JustJack

I am considering having an OEM PCM 2.1 with Nav installed in my 2005 Boxster S. I am curious if anyone in this board has tried it. No Sport Chrono.

I have a couple of questions:
1. Are there differences in functionalities? Are ther functions not available to an aftermarket OEM install?
2. Are there dealers in So. Cal (OC) who are good at installing such?

Thanks in advance.

PTEC

There are no differences in fucntionality between a factory installed and dealer installed PCM. You should be safe taking it to any dealer, Porsche has very detailed instructions for installing PCM.

mbodo

make sure you get ALL of the parts you need. Pay the $10 or whatever it is and get a membership to renntech.org to download the TSB that details this installation. In general you're talking the PCM HU, DVD Drive, GPS Ant, Fiber Optic Waveguides, Mounts, nuts & bolts, Software updates, and finally the DVD Nav Disc itself. The disc can be had fairly cheap on eBay.

99firehawk

the only diffrence is factory installed has the diversity antenna system in the windsheild
does thsi affect functionality not having it.................no but just so you know

mbodo

div ant is installed in the windshield regardless, has to do with the radio more than the nav, AFAIK. The nav has a gps "bug" that gets installed under the dash.

99firehawk

he asked about the diffrence in a facotry installed pcm and a aftersales installed version, only factory pcm cars have diveristy antennas

mbodo

Wow I didn't know this; I could have sworn my CDR-24 unit has a little lable on the back for "DIV ANT" when I replaced it.

Why do you suppose a car manufacturer would go through the trouble of sliding certain windshields into the production line depending on the radio, I mean these two steps are so far removed from each other .. Most interesting.

JustJack

Thanks everyone. I will post an update as soon as I get it installed. It will be arriving tomorrow and i have arranged an install for this weekend.

BTW, mbodo, how's the functionality of your PCM 2.1, is it as you expected it?

mbodo

yup, works just as I expected. it would be nice to have a joystick like the Benz to move the cursor around, or to lookup local attractions by name instead of by distance, but when it comes to getting me from point A to point B it does a fine job.

as a side note, there are FOUR English voices you can choose from; two US based and two British based. I've got the saucy British tart telling me where to go. Sometimes its fun to throw the German woman on there for grins.

JustJack

I got my PCM 2.1 installed today. Although I'm a novice user, I still think it's great. It plays mp3 CD's too! I got this complete OEM kit at that e--- auction site for $2,075 BNIB + $60 shipping and had it installed and programmed for $350. - I'm happy.

Has anyone ever have to apply DVD updates yet?

james4513

If you want to add a Nav, buy a portable. I have Nav on my 997, it's okay, but not as good in any respect as my portable.

mbodo

I think it stands to reason that whatever functionality the OEM solution provides pales in comparison to that of a nice Garmin or TomTom.

I think it also stands to reason that those of us who retrofitted the OEM nav just wanted basic nav functionality; with factory fit n' finish and appearance.

JustJack

Well said, mbodo. I like the idea of it being integrated with the car's On-board computer and play mp3 CD's.

Thanks for all your help and to all the rest who responded with helpful tips.