Thinking of buying an 08 Cayenne S

[brainz01]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

You can't just swap out the HU on a modern Porsche, they interface with the rest of the car via a fiber optic interface called MOST. You can get interface kits but they are really pricey, like $600+ just for the interface box.

Good news: There’s a knock-off of the Dension that gets good reviews on RL and adds USB and Bluetooth (for 996/997/Boxster/Cayman/Cayenne). It goes by the name LAPower or Mr12Volt and sells on Amazon or EBay for around $140. There are several long threads on RL detailing the unit and installation. This would be my recommendation. As it’s pretty plug and play and works well with the MOST ring and factory head unity. I use it in my 997.

Note however, the above only works for PCM 2.1, but I think that’s what you’ve got in the 2008 Cayenne anyway — I don’t think PCM 3.0 showed up until 2009 or 2010.

There are also long threads on RL about replacing the PCM with Android headunits (also usually from China). That’s what I put in my 2006 Cayenne Turbo. It’s not perfect, but it can be made to work well and looks modern/factory. I really like being able to tether to my phone and run Waze on the center console while also streaming internet radio. It’s not terribly expensive — the head unit is only ~$300 and the MOST adapter is another $100. Installation is not terrible, but not as easy as an oil change. The most common complaint about the Android units is that the MOST box is only 2 channel (so you lose fader), but I think the fixed level sounds fine. There is a Russian MOST box that is 4 channel, but there’s no reliable reports of how it does versus the ubiquitous 2 channel box that everyone uses.

If you want more info, I can send links.

[RSBob]

Originally Posted by Eric Coffey

You can download one directly from a Porsche.com (ROW) portal:

User Manuals - Cayenne

Third one down from the top (3/07 revision).

Eric, I owe you a beer! I was all over the Porsche site, and couldn’t find it. Their site is far from user friendly

Thanks a million. Rick

[Eric Coffey]

Originally Posted by RSBob

Eric, I owe you a beer! I was all over the Porsche site, and couldn’t find it. Their site is far from user friendly

Thanks a million. Rick

No prob.

Yeah, it would appear as though Porsche is transitioning to "i.manuals". The pdf versions are no longer listed on the US site.
There is an Apple/Android manuals app available, but I believe it only goes back to 2011-ish (dumb).

Nice Pepper BTW.


Edit: Make it 2 beers and I'll post your factory build sheet.

[island911]

Originally Posted by Embraer

Ahhhhh, I didn't know there was less than "full leather.". Mine has the leather dash, door panels with alcantara inserts. I thought all gts' had this interior.

nice. (and is kind of rare) Is it Havana and Sand Beige?

[island911]

Originally Posted by brainz01

Good news: There’s a knock-off of the Dension that gets good reviews on RL and adds USB and Bluetooth (for 996/997/Boxster/Cayman/Cayenne). It goes by the name LAPower or Mr12Volt and sells on Amazon or EBay for around $140. There are several long threads on RL detailing the unit and installation. This would be my recommendation. As it’s pretty plug and play and works well with the MOST ring and factory head unity. I use it in my 997.

Note however, the above only works for PCM 2.1, but I think that’s what you’ve got in the 2008 Cayenne anyway — I don’t think PCM 3.0 showed up until 2009 or 2010.

There are also long threads on RL about replacing the PCM with Android headunits (also usually from China). That’s what I put in my 2006 Cayenne Turbo. It’s not perfect, but it can be made to work well and looks modern/factory. I really like being able to tether to my phone and run Waze on the center console while also streaming internet radio. It’s not terribly expensive — the head unit is only ~$300 and the MOST adapter is another $100. Installation is not terrible, but not as easy as an oil change. The most common complaint about the Android units is that the MOST box is only 2 channel (so you lose fader), but I think the fixed level sounds fine. There is a Russian MOST box that is 4 channel, but there’s no reliable reports of how it does versus the ubiquitous 2 channel box that everyone uses.

If you want more info, I can send links.

Yes please.

I've just started looking into this.

[brainz01]

This thread will get you started on the LAPower option:

https://rennlist.com/forums/cayenne-955-957-2003-2010/1099887-lapower-help-please-before-purchase.html

This is the option I’d recommend if:
1) You have PCM 2.1 (easily identified by the number pad to the left of the PCM screen) — it doesn’t work with PCM 3.0
2) You want to add USB, BT phone, and BT streaming

Once you get this working, it’s pretty solid and everything looks stock.

Here’s an epic thread on the Android head unit alternative:

https://rennlist.com/forums/cayenne-955-957-2003-2010/928770-9-android-radio-install-review.html

This option gives you a customizable, tablet-style headunit including the ability to run Android apps. Like many lower priced tablets, you need to be realistic about how many apps you want to run else it will stop being “snappy”. But there is lot’s of ability to customize and there’s a big support forum for the underlying hardware/firmware (but be warned, the Android forums can get pretty technical).

One other note, if you don’t have the factory backup cam, you can add/enable it on the factory PCM 2.1 (but it requires installing an [inexpensive] camera and having the dealer code the PCM). But if you get the Android unit, you don’t have to see the dealer — the headunit will support the camera (including the factory version).


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[island911]

Perfect!

Thanks!

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by BSiple

+1 on the MOST headache, it why my 996TT still has the factory head unit.

I’m glad to see some new MOST options. In my last 996 I keep the stock HU but added a Grom Audio interface for aux and Bluetooth. It worked well but I don’t see it listed on their site anymore.

[Jerome74911S]

You would look cool in that, Pete.

[island911]

Originally Posted by brainz01

Good news: There’s a knock-off of the Dension that gets good reviews on RL and adds USB and Bluetooth (for 996/997/Boxster/Cayman/Cayenne). It goes by the name LAPower or Mr12Volt and sells on Amazon or EBay for around $140. ...

I ordered a couple of these. Looks promising. Thanks again.

[911boost]

Let me know how they work...

[brainz01]

Good luck on the install.

Here's a couple tips:

- It's probably easiest to install behind the PCM/glove box. You can also install it in the right rear CDC cubby just in front of the tail light, but then you have to run the microphone to the front of the car. I've done it both ways. I prefer it up front mostly because the cabling is much easier.

- Make sure you understand how the MOST ring works: it's a fiber optic network where every connected device has an IN and OUT fiber. Dont get that inadvertently mixed up. The device you bought comes with the fiber optic connectors you need pre configured, so that should not happen, but be aware. Essentially you are removing the CDC from the MOST network (there's a loop for that) and inserting a new BT device that acts like the CDC just behind the PCM (using the 3-headed connector thats provided).

- The PCM actuall comes out pretty easy. Cover the center console with a towel. Gently pry up the trim aroung the PCM and HVAC switches starting at the bottom on eash side - - pull straight out. There are 4 screws under that trim that hold the PCM in place - - undo and remove. All the wires are keyed and have release tabs, so it's plug and play. The new BT adapter has an aforementioned 3-headed fiber optic cable that inserts between the factory cable and the PCM (the 3rd leg goes to the BT module).

- For power, I think I used Add A Fuse on one of the fuse panels on either end of the dash and fished a wire. Note that you need unswitched (always hot) power for the device to work right.

- Where to run the microphone is a personal choice. Typical locations include the horizontal trim on the left of the center console, top of the steering wheel column, or across and up to the top of the driver's A pillar (it's held in place by a screw behind the plastic airbag placard).

- You can fish a usb cord extension (and/or AUX cable) into the glove box if needed to make access to media for the device easier

- If you have a factory phone module, you need to unplug it (both the MOST fiber cable and power cables). You would need to loop the MOST fiber to the factory phone module - - that requires an extra fiber loop that's not in the kit. They are cheap on Amazon. You may have to see the dealer to code out the phone module programming in the PCM, else you may get an error.

- If you have any issues send me a note and/or that RL thread above is pretty well trafficked.

Having done this a few times on my Cayenne and 997 (recently), I could probably now do an install in an hour or two. But honestly, it took me a lot longer working slow and figuring it all out along the way.

For those with a 997/987, the process is virtually identical, except the CDC is in the frunk and removing the PCM is a little different.

Best wishes.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

[LeeH]

So, I drove a 2008 Cayenne base model. It was in beautiful condition, but had 120K miles. Could have passed for 12K miles inside and out. However... I found it underwhelming. My Mazda3 would definitely beat it in a drag race. It had a variety of rattles. Radio/Nav controls weren't intuitive, plus no Bluetooth. Sort of bummed as I was thinking this was going to be my next vehicle.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by LeeH

So, I drove a 2008 Cayenne base model. It was in beautiful condition, but had 120K miles. Could have passed for 12K miles inside and out. However... I found it underwhelming. My Mazda3 would definitely beat it in a drag race. It had a variety of rattles. Radio/Nav controls weren't intuitive, plus no Bluetooth. Sort of bummed as I was thinking this was going to be my next vehicle.

PCM, at least, the older PCM isn't impressive. You're much better off with a more modern head unit.

The stock 6 gets the job done, but it's still a big vehicle with a 6 cyl. It'll pull out and into traffic, but if you want fast, you need more motor.

[Eric Coffey]

Originally Posted by LeeH

So, I drove a 2008 Cayenne base model. It was in beautiful condition, but had 120K miles. Could have passed for 12K miles inside and out. However... I found it underwhelming. My Mazda3 would definitely beat it in a drag race. It had a variety of rattles. Radio/Nav controls weren't intuitive, plus no Bluetooth. Sort of bummed as I was thinking this was going to be my next vehicle.

Can't really disagree there WRT the "underwhelming-ness" of the 6. You should drive a GTS and/or TT before writing them off completely though. If you stick with 2009+ models you get PCM 3, which still isn't that great, but it's leagues better the previous iteration, and you get bluetooth. Also, most of the bugs/issues had been sorted by the factory by then (coolant pipes, etc.). Even the `09 TT S rigs are starting to become relatively affordable now, and offer a pretty serious bang/buck ratio. When I get ready to dump the 5-er, I'll probably be on the hunt for one.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Agreed with Eric, drive an S at a minimum. I had a 2009 GTS and it was really impressive. Personally and despite the love for the V6 on this thread, I wouldn't even consider one without the V8. Also don't expect much out of the stock PCM, and Bluetooth was available but an option on older models.

[biosurfer1]

This is a terrible ad and could probably be a scam, but you never know.

https://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/d/porsche-cayenne-v8/6753906190.html

[island911]

Originally Posted by biosurfer1

This is a terrible ad and could probably be a scam, but you never know.

https://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/d/porsche-cayenne-v8/6753906190.html

But sometimes you do know. And a GTS or turbo with full leather... but advertised just as a "Cayenne V8"... <$9k... yeah, scam.

[Eric Coffey]

Originally Posted by island911

But sometimes you do know. And a GTS or turbo with full leather... but advertised just as a "Cayenne V8"... <$9k... yeah, scam.

+100

I've got a CL search alert set up for Peppers in a few different locales, and that $8500 deal-o-the-century (scam) has been pooping up everywhere for the last couple weeks or so.

[RSBob]

Originally Posted by LeeH

So, I drove a 2008 Cayenne base model. It was in beautiful condition, but had 120K miles. Could have passed for 12K miles inside and out. However... I found it underwhelming. My Mazda3 would definitely beat it in a drag race. It had a variety of rattles. Radio/Nav controls weren't intuitive, plus no Bluetooth. Sort of bummed as I was thinking this was going to be my next vehicle.

My new/2008 S hauls @$$ and put it in Sport Mode and the 4.2 really takes off. Can’t even imagine what a TT would feel like. The 6 is not what you want for mo powa.

Driving impressions: compared to my usual cars, SC, 914, Jetta, this thing weighs ton or two and a half. It is a real momentum mobile going downhill. It corners relatively well considering how high the center of gravity is. The ride is firm but not uncomfortably so. Lots of creature comforts from Bose to heated steering wheel and proximity sensors. At this point, my $15K for a 65K Miles SUV with immaculate interior and paint the is an 8.5 was a good deal.