Brett996

We're having the PCCM+ installed in our 99 Cabrio next week by a high-end specialist here in PA. I've learned a lot searching through the posts (so thanks to all of you Rennlisters!) but wanted to see if there was anything else I need to consider / know.

What I (think I) know:
Get all of the extra mounting parts to move the AC down before installing
Need to buy a 3rd party SiriusXM antenna if you want satellite funct.
The GPS and Sirius XM Antennas can be installed under the plastic by the dashboard, out of sight
The new mic will fit into the stock mic holder in the dash so it doesn't have to be stuck on the steering wheel tunnel
The USB box can be mounted under the dash / near the transmission tunnel vs. in the cubby. Then, can use a longer USB cable.
SD Card is a necessary additional expense for native nav functionality (w/o phone apps)

Is there anything else I should know / tell the installers?

One last thing...
Has anyone used an Audi / VW SD maps chip? I'll prob be using Waze or Google Maps but if I could get an older SD card off of eBay, I'd throw it in there... Just not worth 150 bucks to me...

Thanks everyone!

dimetime

Finished my install last week. It was mostly plug and play especially if you have most. This pdf helped out a lot.

Bought mine from Suncoast and the trim for relocating the AC came with. That was only thing needed.

If you are coming from single din it is recommended to buy

996.552.653.04 - retaining bar
996.552.231.12.01C - support frame

I ended up putting the media box in there glove box.

Other than that I don’t you’re missing anything else

Ivanhoe

Did your cars have the brown diversity antenna plug? Did you have to access the antenna amplifier (step 3.1 in your attached tech info)?

H-Atkinson

A couple of other things to note:

1) If your car has PCM or (not and as the installation guide states or any dealer will tell you) Option 680 DSP (for 996.1s without the fiber optic system), you need the ground strap modification mentioned in the installation guidebook.
2) If your car has a single-DIN head unit right now, you need a different bracket to install PCCM Plus without cutting up the old bracket (don't recommend, it won't ever fit quite right, just eat the 200 or so dollar cost of the right bracket, check the 996 catalogue for the correct P/N based on color and year combo). The part # listed here earlier is for a 996.1 (not 99s, those all have granite trim) with a black interior. Since you have a 1999, that part is 996-552-131-05-EJK and is on backorder from Germany right now. I have one on order coming in next week, and am using a black one in the meantime.
3) You can put the media box in a few places. I put mine behind the airbag control module over the center tunnel and ran the cable up between the upper/lower console. Just be sure to get a sleeved/automotive grade USB cable (I used a 1-meter Anker cable), there is a lot of sharp sheet metal back there, and any factory cables are sleeved with good reason if they run through the console. One thing to note is that if you switch between an Android or iPhone you will have to swap the cable unless you want an adapter on the end. Other thing I remember reading is someone plugged in one of those wireless adapters and tucked it all into the dash, no cables at all. Something to consider if you have another charger in the cabin already I guess. Not worth it for most I bet.
4) The map software looks like its bespoke to PCCM and PCCM Plus. The last release was Q4 2019. Its like 100 bucks from Suncoast if I'm remembering right. I have not yet looked into if there is any sort of DRM on the thing (it comes on a micro SD card, but I've not put it in a PC out of fear that it has some handshake with the PCCM and auto-wipes if its not in a head unit like a few other companies have done).
5) There is a first-party Sirius XM antenna, but I don't know much about it. I'd call your dealer, they can probably get you a part number for it.

DDR MFS

In order to cut down on duplication, reviving an old thread. The support on Rennlist for the PCCM+ work is fantastic and thanks so much to the community!

Did some searching, and found this option for the OEM Sirius XM antenna/controller. Is this the OEM component set H-Atkinson is referencing? I am going forward with the PCCM+ but the fact it has no SAT radio is a bit... whack.

https://www.xm-radio-satellite.com/p...dio-tuner-kit/
OR/AND
https://www.oemautointegration.com/p...r-kit-porsche/

Also to my understanding, the map/nav data is provided via SD card. I assume this can this be added later? Frankly, I have yet to find an indigenous navigation system that actually works (MERC, BMW, Audi, Porsche); all are pretty inefficient and crappy. I still use my phone despite having vehicles that have OEM navigation. Given that the SD card slot is on the head-unit... I am assuming this is the case...?

Thanks again!

damage98MO

I Bought the SD card nav, mounted the gps dongle, and made my own proper ground as mentioned earlier in the thread. It's been used but rarely. Still, it's there, and it's a good Tom tom nav system, I think. Pro and cons for either, but for the price, it's a nice to have. I don't know about the sat radio dongle sorry. I am going to bite the bullet and order a wireless android auto dongle, so I can leave my phone on my pocket on most trips... The unit should have some with it but I'm just grateful Porsche contracted with someone to make this for our 20+ year old cars.
I saved the $200 on the mounting bracket and used a Dremel tool to carve my single din Mount up. It fits right, and tight, but it's possible that it is not a 'forever' fix. But what is?
Good luck w the install, it was pretty fun, about 3 of 5 difficulty for me, but I've done my share of car audio installs in another life. I'm pretty happy w the results👍

Pccm plus installed, function first shift right, raceseng **** and custom suede boot. And Coco mats, which really ties the room together, man. For me, they made a big difference, the cabin is brighter and feels larger. Not seen in this photo are black suede with red and yellow stitching belt receiver covers, black w red stitching handbrake cover, and a suede armrest cover with red accents that matches the shifter boot. Oh and a German flag wrap on the rear view mirror, which needs redoing.

If you squint you can see the mirror wrap. I'm such a child... But note the PCA member decal. Member since Jan ....2022😂

DDR MFS

Awesome man! Looks sweet and nice install. I am going to get the mounting bracket because why not, but good to know all this in advance. Also, as indicated, just going to go with the PCCM+ as it's a direct fit for the car. I want to keep the mucking around to a minimum.

Great looking interior as a whole. I've had Cocos in both my BMWs and Cayman S and they really do make the interior pop. Going to go with the red/gray/white stripe for the new car.