Adding iPod connection to 2003 996 with PCM Nav...

[drybeer]

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.

[drybeer]

Thanks - I've been looking at that one and also the Dension 500S BT. Anyone got that one?

Anyone fitted one themselves? What sort of headache is that?

[drybeer]

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.