Stock radio replacement with PCM 2.1?

I've searched the archieves and couldnt find anything on this specific question..... A part of me is regretting not ordering the PCM , not for the sat nav, but for two other features..... I have the regular stereo with BOSE 1) the adjustment of features in the car through the menu system 2) the ability to play MP3 CDs If I just buy the PCM head unit(either at the dealer, suncoast or on ebay) can it be installed and replace the regular head and provide the above features? Are there specifc parts that are needed? If so which ones? And does anyone have an idea on how much tech time would be needed to install? Thanks so much for any insight.

I've looked into it myself. The parts will cost you about $3800 depending on where you get it and it is about $1000 for the installation. I'd recommend Suncoast . I've talked to them a few times and they have done this quite a few times. Also, for an extra $1000 or so they can add XM to that.

thanks... seems like the ~3800 kit from Suncoast is the whole lot including the DVD drive etc. The nav is of no use to me, which is why I didnt put it in in the first place. Its just frustrating that you have to pay 3k when you buy the car to control some options and play MP3s

UFO, It sounds like you dont want navigation, just the screen. If that is the case, purchase it on ebay, 997 PCM2.1's are selling for about $600-$1000 because many people are taking them out of their cars to put in aftermarket stereos. The wiring harnesses are the exact same and easily snap in to the back of the pcm 2.1. Once you get it installed, get your dealer to code it for you using PIWIS ; should only be one hour of labor. - Suneet

Thanks Suneet. This is exactly what I'm thinking of doing. Replacing just the head-unit so that I can play MP3's and make option changes. Are you aware if there is different versions of the PCM unit that I should be looking for? What about different part numbers (i.e. ones I should look for and ones I should avoid). The annoying thing would be to lay out 500-1000 and then have a useless piece of plastic.

Ufo, I'm sure there are probably various part numbers that will work. However, I know that part number 997.642.101.11 "information system" will be a direct plug in. Several of those have sold on ebay under $800 used, they came out of 2006 Carrera S's with Bose . I've also seen for sale part number 997.642.141.02 " PCM system", but have not seen mentioned if it came out of a Bose system or not. To make things more diverse, Porsche has several TSB's for installing the unit and the part number they cite is 997.642.141.03I personally think either will work, and the system will recognize what is connected as all the units have the same connectors in the back. After you install the unit, the dealer has to code it, and there will be faults stored within the system that they will see, but you won't see any warnings; according to the TSB it's because the cdr24 didn't have the diversity antenna connection, but the PCM does. - Suneet

Thanks Suneet. The advice is much appreciated.

Hey. I have a 06 Cayman S and I have seen your post on PCM retrofit. I bought a Nav #997.642.135.03 and PCM 2.[phone removed].11 on Ebay. Will these parts work in my car? The Porsche shop I talked to seem to have some doubts about it but are willing to try cos I'll be paying for it. I just have to figure out if its worth it and if there is a good chance of success. I read in your post about the serial number on the PCM working, did you have first hand knowledge of this? If yes, then why all the different serial for the same part? What about the Nav? If you have any insight it would be appreciated. Thanks. Gavin.

The nav unit in used in the installation tsb is 997.642.137.02, but I believe yours will work fine but is a different revision. In addition to the two parts you purchased you will need the GPS antenna (997.642.105.00), a speed nut (999.507.441.02), a tapping screw (999.072.201.00), a navigation unit mount (997.642.231.00), a retaining clip (997.642.342.01), a wiring harness (997.612.331.00) and some tie wraps. On top of that you will need an optical waveguide that is specific to whether you have Bose or not and CD changer or not. If you don't have bose you need 997.622.707.00 for no changer, and 997.622.715.00 for changer. If you do have bose you need 997.622.710.00 for no changer and 997.622.713.00 for changer. With those parts, you should have no problem doing the retrofit. You will need a Porsche dealer to finish coding the install. - Suneet

Hey. The PCM serial number is 997.642.143.02 and not the 997.642.101.11. Do you think it will still be good?

gmorat, please double check that pcm part number, I cannot find it in the system I use to look up parts. However, it's my understanding that all pcm 's from 997 and 987 cars are interchangable, regardless of part number. Some will need a software\firmware update that your dealer has a tsb for. - Suneet

Here is a link to a photo of the number. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e....dll?ViewItem&ih=011&sspagename=STRK:MEWN:IT&viewitem=&item=320044984931&rd=1,1 As you can see, thats definately it. G.

997.642.143.02 is the same item as part number 997.642.143.03 and is the part number for the PCM system. As it comes from a 2006 Carrera S, it should work without a hitch in the Cayman S . You got a good deal as well, as the part alone retails at over $3,000. - S.S.

Alrighty then. So heres now it breaks down. $1600 for PCM 2.1 and DVD Nav drive from Ebay. $600 For DVD Nav Disc, GPS Antenna, Waveguide, DVD Nav Case holder etc. $750 for installation. ______ $2950 total to retrofit full system sourced through Ebay etc. $3560 cost to have the system installed originally(inc 8.75% CA sales tax) ______ $610 saving (less a fair ammount of time and hassle) or........ $5650 total cost for system supplied/retrofitted by Porsche . $2950 total to retrofit full system sourced through Ebay etc. ______ $2700 saving. So in conclusion, if you think you may want this then get it installed when you buy the car. If you already have the car and wished that you got it originally then make sure to get the parts sourced yourself through Ebay or something. Porsche already has enough of my money I don't see any reason to give them another $2700 needlessly I'll post when the system is fully installed and tell you if it worked as flawlessly as I hope it does. PCM 2.1 with Extended Navigation and Sport Chrono Plus here I come. Gmorat.

I'm booked in for Friday at Porsche in Pasadena. Here's hoping that it all goes swimmingly.

Well, how did it turn out? (Just got my Cayman S and I took a stock without PCM .)

Pchop I'll do the install for you if you let me drive your Ferrari around . I'm sure it went well for gmorat though, the install is pretty straight forward because all the plugs are exactly the same, even color coded. It's a bit tougher if you want to install the navigation though. - Suneet

Rather than start a new thread, I thought I'd resurrect this. Has anyone successfully swapped the CDR-24 with just the PCM head unit? (I have BOSE ) Will part# 997 642 141 02 be a direct swap? Is there any programming needed at the dealer? I bought a Dension adapter and would like PCM to control it. Thanks

First, welcome to the site! Second, congrats on searching and finding this old topic thread Third, have you checked our Articles section? See: http://www.planet-9.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=92&cat=5

That's what we are here for, let us know if that doesn't answer any questions and I'm sure those who have converted can chime in on their conversions.

Well, for starters, are there any compatibility issues between the different versions of PCM and my car? I'm not talking about PCMs made for 986s, 996s and 955s. My 987 is an '05 and I want to make sure the PCM unit I am buying is going to work. If there are different types of PCM (2.1) available, can the firmware be updated? Also, I heard that the PCM on some early 987 and 997 model could not play MP3 CDs. Can a firmware update fix this? One other thing. As I am buying this to use with the Dension GW500, will the Dension install be any more difficult due to me using a retrofitted PCM unit as opposed to one delivered with the car? Thanks for all your help.

Because you have Bose any PCM 2.1 headunit can be programmed to work with your system as a replacement for the cdr-24. There are certain units that don't have built in drivers that won't work with the sound package plus; but the Bose system uses only fiber signal. If you can get a build-date for the unit that would be good, any units with a 2004- early 2005 build date will not play mp3 cd's, but will work with Dension; they are PCM 2.1 model A's. That is what I have. But as far as part number goes, Ken and I both used the same one as you're looking at. - Suneet