PorscheRealtor

Does anyone have any experience with the Porsche Navigtion (Factory) on 2001 models (996)? I'd like to know the following:

1. How accurate/efficient is the routing?
2. How user friendly is it?

I'm used to the Acura GPS because it's a touch screen with on an screen keyboard. How does the Porsche Nav compare?

Thanks!

Rob in WA

It works fine. It's not as fancy as the newer ones, but it still does the job.

Adrian

What you have to look out for is the build date and the system installed in the 996. Porsche (Becker manufactured system) switched from the original 8-bit PCM/1 to the 16-bit PCM/1 on the production line in March 2001.
Nobody supports the 8-bit system anymore including Porsche and NavTeq. The Nav CDs for the 8-bit system are years out of date (2001 was the last update here in Europe). Porsche stopped supporting the 16-bit updating in 2004.
However NavTeq have continued their own database and update support for the Porsche 16-bit system. A new 2006/2007 package has been released for Europe. I do not know the status in the USA. Opel 16-bit Nav CDs also work with the Porsche 16-bit system. Again I do not know about GM Nav CDs in the USA.
I am currently looking for the 16-bit CD unit to upgrade my system whilst trying to avoid the rip off price being asked by Porsche AG which includes a full set of out of date Nav Cds from 2004.
With all that said the Porsche 8-bit system works very well despite being way way out of date.
Ciao,
Adrian.

Nico996C4

Same remark as the two previous posts. I had read so many ba dthings about the PCM1 that I was expecting something useless in my car but no... It is an old technology for GPS (no 3D etc...) but to take you from point A to point B there is no major issue as long as you have a recent map.
The Opel CD works fine as this has been tested by several members on another site in Europe. I have the 2004 update and it is good enough for me even though there is no chance to have POIs such as speed cams included in the software.

Enjoy your (future ?) car.

Adrian

Nico,
The old 8-bit system has got me out of trouble a few times especially in areas where nothing changes like in Scotland. However where it breaks down a little bit is like in your homeland France where there have been major road reconstructions in recent years and none of this is on the database.If you are lucky where the new road like the A28 runs parallel to the old D road you have no issues, but when they deviate old Bitching Betty gets upset.
With all that said though the system has never actually let us down as long as one has a recent map.
I was staying with some Americans during the Le Mans Classic and they had a Tom Tom and this had not yet been updated with the new section of the A28 which took us all the way down to Le Mans after we hooked up with it after leaving Le Havre a month earlier for the main Le Mans race. You can go from Le Mans to Calais now very quickly.
I am hoping next year they will have the petrol stops constructed in this section.
Ciao,
Adrian.

Nico996C4

True !!! I was there last week and I was lucky to know the area because even with the latest from 2004 it could be a little difficult. Good point for the petrol satations on the new motorway A28, you'd better fill your tank up before...

However I had another device (Mio 269+) for speed cams and strangely enough to go through Rouen (sorry for the Americans to mention such a small town in Normandy that you might have never heard of :-)), the PCM took me on a much quicker road than my little electronic gadget...

Sometimes...

Rob in WA

Any easy way to check which system I have? My car was built in 4/01, but that doesn't mean the PCM was made then.

Adrian

You can check the update date on your CDs. I have no idea in the USA when they did the last update for 8-bit, but here it was in October 2000 so any CD you are using post this date is 16-bit.
The safest way to check is to look at the part number of the CD unit. You have to take it out to do this. For the 16 bit unit the p/no is 996.642.122.03.EFR and for the 8-bit 996.642.122.00 or 01 or 02.
I am now embroiled in an argument with Porsche because they will not sell the 16-bit Nav Cd unit without their own package of CDs which are all three years out of date. This adds 550 Euros to the price. I can get (have got actually) a set of NavTeq CDs for the 16-bit Porsche system for 377 Euros which are dated 2006/2007.
Ciao,
Adrian.

Nico996C4

Hello there,

If your car was built 4/01, then it is a PCM1 without any doubt but is it a 8-bit or 16-bit ? To know that switch on the PCM, press on the AC button and then the "validation switch" (round button in the right bottom cirner of the PCM) for 4 to 5 seconds, you will then see a screen with some details about your PCM.

If you have a message "version or software 5.43" then you have a 16-bit. If not you are stuck with the CD from 2001. If you are lucky you can upgrade your maps with the Porsche or Opel CD from 2004/5.

Hope this helps...

Rob in WA

Cool thanks - it says version 5.44 so it looks like I have 16-bit.

Nico996C4

Lucky you, go and buy some Opel CD or burn a few CDs...

Robert Collins - 96 993TT

Adrian, Sorry for bringing up a dead thread, but I am very interested in this topic.

Is it possible to upgrade to the newer NAV screen if you buy a 2001 or 2002 996TT with the older smaller screen? I am looking at a car that is set up exactly how I want but it has the old small screen that looks very dated. Can you upgrade it to the newest 996 variation or possibly ewven the 997 version, or would I be relegated to simply going aftermarket?

Thanks!

Marc Gelefsky

Robert,

I dont think the 03+ can be retrofitted since they use the MOST bus, you are probably best off going aftermarket anyways since the features on the stock system are outdated.
With a 01-02 it's easy to swap to a nice double din nav system and use the factory speakers/amp. I did this on my car and many others on the forum have as well.
I dont think Adrain is going to get back to you, looks like he has not psted since 2008.

Zookie

PCM I was 1999-2002 8-Bit CD Based, This System is OBSOLETE, I think Maps are up-to-date till 1999 for this System

PCM II was 2002-2005 16-Bit CD Based, This System has had 2 Sets Map Updates one in 2004 and Last one in 2007... This system is now Almost Obsolete as Maps are Up-to-date 08/2007

PCM II.1 was 2005-2008 DVD Based 32-bit, This system still is Up-To-Date... 2 Maps have been Released... One in 2007 and one being Released 2010

PCM III 2009+ DVD Based 64 Bit Touch Screen, Most Advanced Nav System

Robert Collins - 96 993TT

Thanks for the info guys! That is exactly what I needed. I was trying to stay with the factory look, but after driving a 996tt today that had a really well done aftermarket system installed in it, I don't think it is such a bad thing anymore. In fact the screen was nice and the system was pretty awesome!

Thanks again.