My DD is an 09 MT with PCM 3. Wife's dd is an 05 boxster and we are getting the old crappy radio switched out to a new head unit/amp/speakers.

The installers are suggesting a package deal to do my car as well.

Just looking through the forum not sure whether the benefit of better sound and integration of the iPlay setup is worth the fuss of losing the programming done through the PCM.

Has anybody done this without a PIWIS setup?

cheers,
P

Even a "don't be stupid" would be appreciated........

Im actually very interested in this. I have a 2009 Turbo with the PCM3, but even my freaking iphone 6S+ cant connect to bluetooth...

Also interested. My 09's PCM went crazy the other night and is stuck in an endless reboot cycle so I'll probably have to replace it. I can't tell from my Googling if swapping in an aftermarket unit is relatively straightforward or a total expensive nightmare.

I miss the old days when changing out a head unit was like a 10-minute job.

I've researched this a lot recently. It really depends on what approach you want to take. Keeping the Bose system as it is now needs a fiber optic harness, which runs around $600. If you're putting in an aftermarket amp, it's cheaper, but a lot more work. The dash kit can be had from Suncoast for $225.

So to just keep the existing speaker/amp setup, you're looking at ~$800 without the cost of the headunit. Say $900 for a decent Pioneer unit, and you're at $1,700, with a self-install. The Pioneer NEX units are very good and include CarPlay as well as all the bells and whistles of Bluetooth streaming and navigation. The AVIC-5200NEX is a good starting point.

Couple of links to help. Not specifically for the 997.2 turbo, because the dash kit is for a PCM2, but you get a good starting research point.

http://www.planet-9.com/987-cayman-a...vic-120bt.html

http://www.ebay.com/itm/05-08-PORSCH...oAAOxys4RR9cOt

Good info, thank you! Sounds like maybe it won't be so horrible after all.

Yea im a fan of the pioneer products, really wanna try the new AVIC-8200NEX, does anyone have hands on experience with this system??

Will a new SiriusXM tuner be needed if the car already came with that, or can most of these aftermarket SiriusXM-ready head units interface with the existing module with an adapter or out of the box or something?

going with this on my wife's boxster.....will let you know once it's broken in. Anybody willing to chime in about the loss of the PCM programming?

Thank you very much!

Well still no opinions on losing the PCM for programming, and I guess the multi-function wheel buttons.....

Anyway, AVIC-8200NEX installed in a 2005 Boxster. No change to speakers, new amp though. Installed professionally with backup cam integrated.

Initial thoughts:

Best parts: Handsfree phone via either bluetooth or CarPlay
Worst parts: Very versatile (read: complicated until you can find all the features and overwhelming until you learn what to ignore). Need to plug in the phone to access CarPlay

Satellite Navigation is good with nice touchscreen interface. Can program in speed limit alerts for % over posted.

Sound is much improved from stock, music is available via bluetooth from the phone or via carplay once the phone is plugged in.

Have not had occasion (or need) to use the disc drive/memory card options as yet.

Overall a good upgrade for this car......it's my wife's dd, but this allows her to use it without having to be conscious of her work day and planning her commute (she can be reached by phone more easily). Certainly makes it more reasonable to take the boxster for shorter road trips as an alternate for the TT.