Calling all PCM II owners! Navigation CDs

For anyone who has the PCM II system, i've spent some time speaking to Navteq and Porsche GB about the lack of updates. Here's my current understanding: - Most recent version of the PCM II maps is March 2006 (Part number 000.44.900.92), but the map data may be as old as 2005 - In 2000, Porsche signed an agreement with Navteq whereby all distribution of map updates was required to be handled exlcusively by Porsche (and not Navteq). - Navteq currently supply digital map data to Porsche on a quarterly basis (which presumably is used for the newer PCM2.1 systems). - Porsche provides the Navteq map data to its OE equipement manufacturers (e.g. Becker) to produce Porsche-branded update cds. - Porsche is no longer supporting the cd-based PCM II system (according to Porsche GB). - Navteq would theoretically be able to produce regular update disks if Porsche gave back the distribution rights for the PCM II map/update cds. - Spoke to Becker in germany who said they can't provide any info on the PCM II Personally, I think IF Porsche no longer wish/intend to support the PCM II system, then they should at least allow Navteq to do so. I'm guessing that there are enough 986/996/cayenne owners with PCM II who would happily buy the updates so that their systems are still up-to-date. At the very least, i think Porsche owe it to their (older) customers to allow Navteq to produce/distribute map updates. I apologise in advance if any of the above is inaccurate - pls correct me if thats the case. If anyone is interested in formally writing to Porsche on this topic (perhaps formally on behalf of PCGB, if acceptable to PCGB management?), i'd be happy to put a draft together. ps. for any owners of the older PCM I system, i've read that the GM/Vauxhall disks produced by Navteq should allow you to update your systems without any problems. Please do your own research - i dont want to take responsibility for any damage caused by using the wrong disks! (Apologies to Richard Hamilton for starting a new thread but wanted to catch some attention!)

000.44.900.92 - are you sure that's the right number? It doesn't come up in a search on the PET. I just found the last update disk for PCM1, which was 000.44.900.82.

Sterling work Mr Scaramanga - I would buy an update were they to be available and I do think you are right with the suggestion an official approach to Porsche from the club would be the way to go. (have you really got 3 nipples?) RB

PCM 1 is no longer supported so its no great surprise that they've done the same with PCM 2, especially given that the 997s are DVD based. For this reason, I didn't seek out a car with PCM. As you say though, why not just allow Navteq to supply the disks? I can't imagine the nav disc is in a whole new code just for porsche. Given that the GM disc works for PCM1, it must simply be a question of finding a compatible disc... I'm pretty sure the disc just contains the maps, rather than the firmware, so trying some different discs shouldn't do any harm- if its wrong it just won't read it.

Yup - thats the part number Porsche Customer Services gave me. Will call them back and mention it doesn't show up on the PET... (what does PET stand for by the way?) Completely agree - i was trying to find out today from becker/navteq/etc if any other discs were compatible but no joy. In fact, part of me is wondering if it is possible to extract the updated UK maps from a PCM2.1 DVD and burn them onto a CD so that they can be used for PCM2... only problem is i'm not sure who can help... Spoke to becker customer services in Germany and they couldn't help. Its just really frustrating as i'm sure there is a huge market for updated PCM2 maps!! i think one possibility may be to somehow change the firmware of the PCM2 to accept other disks (which is how the GM solution works i think)... Of course!!!

Anyone from PCGB have a view ? (btw i'm a member now, how can i update my details on the forum?)

Perhaps with the "contract of co-operation" you might at least get a straight answer from Porsche Great Britain as to exactly why they are no longer supporting a very expensive optional extra (which is only 4 yrs old), and if not, why they won't allow navteq to sell the discs- no skin off their nose commercially after all...

It actually stands for Porsche Electronic Technologies, but it's the parts program that all OPCs work from. I have an up-to-date version, but you can download an older PDF copy from: https://techinfo.porsche.com/techinfo/index.jsp and select Great Britain>Genuine Parts Catalogue, What concerns me is that the number you quote seems to be a later version of the PCM1 disks. PCM2 disks start 996.642.030.xx. When you call them, double-check that number. I'm sure it's wrong. You need to call or email the club office to get your membership linked to your forum name. Once you do that you'll be able to see all the 996 sub-forums.

I agree that an approach to Porsche GBseems the best option. I have tried my local Dealer (Sutton Coldfield) and Becker with the same sort of results (although not such a bloodhound as Scaramanga) to get an update for my 03 Boxster system. For me, living in the Midlands, there is no M6 toll and on a trip to Ireland last year, most of the country didn't even feature! Tom-Tom sometimes seem an easier route.

Thanks for the clarification Richard. Spoke to Porshe GB this morning and asked them to double check the part number. I gave them my chassis number and highlighted that i have PCM2 rather than PCM1... The customer service chap just called me back to say that Porsche's technical dept is insisting that 0000.44.900.92 is the correct part number for the latest update...??

I guess it must be the right number then. Odd though. In some ways you might be better with PCM1 (16 bit, of course) because you would be able to use up-to-date GM maps!

Nice work Scaramanga. I have updated my unit from 2 to version 3 software and 'upgraded' to 2004 map discs (my originals were 2002) and still have no M6 toll road [ ]. If newer discs were available I would be intersted... but not at Porsche prices. Maybe a poll can be set up on this forum so we can see the demand from members, then if there is enough of us PCGB can lobby Porsche to allow navtech to support PCM2 systems.

Thanks to Loren at Renntech I found that the 000.044.900.92 is a replacement for 996..642.030.02. At the current list price in the US, it would be quite a bit cheaper to buy it from there.

Good idea - how do we set up a poll ? Thanks Richard - at those prices, definitely makes sense to order from the US! Spoke to OPC West London parts dept, they quoted the same part number and confirmed it as 2006 disks. Is there any way to double check ? Dont want to order from the US and receive 2003 maps!

How come Porsche are ripping UK customers off vs US ones? OK, you can argue about spec, tax etc to partially explain the difference in cost of the cars, but a nav disc??? I really dislike Porsche AG sometimes.

I found this thread on the net, which refers to the lot in Birmingham that found a fix to get the Vauxhall discs working in PCM1. Its just possible that the same software tweak might work with a bit of a mod with PCM2? Might be worth getting in touch with them... http://www.renntech.org/forums/lofiversion/index.php/t10258.html

Satnavshop are on the Suppliers thread in the FAQ section, but I believe people have contacted them in the past about PCM2 without success.

I'm afraid Mr Hamilton is absolutely right... spoke to Gerard at SatNavShop yesterday. He hasn't had any luck with the PCM2... But i'm still convinced that there should be a way to reauthor/extract data from a current Navteq CD/DVD and reformat for use with the PCM2... I'm sure someone at Becker will have the data specification required for the PCM2 system... guess the only question is whether they will reveal it?

Hi there everyone, I have a set of the latest Porsche SATNAV discs for my 996 PCM2 and I can confirm that the part number is 000-044-900-92 dated Aug 05. I can't understand why Porsche will not pass on the rights to support PCM2 if they no longer wish too. Not exactly supporting their customer base is it. Regards,

Thanks Steve - i'm glad we've finally confirmed the part number is ok! Haven't heard back from Becker yet but will update once I've got some feedback.

Is PCM2 the CD version and PCM2.1 the DVD version? I have a 2004 986 Anniversary and it uses a CD map that's faulty and I want to replace it. The software version that comes is "Version 3.0", and since it's a CD I suppose I have PCM2. I emailed Gerard and he can't help with it.

Yes - PCM2.0 is CD based PCM2.1 is DVD based. I'll drop you an email with some info.

Thanks for everyones input and thoughts. I have a PCM1 (8 bit I guess) and have emailed [email removed] to find out if he can help. I agree that if Porsche dont/cant/wont supply disks then they should allow other suppliers to. And the disks are so bl@@dy expensive anyway - about £200 I remember. You can actually buy a better specced Sat Nav for less than that anyway. Also, if Porsche prove time and time again that they are reluctant to support older cars systems, where in the incentive for new customers to take up their options? Would be happy to write or sign a petition to PCGB. I thank you!

And therein lies the problem. £200 for an updated CD or a fully upto date TomTom with bells and whistles. No contest. I have a becker sat nav system in my 2001 2.7 Boxster. Going down the M6 Toll Im doing 90mph off road, I kind of like the thought of that! But its no good to get places by. Rod

I wrote in January to Andy Goss at Porsche GB to find out what the latest version of discs for my 2004 Boxster S as I was getting a different story depending on what dealer I contacted. The reply from Angela Lamden, Customer Assistance advised " the most recent set of discs were updated and released in March 2006, part number is 000.044.900.92. There is currently no information on a future release of another update. As such, i am unable to say how long it will be until the next one is available. I can confirm that all countries receive new parts and updated software at exact the same time. The discs currently available in France will be the same as the ones available in the UK." I will write to her again now I've seen this thread of concern by PCM2 owners, the problem is therefore one faced by all PCM2 owners around the world, and it could be that we could get the US club to be putting pressure as I would suspect that the USA was the single largest market. Anybody have contacts with them? Richard (member even if shown as not)

000.044.900.92 disks are August 2005, NOT March 2006. Drop an email or phone the club office and get them to tie your forum name to your membership number. Then you'll be able to see all the other member only forums and other good stuff you are missing out on.

Thanks Richard. And that was Porsche GB advising me! I'm now confused, are there more recent discs for the PCM2 than the 2005 000.044.900.92 version? Richard Boxster S500 PS thanks for tip about getting shown as member

That's what they have told others, but the disks have 08.2005 clearly printed on them. They are the last maps issued for PCM2.0 and Porsche have said that they will no longer be providing updates. Yes, it stinks, especially when Navteq provide them with updated data regularly.