I will shortly be taking delivery on a 99' 996 with the original Nav system. Can someone direct me to the threads regarding what to do with these? My questions are: Is it true that no one makes decent upgrades for the factory system? My prime interest is good AM radio reception, and occasional GPS....everyone seems to want to replace it, but I'm still ignorant as to why? Thanks.

 

The PCM1 was a $3540 option back in 1999 and it became obsolete in 2003 when Porsche released PCM2. It uses CD-ROMs for navigation and they were by region. Porsche stopped updating the maps in 2003 when they came out with the PCM2 so the only navigation available on the PCM1 is at least 16 years old.

Mine was still functioning when I pulled it out and installed a CDR220 along with a console delete. The PCM1 will still play AM/FM and control a CD changer in the frunk if you have that as an option.

 

I'm still on the hunt for a PCM1 disc for the Texas region. Not sure why. I guess I just want to lol at 20-year old maps of my town?

 

This is the nav system that came with my '99.

 

I installed a new radio, which mirrors my iphone on the 5 inch screen....Google maps is my friend

 

Is there any reason to look for a PCM 2? How's the AM section on PCM 1? And will the GPS work with the old software? (I understand that would be like looking at an "old map")

 

...and what's a "CDR 220"?

 

I would just replace with a double-din unit. The good news is that you can do the upgrade without modifying the large plastic piece - so the upgrade would be easily reversible if for some reason you wanted to put the factory unit back in. I could not be happier with my Sony unit with Apple CarPlay, but my car had the base system, not a navi unit.
Daryll

 

CDR 220 is the factory single-DIN CD player manufactured by Becker.
I've got one and it's "meh". It's not an upgrade unless your plan is the "console delete" as noted above. The console delete is common with tall guys who need more knee room and purists that like the old 911's high dash. Google it for pictures.

 

996 Navigation radio has been related to the IMS failure, replace it ASAP with an aftermarket pioneer with blue connectivity and apple carplay option, that combination looks awesome in a 20 year old car !!!!!

 

You are kidding about the relation to IMS failures, right?

 

In some rare cases It also leads to bore scoring.

 

Do not forget D chunk failure as well...

 

lol!

 

and AOS failure leading to hydrolocking the engine and breaking connecting rods.....