berty987

Paintshield offer a kit for the boxster pre cut and ready to go. It uses a thicker film for the headlights and front indicators as these are more prone to deeper chips as a result of the plastic being softer than metal.

Another option is the mobridge unit , supposedly developed specifically for apple equipment it is supposed to have an even better interface than the dension unit. Unlike the dension it will only work with apple equipment and has no USB capability, though it does connect with hte i phone. The dension also allows for expansion to include bluetooth hands free and voice dialling through the PCM menu.

The difference in airbag is that the multi function wheel comes with a leather faced , rather than vinyl faced item , the leather on the wheel rim of the multi function item is also slightly more padded , though not to the extent of and XPA specified wheel. As you state in your post the original airbag can be re used in a multi function wheel. The control module for the multi function wheel and loom is also the same as that used on the tiptronic wheel I believe. I can also confirm the multi function equipment can be transferred into a Techart steering wheel if so desired. This is the current status of my vehicle.

Pleased its all coming together for you. Regarding the satellite recption issue, I had the same problem. The Antennae sits in a pocket on the underside of the lower part of windscreen trim just above where the cabin air filter element is located on the passenger side of the vehcile (with the front hood open). If your car has been serviced or you have been over a rough road the connection can drop off from the antennae.

A question for you regarding updates, I assume the CD for the level A update was a self executing file from the PCM CD drive, just as all the other updates ?

I see from the parts listing that there are also revisions on the part number 000.043.205.46.004 to 009 suggesting there are other software updates for the PCM 2.1. My experience is that the 000.043.205.005 (superceeded to .007) is specific for vehicles originally supplied with level B (software version 3) that have a different CD drive allowing MP3 playback. The .005/.007 edition was designed as a repair kit to solve MP3 playback issues and CD skip problems (and takes the software level to 3.3). I'm not sure what the edition .008 and .009 are designed to fix or software level they can be applied to. Certainly the .005/.007 CD cannot be applied to your system as it is the incorrect hardware, so level B version 3 seems the limit at the moment.

Seems there is a little confusion in this thread. From what I have read , the early PCM2.1 units originally running version 1 or 2 software can only be updated as far as version 3. Version 3 corresponds to level B and not C. Version C is software version 4. The Navigation module ( DVD drive)was originally updated by the map DVD , as a file contained on the disc. If you view the files of a map DVD of version 05.2006 or later it contains the same software update as found on the separate disk now bundled as part of a 3 disk update. I can only assume that the new PCM3 will use the same map DVD as the old PCM2.1 , but the map is now loaded direct onto the PCM , rather than run from a separate DVD drive. Its possible this is why the navigation DVD drive update is no longer part of the map DVD itself.

If updating from an early PCM2.1 that is pre model level A (ie software version 1) the unit must be updated to level A using a single disc, before being updated (along with the Amplifier) to model level B (software version 3). Once at level B the navigation DVD drive is no longer at a compatable software level with the PCM (since the units are updated separately) so a new map Update , or separate update of the software must be loaded into the navigation drive (the old 2004 maps will no longer work due to incompatable software levels between the pcm and navigation DVD drive). If you use the separate update CD for the navigation drive , the map DVD used must be 05.2006 or later , as its only designed to work with the latest software level. If you try and use an older map DVD (10.2005 or earlier) with an earlier navigation software level as part of the DVD , compared to the level thats in the navigation DVD drive itself , there may be problems as the software isn't intended to roll back.

Spot on with your diagnosis RFM. It was the cable that had failed at the gearbox end. I now have the new updated part fitted. Is this common at 55Kms ?

Driving in town and went to change into third, the gear lever felt like there was no connection with gearbox in fore- aft movement and the transverse movement was locked. Looked under the gear lever gaiter I can see the rod moving and it looks like its stilll connected. Thinking that it may be the connection at the gearbox has boroken. Anyone had experience of this before ..... The clutch works fine but I cannot get the car out of gear....ideas anyone ?Thanks

The Dension unit can work with non PCM units though hte menu access is a little more fiddly. You can ask more specific questions via the www.dension.com website.

Fast idle test:

Fast idle HC (ppm vol) : 271

Fast idle CO (%Vol) : 6.48

Fast idle Lambda : 0.822

Second Fast idle test:

Second Fast idle HC (ppm vol) 293

Second Fast idle CO (%Vol) : 6.44

Second Fast idle Lambda : 0.822

Natural Idle test:

Idle CO (% vol) 4.93

Here is a link to the UK MOT Test.

http://www.motuk.co.uk/manual/contents.htm

More info here :

http://www.bobmckay.co.uk/p_emissions.html

If the car is only used weekeneds it could just be that it needs a good long run with a few high rpm periods to properly warm up the engine , get the cats working and clear any contamination from the Lambda sensors. Did you take the car for a run before dropping off at the MOT centre, was it up to temperature during the test ?

The options sticker can also be found in the front page of the service book. Later model 987's did not have the sticker under the front hood.

Having already done this on my car (I think I was actually the first) I'm aware there is a little more to it , than just enabling some codes. The Multi function wheel communicates with the PCM , so not only does the gateway module need updating to enable the Multi function controls , but the PCM needs re configuring too. After everything has been reconfigured ideally the "read out all codes" function should be carried out. This takes all the current settings from the car and backs them up to the PWIS unit. Then a read in all codes function ensures that the settings will be held in memory even if battery power is lost. If you just enable the steering column module on its own , the PCM won't recognise it. There is a risk after power loss the multi function wheel will not function again if it hasn't had its settings reconfigured and backed up. The dealers that did my car charged me an hour's labour and considering it was their first retro fit , may have taken a little longer than necessary. Once fitted everything works just as if it were there from new.

Regarding the wiring for the multi function wheel : It uses the same mini loom as the tiptronic and a common additional interface box. It can only be fitted to the non sport wheels as the buttons are not designed for the sport wheel. The mini loom, interface box and replacement wheel covers (with multi function controls) can be bought from your local dealer for about 450 pounds (900 usd). Fitting the hardware takes about 40 mins but you need to observe the correct procedure in removing the air bag and the removal of power from the unit. Don't try this yourself if you do not know the correct procedure for removing the airbag !!!

There are no fewer than 4 CD's available for updating the PCM. The first two 000 043 205 46 002 and 003 update the PCM itself from level A (software Vs1) to level B (software vs3). There is also a repair CD 000 043 205 46 007 that takes the units originally supplied with level B ( software vs 3) to level B+ also known as C (software vs 3.3). Finally there is a CD designed to go in the navigation unit (not the PCM) 000 044 901 40 that updates the navigation unit to include drive trace, and the extended navigation. I'm not sure if this activates these functions or just loads the software to allow them to be activated. Originally the extended navigation and log book were functions you had to buy from the dealer as they required an activation code as well as the software to make them work. The earlier navigation Maps (2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007) included the navigation firmware updates as well as the MAP data. Maybe porsche have increased the mapping content to a point where these can no longer fit on the DVD , so the navigation firmware updates now come separately ?

If suncoast have supplied the 000 044 901 40 CD to you , you will need to read the TSB relating to updating PCM's for 2008 model year.

I found that the wiring pin numbers on the wiring schematic are shown as they are physically on the unit. From looking at the wiring schematic you can figure out which is left and which is right hand side since the plugs do have numbers on the terminals.

Fitting instructions are supplied with the unit. The device takes about an hour to install if you are fitting it in the same location as I did and do not intend to install the USB or I pod connection inside the car. I used the power cables supplying the Cd changer and scotch locked onto them , to take a supplimentary feed. All the other wiring you see in the pic is local stuff required and supplied with the dension. The orange wires are the MOST fibre optic , be careful with these as they are glass , so you cannot fold or crease them , only make a gentle coil. The wires to the left of the USB stick is the power feed , the connector to the right is for the aux in / Cd changeover switch you see on the left side of the pic

You are trying to update a PCM that is already at level B (software level 3) with the disks intended to update a PCM from level A to level B (software 1 to 3). The PCM has protection built in , to prevent you trying to update to an earlier version, this is why you are getting this message. If you are trying to update your PCM 2.1 you need the Level B+ (now reffered to as C) update CD which is a single CD , part number something along the lines of 000 043 205 46 007. If you press main and trip buttons together , you will see at the top of the screen software level 3 or later. The correct Update CD will take your PCM to level 3.3. Do not expect any additional features after updating , the update was introduced to overcome issues with faulty MP3 and CD playback and phone reception. With a 2007 model vehicle , it is possible there is no update available since you have the latest software already. If you have a software level higher than 3.3 listed when you press main and trip , there is probably no update available. Why are you trying to update the PCM ?

It takes a little getting used to and ideally if using a USB drive i would suggest deleting duplicate entries if you have compilations etc. I've not used it on an ipod but assume its the same.

Certainly an interesting project. Will you put the bose amplifier and speaker upgrade in as well ?

An interesting method to "try before you buy" but i think its a little flawed to be honest. Personally i found the standard wheel a little thin to hold , especially when your hands are dry or its cold. Everyone is different , so depending on the span of your hand the benefits will vary. In my case I much prefer the thicker wheel and having a VW and a Porsche as a regular drive, I much prefer the VW wheel to the porsche standard item. Interestingly you do not need to increase the girth of the wheel significantly to feel a benefit and increased grip. The XPA girth is on a par with the VW sport wheel which feels about right. The reason for the extra padding being limited by Porsche has more to do with the process of the modification than the benefits I suggest. It is easier to add a layer of overpadding than it is to re profile the wheel , for this reason the Porsche mod is just a retrim. The techart option is a definite re profile with limited padding , this retains the original feedback and feel of the thinner wheel , whilst giving the benefits of better grip. I beleive porsche would prefer buyers to spec a sports wheel if they feel they need a thicker wheel , unfortunately if you also require MFW controls the only option currently is to spec XPA option or a techart as the sport wheel doesnt have this capability. This has now been addressed on the new 997 facelift , since the sport wheel can now be specced with multi function controls.

If the wheel is over padded for your hand span then it can become clumsy to hold the wheel when your hands are crossed or you are holding the top or bottom of the wheel. Maybe living in Dubai (warm weather) and possibly having an average hand span did not give you a benefit from your mod. The squash padding may also have been overpadding for your requirements.

The two update CD's are for earlier units that were version A and not B. The update that is currently in the unit is way beyond the software thats on the Cd's. Loading a CD that is previous to that already in the unit will not work as the PCM auto detects and will not reload the old software except in the case of the telphone module (disk 2) probably as this is a separate disk. Loading the CD repair disk probably will have no effect since the PCM is already updated. What software level is shown at the top of the PCM sevice menu ?

Certainly you need to be absolutely sure you have the correct software for the PCM since the Cayenne is different from the boxster/ 911/ cayman. The software update Cd costs only a couple of pounds. In this case i'd suggest buying it from Porsche and get the workshop to try installing it . That way if anything goes wrong they would be liable. If you try to update again yourself and there is something amiss then the PCM could be renedered useless. Bear in mind that there is no software/ hardware reset on the unit.

Is your system software really showing an exclamation mark at the end ? This sounds irregular. How did your car come to have an update Cd message , what was the history behind the update ?

I assume your PCM is a genuine factory fit unit on a 2005 or later vehicle ?

I can only assume you have either just collected the car from the main agent having had a service , or that you have just purchased the car. The screen you refer to is indeed the result of loading the level B+ or C software to your PCM. I assume from this information that your PCM is post april 2005 and therefore originally supplied with the Mp3 function and a 2005 or later map DVD wirh level B software (software version 3). Sorry to ask an obvious and silly question, but I assume the Update Cd is not still present in the PCM main drive ? Unfortunately there is no way to soft or hard reset the PCM , so I would take the car back to your local agent ( or retailer that sold the car) and request it is fixed. If however you have obtianed this message as the result of trying to do an update yourself , it is unlikely that Porsche will offer any support. The PCM is not covered after the initial 2-3 year factory warranty expires.

Until the parts catalogue is updated for the RS 60 it will be difficult to give a definitive answer. Certainly looking unde rthe rear of an RS60 , the only difference I can see form a sport exhaust is that the RS 60 has a different outlet / tip arrangement , with two discrete pipes direct from a single yoke , rather than a T piece from a single outlet. Both outlets come from the same lower crossover in between the rear silencers. I would summise that the extra 8hp is due in main to an ECU remap. Certainly porsche suggest no performance gain from the sport exhaust option on other 987 vehicles. I doubt they would spend the money developing a special exhaust for the Rs60 for 8hp gain , when an ECU remap is simpler to achieve the same result.

Personally I would go for a short shift and XPA wheel rather than the 6 speed gearbox (especially if you don't spec the sport wheel). I was under the impression the 6 speed gearbox came as part of a sport option which also included PASM ? Either way, the short shift and padded wheel add to driver involvement, i'm not sure the added cost of a six speed box is going to give much benefit.

the web site is www. dension.com

http://www.dension.com/oem2.php?car_id=229 Assuming you have a 996/986

http://support.dension.com/downloads/Gatew...stall_Guide.pdf

Dual FOT refers to a new revision of the product allowing direct connection to the dension unit from the Porsche OEM fiber optic plug. There are also adapter plugs and wires included in the kit so you can add the dension unit to the existing MOST ring if a CD changer is already installed.

Contact your local Dension stockist, and look on the dension web site for installation instructions as a downloadable .pdf file. My understanding is that the PCM 2 and 2.1 units both use the MOST fibre optic system to communicate and relay sound from the CD changer. I beleive from other posts that the MOST system is live on all PCM units though the cable may not be installed through to the front luggage area as the early PCM 2 units did not use an external navigation module. The MOST cable will be bright orange and should be visible in the area where the CD changer normally sits or just behind the boot lining at the bulkhead between the battery compartment and the luggage area. The plastic cowl that covers the CD changer position and the brake reservoir is simple to remove with about 10 screws. Porsche should be able to supply the correct MOST cable for the Cd changer to head unit if one is not already installed in your car .

I beg to differ on this point. The CDR or PCM unit is simply another module plugged into the CAN system of the car. It can therefore be enabled or disabled by configuring the main gateway module using the PWIS. This is why a PCM can be added , so I see no reason it cannot be deleted also. I know of a number of people that have fitted aftermarket stereo/ nav units to 987/997 vehicles , so its not a new idea. If you remove a PCM or OEM Radio unit you will lose the connectivity to the main dash disply to give navigation directions / symbols, and radio / Cd information. The MOST fiber optic system that is present on PCM units and some CDR units is a local network that communicates between the PCM/ CDR unit and the BOSE amplifier or Navigation module (if fitted). The purpose of the fibre optics is to give quicker signal transfer with lower losses , therefore better sound quality. Changing the head unit may be only the start of your task, as the speakers are also fairly poor and the BOSE amplifier option would not be compatable with an aftermarket stereo if already installed. Probably a good idea to look at the electronics section of www.caymanclub.net regardig aftermarket nav/ radio installs. There are some very helpful DIY threads.