cringely

My 2009 911 base Carrera (purchased as a CPO in October 2015) came with V1.44 as the PCM3.0 firmware. I need to update the firmware to v2.24 (or higher) to enable the AUX function. My local (San Diego) authorized dealer tells me that I need to replace the PCM unit with a newer one (2010 or later manufacture) in order to install firmware v2.24. Is this correct or is there a more convenient (and much less expensive) path to upgrading my PCM3.0 firmware?

While my 911 does have the 619 - Bluetooth Interface for Mobile Phone, it did not come with the 870 - Audio & iPod Input—Universal multimedia interface. Suncoast offers a PCM 3.0 Audio & iPod Input KIt for $539 + tax & shipping; it also requires installation by an authorized dealer which would bring the cost to over $700 (which I'd like to avoid) just to add AUX to the PCM3.0 firmware.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Bruce In Philly

2009 C2S 174K

I am very interested in what you do... please keep us posted. The move to a newer-made unit has an appeal to it as my unit, as others here, is starting to have failures... the sound cuts out and the units needs to rest for about 15 minutes to play again. My maps are old but it really doesn't bother me too much... there are a few bugs in the software as gas stations and points-of-interest randomly re-appear for no reason. There are a few reports that upgrading the software (maps and firmware) can brick the unit... I read someplace that a dealer refused to do it due to the risk.

Peace
Bruce in Philly (now Atlanta)

speedracerf4i

https://rennlist.com/forums/997-foru...nse-of-it.html See post #14, perhaps it would answer your question.

cringely

Add'l info: my 997.2 doesn't have the Navigation module for PCM, so I don't need the map update, just the v2.24 firmware update

kellen

For that price I would look at one of the aftermarket upgrades that add wireless CarPlay. Not sure on the requirements needed to add it but instead of spending 6-700 I would spend a little more to get much more usability.

Aftermarket head unit may be an option too but likely Cost 2-3x as much.

cringely

I have looked at aftermarket upgrades (including a backup camera). At the high end, a highly respected local audio specialist gave me the following quote:

I'm guessing that there are cheaper options (do I really need the 5-channel power amplifier? as I'm satisfied with the existing Bose unit)

By upgrading the firmware to v2.24, I can use the 9XX add-on boardto give me Apple CarPlay and a backup camera for much cheaper. I've called my local Porsche dealers and also sent an e-mail to PCNA and am awaiting a response to see if my firmware can be upgraded.

If any of you have upgraded your firmware, I'd appreciated hearing about your experiences.

Body In White

Presumably Porsche Classic will have a PCM+ unit with CarPlay available for the 997 in the next year. That might be worth the wait.

Wayne Smith

2010 C4S, no Nav, no XM, no back up camera ...

We'll be installing the 9xx option with back up camera on September 15th. We'll also be adding an XM module with license and coding (PIWIS). I will report once this is done and tested.

cringely

I'm scheduled for a September 6th 9XX install, so you can see the urgency in solving the firmware upgrade.

Wayne Smith

Anthony? Southern California? Have you brought this up with him? He seems like he would have an answer and a solution. And why would you need the Aux input after the 9xx update?

Please report on your experience.

whacko77uk

For those of us that use the NM Automotive CarPlay module, the aux is what interfaces the sound using the cars amp/speakers.

Mitch911

I'm waiting for the Porsche Classic unit. Mine works ok now and with the SSD upgrade I'm not worried about the drive crashing for good, but it does crash occasionally when and only when my iPhone 12 is paired, even when not on a call. Also Bluetooth is unreliable, sometimes it disconnects, sometimes it doesn't connect, and it doesn't handle call waiting well. Investing too much cash in a 10+ year old PCM may be unwise, especially with the new PCM+ unit coming next year.

cringely

I've been talking to Anthony. As I understand it, the firmware AUX capability is needed to communicate with the 9XX add-on board.

Wayne Smith

I've had some long talks with him and he seems pretty knowledgeable. I believe he also indicated he had access to heads and via PIWIS he could code to your car. I would suggest you email your concerns directly to him so he is well aware of your status and he can be fully prepared.

You're in line before me. I'll be interested in hearing about your experience. Keeping the original unit with balance adjustment and Porsche interface just seems like a good idea and I'm not sure if the upcoming PCCM option will include 997.2 or that I'm interested in a head unit that might not look the same. I'll be installing the XM unit (coding required) as well as the back up camera, so my installation may be more involved than yours.

cringely

Final Words: Took the car in for the firmware upgrade. Service report read
68651 Highest possible software version available for MY2009 is 1.47. - unable to run update to version 2.24 as requested.

for those interested in the 9XX, Anthony will be coming by in ~10 days and we will see if it is possible to install the 9XX with 2009 firmware