PCM 3

[manosg]

Hi everyone. Does anybody know if the newest, better PCM 3 (touch screen) can be fitted in older cars? I have a 2007 tt with the old PCM 2,1 fitted. Is this a direct fit or other parts needed? Any photos from anyone tackled this would be very welcomed.

Thanks,

Manos

[berty987]

The LED daylight running lights from the gen 2 have been successfully grafted onto a 997 gen 1, suggesting that the CAN network has the same protocol on the gen2 as the gen 1. The issue with retro fitting the PCM 3 into a gen 1 car will be configuring it. Unless the PWIS can be fooled into communication with a PCM 3 in a 997 gen 1 its going to be difficult to get the unit set up properly. Ideally you need someone on the inside of the porsche network to confirm that the PWIS uses a common piece of software for the gen 2 and gen 1 997 , so that the PCM options are listed for both 2.1 and version 3. Another thing to research is whether modules that communicate with the PCM 2.1 and 3 are unchanged between the two revisions. For example is the multi function steering wheel electronics or bose amplifier the same part number for gen 1 and gen 2 cars ?

Finding or buying a PCM 3 is going to be expensive, retro fitting a pioneer or kenwood would probably give better results at a fraction of the cost.

[Nick_USA]

The PIWIS software interface is the same for gen 1 and gen 2 997s. The PIWIS detects the type for PCM you have fitted to the car. FYI the late 2008/9 turbos (gen 1s) came with PCM3. However, the issue you will have is that all the coding options for the PCM3 require a dealer code (pin number) that has to be obtained from Germany which is unique to a VIN number and the PCM fitted to the car.. I know Porsche have made PCM3 available as an aftermarket kit for gen 2s but I am not sure they will provide the codes unless you have a gen 2.

So technically it is possible but in reality, currently it is not.

[berty987]

The PIWIS software interface is the same for gen 1 and gen 2 997s. The PIWIS detects the type for PCM you have fitted to the car. FYI the late 2008/9 turbos (gen 1s) came with PCM3. However, the issue you will have is that all the coding options for the PCM3 require a dealer code (pin number) that has to be obtained from Germany which is unique to a VIN number and the PCM fitted to the car.. I know Porsche have made PCM3 available as an aftermarket kit for gen 2s but I am not sure they will provide the codes unless you have a gen 2.

So technically it is possible but in reality, currently it is not.

Therefore if a PCM 3 was removed from a 997 and refitted to another car with the same configuration ie cab or bose etc , the unit should work ? I guess the difficulty is finding a used PCM 3 let alone one thats configured for the car you already have. I know Porsche get touchy about retro fits as it undermines the sales of new cars with the desired options and can complicate the warranty. I suppose its possible if your pockets are deep enough , they will fit what you want.

[socalsteve]

The LED daylight running lights from the gen 2 have been successfully grafted onto a 997 gen 1, suggesting that the CAN network has the same protocol on the gen2 as the gen 1. The issue with retro fitting the PCM 3 into a gen 1 car will be configuring it. Unless the PWIS can be fooled into communication with a PCM 3 in a 997 gen 1 its going to be difficult to get the unit set up properly. Ideally you need someone on the inside of the porsche network to confirm that the PWIS uses a common piece of software for the gen 2 and gen 1 997 , so that the PCM options are listed for both 2.1 and version 3. Another thing to research is whether modules that communicate with the PCM 2.1 and 3 are unchanged between the two revisions. For example is the multi function steering wheel electronics or bose amplifier the same part number for gen 1 and gen 2 cars ?

Finding or buying a PCM 3 is going to be expensive, retro fitting a pioneer or kenwood would probably give better results at a fraction of the cost.

And, gives you a much better, feature packed Nav-XM-Bluetooth-Ipod-voice commands, etc, etc, etc...

This is what I am planning on doing with my 997.1 version C2 Coupe. Pioneer Avic Z110 BT unit with all the goodies.

But, that's just me. Oh yeah, there is a bezel being sold on ebay now that looks like its almost a perfect match for the Gen 1.

Steve

PS: I played with a Gen 2 Cayman with all the PCM 3.0 goodies. My Pioneer Avic Z3 (in my Touareg) is far superior to the PCM 3.0.

Edited January 30, 2010 by socalsteve