997 PCM 2.1

[djt2711]

Second post and I have only had my gorgeous 997 c4s for a day! How do I discover the software version, and how do I update it? Same with the maps?

Love the car but struggling with the retro sat nav......

[Mijostyn]

Hey DJT, Mine is an 06 C4S. We were ripping around this morning. This car Rocks! Anyway, DITCH IT. Our version of PCM is awful. You can integrate a modern head unit/Nav with your MOST loop amplifiers and speakers, Bose or otherwise, by getting a NAV TV MOST head unit replacement module and then the Nav of your choice. I use an Alpine INE W 728 HD but Kenwood makes a nice unit. They make install kits using bezels that have the gold/silver porsche finish on them. It will look absolutely factory. In the process you will get totally modern Nav, BlueTooth phone integration, flawless iPod integration and much better sound. In the US it costs $2500 soup to nuts with a professional installation.

[djt2711]

Was planning on getting a mo bridge installed and would supplement the nav with my iPhone and use a 64g USB for music. I love the retro look and feel of the PCM2. Just want latest software running.

[Mijostyn]

The Mo Bridge is ...awful relative to the completely integrated versions in the modern Nav units I checked all the options out completely before I replaced the PCM. PCM Nav is archaic even with the updates. If you do not like using your Nav then keep it by all means. If you just do not want to spend the money then why did you buy a 911 in the first place? Not exactly the cheapest car to maintain although some of us do it brilliantly by doing their own work. Parts are always frightful. If this is "your baby" then make it so. Instead of looking for cheap solutions which is all the Mo Bridge and other such units are, look for the best solutions then hold of till you can afford them. People will argue that they want to keep the car stock as if these cars are anything of special value. Once these cars a driven they lose value just like any other car. Only the special versions are worth anything in the end, but only if they are not driven which to my mind is just plain stupid. The 911 is the ultimate road tool. It drives better than ANY other car in the real world including the vaunted 458. Just try seeing out of the rear quarters. Hit a good sized bump and you rip the bottom off. (It is gorgeous). If you love driving (fast) there is no substitute. Take care of it and drive the h-ll out of it.

Edited May 11, 2014 by Mijostyn

[Yaredna]

I purchased a C2S 2007, and like everyone else, hated PCM2.1. I installed a Dension, but it requires rebooting every three or four trips, by disconnecting the fuse. The interface is clunky, and the sound quality is average, at best.

Anyway, there are some car features that require the PCM to set or program. Such as date/time. How would one do these, ince you swapped a PCM unit with another head? I am starting to eye the carplay devices (pioneer announced one).