All,

I finally installed my Dension unit after letting it sit on my shelf since November.

I will make this quick since I plan do a full review with install pictures at a later date.

First, let me say the reason I went with Dension and not converting to an aftermarket head unit is that its cheaper and I really just wanted Ipod capability. If your thinking about doing Ipod, bluetooth etc... then maybe swapping out your whole unit would make sense.

Install: Easy and fast. I think I did the install in about 1 hour. I am pretty sure I could do it in about 30min start to finish including setup if I had to. However, you need some of the threads on here to actually understand the instructions.

Setup: This was actually the tricky part. The instructions make sense after you do it a few times but they are a little tricky to figure out for the first timer.

Use: Okay, I am one of those guys that makes playlists for my favorite music. I dont scroll through artists constantly trying to pick and choose songs. If your like me, your going to like Dension. If your not, your going to hate it. Point being, scrolling through the different menus is a little tedious and I personally think there are better ways to go about the integration. But I have an Alpine unit in my M3 and I am probably just used to that and biased.

Overall I am very happy. I do not think you can beat this product for the price and ease of install.

Again, as others have said, Eric and Bumperplugs.com was a great help and responded instantly to all my questions!

Jason

 

Has anyone tried this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/PORSCHE-INTERFAC...item3f0085ef4f

Not sure if this works with 997 PCM

 

Jason -
Agree. And the interface is pretty weak and not intuitive. My favorite one is trying to go from playing songs to shuffle of all songs. Really complicated if you don't know what the menus do. Overall though it is a great solution to add the iPod - that's all I wanted to do as well.
Good news for you - the unit takes a little while to "burn in". I thought it sounded horrible initially and was quite disappointed. You'll find the sound will mellow out and get deeper after a few hours use. I usually only find this on high end gear, but the Dension really needs a decent break in before it sounds good.

 

Someone posted a few weeks ago about this product. I've been waiting for an update but you have to pull the head unit out to plug it in so I guess it's taking some time. That would be great if it works.

 

No doubt! I am not sure how hard it is to pull the PCM but for $25 it's not a bad option...

 

I also have one sitting in a box awaiting installation. Has anyone installed this unit using the AUX interface for SIRIUS? If so, I have an installation question. I want to install the SAT Antenna under the cowl and I did some exploratory disassembly and I had a hard time removing the connectors from the NAV Antenna. I tried the usual CCW turn, Push with half turn, Pull, etc.) and they didn’t want to come off. Rather than damaging the connectors or paint from the cowl moving about I just put everything back together. I’m sure there is a trick to it but advice would be appreciated.

 

Head unit removal is quite easy if you follow the photo instructions posted on Rennlist for a Tooki install.

 

Not sure how accurate this is...

Step 1 - Remove small carpeted trim piece from side of center console by PCM (Beside PCM) using Torx wrench size T-30
Step 2 - Remove two leather side trim pieces using Torx wrench size T-20
Step 3 - Using 5mm Allen wrench turn four (two each side) black hex locks 1/4 - 1/2 turn (CCW, I think) to unlatch side locks. Do not force these. They turn very easily in the correct direction. Open glove box on passenger side to access these latches.
Step 4 On pasenger side, back out 7 mm hex head screw
Step 4 - Carefully slide out PCM

 

http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforum...ion-guide.html

 

Thanks, I'm good with how to get to the PCM unit. What I'm asking about is under the plastic cowl by the windshield wipers where the NAV antenna is located is where I want to put the SAT antenna. In order to remove the cowl entirely I need to remove the NAV antenna wires and that is what I'm having trouble with.

 

That's it. Works like a charm.

Our discussion of PCM head unit removal wasn't intended to address your specific issue. I don't have an answer for the Nav antenna wire issue. I installed my Sat antenna on top of my black cowl by gluing a large washer on the underside of the plastic. While you can see it, the black antenna on the black plastic is almost unnoticeable. See photo below.

 

Understood, thanks. I knew my post would only be applicable to those who also used the Dension for SAT but it was worth a shot. Your method of antenna install is creative so I appreciate your sharing that as well.

As always, I appreciate everyone's comments!

 

The AUX input devices are great and I would go with the $25 option before I went with Porsche's OE option which is ridculous expensive abliet, clean.

Keep in mind, these just allow IPOD interface but no control through the PCM. So, you would have to make all your music switching via the actual unit. Not bad if you just like to let your playlists run but bad if your one of those guys that is constantly changing artists/genre's/playlists or even like to scroll through the music.

Jason

 

I thought I’d provide an update on this. I’m embarrassed to say that when I revisited this over the weekend for the actual Sirius antenna installation I saw that the NAV antenna connector had a push to release button on the back side. I guess it was to dark in the garage for me to see that the first time. It explains why no one had detailed its removal in any of the other posts. I realize this was off off the main topic for this thread but in the off chance someone read my post and wanted the answer I wanted to provide it.

 

Can't wait to see the detailed install thread! Thanks.