Replace PCM2

[mrfunex]

The PCM unit in my 2003 turbo is getting on a bit. Problems and annoyances stretch to:

- no postcode lookup on nav
- nav disc now almost 10 years old
- awful user interface
- volume control is either off, loud, or REALLY LOUD!
- no MP3 compatibility
- dire radio reception
- CD player skips all the time (possibly due to outrageously stiff H&R springs)

The car has Bose and a 6 disc changer under the bonnet. How easy would it be to replace the head unit with something a bit more modern and capable. Ideally, I'd like to keep the nav, but if it went I wouldn't be too upset.

Thanks for advice.

[RatBoy M3CSL]

..There are a number of Kenwood or Alpine units that slot straight in, with blue teeth, ipodery, nav, phone all built in, and they work, I have 1 in mine.. just south of a grand will get you sorted nicely..

As for model numbers etc, pass on that one, but I would go to a good car audio place and just tell them you want the above features, and 'give me a grands worth of unit fitted'... and let them give you the best unit for the price, my place had last seasons model discounted so I had 1 of those.. unless you want to stream MP3's from your phone to it, you dont need to go bananas on the latest and greatest really..

You can leave your 6 changer in and connected, but I would get used to Ipodery, then just plug it in and roll with that on, no discs = no skipping..! and you only leave the same 6 discs in it for 12 months anyhow, and can't be arsed to change them..!

Edited by RatBoy M3CSL on Saturday 1st September 09:41

[Barry Ashcroft]

mrfunex said:

The PCM unit in my 2003 turbo is getting on a bit. Problems and annoyances stretch to:

- no postcode lookup on nav
- nav disc now almost 10 years old
- awful user interface
- volume control is either off, loud, or REALLY LOUD!
- no MP3 compatibility
- dire radio reception
- CD player skips all the time (possibly due to outrageously stiff H&R springs)

The car has Bose and a 6 disc changer under the bonnet. How easy would it be to replace the head unit with something a bit more modern and capable. Ideally, I'd like to keep the nav, but if it went I wouldn't be too upset.

Thanks for advice.

Because you have Bose it is a MOST unit and connected by optics to the amp. Because of that you will have to remove/replace the amp and all the speakers no simple change job with MOST unfortunately

[Gaz986]

Had the same issue in a 2004 986 s with Bose & PCM 2.

I did not fancy a total swap out and wanted to leave looking std, so when down a different route.

Kept PCM2 & Bose, installed a Viseoo system behind the dash, which gave me:

- IPhone (and iPod/iTouch ?) connectivity via Bluetooth
- Phone control of PCM Tel module directly and also via iPhone
- Phonebook access for above from PCM and iPhone
- ability to play back from Iphone (so havent touched my CD player since I owned car)
- installed Satnav SW on iPhone (£5.00) which sits in an active Brodit Holder mounted via a Proclip and use this in lieu of PCM Satnav
- All sound (phone, music & satnav) is fed via Bluetooth to PCM and comes out via Bose MOST system.
- My radio reception good (south east). Have you have a replacement front screen ? If so, what make and was atenna cable reconnected ?
- Needed to be hooked up to Diags tool to change some coding at Dealer

Happy to post picture, but not a great deal to see :-)

Edited by Gaz986 on Saturday 1st September 14:34

Edited by Gaz986 on Saturday 1st September 14:35

Edited by Gaz986 on Saturday 1st September 14:36

[RatBoy M3CSL]

Barry Ashcroft said:

mrfunex said:

The PCM unit in my 2003 turbo is getting on a bit. Problems and annoyances stretch to:

- no postcode lookup on nav
- nav disc now almost 10 years old
- awful user interface
- volume control is either off, loud, or REALLY LOUD!
- no MP3 compatibility
- dire radio reception
- CD player skips all the time (possibly due to outrageously stiff H&R springs)

The car has Bose and a 6 disc changer under the bonnet. How easy would it be to replace the head unit with something a bit more modern and capable. Ideally, I'd like to keep the nav, but if it went I wouldn't be too upset.

Thanks for advice.

Because you have Bose it is a MOST unit and connected by optics to the amp. Because of that you will have to remove/replace the amp and all the speakers no simple change job with MOST unfortunately

I just checked mine out as it's got Bose, and the amp has been changed as have all the speakers too, so as Barry says it is a bit more work, you should get a head unit + amp for about £1000+speakers+install maybe £1500 and lean on them for a free install..!

I'm not certain all 996 model years up to 2005 were wired up with optic cable tho', perhaps just the later year cars..? I'm sure someone will come along and confirm..

[Barry Ashcroft]

All PCM 2 with bose are most

[SonnyM]

mrfunex said:

The PCM unit in my 2003 turbo is getting on a bit. Problems and annoyances stretch to:

- no postcode lookup on nav
- nav disc now almost 10 years old
- awful user interface
- volume control is either off, loud, or REALLY LOUD!
- no MP3 compatibility
- dire radio reception
- CD player skips all the time (possibly due to outrageously stiff H&R springs)

The car has Bose and a 6 disc changer under the bonnet. How easy would it be to replace the head unit with something a bit more modern and capable. Ideally, I'd like to keep the nav, but if it went I wouldn't be too upset.

Thanks for advice.

Call Auto Audio in Park Royal for advice and a quote. I recommend a Pioneer AVic head unit, Morel speakers and Genesis amp if there is no in inbetween solution. that will give you what you need at a reasonable price. CarAudioSecurity.com can supply the kit of you want to buy separately.

[mrfunex]

Thanks for all the advice guys.

As is the usual way of the world, this project is now having to go on hold temporarily. Think the car needs a new clutch. st.