use a phone anyway. One slight advantage of an in-dash unit is that it's legal to be fiddling with that while it's a major fine and points to be fiddling with a phone (even if dash-mounted).  This in spite of the fact they are operationally identical - a good case of the legal system not keeping up with technology.  I usually find interacting with any sort of GUI too distracting when driving anyway.  Old school dials and buttons are so much easier than all this newfangled claptrap, you can perfectly use them without taking the eyes off the road.

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Now you have a couple months with the unit, how does it stack up for day to day use? And how is the phone bluetooth quality? Cheers

The PCCM plus unit works well for me for weekend drives. Having Waze/ Google maps has definitely improved things as I mostly drive alone. I haven't used bluetooth, only directly wired the phone via Carplay. Voice calls are okay. I can understand the other party, although my wife tells me the quality of my voice on the remote end isn't wonderful. This may be due to me having decided to mount the microphone on the windscreen rather than the steering column though... Thankfully I don't actually use the "phone" much so am okay with that. Haven't tried playing with Siri at all - probably should look at how that works together with this setup... The unit hasn't crashed yet, which is something I was slightly worried about. Is it worth $4000 after parts and install? Probably not, but it does look factory and that was important to me. BTW, we hid the USB box, and now only the ports are exposed using the extension cable. Unfortunately, it was installed into (and replaced) the existing cigarette lighter socket. Will at some stage probably move it into the "batwing" shaped panel  below the little storage cubby in the central column.

Thanks @AndrewM I am looking to step into 996 daily, and one thing that is really nice in the Macan (that will be hard to forgo) is the PCM, so this will be a must if that proceeds as I think it will. I did look into that USB integration, as I agree it looks pretty un-sightly with the box in the storage cubby... I happened across this on rennlist, in the batwing as you say, it completes the OE look IMO and will be a must for me!

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Wow, that looks way better. I was really put off by that too…

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Any chance you have the thread handy from rennlist, that is far more practical and looks way better! I plan on having the PCCM installed at my next service.

I had seen that post as well. https://rennlist.com/forums/996-forum/1194660-installation-guide-of-the-pccm-plus-6.html If someone is able to source those modified batwings here in Australia, I would buy one too. I would want one without the seat warmer buttons..

I have just sent an email Sound in Motion Boston to ask them about availability and pricing. They are currently on holidays, and will be back on August the 2nd. Will keep informed.

I'd def be interested also

I'm interested also. I currently have an Alpine unit with reversing camera. Love the idea of a Porsche update unit.

Jim from Sound in Motion got back to me last week, and provided me with the following details: > This panel modification requires 4 hours of labor.  Typically, the customer sends us their factory panel and PCCM USB hub. > For shipping to AU, I would have you coordinate that yourself for a DHL pick up. > We don't manufacture a new panel, just modify the existing. I have left detailed pricing out here as he would prefer people contact him directly.