Can anyone comment on the PCCM system that's available?

[jorgeLosorio]

Hi there folks, I am very new to the site. I wanted to upgrade my system (PCM) without getting rid of the original equipment. I purchased an upgrade for the original unit from NM Automotive. (Specialist Porsche Independent) PCM CarPlay and Android Auto Kit. By the way I own a 2011-911 Carrera. This system brings your unit to a whole new level, I was even able to install a reverse camera. If you are handy you can install it yourself. It connects easily to my phone via bluetooth and you can switch back and forth from the regular system to the CarPlay as desired. Great options for those that who want to keep the car original. Comes with everything you need, no welding or cutting, all plug and play. You do have to remove the unit.

[blueline]

Hi there folks, I am very new to the site. I wanted to upgrade my system (PCM) without getting rid of the original equipment. I purchased an upgrade for the original unit from NM Automotive. (Specialist Porsche Independent) PCM CarPlay and Android Auto Kit. By the way I own a 2011-911 Carrera. This system brings your unit to a whole new level, I was even able to install a reverse camera. If you are handy you can install it yourself. It connects easily to my phone via bluetooth and you can switch back and forth from the regular system to the CarPlay as desired. Great options for those that who want to keep the car original. Comes with everything you need, no welding or cutting, all plug and play. You do have to remove the unit.

Thank you for the feedback - many are wanting to make changes and that kind of info really helps!

There have been others who have commented here on those kinds of upgrades, so your experience will be beneficial to others.

By the way, welcome to Carpokes!

[wanabe911 owner]

Hi there first time poster here. Also own a 2002 996TT and I am in the process of researching stereo options for my car. I have the factory PCM 1 cassette head unit with navigation module in dash, Bose speakers and subwoofer and CD changer. I really like the porsche classic option. My only complaint is that there is no input for rear view camera. This my 5th Porsche and my favorite so far. It’s my dream car really. I have been after a TT for a long time and had the opportunity to pick this car up a year ago today.

[wanabe911 owner]

Another quick note on the PCCM plus radio option according to the vendor I spoke to about it unless it’s installed by a Porsche dealer there is no support from porsche on the radio.

[blueline]

Hi there first time poster here. Also own a 2002 996TT and I am in the process of researching stereo options for my car. I have the factory PCM 1 cassette head unit with navigation module in dash, Bose speakers and subwoofer and CD changer. I really like the porsche classic option. My only complaint is that there is no input for rear view camera. This my 5th Porsche and my favorite so far. It’s my dream car really. I have been after a TT for a long time and had the opportunity to pick this car up a year ago today.

Thanks for the post and welcome to Carpokes!

[Isolating6]

Hello all, this is my first post on this forum. I have a PCCM installed in my 996.2. I didn't install it myself, but had the dealership do it for me.

1. If you can install it yourself, do so. you'll save yourself all kinds of money.
2. I'm not 100% satisfied with my unit. The value is just not there. You REALLY need to care about the OEM look. I thought I really cared, until I started using it, then I realized, nope, I'd rather have something that worked a lot better.

Why don't I think the value is there.
1. Its a little slow.
2. It doesn't sound great (ok I know the speakers in the car aren't great either, but still)
3. No option for a backup camera.
4. No real vehicle diagnostics within the unit. Doesn't really measure anything from the vehilce as far as I can tell.
5. Turn by turn should be available on the center console on the dash, but this only works with the stock NAV app, which, lets be honest, isn't great.
6. The dealership did a REALLY bad job with the install. (I know this has nothing to do with the unit, but it's just one of those sour tastes you can't get out.

My opinion is that it would have been better to find a unit by a reputable head unit manufacturer, in the correct color, and have a proper stereo shop install it.

[aboyandhisdog]

Thanks, Isolating...appreciate the input! I've not pulled the trigger on the PCCM+ largely for the reasons you mention.

So, my question to the group...Has anybody landed on an awesome aftermarket unit that does the things we want and looks like it belongs in the car too? I think Kenwood and Alpine make some units, but I have little to no experience as to what is really the ideal answer.

Much thanks! -Tom

[blueline]

Hello all, this is my first post on this forum. I have a PCCM installed in my 996.2. I didn't install it myself, but had the dealership do it for me.

1. If you can install it yourself, do so. you'll save yourself all kinds of money.
2. I'm not 100% satisfied with my unit. The value is just not there. You REALLY need to care about the OEM look. I thought I really cared, until I started using it, then I realized, nope, I'd rather have something that worked a lot better.

Why don't I think the value is there.
1. Its a little slow.
2. It doesn't sound great (ok I know the speakers in the car aren't great either, but still)
3. No option for a backup camera.
4. No real vehicle diagnostics within the unit. Doesn't really measure anything from the vehilce as far as I can tell.
5. Turn by turn should be available on the center console on the dash, but this only works with the stock NAV app, which, lets be honest, isn't great.
6. The dealership did a REALLY bad job with the install. (I know this has nothing to do with the unit, but it's just one of those sour tastes you can't get out.

My opinion is that it would have been better to find a unit by a reputable head unit manufacturer, in the correct color, and have a proper stereo shop install it.

Thank you for sharing the feedback - that kind of info can be a great help for others.

Also, welcome to Carpokes! Please feel free to add to the collection of knowledge shared by so many - it is appreciated!

[Comiso-sicily]

Wow. Sorry your experience is so bad. I honestly have never had an issue, it works flawlessly and since 90% of what I do is through Apple car play it’s been seamless.
Wow seriously sorry it went south for you.


My experience is exactly the opposite. My mechanic/tech guy has installed several of them and did a fantastic job. Went into my 997 4S , phone mic is mounted discreetly on steering wheel and gps reader tucked into a window corner. The look is perfect (big issue to me at least) apple play boots in instantly. Only complaint is navigating the fader/bass/treble controls it took me a minute of monkeying around to get there. It is not an inexpensive head unit, I think 1300-1500$ plus install. I justified the expense the same way you justify repair bills, it’s the cost you pay to play. Will likely do the same on my 987 Cayman as I’m keeping these cars until I assume room temperature!

Hello all, this is my first post on this forum. I have a PCCM installed in my 996.2. I didn't install it myself, but had the dealership do it for me.

1. If you can install it yourself, do so. you'll save yourself all kinds of money.
2. I'm not 100% satisfied with my unit. The value is just not there. You REALLY need to care about the OEM look. I thought I really cared, until I started using it, then I realized, nope, I'd rather have something that worked a lot better.

Why don't I think the value is there.
1. Its a little slow.
2. It doesn't sound great (ok I know the speakers in the car aren't great either, but still)
3. No option for a backup camera.
4. No real vehicle diagnostics within the unit. Doesn't really measure anything from the vehilce as far as I can tell.
5. Turn by turn should be available on the center console on the dash, but this only works with the stock NAV app, which, lets be honest, isn't great.
6. The dealership did a REALLY bad job with the install. (I know this has nothing to do with the unit, but it's just one of those sour tastes you can't get out.

My opinion is that it would have been better to find a unit by a reputable head unit manufacturer, in the correct color, and have a proper stereo shop install it.

Thank you for sharing the feedback - that kind of info can be a great help for others.

Also, welcome to Carpokes! Please feel free to add to the collection of knowledge shared by so many - it is appreciated!

[quest]

I have it installed on my 99 996. It was installed (very poorly) by a Porsche dealer in Austin, Texas where the previous owner lived. First, visually it looks great, it was made for the car and kudos to Porsche for continuing to support our classic cars. But you don't buy a PCCM for the looks, you want it to sound as good as it looks. Mine sounded like crap. Once I got it home I replaced all of the original speakers with upgraded new ones, for a marginal improvement in sound quality. Also, my bluetooth worked, but no one could hear me on phone calls. I finally had to pull the unit and review the wiring. Turns out they had plugged the microphone into the wrong socket on the back of the unit, easily fixed.

My MY 99 does not have the MOST system, so it's all hardwired. I had the midrange audio system from the factory, so there was a factory amp between the unit and my new speakers. Turns out Porsche makes a harness that converts the signal from the unit to whatever the amp needs, (line level input I believe) and without that harness, the wrong signal is sent to the amp and the sound is terrible. Why the dealership didn't know that is beyond me, but my local dealer had no idea either. Adding the harness made a big difference, but the sound is nowhere as good as my 944 with a Sony head unit. Also there is no provision for a back up camera, a real oversight.

My next step is going to be to either add or replace the amp, to take full advantage of the new speakers.