Latest advice for PCM2.1 replacements please

[Manipoe]

I have 997 with PCM 2.1 with Bose. The head unit failed completely and I searched google for PCM repairs. The first company that came up was Cartronics also known as PCM repairs. The seem to have the monopoly on Google natural search, I can only assume they get most of the PCM business here in the UK.

I called to ask what the best thing for me to do was. I was told to send in my faulty head unit to have a £79 assessment to determine what was needed. Only then could they tell me how much it would cost to repair. I asked for a ball park figure and was sternly told there was no way he could give any idea of cost until he saw the unit.

Given the failures on these items are normally fairly common, the range of problems cant be large, I asked what an average price was to repair, again, I was told it doesn't work like that, no idea of price could be given unless he saw the item.

I asked what the best and worst case scenario was so that I could way up my options. Again, no help with that at all.

I asked what the average cost was of his last 10 repairs. Again no prices given and he came across as rude and arrogant.

So, I quickly decided that I would not be giving any business to them and investigated more online. I found some other forum posts where other people had the same experience with Cartronics, one person had a quote of £800 and decided to take the unit back and look for alternative solutions.

I assume that once he has the unit the customer has a higher chance of accepting his quote, whatever it is.

My PCM 2.1 has the part number 997.642.143.02 which is the PCM 2.1 with Bose. The identical unit for cars without Bose is 997.642.141.03

I read on another post that that cars that have Bose can use the 'non Bose' PCM 2.1 and it was plug and play with no coding needed. Apparently it doesn't work the other way around though...

I found a very nice PCM 2.1 'non Bose' on Ebay for £130. Plugged it in and it fired straight up and worked perfectly. The functions on the steering wheel all work too.

So for anyone that has a similar problem, I would say that Ebay might be a much better option than trying to get their unit repaired.

[Adam.]

Good solution

Think I would go down the route of the new OEN PCM placement fior 987/997 cars, pricey though

[brisel]

I had the PCCM+ fitted to my 997.1. £2.7 k including rear camera kit. It’s very good, though I would be somewhat cheesed off if it wasn’t! Excellent sound quality, Apple Car Play & Android Auto compatibility.