PCM1 Sat Nav on 98 996

Hi, I am looking at buying my first Porsche. I have seen a very nice 1998 996 equipped with PCM. Given the system is 8 years old is it a worthwhile option on a car- the seller clearly thinks it is!? Can you obtain updated map CDs for it at reasonable cost? I currently have a Tom Tom One in another car so is this a simpler and better alternative with less future hassle potential? ALso the car has soft ruffled seats. They are not too baggy at present - but is this a known downside of this option - the car has only covered 50k miles? many thanks, Brian

If it is 1998 it will be 1st generation (8 bit) PCM1, and there are no up-to-date maps available. Can't comment on the seats I'm afraid, but I wouldn't have thought it was a problem. If they still look good after 50k, they are likely to stay that way for some while.

Hi Brian, I bought a 98/R C2 with PCM1 2 years ago and the map was well out of date. I updated the map via an OPC last year at a cost of around £250 but the map was already 2 years out of date. If you have a look at this forum and rennlist there are various posts about using disks from other manufacturers such as Vauxhall but as far as I know no-one has come back saying they actually work! OPC's dont know when newer versions come in and it looks like Porsche dont support the PCM1 system anymore, which is crazy are there are plenty of 996/Boxsters with this unit! Regarding its value, its deemed to be one of those nice to have things and definately would increase the resale value or at least make it more saleable in the future. I had a Becker in a previous car which was OK but as this has a nice big screen and is fully integrated into an onboard computer its more than just a sat nav. When you need these things, you REALLY NEED THEM! On balance, if you dont need it then dont pay over the odds especially as you have a tom tom (more nick-able when its in the car than an OEM btw), however, its bigger, easy to use and integrated and I probably wouldnt buy one without it in the future. I also have the ruffled leather and my car has done 98,000 miles now and there is a small amount of wear/discolouration as expected but still looks great, not cracked or sagging and I am happy! Hope that helps! Regards, Rob

I wouldn't say that PCM 1 adds much value, unfortunately. It looks nice, but it's very early generation technology and Porsche are very naughty in not supporting upgrades for it. If you really need sat-nav, there are more advanced after-market systems that can be integrated into non-PCM equipped 996s/Boxsters. Soft ruffled leather is slightly softer, but should not wear any differently to standard leather. Obviously, very light colours tend to show more wear.

I have a PCM1 and was quoted £375 for updated CD which, incidentally, is easily copied on a PC (for backup purposes obviously!). Mine is a 2000 disc and it gets you to most destinations, OK it doesnt know about the M6 toll road but I do! Sat nav is mainly useful for getting through the last few miles to a destination so its never really a problem. If my destination is a new road I just ask for the closest "old road". Bigger issue is it doesnt do post codes. It may be dated by todays standards but does the job and is nicely integrated into stereo, computer, phone etc. You wouldnt pay extra for it necessarily but it does help the desireability. Built in phone works a treat. Regards Neil

I have PCMI as well, the maps are a little out of date and don't look as good as the PCMII maps, but I still use it all the time and it has saved me from getting lost on many occasions. It also worked a treat in europe when I drove to Italy last year. The Stereo menu's and trip computer are also very good. I dont think having PCM should swing the deal for you, but it is a nice extra. Not sure how many cars you have looked at but, the one option I wish i'd hunted around for, is the porsche sports exauhst, (im still saving my pennies to have one fitted [ ])

You can get 2005 Vauxhall/Opel maps which work on the 16bit version of PCM1. http://stores.ebay.co.uk/VDO-Blaupunkt-Navteq-Teleatlas-Shop_W0QQssPageNameZviQ3asibQ3astoreviewQQtZkm Not much use to you either Rob.

Well spotted. I have emailed them re the 8 bit. Thanks, Rob

Rob, Let me know if you get anywhere with this. Cheers Paul.

There's a German company that are doing replacement discs for PCM1, http://www.navicd24.de/shop/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/298 At least one person has successfully used it on his 2001 C2.