Adding iPod connection to 2003 996 with PCM Nav...
Discussion
Hi all.
I have a 2003 996 C4s with PCM CD Nav. I also have BOSE and 6CD. I would like to add iPod / possibly Bluetooth compatibility. I see there are options to add a "Mobridge" and also "Dension" set up. Has anybody on here done a self fit installation and what would you recommend?
Thanks,
Andrew.
I have a 2003 996 C4s with PCM CD Nav. I also have BOSE and 6CD. I would like to add iPod / possibly Bluetooth compatibility. I see there are options to add a "Mobridge" and also "Dension" set up. Has anybody on here done a self fit installation and what would you recommend?
Thanks,
Andrew.
drybeer said:
Hi all.
I have a 2003 996 C4s with PCM CD Nav. I also have BOSE and 6CD. I would like to add iPod / possibly Bluetooth compatibility. I see there are options to add a "Mobridge" and also "Dension" set up. Has anybody on here done a self fit installation and what would you recommend?
Thanks,
Andrew.
Hi Andrew,I have a 2003 996 C4s with PCM CD Nav. I also have BOSE and 6CD. I would like to add iPod / possibly Bluetooth compatibility. I see there are options to add a "Mobridge" and also "Dension" set up. Has anybody on here done a self fit installation and what would you recommend?
Thanks,
Andrew.
Have the Mobridge ABT2010 : http://www.caraudioexpress.co.uk/porsche-mobridge-...
Fitted to my 996 C2 - PCM2 with Bose - Running an iPhone 6 Plus.
Connects every time via bluetooth without fault, calls are clear and without trouble. Audio streaming is great for Apple Music/Spotify. There is a 30-pin connector (bit useless these days) and AUX as well, but bluetooth connects when the keys in the ignition and turned.
I believe this is the newer version:
http://www.mobridge.us/products/m2pro-most
Happy with mine, i'd never get an aftermarket head unit, doesn't fit with the car so this is in my eyes a good alternative. You do lose CD changer ability in fitting but can still use the one above the display if required.
I had a Dension BT fitted to my previous 997t, it was dealer fitted, so I can't really comment on that aspect.
As regards functionality, it "kind of" did everything it promised, but at a VERY basic level.
The BlueTooth would answer calls and carry the conversation, but that's about it. No phone book, i/c caller display, no bells or whistles.
The iPod function was if anything worse. Navigation was nightmareish, all done via basic CD controls, which don't readily translate to an iPod.
On the upside, once you had navigated to your chosen music, it would play it (well) and also supported full resume (continue a track where it was left off) and keep the iPod fully charged.
Unless there have been dramatic improvements in the last three years, I would not recommend this route.
As regards functionality, it "kind of" did everything it promised, but at a VERY basic level.
The BlueTooth would answer calls and carry the conversation, but that's about it. No phone book, i/c caller display, no bells or whistles.
The iPod function was if anything worse. Navigation was nightmareish, all done via basic CD controls, which don't readily translate to an iPod.
On the upside, once you had navigated to your chosen music, it would play it (well) and also supported full resume (continue a track where it was left off) and keep the iPod fully charged.
Unless there have been dramatic improvements in the last three years, I would not recommend this route.
I have an iO Play2 in my 986 (which has the standard head unit and Porsche amp).
Doesn't do anything fancy, so you still need the phone / iPod in a mount where you can control things - but it's very good quality for both music and calls. It can be set up for the specific kind of car you're using it in, so you get the best sound quality.
Doesn't do anything fancy, so you still need the phone / iPod in a mount where you can control things - but it's very good quality for both music and calls. It can be set up for the specific kind of car you're using it in, so you get the best sound quality.
I have a Dension Gateway 500S BT in my 2005 Turbo S, which has PCM2 and Bose. Fitting was relatively simple, although it does take a bit of thought to connect up the fibre optic cables. To keep things simple, I fitted my Dension behind the PCM2, which makes the wiring simple and also gives good Bluetooth connectivity; in contrast, mounting it near the CD changer can be iffy with so much metal between the cabin and the Dension. The downside of installing in the dash is that without spending about another £80 on fibre optic extension cables, you can't keep the CD changer in place, so I looped that out.
One gotcha for a DIY installation is that you will need to buy a couple of MOST bypass loops for the CD changer and phone module under the driver's seat; they are a female connector with a short fibre loop to bypass the original component, which you have to do for the phone else the Dension bluetooth won't work. You also need to disable the phone using a diagnostic programmer, else you get a "phone not present" error on the PCM screen on startup.
In terms of functionality, it's great for receiving phone calls, and as long as you only sync your phone's favourites, the phonebook works perfectly. iPod music navigation is a bit clunky, but if you use your phone and mount it somewhere in the cabin, you can always use the phone's UI to choose your music rather than PCM2.
All in, considering I paid £200 for a used Dension on eBay, it was worth doing.
Cheers,
Pete
One gotcha for a DIY installation is that you will need to buy a couple of MOST bypass loops for the CD changer and phone module under the driver's seat; they are a female connector with a short fibre loop to bypass the original component, which you have to do for the phone else the Dension bluetooth won't work. You also need to disable the phone using a diagnostic programmer, else you get a "phone not present" error on the PCM screen on startup.
In terms of functionality, it's great for receiving phone calls, and as long as you only sync your phone's favourites, the phonebook works perfectly. iPod music navigation is a bit clunky, but if you use your phone and mount it somewhere in the cabin, you can always use the phone's UI to choose your music rather than PCM2.
All in, considering I paid £200 for a used Dension on eBay, it was worth doing.
Cheers,
Pete
pete said:
I have a Dension Gateway 500S BT in my 2005 Turbo S, which has PCM2 and Bose. Fitting was relatively simple, although it does take a bit of thought to connect up the fibre optic cables. To keep things simple, I fitted my Dension behind the PCM2, which makes the wiring simple and also gives good Bluetooth connectivity; in contrast, mounting it near the CD changer can be iffy with so much metal between the cabin and the Dension. The downside of installing in the dash is that without spending about another £80 on fibre optic extension cables, you can't keep the CD changer in place, so I looped that out.
One gotcha for a DIY installation is that you will need to buy a couple of MOST bypass loops for the CD changer and phone module under the driver's seat; they are a female connector with a short fibre loop to bypass the original component, which you have to do for the phone else the Dension bluetooth won't work. You also need to disable the phone using a diagnostic programmer, else you get a "phone not present" error on the PCM screen on startup.
In terms of functionality, it's great for receiving phone calls, and as long as you only sync your phone's favourites, the phonebook works perfectly. iPod music navigation is a bit clunky, but if you use your phone and mount it somewhere in the cabin, you can always use the phone's UI to choose your music rather than PCM2.
All in, considering I paid £200 for a used Dension on eBay, it was worth doing.
Cheers,
Pete
Thanks all for input. Pete - that's a good write up. I think I'll get Le mans out of the way before taking anything to bits and then have a go at this.One gotcha for a DIY installation is that you will need to buy a couple of MOST bypass loops for the CD changer and phone module under the driver's seat; they are a female connector with a short fibre loop to bypass the original component, which you have to do for the phone else the Dension bluetooth won't work. You also need to disable the phone using a diagnostic programmer, else you get a "phone not present" error on the PCM screen on startup.
In terms of functionality, it's great for receiving phone calls, and as long as you only sync your phone's favourites, the phonebook works perfectly. iPod music navigation is a bit clunky, but if you use your phone and mount it somewhere in the cabin, you can always use the phone's UI to choose your music rather than PCM2.
All in, considering I paid £200 for a used Dension on eBay, it was worth doing.
Cheers,
Pete
I've got the bt500 in my 996 pcm2
Only really wanted to steam music and the blue tooth works fine for that, my phone doesn't operate using the pcm but you can make hands free calls if you use the phone to pick up and dial.
Fitting not hard, just a bit of a faff. An afternoons work.
Not perfect but Bears using the cdc.
Can't handle only having 6 choices since Spotify has spoiled us.
Only really wanted to steam music and the blue tooth works fine for that, my phone doesn't operate using the pcm but you can make hands free calls if you use the phone to pick up and dial.
Fitting not hard, just a bit of a faff. An afternoons work.
Not perfect but Bears using the cdc.
Can't handle only having 6 choices since Spotify has spoiled us.
Thought I'd just weigh in as I have also just bought (June 2016) a new Dension GW500S BT and despite being highly non-techs, just about managed to fit it myself into a 2004 911 997.1 C2S, which had a CD changer which I removed. The short story is this: it is a relatively easy job, but made MUCH worse by the lack of clear instructions ANYWHERE in the Dension booklet or on the internet. Because of that I'm happy to do a full write up with pics and links if anyone would like it, just comment on this post. Seriously, if you have the CD changer in your Porsche, or the prep, don't pay someone a fortune to install it for you Once you have got it up and running it is a stunning piece of kit - easily playing iPod music, and a great bluetooth phone too. . Makes surprisingly good use of the PCM2.1 head unit display - showing all the phone functions. Here is a very brief summary of the common pitfalls:
1. I installed in the front boot, by replacing the CD auto changer with the Dension - if you have no CD changer it could be a more difficult job, and I can't comment on installing in the cabin; removing the CD changer is quite hard as fixing screws are concealed, and the power cable does not release easily (in my case, it still is not released)
2. The Dension kit comes with very brief instructions, with few comments specific to Porsches - which is why you have to play hunt on the internet
3. Plumbing in the new fibre optics is reasonably easy, sorting out the power less so..takes some ingenuity to find the right power and plumb in the Dension power cables...
4. running the phone mic into cabin and onto sun visor surpassingly easy, and does not leave mess - but again there is a technique
Have fun and ping me if you want to know more!
Cheers - Robin
1. I installed in the front boot, by replacing the CD auto changer with the Dension - if you have no CD changer it could be a more difficult job, and I can't comment on installing in the cabin; removing the CD changer is quite hard as fixing screws are concealed, and the power cable does not release easily (in my case, it still is not released)
2. The Dension kit comes with very brief instructions, with few comments specific to Porsches - which is why you have to play hunt on the internet
3. Plumbing in the new fibre optics is reasonably easy, sorting out the power less so..takes some ingenuity to find the right power and plumb in the Dension power cables...
4. running the phone mic into cabin and onto sun visor surpassingly easy, and does not leave mess - but again there is a technique
Have fun and ping me if you want to know more!
Cheers - Robin
expatbore said:
Thought I'd just weigh in as I have also just bought (June 2016) a new Dension GW500S BT and despite being highly non-techs, just about managed to fit it myself into a 2004 911 997.1 C2S, which had a CD changer which I removed. The short story is this: it is a relatively easy job, but made MUCH worse by the lack of clear instructions ANYWHERE in the Dension booklet or on the internet. Because of that I'm happy to do a full write up with pics and links if anyone would like it, just comment on this post. Seriously, if you have the CD changer in your Porsche, or the prep, don't pay someone a fortune to install it for you Once you have got it up and running it is a stunning piece of kit - easily playing iPod music, and a great bluetooth phone too. . Makes surprisingly good use of the PCM2.1 head unit display - showing all the phone functions. Here is a very brief summary of the common pitfalls:
1. I installed in the front boot, by replacing the CD auto changer with the Dension - if you have no CD changer it could be a more difficult job, and I can't comment on installing in the cabin; removing the CD changer is quite hard as fixing screws are concealed, and the power cable does not release easily (in my case, it still is not released)
2. The Dension kit comes with very brief instructions, with few comments specific to Porsches - which is why you have to play hunt on the internet
3. Plumbing in the new fibre optics is reasonably easy, sorting out the power less so..takes some ingenuity to find the right power and plumb in the Dension power cables...
4. running the phone mic into cabin and onto sun visor surpassingly easy, and does not leave mess - but again there is a technique
Have fun and ping me if you want to know more!
Cheers - Robin
Did you take the phone module out of the loop? 1. I installed in the front boot, by replacing the CD auto changer with the Dension - if you have no CD changer it could be a more difficult job, and I can't comment on installing in the cabin; removing the CD changer is quite hard as fixing screws are concealed, and the power cable does not release easily (in my case, it still is not released)
2. The Dension kit comes with very brief instructions, with few comments specific to Porsches - which is why you have to play hunt on the internet
3. Plumbing in the new fibre optics is reasonably easy, sorting out the power less so..takes some ingenuity to find the right power and plumb in the Dension power cables...
4. running the phone mic into cabin and onto sun visor surpassingly easy, and does not leave mess - but again there is a technique
Have fun and ping me if you want to know more!
Cheers - Robin
@Scho - nope. Actually my 997 did not have the factory phone option activated, (so I'd get a 'not available' message if I used to press the tel button). Despite this the Dension fully uses the phone elements of the PCM , so my phone is now visible when I press 'tel' as are its phone book, last dialled numbers etc. It's awesome!
expatbore said:
@Scho - nope. Actually my 997 did not have the factory phone option activated, (so I'd get a 'not available' message if I used to press the tel button). Despite this the Dension fully uses the phone elements of the PCM , so my phone is now visible when I press 'tel' as are its phone book, last dialled numbers etc. It's awesome!
Hmm, mines got the phone and it doesn't link to the Pcm. Think I need to whip the phone module out. Not terribly bothered though, I was more into the music streaming over calls. Read a lot of bad reviews on this but I've found it to be decent enough as you say, perhaps not helped by the "instructions" ha.
If you have a factory phone module (under the right hand front seat), you definitely need to loop it out, and optionally un-code it to get rid of the error message on PCM startup. My 500S BT wouldn't connect to my phone until I'd physically unplugged and bypassed the factory phone module, although bluetooth music streaming worked fine with the phone still connected. Fortunately it's very easy to unbolt the front seat to get to the module; just remember to leave the ignition firmly switched off while the seat is disconnected if you have seat airbags (e.g. on a 997 or 987), else you'll trigger an airbag fault. If you don't have the requisite 6 pointed socket for the seat bolts, a normal imperial hex socket fits perfectly once you find the right size!
pete said:
If you have a factory phone module (under the right hand front seat), you definitely need to loop it out, and optionally un-code it to get rid of the error message on PCM startup. My 500S BT wouldn't connect to my phone until I'd physically unplugged and bypassed the factory phone module, although bluetooth music streaming worked fine with the phone still connected. Fortunately it's very easy to unbolt the front seat to get to the module; just remember to leave the ignition firmly switched off while the seat is disconnected if you have seat airbags (e.g. on a 997 or 987), else you'll trigger an airbag fault. If you don't have the requisite 6 pointed socket for the seat bolts, a normal imperial hex socket fits perfectly once you find the right size!
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