Differences in PCM 2.0/2.1 Retrofits and applications for each

[weldoid]

Hey guys, my first post, I need to clear up some confusion I have regarding the PCM 2.0 CD NAV and the PCM 2.1 DVD NAV retrofit kits as I'm about to pull the trigger and equip my '04 Cayenne V6 which has only the CD player, no PCM. I've read everything I could, but still slightly lost.

My first question: Will the 2.1 DVD kit even work with an '04 Cayenne? After reading the TSBs, I see that the part numbers for the head unit in each kit are different(955.642.204.05 for the 2.0 kit and 955.642.204.10 for the 2.1 kit). Also, this kit involves a separate DVD drive, while the 2.0 kit doesn't. I've read that NAV CDs will no longer be updated but the DVDs of course will be, making a DVD drive that much more attractive.

The fact that the head units have different part numbers makes buying a head unit from ebay a little scary, if I were to take that route. How many different head units are there? I've seen old ones with just the CD/CDC buttons and the newer ones with the phone buttons. The TSBs for both kits show very similar illustrations of the face of the head unit. Pictures of part number labels from the back of the headunits posted on autions by the ebay sellers don't seem to show a porsche part number. Suppose you installed only the head unit from the 2.1 kit: would it work with NAV CDs without the DVD drive?

I'll hold the rest of the questions for now! :rolleyes:

Thanks for reading!

[berty987]

From what I have gleaned reading the TSB's and my own expereince with my PCM2.1 , the PCM 2.1 uses the MOST fibre optic system to communicate with the main electrical system on the vehicle. If your cayenne is pre MOST system (ie not fibre optic) then i dont think it will work, so you would need to fit the PCM 2 (CD based) unit that was originally fitted to similar cars of your model year. There is hope for Porsche owners with the Cd based units as i beleive that navteq and teleatlas are continuing to support these systems with map updates. there is a software hack that allows the porsche navi to use nav disks intended for GM vehicles , so this may help. The PCM 2.1 device needs both the external DVD reader for the navigation disk as well as the PCM main unit in the dash. The PCM unit and the DVD must also be from the same generation , since mixing old and newer versions causes a hardware conflict. wherever you buy from make sure you get the DVD unit with the PCM to ensure compatability. You will also need an installation kit including the GPS reciever and some wiring cables for the DVD unit from Porsche. Expect to pay some dollars at the local dealer to have the unit coded to the car so it will work. Its not entirely a DIY installation and needs specialist tools to be retro fitted in your car.

[g_a]

Hey guys, my first post, I need to clear up some confusion I have regarding the PCM 2.0 CD NAV and the PCM 2.1 DVD NAV retrofit kits as I'm about to pull the trigger and equip my '04 Cayenne V6 which has only the CD player, no PCM. I've read everything I could, but still slightly lost.

My first question: Will the 2.1 DVD kit even work with an '04 Cayenne? After reading the TSBs, I see that the part numbers for the head unit in each kit are different(955.642.204.05 for the 2.0 kit and 955.642.204.10 for the 2.1 kit). Also, this kit involves a separate DVD drive, while the 2.0 kit doesn't. I've read that NAV CDs will no longer be updated but the DVDs of course will be, making a DVD drive that much more attractive.

The fact that the head units have different part numbers makes buying a head unit from ebay a little scary, if I were to take that route. How many different head units are there? I've seen old ones with just the CD/CDC buttons and the newer ones with the phone buttons. The TSBs for both kits show very similar illustrations of the face of the head unit. Pictures of part number labels from the back of the headunits posted on autions by the ebay sellers don't seem to show a porsche part number. Suppose you installed only the head unit from the 2.1 kit: would it work with NAV CDs without the DVD drive?

I'll hold the rest of the questions for now! :rolleyes:

Thanks for reading!

Hello

2.1 Kit will works in any cayenne. of course 2 part numbers for two absolutely different devices. Dvd update - yes.

2.1 with phone button, in europe at least. No part# on labels. no cd rom for nav in 2.1 unit.

I suggest you do not use ebay. Ask porshe shop for device with sighn "X" in the end of part number - means Rebuilded. Cost chirpper.

Regards.

[weldoid]

Excellent info, thanks very much guys, much appreciated!

[weldoid]

OK, just so I have this straight, the PCM 2.1 Retrofit kit will fit in any Cayenne since the "optical waveguide" (I'm assuming that this is the fibre optic cable) must be ordered and installed with the kit? This cable type runs only from the DVD drive to the head unit?

[g_a]

OK, just so I have this straight, the PCM 2.1 Retrofit kit will fit in any Cayenne since the "optical waveguide" (I'm assuming that this is the fibre optic cable) must be ordered and installed with the kit? This cable type runs only from the DVD drive to the head unit?

Yes, correct, you can install PCM2.1 Retrofit Kit in any Cayenne. You should add optical lines to DVD-rom unit under front passenger seat, this is very important to get correct cabels with same pins (old and new style pins on ends of optical links present) and all links with terminals to connect devices in the ring, if you have amp, etc. OR just two cabels from PCM to Navi if you do not have any optical cabel in car.

Regards.

[g_a]

OK, just so I have this straight, the PCM 2.1 Retrofit kit will fit in any Cayenne since the "optical waveguide" (I'm assuming that this is the fibre optic cable) must be ordered and installed with the kit? This cable type runs only from the DVD drive to the head unit?

Yes, correct, you can install PCM2.1 Retrofit Kit in any Cayenne. You should add optical lines to DVD-rom unit under front passenger seat, this is very important to get correct cabels with same pins (old and new style pins on ends of optical links present) and all links with terminals to connect devices in the ring, if you have amp, etc. OR just two cabels from PCM to Navi if you do not have any optical cabel in car.

Regards.

AS I REMEMBER KIT INCLUDE ONE OPTICAL LINK AND CONNECTOR HOUSING, check @ shop before ordering.

[weldoid]

Thank you very much G A! I was having a lot of trouble getting that information; the dealers in my area had no idea! It seems no one has done it in this area, likely because of the considerable retail cost involved, especially if the dealer installs.

I'll be sure to post results(and any other Qs I'll likely have along the way).

[g_a]

especially if the dealer installs.

I'll be sure to post results(and any other Qs I'll likely have along the way).

Installing and programming full kit should cost about 7,5 hours, but will take full day, may be more.

Not to expencive, and you need reprogramm some units after install. Some wirings should be modified, some connectors should be attached to cpecial housings, etc. Reccomend make installation in official workshop.

[themizz039]

From what I have gleaned reading the TSB's and my own expereince with my PCM2.1 , the PCM 2.1 uses the MOST fibre optic system to communicate with the main electrical system on the vehicle. If your cayenne is pre MOST system (ie not fibre optic) then i dont think it will work, so you would need to fit the PCM 2 (CD based) unit that was originally fitted to similar cars of your model year. There is hope for Porsche owners with the Cd based units as i beleive that navteq and teleatlas are continuing to support these systems with map updates. there is a software hack that allows the porsche navi to use nav disks intended for GM vehicles , so this may help. The PCM 2.1 device needs both the external DVD reader for the navigation disk as well as the PCM main unit in the dash. The PCM unit and the DVD must also be from the same generation , since mixing old and newer versions causes a hardware conflict. wherever you buy from make sure you get the DVD unit with the PCM to ensure compatability. You will also need an installation kit including the GPS reciever and some wiring cables for the DVD unit from Porsche. Expect to pay some dollars at the local dealer to have the unit coded to the car so it will work. Its not entirely a DIY installation and needs specialist tools to be retro fitted in your car.

What GM Nav CD will work with the CAyenne??

[ard.]

Same question- What is the software hack that allows GM nav CDs to be used in Porsche???

I have a similar question to the OP:

Can a PCM2.1 be used in a 2004 996 that already has a PCM2.0?

The 2004 is a MOST bus.

The PCM2.0 is an integrated unit- Nav+display in one unit.

The PCM2.0 uses CDs for maps and they get loaded in and out of the front of the unit. The detail on the map SUCKS.

So, can a 2.1 be retrofitted into a car that had a 2.0? I hear "yes" but have never found anyone that has done it!

Thanks

A

Edited October 27, 2007 by ard.

[Dennis C]

I'd also be interested in the software that allows GM nav CDs to be used in Porsche nav units.

Just for the heck of it, I checked the PCM version and software version in my 2004 Cayenne following the directions in my owner's manual after reading these posts. My car shows PCM version 3.0 and software version 3.0. I was expecting it to say 2.0. Does this seem right?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Dennis

[g_a]

2.0 and 2.1 - hardware version, check tray under front passenger seat for dvd drive for 2.1 system)

Edited October 29, 2007 by G_A

[Dennis C]

2.0 and 2.1 - hardware version, check tray under front passenger seat for dvd drive for 2.1 system)

I'm afraid I've got the CD based system... no DVD drive here...

[goldengun]

Hi, i have a 2004 boxster (986) which has pcm...

The hardware is 2.0 (ie. CD based system) but i'm just wondering if it is difficult to swap the system for the 2.1 DVD system ?

The actual headunits (screen/button layout) look very similar.....

Anyone have any thoughts or know someone who's tried it ?

Thanks in advance...

[ronbonner]

I'd also be interested in the software that allows GM nav CDs to be used in Porsche nav units.

Just for the heck of it, I checked the PCM version and software version in my 2004 Cayenne following the directions in my owner's manual after reading these posts. My car shows PCM version 3.0 and software version 3.0. I was expecting it to say 2.0. Does this seem right?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Dennis

I think you will find that the GM nav cheat in the PCM was to get around the lack of updates for PCM1 fitted cars and then only if the PCM was the 16bit version and not the 8bit.

RB

[Dennis C]

I'd also be interested in the software that allows GM nav CDs to be used in Porsche nav units.

Just for the heck of it, I checked the PCM version and software version in my 2004 Cayenne following the directions in my owner's manual after reading these posts. My car shows PCM version 3.0 and software version 3.0. I was expecting it to say 2.0. Does this seem right?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Dennis

I think you will find that the GM nav cheat in the PCM was to get around the lack of updates for PCM1 fitted cars and then only if the PCM was the 16bit version and not the 8bit.

RB

That's too bad... I was hoping to find something for mine. Oh well... it isn't that bad as long as I don't need to drive on streets built after 2004...

[robewilliams]

I've got a 2005 and was thinking about getting the PCM 2.1. Someone was selling me a head unit only (just the dash/ monitor part, no antenna, no DVD-rom unit, not even the DVD's). The price I think was very good, but I wanted to know if it would be hard to get the parts number of the things I'm missing. I've got the PET, but it's somewhat confusing. And by the way, it's not "hot", they just prepare cars for shows and they don't go into the hassle of removing all the cables and stuff. Also, does anyone knows how much a new kit will go for, ballpark will do.

[weldoid]

I know its been awhile but I am now posting up the results of my experimentation:

I originally started out with the CDR only; no PCM. The switch to PCM 2.0 in my '04 Cayenne was quite simple.

Required items include the PCM 2.0 headunit, Nav antenna and antenna lead, and the lastest Nav CDs. Remove the CDR and plastic disc holder/slot below and the PCM headunit plugs right in exactly as the CDR was. Now attach the Nav antenna lead to the rear of the head unit and bolt it into place. Run the antenna lead as in the TSB to the Nav antenna that you've bolted in under the rear spoiler. Load the CD and thats it. Take it to the dealer to have the system features coded/enabled.

The latest CD for my region (SW USA near the end of '05) is somewhat outdated but still comes in very handy for me being from Canada. Also the other features of the PCM such as the trip computer, etc., as well as a much better looking interior, make it worthwhile if you have the patience to find cheap parts. I enjoy the vehicle more now.

My next project is to install a Porsche Sirius receiver unit where the CD changer was(same interface) to see if it will work with the PCM 2.0 hardware/software. The Sirius unit is already connected to the PCM headunit but I need the antenna! Maybe someone here already knows if it will work or not? If not, my next project may be installing the PCM 2.1!! At least I won't be bored!

Again, thank you to all who have helped, it is much appreciated!