Add backup camera to PCM3.0

Over the years there has been a lot of discussion on the Porsche forums about adding a factory reversing camera to Porsche cars fitted with PCM3.0, such as my 2010 987.2 Boxster S . It seems clear that there are no factory options and whilst a number of owners have had aftermarket systems installed, I couldn’t find any reports from someone who has undertaken this exercise on a DIY basis. I realise that the obvious option is to fit an aftermarket double Din unit but I believe such an option would mean I would lose the on board computer and display in the cluster, and I want to keep the car as stock as possible. My car is completely stock and is fitted with the PCM3.0 factory radio / sat nav / phone system, which works very well. Whilst the car is fitted with reversing sensors, I still missed the reversing camera on my previous 986 Boxster . So, what to do. I tried a wired reversing camera / dash cam rear view mirror, which was OK; but I longed for the reversing image to appear on the factory satnav screen. Attached is the process I followed.

Bilmar, Thanks for posting this. I have been looking at doing this for several years. I also have a 2010 BS. My concerns have been the difficulty of getting the PCM unit out of the dash and the quality of Tadi Brothers. How much hassle was the PCM removal for you? Any "stand out" problem areas; any hints from experience you can give? I did some searching for info on Tadi Bros. There isn't much info on them I could find. Also, the last time I looked, there was only one brief review of doing the install you just did. You seem to be pleased with them. Could you perhaps elaborate a bit, please? Thanks again for providing the article. You've convinced me to look into this once again. Joe Henley

Hi Joe, Thanks for your note and yes, I thought about it for a long time before taking the leap of faith because it is not cheap. To remove the head unit you remove the two carpeted trim pieces in the footwells either side the centre console (1 Torx each) to expose the 2 small Torx screws each side of the padded side panels each side of the radio. Once unscrewed these panels pull straight out towards the back of the car. I had no trouble removing the head unit even though on my unit one of the 4 spring loaded retaining clips was broken and would not retract. But with a torch and a bit of thought you can push the clips back in with a hooked tool like a hose removal pick. The most scary part by far was opening the PCM , changing the screen driver ribbon and adding the extra cable to feed the backup unit. This is needed because there is no video input on the PCM3.0 as standard. This process was not difficult but was nerve wracking and requires care. I did this alone, on a well lit table and on a soft mat to avoid damaging the PCM . Regarding Tadi Bros, I cannot recommend them enough. When my install was finished the picture on the PCM was dreadful, grainy and very red. Tadi Bros were very helpful with the trouble shooting via many emails and even put me in touch with the unit supplier. In the end it was my fault, I had not fully inserted the ribbon into the screen connector properly and so some feeds were being lost. But I am completely satisfied with the result, the picture is crystal clear, the head unit works flawlessly and so I have what I wanted, full PCM3.0 functionality with OBC , handsfree telephone etc, and backup camera. Brilliant. If you need more specific info with photos I am happy to supply what I have. Best regards Bill Green