Nav System anyone?

Hi all, You really have a great community going here and I've been learning tons reading the various posts. I've owned a couple of 911's in the past, and am becoming enchanted with Porsche again because of the new Cayman model. I was wondering what people think about the navigation system option? I've read some less than favorable reviews about the 2005 model in the 911. Also, it looks like that is the option you have to get to play MP3 files, but does anyone know that for sure? And it says that it uses a DVD player for the navigation information - but does that reside in the same slot at the Audio CD would? And can you use a DVD with MP3 files? A DVD at 4.7 gig would be a nice amount of MP3 music if that would work. Anyway, I'm thinking through the options questions that many of you have already faced and hope that someone might know about this Nav system and it's audio capabilities. Edited by - K-Man-sculpture.net on 11/28/2005 10:52:54 AM

Welcome, but Ooopps! Try Again? Russ

Thanks, I've edited it and fixed my mistake. I go by Russ also, but that seems a bit confusing here to use as a signature as you are using it - but it's always nice to say hi to another Russ!

The NAV system DVD goes into a DVD unit under the front hood, not in the dash, and no you cannot load it up with MP3's to play. The in-dash CD player can be loaded with MP3's and those will play if you have PCM. There are conflicting statements right now as to whether or not you can play MP3's without having PCM. I know as of the 2005 model year you could not, but some have suggested that now you can, but I don't know of any actual testing with a Cayman without PCM yet. As for how good or poor the Nav system is, I've reviewed nearly every Nav system on the market and the Porsche system is better than average but isn't great, lacking some features I prefer and it needs better ergonomics and UI. There is the 'wow' factor of the screen, Porsche logo, etc. I didn't order PCM because I thought it was overpriced for what you got, even though that meant giving up the sport chrono bar graphs. I'll probably install an aftermarket Nav/Sat Radio combo at some point, or install a future upgraded PCM 3.0 if I like it or strike a better deal on it. The portable units like Tom Tom are getting better every version so I may go with one of those instead, haven't decided and don't need to at the current time.

It seemed too expensive for its utility to me. I've got my eye on this new unit by Garmin that I can use in several vehicles as needed. http://www.garmin.com/products/nuvi/ and http://www.gpspassion.com/forumsen/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=42070 The new SIRFstarIII chip is the hot set-up.

Thanks for your quick reply, Now I understand - the DVD system is in a different location altogether. That wasn't clear from the brochure I looked at. My dealer still doesn't have one - but expects it today. I do have a promise from him to let me drive it, but after reading all the other comments from people who's dealers won't let them drive it, I'm in the wait and see mode. I'd love to get one, but I want to sit in it first and make sure how I feel once in it. Of course then I think I'm going to want to drive and own it. I think it has beautiful lines, and as I'm a sculptor myself, I appreciate shape and kinetic motion. Edited by - K-Man-sculpture.net on 11/28/2005 11:41:44 AM

Can you have the PCM fitted after the car has been built? I guess it would mean replacing the centre unit.

I gotta vote with K-man S on this one. I've had a chance to sample most of the in-car nav systems out there (there are only a handful of suppliers). I haven't found one that tickles my fancy yet. Just spent the Thanksgiving holiday in a Subaru Outback Limited with its high-zoot nav system. Male British voice, we quickly labeled him, 'Nigel the nagging navigator'. I'll start paying attention to nav systems when they can route around traffic delays and when they can keep me from entering high crime areas. ; -)

They need larger screens! Making them as small as a deck of cards is not a BONUS in my opinion, makes items on screen harder to read. They should have a product line from small, for those who want deck of cards size, to large, ala rear seat entertainment screen size - 10-11', etc.

Any size you want up to this: http://www.garmin.com/products/sp7500/ I like the walk around capability of the nuvi.

I still kind of want the nav system - or rather PCM they call it. But for what it costs, I think it ought to have several other features, such as bluetooth for wireless operation of your cell phone. Also, a hard-wire interface with a ipod or MP3 player would be nice. They do need to compete with BMW and Lexus in this price range for certain features. The Lexus touch-screen system works pretty well, and that is the only one I can compare it to that I've tried.

Havinga DVDwith 4.7 gig of MP3 music may be the best feature of PCM, but that is a pretty expensive, non-portable iPod! Because most of us have only been able to sit in the Cayman so far, wemay befocusing on the center stack a lot more than if we were driving the Cayman. On my drive this morning, my eyes were focused on the road ahead with occasional quick glances in my rear view mirrors. I didn't actually need any guidance on my drive because I know the route and the traffic patterns. One of the best Real-Time traffic update, Satellite-Navigation Systems I have tested is in the Acura RL. And even though the beautiful color LCD screen is closer to the windshield for quick glances, unlike the Cayman where you must drastically lower your gaze, it relies heavily on the voice interface. So, If I were using acar to make sales calls in unfamiliar urban areas, I might get an Acura RL solely for to have this cool electronic navigator with knowledge of traffic snarl-ups as well as the highway grid. Because I am not going to use a Cayman for that purpose and expect to be fully engaged with the driving experience when driving the Cayman, choosing roads and days of the week when traffic should be light, it seemed to me like the PCM wasn't going to add much to the driving experience. As previously discussed here at CaymanClub, there are a lot of cool things I would like to do in my car, using my iPod, my portable Satellite radio, my portable Satellite Navigation system, etc.. These electronic gadgets improve about every six months and I would like to be able to integrate the latest and greatest versions of these portable electronic gadgets in my car without having to replace the entire vehicle. Let's hope the the January Consumer Electronics Show in Vegas shows us how we can do that without needing to trade in our 06 Cayman's for an 07 version.

One note on the Acura RL system, as nice as it is (based on Windows CE), it does NOT allow you to put your own markers on the map that nearly every other Nav system does which is a huge shortcoming IMHO! Also no 3D view, it is all top-down.

Check out the latest from SEMA: http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-11443_7-6381544-1.html?tag=ss

I ordered my Cayman S with the PCM Nav because I love navigation systems. My wife is the expert user in the family and she hasn't tried the Porsche one yet but I think it will be acceptable. We already have one in our Acura MDX and Subaru Outback. The MDX nav is clearly the best we have tried (we also have experience with ones in the Mini Cooper, Lexus, and Infiniti). Honda is the only Japanese car manufacturer that lets you perform all operations when the car is moving. The MDX unit is touch screen and voice operated and the RL is voice and "joystick" operated. It is very frustrating when my wife cannot operate a nav system as the passenger in a moving vehicle. Porsche's permits it. The Infiniti nav allows more control than most by voice when the car is moving but the driver has to start the voice command sequence by pressing a switch. Yes, PCM is expensive but which options aren't?

The PCM is a nice system. The question you should ask yourself is: what will the car be used for...is it a daily driver, touring car, track car, etc? Your indivudual use of the car itself may dictate your need for the PCM Nav. The PCM definitely provides 'wow' factor...but I personally don't recommend it for only that reason. In fact to some people, I recommend not to order it at all. Each person's need/demand is different. Pros: Looks very impressive all around, Route guidance, Sport Chrono memory, many other neat functions/good interface. Cons: Cost, Ever changing maps need updating, technology also is everchanging,screen low on dash panel. Overall, I like the system BETTER than any touch screen on the market. Voice activation would be nice though.

The best aftermarket NAV system I have seen is by Pioneer. There ought to be a dealer outlet somewhere near you where you can check it out. That said, I ordered the OEM system from Porsche, which is supposed to be an improvement over the rather unimpressive system they had last year.

The newer PCM system has been improved for MY 06 compared to MY 05. That being said, I feel each Nav system has it's strengths and weaknesses regardless of mfg. Although I do not have a lot of experience w/ the Pioneer system. I'm not a fan of changing out factory equipment for aftermarket equipment...even if the aftermarket equipment is better. Nothing compares to the fit and finish of the original factory equipment. I cringe every time I see a vehicle w/ non-factory electronic add on's (i.e. stereo, sat radio, nav). The colors (both panel and lighting) never match up quite right. These add-ons definitely devalue a Porsche, from a dealer perspective.

Here is the pioneer unit you were probably talking about... http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/article/0,,2076_3149_269505659,00.html

I agree completely w/ Woodhouse. The car's dash doesn't look right without the PCM. In my opinion it looks old school and not very impressive. Let's face it we are buying a Porsche and looks mean alot. Why would you have colored seat belts? different colored gauges? Carbon Fiber etc...

This one looks particularly nice: http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/product/detail/0,,2076_3151_192089333,00.html?compName=PNA_ProductDetailComponent What I like about it, is a larger screen, XM/Sirius integration, backup camera, traffic info, and it plays all MP3's WMA's etc. There is also a flush mount model if you don't want/need the flip out kind, but the flip outs are neat in that they don't take up all the dash real estate except when opened. I'm honestly not worried about installing aftermarket because I could always remove it and re-install the factory setup should I ever decide to sell the car. A properly installed aftermarket system will look just as good as the factory setup, but of course that depends on the quality of your installer...

I agree Patch, although I didn't order mine with a PCM I now wish I would have. Almost every new car regardless of the model, but all the high ends have PCM's or like in them. Well I didn't know much of anything, muchless what I really wanted at the time, and I grabbed an early build date just cause I wanted the car asap once I made my mind up that I loved it. I probably will lease mine and upgrade in 3 years to whatever it has become. I am just so happy to get back into a real driving machine once again. Aloha Russ

Russ, I bought the Nav. for the look of the dash. Your right all new cars especially at 75k should have a Nav. screen of some sort. I'm not going to be racing mine just weekend fun to Palm Springs and going up North to Carmel.

It sounds likeyou made a good decision Patch, it does add to the interior for sure. What I am afraid of is that aftermarket stuffmight not look as good as the factory original.The Pioneer that K-Man posted is nicefor $2200, but I would only want Porsche to do the installation. Russ

As Woodhouse said, it depends on how you'll use the car. If you're only going to keep the car for 3-5 years and you're going to use it then great. I didn't get it and have no regrets. I'll drive back and forth to work, Sunday drives, weekend trips, and track it once in awhile. I've lived in my area my whole life, know it well,and for weekend trips I check Mapquest before I leave - for free!!! For the price you can add other timeless options to make it look more upscale, like carbon fiber !!! PCM will look and act dated after awhile (remember 8-track tapes?).I just don't see using it and I may keep mine for 10 years so I'm going for a timeless look!!

Agree that the PCM looks good - certainly better than an after market add-on. For me, I just couldn't justify £2k on a screen (you could buy a lot of maps for that - or take a limo, get drunk, stay in a nice hotel and a limo back!). I wouldn't use it enough and I was genuinely concerned that the cost of after market units was about £1.5k cheaper and did the same thing (although I'd not buy one because I've not seen one that looks good!) A guy from Porsche said to me about PCM, 'we've [humans] been driving for 100 years and suddenly we can't find our way around!'. I found this really amusing! I'll use this as justification when people ask me why I didn't go for it!