The PCM controls many functions that will be lost if replaced by an aftermarket module.

1. Integrated Phone module (I understand that you gain bluetooth)
2. Memory settings (climate control, interior lights, door locks, etc.)
3. Ability to set time and date (how will correct time and date show up in instrument cluster)
4. Trip computer (how will trip information show up in instrument cluster)
5. Will radio and nav information show up in instrument cluster??

I am sure there are other functions that will be also be lost.

And when it comes to taste....to each their own. Personally, I would not buy a 911 with the Pioneer installed because I don't like the way it looks.

Porsche needs to step up and catch up to Hyundai, Mistubishi, Kia, and Subaru. We need an integrated bluetooth solution, ipod, touch screen nav, and satellite radio on the PCM.

 

just a question how do you set the memory settings (climate control, interior lights, door locks, etc.) on the PCM ?

 

we need some acurate info, I was looking at the pioneer z2 badass, lightyears ahead of porsche, I can't understand why we spend 100k plus on a car and a suzuki has a better nav system???!!??? i want a touch screen and a smarter and quicker nav system.. I am curious about the mpg logging though if I remove the pcm. If someone knows please enlighten us.

 

Anybody??

 

I'll try to help. Please though, understand that I have been overseas, away from my car since January.

Now, comments on your thoughts here:

1- Never did it anyway. Don't know. You're likely right.
2- Never set the memory. Never knew it had memory. I just set it how I need it.
3- This is incorrect. The screen in your dash still shows up. You adjust with the stalks. No problem.
4- It will still calculate your trip odo, but not your nav specific stuff. But the new one is light years better. To not get the great one because you have to look to its screen, rather keeping an old slow one for being able to look between your hands... makes no sense to me. Just my thoughts. Half of the destinations I needed weren't even in the OEM one.
5- Nope. Gotta look down, or just use the remote control with presets.

I agree that my install doesn't look as good as the OEM job. I'm hoping our PORSCHEAUDIO friend has something to help me with that. We talked about it long ago. Anything? (Sorry bro. I forgot your name.)

 

Most top in dash head units will have a trip computer built in. That means you will lose absolutely nothing, and, depending on what you get installed, will get:
-7 inch color touch screen
-NAV
-Bluetooth integration, including SMS with full touch keyboard
-DVD Player
-Hard Drive
-USB connector
-IPod Integration
-Backup Video
-Much improved sound

All for around $3k which includes install and in-dash console integration.
No-brainer to me since I'll be keeping my car awhile.

Check out the new Kenwood units.
CATTMAN

 

JARED,
My name is PAUL and you guys can call me at 310-844-2931 .My system is complete and i would love to show off some of our work . I just dont know how to add pics here .Send me an email and i will respond and add some good quality pics that you can post for me on here .
Thanks, PAUL

 

1. Integrated Phone module (I understand that you gain bluetooth)
2. Memory settings (climate control, interior lights, door locks, etc.)
3. Ability to set time and date (how will correct time and date show up in instrument cluster)
4. Trip computer (how will trip information show up in instrument cluster)
5. Will radio and nav information show up in instrument cluster??

1. The new unit will have a much better interface w/ bluetooth andf on screen touchscreen operation.
2.memory setting can be retained and you also add a few extras as well w just a simple module that takes about 30 mins to install and 30 mins to program .
3. 4. 5. the new unit will have correct time and date and you can still control most functions thru the stalk. only nav function and radio functions do not display .

I think the pioneer d3 was a nice unit but it is discontinued .
The new Units for 2008 are even better w/ BETTER Displays , better bluetooth adaptors that alllow phone book tramsfer and some voice activated functions .
iPOD control w/ Video playback . 5.1 , THE LIST GOES ON ON .
I personally went all the way , the sound system in my car represents who i am and what i do and goes with the rest of the car .
TOTAL SYSTEM VALUE W/ INTEGRATED SRX RADAR AND CUSTOM INSTALL IS $ 18,000
You guys will spend $5-6 grand on an exhaust system that makes so little difference and sounds a little bit better and keep the factory sound system .
Jared or Rafi help me out and get my pics posted or somebody tell me how to do it pelase.

 

I'll totally do it for you, Paul. PM sent with my email.

 

Hey guys. I'm having trouble getting his pics via email somehow. Someone else able to help him out? I'd really like to see this.

 

FINALLY!!! I have been looking and looking for people that have changed out the crap PCM for a new system!!!
I have been looking at these head units:
Kenwood 8120 7" screen w/ Nav
Alpine 505 7" screen (have to get a Black bird nav that people hate) or a seperate nav unit (very expensive $1600)
then I came across the new Pioneer unit just out called the 900BT or 90BT.
This unit has a smaller screen 5.8 but has a volume **** w/ voice activated BT and audio (sounds better than sync) Kind of a bummer about the smaller touch screen but does have the volume button.

So what do you think about which HU is best.....Alpine,Kenwood,or the new Pioneer?
Thanks for the detailed info on things you do or don't loose when you change it out......lots of speculation on these boards about that but no one had actually done it. Now I just need to figure out which unit to do...HELP!!!!!
Nice to find you guys!!!

 

Did this never get going? Paul, man. I want this!

 

Catman,
I put in the Kenwood HU and love it! The dash has "-------" in the middle where the old ECU had info. Can I get rid of this? Thanks!