SJP3003

The screen on my head unit has developed spots and requires replacement. If I pick up a used unit, will I also need to make sure I get a factory code to activate it from the seller, or is it simply a matter of dropping it in?

motopix

Drop in but you will need to have it coded to the car or you will most likely get a message on the PCM screen that the phone or cd-changer or something else wasn't found.

I replaced the PCM 2.1 in my 997.1 a couple of weeks ago with one off ebay for $660 and added the TranzitBlu bluetooth at the same time. All my PCM functions work including Nav and aftermarket Sirius but I have to acknowledge the error screen each time I turn the unit on.

p.s. I contacted Becker in NJ about repairing my broken PCM and was quoted a flat rate of $950.

SJP3003

Thanks Motopix. I´ve got the TranzitBlu and like and recommend it as well!

Ben Z

I would make sure you get the code from the seller and that your local dealer will code it. Someone I know got a used PCM from a dismantler for his Cayman and the dealer was totally uncooperative. Luckily an indie helped by getting the code, and called in a favor from a buddy at the dealer to code it.

Tbh I wouldn't spend $600 for cosmetic spots on the screen, I'd just live with them unless the radio died. And I have Bose so going with an aftermarket head unit would be complicated and costly, but otherwise I'd go that route because for $300 I could get something better and updated compared to the PCM.

jeffm

When I had my Cayman, I replaced the standard Bose radio with a PCM Bose Nav unit and it didn't require a code.

As mentioned earlier, I did receive a Nav and CD changer warning, but everything else worked just fine. I believe the Porsche tool can turn off the message, but not the durametric pro?

motopix

There was no code involved with my PCM swap. Mine was from 2006 and the new one was from 2008. I looked for a way to turn off the message from the Durametric pro but could not find it. I'll just live with the error message on start up until I need to take it into my indy who says he can clear it with his PIWIS-like tool.

My system is Bose too and I didn't want to fork out the money it would take the replace everything (head/amp/possibly speakers) or pay $700 for the optical integration unit on top of a head unit. And found several posts from the purists who swore they'd never buy a car with an aftermarket radio. The factory Bose is good enough for me and surprisingly the new unit sounds much better than the old one that died. I don't know if that's because the old one has been dying for 2 years or there were improvements to the PCM by 2008.

Ni_Mo

You could also buy a replacement screen, pull your old one out & replace! Damn cheaper than buying a new head unit & getting it coded!

ALEV8

Keep the Bose add a HU for CarPlay. Cheaper and better in long run. Or, do as I do and put the windows down stereo off.