I've been contemplating a PCCM+ for some time now, but honestly all I hear are the issues people are having here. I was thinking about buying the unit from Suncoast (unless there's a better spot to buy) and having my indie shop perform the install.

Now that it's been a couple of years, has Porsche updated the unit in any way? Anyone install recently with success? Advice welcomed.

 

Quote:

Is PCCM+ worth it?

​​​​​​​Nope

 

I see you already have a one word answer on the negative side....my response is two words "it depends."

You'll want to think about a prioritized list of what is important to you. Is money a concern? Because PCCM+ is expensive for what it is. Do you need the latest technology? Because PCCM+ lacks wireless CarPlay and backup camera functionality. Are you strictly OEM and can't stand the thought of installing a double DIN head unit (no matter how much better than a PCCM+) that doesn't look like it belongs? Because PCCM+ hands down looks better in a 996 with era specific *****, white script, materials/texture and amber lighting. Do you want to minimize risk that adding an aftermarket radio is a negative in a resale situation? PCCM+ is Porsche Classic....includes Porsche manuals to go along with all of your other manuals, and in most cases would be viewed as a positive (or in worse case neutral) in a re-sale situation. Are you a gambler? Because installation headaches happen and you'll want to take into consideration your year of car, is it MOST/Non-MOST, BOSE, CD changer, HiFi, etc. It makes a difference as you'll see if you do a key word search of threads on PCCM+. Do you care if there are bugs in the software? Because PCCM+ is still on v1.0 and have an odometer trip reset issue, and it doesn't appear those who experience that issue will see a new firmware any time soon. Do you want dealership to point to Porsche and Porsche point to dealership if you have an issue? Because that happens according to some who've had problems.

All that said.....in my case, I pulled the trigger because I'm "mostly" an OEM guy, who values it looking like it belongs and I didn't care if Wireless CarPlay or backup camera functionality was included. I had a trusted independent (CAI) install customizing to mount the included USB hub (another outdated piece of tech) to the batwing, and looks fantastic installed. While there was a minor hiccup during the install, it was sorted and it's worked very well over the past 2 years.

 

Not at all pccm lacks modern touches and back up camera plus it’s 2x the price

 

I guess it depends what you want it for.

I was tired of my CDs skipping on bumps and wanted to listen to/charge my iPhone. Bought a $30 bluetooth lighter adapter that tunes to unused FM stations and it works like a charm.

 

I really like mine. Love the OEM look and install wasn’t bad at all. I wasn’t going to install backup camera etc so that didn’t matter. I got my from my local Porsche dealer and at the time had the best price.

Joey

 

Can you please provide a link as to where you purchased the Bluetooth adapter?

 

It's overpriced, like most (if not all) things Porsche, but it looks just right in the car (and works just fine too most of the time, apart from the dreaded trip reset bug). I've seen some photos with "aftermarket" super duper modern radios in 996s and they mostly look very out of place. I like the oem look and for my needs this unit is modern enough.

 

I have it, and I do with it had a backup camera and the wireless android auto (there are wireless adaptors, but whatever. If I commuted daily, plugging in would be a hassle, but I don't and it's not. I really like the way it looks, and I love the detailed nav and all the features therein. For example, the nav displays upcoming street address numbers at the top of the screen that change as you approach x address. It works even in rural areas where a cell phone nav falls down. Yes, the small was about 200usd extra, but with it. I installed it myself, and I haven't installed a car radio since the late 70s. Ymmv.
I've had 0 problems with it. Hth.

 

My 2004 has the CD changer with MOST and while I like the PCCM+, I didn’t want to spring for the $$ since the main attribute I wanted was good solid Bluetooth.
went with the Rennkit adapter:

https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_In...3&bc=c&SVSVSI=

I paid under $200 last year for the adapter, it works terrific, relatively easy install, though I did have to pull the head unit to access the connector on the back. It also renders the CD changer inoperable, but with a good Bluetooth connection I stream all my content and don’t need the CD changer. I believe the install is different if you don’t already have the fiber optic input from the CD changer/MOST.

 

"Worth" is a very subjective word when it comes to people willing to fork out $1400 for a radio. The biggest thing I've seen that drives the purchase is because it's a Porsche brand with modern features and has similar design to the PCM units they replace. The Porsche purist type crowd is more into integration and keeping the car as stock as possible; therefore, they'd opt for ether installing a working original or the PCCM+ because of it's branding.

Yes, I believe Porsche's OEM manufacturer has worked out some bugs. Maybe during the same time they introduced the 997 version of the PCCM+. However, the biggest improvement has been offering a wiring harness for pre-MOST cars with a frunk amp. That was a welcomed improvement.

 

I opted for the Rennkit Buetooth adapter which is not the plug in and tune to an FM station, i have used one of thos in the past and found it to be a stopgap method at best. I found tuning to an FM station hit or miss as you drive around i got interference from other FM stations.

When i bought my 996 a little over a year ago, it had a Bluetooth adapter that worked that was hardwired into the back of the Porsche unit but it had a background buzz and i didn't have a USB connection, there is a person on this forum that owns a company called Rennkit, that is what i installed and i can take phoncalls play music from my phone and charge my phone with the provided USB, i wired it in myself but it may be something you could have an indy do it was much cheaper than a PCCM, and it retains the factory unit.
https://rennkit.com/product-info/blu...-retrofit-kit/

Gary

 

Seems like having a CD changer really opens up your options on MOST cars. I have Bose but no CD changer. Next time I'm at my shop, I'm going to ask them to reprogram my car to think it has a CD changer to unlock this option for me. If you aren't daily driving your 996, I see no reason for the modern tech. Part of the charm of the car for me is the late 90s-early2000s nostalgia. All I want is a solution to not have to buy an entire CD collection again to keep in the car

 

If you are just looking for bluetooth, consider the Continental radio some forum members use (me included) which is a fraction of the PCCM+ cost.

 

Mine is a Tweener, its a 2000 model year, non most but has a CD built into the head unit, and has the ability to program for "Aux" i think it can be programmed from the head unit if you can decipher the weird German nomenclature.
anyway so far so good.