996 Turning on OBC

[BliarOut]

Anyone with a pre 2001 996 or Boxster had their OBC turned on when it's "not fitted"?

Did the dealer charge and if so how much? I'm only looking for external temp display at the moment, to make sure I don't drop the top when it's too cold. Looking at the prices for a full three stalk installation, I may go full OBC in a while.

Is it an OPC only job, or has anyone had it done through an independant?

[DaGinge]

I've had it done - got the OPC to install it when it was in getting some other work done - so they did it for free. Literally takes them about 1 minute, but if you're not having any other work done, or are a known customer then a small charge isn't unreasonable.

I then bought the 4-stalk assembly and cut off the cruise stalk, installed the wiring and have a fully functional OBC for < £100. The install isn't perhaps for the faint hearted though as your car looks something like this half way through:

[BliarOut]

Four stalk assembly for less than £100. Was that through an OPC? Remarkably cheap if it is

Is it true that the three stalk costs about £70 more then?

[DaGinge]

it was about £100 - I got it when on holiday in the USA through sunset porsche www.sunsetporsche.com/ and it worked out a lot cheaper than getting the stuff in the UK.

Yup, 3 stalk is £70 more than 4 stalk and once you assemble the car there is no way to tell the difference between a 3-stalk and a 4-stalk with the cruise cut off.

[BliarOut]

Interesting, I think I'll go phase one at the next service and then buy the parts when I'm in the US next spring.

Were there any nasty breaky plastic clips, or did it all go smoothly?

I used to be a mechanical engineer, so the mechanicals aren't to daunting, but I have seen a few nasty breaky plastic clips over the years

[DaGinge]

Nah, as long as you don't shortcut anything (i.e. make sure you mark the wheel position etc) it should be ok...mine went fine, took about 2 hours, no traumas. Just take your time and don't skip any steps regardless of how trivial they seem.

Thats what I did - got the OBC enabled then got the parts in the USA later - will be doing the same again next time I am out there (January). I was staying in Vegas, first day I got a money order from the post office and sent it to the supplier - about 5 days later the parts arrived at the hotel. Best thing is that if you buy from another state and have it shipped to your hotel there is no tax to pay.