help with central console

[Guest netrophile]

Hi everyone.

Im new here from the UK. Can you help me with an easy question?

In my carrera 2 996 1998, I want to change the central console. I dont have PCM.

Does this mean that I need a different central console or can I buy one intended for PCM from e-bay? This would be far cheaper than a visit to my porsche dealer.

Thanks in advance

[Loren]

I am not sure about your question... If you mean the plastic pieces that surround the radio, climate controls, PCM, etc. then yes. The top plastic piece is one part and each of the two side pieces can be changed.

[Mark House]

But the question is, I believe, is the PCM and regular upper center consoles the same. I think the inside mounting attachment points (where the PCM or AC/radio attach) are specific to either PCM or "other".

Mark

[Loren]

Yes the plastic outside pieces are the same. If there is a PCM present the the mounting rack (52) is different.

[Tool Pants]

PCM and non PCM are different. The top pic is non PCM and the bottom is PCM. Non PCM has a cross bar. PCM does not as the unit is so large. If you do not have PCM then do not buy one for PCM. Jeff

[Guest Guest]

Thanks all. This helps a great deal.

I will get the non-PCM version. Anyone got this in dark burr wood to sell?

By the way, I wanted to thank Loren personally for all his help with my problems in the past. I came accross his DIY page by serendipity and he helped me with my central console swap, door bin lids etc. etc. etc......

At least now I know I won't be interrupting him at home!

[netrophile]

Hello again.

Im even more confused now. I am looking at the grey sparkly upside down U which I want to change. This seems to be 3 pieces. It looks like Lorens pic. Will I be able to swap it for a newer one piece burr wood upside down U.

I ask this because of one of the posts I have just read in this forum asking something similar (by ESK). The photo someone has posted shows a non-PCM plastic piece being removed from the center that looks remarkably similar to the piece I want to buy. The only difference is that this is one whole piece.

Please help me.........

[Tool Pants]

The one piece upside down "U" trim started in 2002 on the 996, and in 2003 on the Boxster which is shown in my picture. It will not work with the older cars and has nothing to do with PCM or non PCM - it just will not fit. Jeff

[jdbaker]

Loren:

I'd like to paint my current center console surround on my 1999 cab. I understand from this post that it's 3 pieces but I can't find any posting on how to remove and reinstall them. Can you help?

Also, am I in for the fun ride of trying to get the lighter out as well?

Thanks in advance for your help.

J.D.

[jdbaker]

Anyone?

I'm afraid to start pulling and prying because I'm not sure what should come off. All one piece? 2 side pieces and one on top? Does the top piece require that I pull the AC vents as well?

Please help before I break something!

Thanks.

J.D.

[kamc]

Hi

Can anyone advise if the trim around the vents and stereo just pulls off - Thanks.

[gchu]

Hi

Can anyone advise if the trim around the vents and stereo just pulls off - Thanks.

I am not sure about the 3 pieces for pre 2002. I removed and painted the trim piece of my 2002. It is for the one piece trim, simply pull off with clips in the back.

[juniinc]

simply pulls right off

Hi

Can anyone advise if the trim around the vents and stereo just pulls off - Thanks.