PCM Recommendations

I'm trying to decide if I want PCM. I don't really see the value of it, but it seems that, at least initially, some of the iPod integration solutions may require it. I find iPod integration quite valuable, but not $3k valuable. I've gone through the PCM 2.0 manual in the files section and I've searched every post containing PCM and have seen the following conclusions: PCM offers 8 basic functions: Display, Audio, Sound, Organizer, Voice, Information, Trip, Navigation PCM adds the ability to play MP3 and WMA files . There is even an infrared port for downloading data . Some people didn't get PCM and wish they had . Some people think that PCM is simply a cosmetic mod . Others think PCM offers a great deal of value and consider it a must-have . Tab + Enter submits a post before you're ready. I guess what I'm wondering is, are there other great features of PCM that I'm missing? Also, what is your favorite PCM feature? I'm thinking that if there is enough value in PCM outside of the possible iPod integration benefits, I'll just get it. Otherwise, I'll pass. Thanks for any help.

I can say that I got PCM 2.1 for one reason only .... integrated GPS. When I did the kind of analysis you did, all cars play mp3, wma, etc. the "integrated" $900 option for the cell phone apparantly has major issues ... don't even know anyone who has it. If you have PCM AND the sports chrono, you CAN change some of the programming only the dealer can do. Useful but hardly worth $3K. Bottom line, for me, its a $3K integrated GPS. That was important to us because I was fed up with mounting and taking down a portable GPS everytime I needed it. Would I buy another Porsche with GPS ... YES.

I would ask the same question with one exception, it is still worth getting if you do not want or had any need for a GPS. That is something that you really do not need on a Island. Thanks, Russ

IMHO? no. Its a GPS. You need it if you order the GSM phone ($1K option) which doesn't seem to work to well if at all. You can use it to change key function if you order the Sport Chrono It DOES display a bunch of info ... like song title, station freq, temp and other stuff I never pay attention to but so doesnt the computer in the dash (dont know if non-PCM does that). Nope, its a $3K GPS

Not Compelling chows4us, thanks for the replies. So far, it doesn't sound too compelling, as I suspected. Anyone else like it for a reason other than the GPS?

Oh btw, I failed to mention there is one more function for the PCM and that is the data recorder. If you buy that option, you must also have the PCM. That is where the IR comes in to download info to a laptop. I have never heard of anyoner, here or elsewhere, ever ordering that option. BTW, the PCM manual is about the WORST manual I've have had the misfortunate to try to read. Its so pathetic, I gave up and just use the old try and fail method to see how things work Its as if Porsche hired dsylecsic monkeys in a room of typewriters all using different languages and they were all drunk.:wall:

PCM also allows you to keep, review, chart, and download lap times when used in conjunction with the timing capabilities of the Sport Chrono option. Pretty expensive lap timer, though... brad

If you were in Europe, it would have traffic alerts. As far as I can tell (and I don't have PCM), that has been disabled in the US. That plus nav are the two primary reasons I wish I had gotten PCM.

Moved? I guess I can understand this being moved to Cayman Electronics, as that lists PCM as one of the topics ... but I thought Cayman Chat was a place to discuss why to get/not get particular options and Cayman Electronics a place to discuss PCM if you had it , for example, or other after-market electronics options ... Oh, well, I probably just tried to make a distinction that wasn't there. Now I know.

So are you saying that, even though it's disabled, you wish you had gotten the PCM for the traffic alerts? I see you are in the US, so I'm not understanding why you wish you had PCM for the traffic alert feature ...

Yeah, even if you add up the GPS, the data exchange and the nice display, it's hard to reach the $3k in value mark ... I mean, PCM looks nice, it would be nice to have that display of various functions in the dash, but $3k for that? Seems :crazy:

I imagine new features will be added ever year. I can wait and see what unfolds. I wonder if I will be able to get my IPhone to work with it? Or maybe play a DVD Russ

But it's not upgradeable, right? I mean, we can't buy PCM 2.1 and expect to add 3.0 features?

It is possible for Porsche to develop a bluetooth kit that will integrate into it, similar to the satelite kit they've made for the Cayenne that works with pcm2.1 in the Cayman , but costs over $1,000. IMHO, skip the PCM, skip the Bose; if the sound isn't upto par for you, add new amplification or speakers; if you need bluetooth, ipod, and satelite radio now, change the headunit. If you deal hunt online, you can have a Pioneer AVIC-Z1 installed cheaper than you can get satelite radio factory integrated into your PCM through MOST. - Suneet

Suneet makes good points but do condsider resale. Some buyers will not touch those aftermarket modifications. Just judge wisely depending on your needs.

Santa Fe makes a good point too that I should've mentioned. While you can't change speakers or add amplification and then easily reverse it with the sound package plus, you can change headunits and swap them back fairly easily; instead of cutting the wiring harnesses, simply splice into the 4 speaker wires you need (they later split off and go into the tweeters, and the ASK amplifier so you can power all 9 speakers) and the power wire and leave everything else there unconnected. Then again, the PCM\nav is a desirable option and will probably help resale value. - Suneet

Good information from both suneet and Santa Fe. I think I would do the same thing with an after market system: put the OEM back before I sold the car. I hadn't really thought about getting an after market system for iPod support. I'll do some searches on that (and would love recommendations if anyone has an opinion).

Agreed it's a desirable option, but it won't retain value as well as the car itself, and adding in the financing cost (or opportunty cost of capital if you paid cash) on the $3K, you can't justify it from a financial perspective. Buy it if you want/need it, but don't rationalize it as a resale enhancement.

I wonder if Porsche will ever give us a built in USB port? Many of the new cars are now coming standard with them. Russ

You can try to get the PCM for free like my dealer threw in. Don't need to rationalize the expense if there is none!!

Wow, now that took some skilz. :cheers: to you! How did you work that?

It really didn't take too much on my part so I won't accept any special credit. I told my dealer that I really wanted Nav in the car but couldn't justify the price tag. I also mentioned to him that it was a deal breaker for me (little white lie). Then I just asked if I added some other options that I wanted (hence driving my sticker price up) if he would throw in the PCM. After a brief pause he agreed and threw it in. He also threw in a car seat from the Porsche catalog ($275). That was not a deal breaker but I figured I would ask. Now I don't have to take my other vehicle if I need to take my little girl to school......

Very nice! Sounds like good negotiations to me. I negotiated a price relative to invoice. There may be some incentive for a dealer to throw something is based on my purchasing other options, but not much.