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Anyone install a PCM Nav unit?

Old Jan 18, 2010 | 02:48 PM
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Anyone install a PCM Nav unit?

It appears that the non-Nav PCM unit can be swapped out for a PCM Nav unit without much work. Has anyone done this? If I am seeing correct, the only additional thing would be to hook up the GPS antenna. Would love to get some feedback from anyone who has done this swap before I consider getting into it. Are those who have the Nav unit in their 997 happy with PCM unit?
 
Old Jan 18, 2010 | 03:54 PM
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Given that I prefer my Garmin to the PCM Nav, I wouldn't make the switch. It is a lot of work for something that isn't that great to use. Besides the antenna (which I can't remember where it is installed on the vehicle), there is the Nav DVD unit that has to go in the trunk area. I'd save your money and aggravation and just get a good portable device that works better. I find the map on the Porsche unit inferior to portable units, and the user interface on the Garmins is much better. No twisting of *****, scrolling through alphabets, pushing *****, etc. as found on the Porsche nav. Just my opinion of course.
 
Old Jan 18, 2010 | 04:47 PM
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I prefer the OEM solution, as I don't have to pull the unit out of my car when ever I park it with the fear of having it stolen.

As for the Non NAV PCM, on your 2006 you don't need to swap the unit, just add the DVD Drive and antenna, and you might need to get the dealer to turn the NAV function on with the PIWIS.
 
Old Jan 18, 2010 | 04:51 PM
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Originally Posted by NorthVan
I prefer the OEM solution, as I don't have to pull the unit out of my car when ever I park it with the fear of having it stolen.

As for the Non NAV PCM, on your 2006 you don't need to swap the unit, just add the DVD Drive and antenna, and you might need to get the dealer to turn the NAV function on with the PIWIS.
That's it? So my PMC has the ability, just needs the software and antenna hooked up? Anyone else done this with success? If so, how involved is the antenna install?
 
Old Jan 18, 2010 | 05:24 PM
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Originally Posted by drkside
That's it? So my PMC has the ability, just needs the software and antenna hooked up? Anyone else done this with success? If so, how involved is the antenna install?
Your dealer can install this option for you. Sometimes the DVD units are sold on eBay.
 
Old Jan 18, 2010 | 05:54 PM
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PCM Nav Unit Install

I have done the install myself on my 2006 Carrera S. It is not very difficult. I purchased the DVD drive on ebay. It came with the gps antenna and necessary DVD discs. I purchased the remainder of the parts from Suncoast Porsche. They are extremely helpful and knowledgeble. I prefer the OEM vs hand held units. I learned the install from the Planet 9 (Planet Porsche) website. The install there was done on a Cayman, but it virtually the same on a Carrera. If I could be of any other help, let me know.
 
Old Jan 18, 2010 | 05:54 PM
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Originally Posted by drkside
It appears that the non-Nav PCM unit can be swapped out for a PCM Nav unit without much work. Has anyone done this? If I am seeing correct, the only additional thing would be to hook up the GPS antenna. Would love to get some feedback from anyone who has done this swap before I consider getting into it. Are those who have the Nav unit in their 997 happy with PCM unit?
suncoastporsche sells dvd navigation kit your dealer can install. I did that and it works perfectly fine.
 
Old Jan 18, 2010 | 05:58 PM
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Originally Posted by FD9NY
I have done the install myself on my 2006 Carrera S. It is not very difficult. I purchased the DVD drive on ebay. It came with the gps antenna and necessary DVD discs. I purchased the remainder of the parts from Suncoast Porsche. They are extremely helpful and knowledgeble. I prefer the OEM vs hand held units. I learned the install from the Planet 9 (Planet Porsche) website. The install there was done on a Cayman, but it virtually the same on a Carrera. If I could be of any other help, let me know.
other than the DVD and the GPS antenna, what other parts did you need? Just trying to see what I would need on the Suncoast website.
 
Old Jan 18, 2010 | 07:16 PM
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PM sent. Should have everything you need.
 
Old Jan 18, 2010 | 08:19 PM
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Originally Posted by keninirvine
Given that I prefer my Garmin to the PCM Nav, I wouldn't make the switch. It is a lot of work for something that isn't that great to use. Besides the antenna (which I can't remember where it is installed on the vehicle), there is the Nav DVD unit that has to go in the trunk area. I'd save your money and aggravation and just get a good portable device that works better. I find the map on the Porsche unit inferior to portable units, and the user interface on the Garmins is much better. No twisting of *****, scrolling through alphabets, pushing *****, etc. as found on the Porsche nav. Just my opinion of course.
+1 . I had it installed in my old 987s, but I made the common mistake to buy a Bose unit from a C4. End result, I had to trade the head unit (core trade) towards a non-Bose unit and the DVD I left alone.
Regardless of that, one will need a DVD in the trunk, the fiber optic connection to the DVD as well a power cable to it, GPS antenna and some elbow grease. Took me about 1 1/2 hour to install everything.
I used for about 4 months and gave up. The interface is far too clunky, the maps are outdated, there is no traffic whatsoever, and the audio is not better at all. The only advantage in the end was the MP3 capability. Whatever option in navigation you choose, it will be better than the OEM.

Consider waiting a little longer and getting a PCM 3. Allegedly this one can be installed in 997.1 and no DVD is required in the trunk...
 
Old Jan 18, 2010 | 09:21 PM
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any chance you could copy that PM to me as well? Mine is a 2006 997.1 with no nav, no bose, no telephone. Thanks
 
Old Jan 19, 2010 | 06:27 AM
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Originally Posted by drkside
other than the DVD and the GPS antenna, what other parts did you need? Just trying to see what I would need on the Suncoast website.
We have the full installation guide if you need it, PM me with your email address. Porsche also just released a new set of nav maps for 2010. If I can help, let me know.
 
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Old Jan 19, 2010 | 07:32 AM
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Originally Posted by suncoastric
Porsche also just released a new set of nav maps for 2010.
Is this for the 2009+ model, or the prior years?
Do you know how one would update the map in 2009+ PCM?

Thank you!
 
Old Jan 19, 2010 | 05:40 PM
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Mike, the link you sent doesn't seem to work...
 
Old Jan 19, 2010 | 06:11 PM
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Originally Posted by gavins
Mike, the link you sent doesn't seem to work...
I may have fat fingered the link. Sent you another PM.
 

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