PCM1 16 Bit Nav

I have been following a thread on the Renntech site in the USA regarding a claim from a guy in Germany that if you have PCM1 with a 16bit nav computer it will read Opal (Vauxhall) nav discs which unlike the Navtech discs for Porsche are upgraded after 2002. The nav will only read the Opal discs if the software used is v5.43 and to check if you have this software you hold in the A/C button on the PCM and at the same time press the selector knob to the right of it for 3 seconds and the information will be displayed. Well I did all this and found I have v5.43 which indicates I have the 16 bit (as opposed to the earlier 8 bit nav - 16 bit was fitted after 2001 apparently) I hot footed it down to a Vauxhall showroom and asked if I could try a disc in my car. They obliged with a 2004 CD but alas it didn't work. The obvious benefits should this have worked is the Vauxhall nav CD is updated on a regular basis (there is a 2005 CD and the only thing that would be missing is the OPC locations, replaced with the Vauxhall ones!!!) and the cost of a 2005 CD is £125 +Vat. In his post he mentions 8 discs as part of his CD package with his nav and this got me wondering and I have a couple of points I hope people can help me with How many software CD's are normally supplied with PCM? My car only came with the CD needed to run the UK nav programme and I assumed that's all there was. The car was second hand and bought from a dealer (not Porsche) A question I know has been asked before but I still don't have an understanding on - is it possible to buy an update for PCM1 from an OPC that is later than 2002? If any of you want to check out the Renntech thread it can be found at http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=4807&hl= TIA Ron Bonner.

Any luck with this yet Ron??

No, not yet Alex, I am trying to find a Vauxhall dealer who has a car sitting around with a 2005 nav disc in the sat/nav. If they have a car with a disc in it tends to be a 2004 which doesn't work in the PCM and they don't tend to have the 2005 update on the shelf - you have to order it. I was hoping someone would have helped out by now on the couple of points I raised about PCM1 software or updates but as you can see - nothing. Ron

Here is my 2p My car only came with a single PCM1 disc (for the UK) AFAIK you cannot get post 2002 updates for PCM1

Well that helps me out on that Alex. Looks like the Vauxhall option may be a little jem for us PCM1 16 bit users if it actually does work. I will do my best to find out. I might risk it and order a Vauxhall 2005 disc and if it is a load of bull and it don't work I will knock it out through Ebay etc. RB

i am just about to buy a 996 with sat nav, it is a facelift car ... does this mean i will have the newer sat nav version?

From reading the renntech post it would seem the following are worth checking. You need to get hold of the eight cd's that are used to load the system software for the nav unit (as best as I understand the renntech post) it would seem possible that one of the cd's was not loaded and this is the reason you cannot load the opal/vauxhall discs. Would your local opc lend you the disc's ? He also mentions that your head unit (the cd bit) should be a 16 bit unit. it might be prudent to confirm this (maybe slide it out and check part no's) or you may end up going round in circles trying to do something that's not possible anyway.

I collected my new car from the factory 3 weeks ago, it came with a four disc set which covers all of Europe. COLIN.

I agree Colin and in fact I will be doing just that this week-end to confirm the unit is the 16 bit unit. In my circumstances I find that the software version shown on the screen is the 16 bit operating software but I am still not 100% convinced! RB

Sorry Colin, I was meant to respond to Lawrence and put your name instead

Keep us posted Ron - you could be the "Saviour of PCM1 users" [ ]

Will do Alex, If it is possible to get around this lack of updated data for the PCM 1 the Forum will be the first to know. RB

Had my PCM out and checked my CD head unit and it turns out it is an 8 bit unit so I will need to upgrade it to a 16 bit unit before proceeding any further. The part number confirmed its age. Any one with a PCM1 in a 2001 - 2002 car know anyone with a Vauxhall sat nav ?

I shall go and see my local Vauxhall dealer - at least I can go and have a look at a Monaro at the same time

Arbee - how much is it to upgrade to 16bit version?

Cthorne The cost of a replacement processor is a whoppin £1,089.00 + VAT Ouch!!!

GULP!

If you can find one that knows what it is...[8|]

How did you get the CD head unit ? What sort of tool did you use ? There was another thread on this on Renntech mentioning this, but no one responded to my question at the end. The guy was mentioning that there is a German Tequipment 5 CD Europe set for the 16 bit system... Here is the link to that thread: http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=2530&hl= Nik.

Dear Nik, At the both end of the CD Unit there are plastic covers that prise of the face. Behind are two holes at each end that take a standard Audio removing tool. I should imagine you can pick them up from Halfords etc. I had a pair of Ford ones in my tool kit and they fitted. You put the prongs into the holes, squeeze them either together or apart ( I can't remember which way) and that releases the unit to enable you pull it forward. The part number is on the back of the unit.

I bought a new 2002 996 Targa with PCM1 16-bit and only the original UK disc (which includes a general map of Europe). I have been in touch with Porsche several times about updates and was told that there are none available. NavTech were no help at all. The Porsche GB Customer Service department told me that they may produce an upgrade if there is sufficient demand (but also pointed out that 'most' Porsche buyers sell their cars after 2-3 years - as if this was an acceptable statement!). It would be great to know if the Vauxhall/Opel discs actually work but I would settle for a Porsche set if they would sell me one. What really annoys me about this is that a) the salesman told me that I would receive free PCM updates from time to time and b) Porsche seems to think it is OK to dump support of expensive optional extras after 2 years!

John, I share your sentiments entirely. I still don't know if the Vauxhall disks work or not as I have the 8 bit processor and the cost to upgrade to system that has no regular updating service was in the region of £1000 - so a no brainer really - still on 8 bit! Why not take your car, as I did, to a Vauxhall garage and see if they will let you try a disk in your car. In the absence of any Porsche update and the greatly reduced price of a nav-disk from Vauxhall (£125 for a 2005 disk against £250 from Porsche - thats if there was one to buy!!!!!) Apparently the only difference between the two disks is the OPC listings or should that be OVC listings?

I've never been in a Vauxhall dealership and I don't know how friendly they would be but it is certainly worth a try and I'll let you know the outcome. In passing I would add that the general attitude to customer service from Porsche has changed since they took over my dealership (was AFN, now Porsche West London). I have had a few problems with my car and it has taken quite a lot of pressure to get things sorted out fairly. Last year I had a wiring loom burn out due to bad routing through the passenger door which took about 6 weeks to repair. This year the Targa roof had to be replaced because of incurable rattles. My 993 Targa had a few roof shakes but you would have thought that they would have sorted it out by now. I still think the 911 is the best car of its class but the service and quality is not what it was.

Not meaning to suggest anything about not paying for an update (as I'd be happy to, if the manufacturers kept them coming every year or so) but has anyone had a look on the file sharing networks? I'm sure if you put in "vauxhall" and "nav" you'd get a hit on a disc image or two. This might be cheap way of trying out the idea, without laying out hundreds of pounds... obviously if it works I'm sure we'd all be placing orders for the 2005 versions of the maps. [ ] (A quick scan from my system has revealed "opel_cd70_navteq_europe_complete.rar" at 3.44GB and various other country-only maps (at a few hundred MB or so)... [ ])

Thanks for that, Simon and it sounds like a good way of testing the compatibility before paying for new discs. How did you find these files? I tried Googling the file description but got nowhere - I am not very up on file sharing.

Paid my dues to Limewire but no result, unfortunately. Any other advice very welcome!

Maybe try something like the edonkey sharing network (look up a client called "emule") or the kad network... Alternatively, if I happen to find something to test with, I'll report back how it works on my car. That's a 2004 996 (Anniv Edition) with whatever SatNav it came with... unfortunately I'm not up on the specifics but, from reading these threads, I'd assume its 16bit.

Having followed the Renntech threads where people in the US have purchased updates from Navteq, I emailed them to ask if they do UK discs. Reply attached. Would have got a more meaningful reply from my dog. Based on the number of responses to this thread, it's baffling that neither Porsche or a 3rd party supplier don't see the market potential for upgrades. It'd be interesting to know how many 996s were sold in the UK with PCM1, and the market those cars represent.

And you can probably double that number if you add in the Boxsters that were also fitted with PCM1...

Simon I have a feeling your car has PCM 2 given the age of the car.

I have a 2002 C4 and it has PCM-1

I think the PCM 2 was introduced in 2003.

It looks like this is getting controversial. I have now found the Opel version of this software on eDonkey and will try to download it to test it, then report back. In the meantime, this is an extract from an official Porsche site which I found a few months ago and it may help someone: 1. PCM-1 is available in 2 versions (a. xx.98 - 04.2001 ; b. 04.2001 - 08.2002) 2. Version a. uses 8 BIT hardware and version uses 16 BIT hardware and extended memory. This means to CDs for version b. need more memory. 3. In Europe latest software for version a. is NAVTEC 2000/2 and latest software for version b. is PORSCHE Tequipment 2003/2004 (only available from certified Porsche dealer in full Europe-Version - 5 CDs, 500 Euro -, not from NAVTEC) 4. To check your navigation-unit, take it out (its the one with the CD slot) and check WAP number. For 16 BIT it should be: 996.642.122.03 (996.642.122.00 to 996.642.122.02 is 8 BIT)

Guys, must remember, that the PCM1 technology is based on late 90's CD rom's and I would suggest that even if the data is accurate, the reader may not pick up and read CDR or CDRW. Cant tell you technically why but its the same as putting a DVDR or DVDRW in an early DVD player, they dont always work. Just a thought!

John, Let us know how you get on with the Opel CD. I have now found out that I have what seems to be the 16-bit version, at least from the part number of the CD unit: 996.642.122.03 I'd love to be able to use the Opel/Vauxhall CDs, but if they don't work, I guess I'll speak to Porsche in Germany and try to get the Tequipment pack. Nik.

anyone had any joy on this one yet?

I haven't been to a Vauxhall dealer yet but I have spoken to a very helpful satnav specialist who is trying to source an Opel disk sample for me to try out:if it works he can supply us all with disks. Obviously I will keep everyone posted on this. In the meantime, if anyone knows a friendly Vauxhall dealer (go on, admit it) please have a go. We will get there eventually. Meanwhile I have occasionally decided to reduce my reliance on technology and used my 'other' sportscar which is fitted with a very accurate £5.99 road atlas and never tells me 'make a legal u-turn' whenever I know a better route than Ingrid, the slightly bossy replicant trapped in the PCM unit of the 911. You will also not want to know that I can get almost any spare part quickly and cheaply for my 40 year old Jag, sometimes even original parts! I enjoy the contrast.

Well, I tried ... My friendly specialist sourced a current Vauxhall/Opel CD from NavTeq (who thought that it should work) but it did not manage to initialise. He is trying to find out some more about this but it may take some time. Any other news?

John, thanks for the update, which is not particulalrly good news, but at least confirms the GM discs are not an option. There's little else on other forums, so it seems we're stuck with ageing maps...

Let's see if Porsche GB keep their promise. They told me months ago that they 'might' be releasing an update later this year if there were sufficient demand and would notify interested customers. I'll remind them shortly.

I have just been told by my SatNav specialist that he has found a fix for this problem. Apparently, the PCM software has to have a simple upgrade after which it will read the Opel disc. He is going to source this and send it to me to try. Fingers crossed!

BREAKTHROUGH! I now have the latest (2005) NavTeq GB satnav map installed and working in my car. The Opel / Vauxhall disc does work in the Siemens PCM but first you have to install a bit of Porsche upgrade software. This is very simple as you just insert the upgrade disk, it initialises itself and then asks you where you want to go (my one seems to have the 2003 database on the same disk). Then you insert the 2005 Opel disk, it initialises itself and ... it works! This is all possible because of the perseverence of Gerard Mahoney at: [blockquote] Satnavshop.com 11-15 Stoney lane Sparkbrook Birmingham B12 8DL Tel: 0121 773 7000 [email removed] [/blockquote] I would point out that Gerard put a lot of effort into finding this fix (along with someone he knows at NavTeq) and I did tell him that if he could find a solution then many Porsche drivers would be beating a path to his door. The Opel disk is £109.99 + £6.00p&p and the upgrade disk costs £14.99. This is a bargain compared to Porsche prices. If anyone wants more information, call Gerard at the number above - he is very helpful and knowledgeable. If you need any help from me, just reply.

BREAKTHROUGH! I now have the latest (2005) NavTeq GB satnav map installed and working in my car. The Opel / Vauxhall disc does work in the Siemens PCM but first you have to install a bit of Porsche upgrade software. This is very simple as you just insert the upgrade disk, it initialises itself and then asks you where you want to go (my one seems to have the 2003 database on the same disk). Then you insert the 2005 Opel disk, it initialises itself and ... it works! This is all possible because of the perseverence of Gerard Mahoney at: [blockquote] Satnavshop.com 11-15 Stoney lane Sparkbrook Birmingham B12 8DL Tel: 0121 773 7000 [email removed] [/blockquote] I would point out that Gerard put a lot of effort into finding this fix (along with someone he knows at NavTeq) and I did tell him that if he could find a solution then many Porsche drivers would be beating a path to his door. The Opel disk is £109.99 + £6.00p&p and the upgrade disk costs £14.99. This is a bargain compared to Porsche prices. If anyone wants more information, call Gerard at the number above - he is very helpful and knowledgeable. If you need any help from me, just reply

Well done that man..... he deserves the business garyw

John, sorry to ask but what version is your PCM1? (8 bit or 16 bit). I am assuming the only way i can tell is by using the tool (from halfords) to look on the back of the unit? Thanks Chris

This might help: PCM1 Second Generation is 16 Bit

Chris, Mine is definitely 16-bit. You don't need to remove the PCM. The easiest way to find out is to press and hold for 3 seconds both your A/C button and your selector knob next to it. The screen displays your software version: V5.43 indicates 16-bit. I hope this helps but let me know if you need anything else. John

Actually JD not so reliable as you indicate. I have an 8-bit PCM that has version 5.43. installed. I had to remove the unit to check the part number because I thought I had a 16 bit PCM after checking using the on screen method. It was only after I tried to install the Opel disks that led me to check the part number on the back which was a 100% confirmation that I had a 8 bit system. Which I am reliably informed will not take the Opel upgrade.

Well done, John.

John, Excellent bit of work by you and Gerard. Once the software upgrade is loaded, is it possible to revert to using the old Porsche CD for the UK. I ask as its possible I will "upgrade" the C2 later this year and would like to keep the Vauxhall CD's for the new car. Cheers.

I know what you mean as I have ordered a French 'Opel' disc as well. The answer is that if you reload your original Porsche map disc after you have upgraded your software to accept the 'Opel' discs, the system will 'downgrade' back to the original, older operating system. It will then read the old disc perfectly well. You will need to upgrade again before you can use your 'Opel' disc again but it only takes a minute or so to upgrade and initialise each time. The only slight downside is that any destination memory settings will not 'migrate' from one version to another, although they seem to stay in their respective memories. Maybe they are stored on the CD, I don't know!

I would imagine that the 8 discs are for North America (or for that matter America) whereas the GB info would only need one disc. Cheers,

Well I have just pulled the nav unit out to check the WAP number against the ones in your note. It is 996.642.122.12 EWD which does not match either of the numbers given. Anyone know if this is 8 or 16 bit. ? Thanks.

My earlier source information was: "For 16 BIT it should be: 996.642.122. 03 (996.642.122.00 to 996.642.122.02 is 8 BIT)" As yours is 996.642.122. 12 (i.e. later than ... . 03 ) it can't be 8-bit. What year is your car? I am sure that all 2002-on cars had 16-bit systems. By the way, I would be happy for anyone to bring their car to me (north London) and try my discs in their car if they want to be sure before committing to spending cash on it.

The PET shows 996.642.122.12 EWD as being the CD ROM Drive. (edit): Sorry, meant to say for a 2002 model. (Isn't that PCM2?)

Here's a useful Rennlist thread in case you haven't seen it already: http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=2530&hl =

Richard, You are correct, my car is a 2002 model year but the system is still PCM1. I am 99% sure it must be 16-bit so could use the Opel CD.

I am sure I have posted this link before, which could be what you are all looking for: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Porsche-PCM-1-16-Bit-GPS-CD-United-Kingdom-Ireland-2005_W0QQitemZ5878150120

My PCM is showing the V5.43 also 2 other references on the screen. PONA628D UK 18602476 rather than remove the head unit can you tell its a 16 bit from this.Also the car was registered 06.01

Hi everybody! I am very happy to meet you! Well, I explain my situation. I have a boxster MY99 with PCM1 system navigation 8 bits (996.642.122.00 EFR) Now I want to update to 16 bits to work opel cds. I have bought a PCM 996.642.122.12 EWD, I have got a cd software to update navigation software PONA642D (dont ask me where.....[ ]) questions: 1. when replacing pcm navi unit, display ask for CODE NAVI, Should I introduce the same I have in my old unit? or there is to introduce a new code which is sold with navi unit? In case not have this new code... can I call a Porsche Center?

Sorry, I can't help you with this one as I have never removed the head unit.