Need a new radio

[86 ssinit]

Just wondering what everybody is using. Just looking for one to hook up easily to Bluetooth and WiFi. Has am/fm. Apple CarPlay would be nice and phone answering.

[Qtrfoil]

Top choices seem to be the Porsche Classic Communication Management system (PCCM), which has CarPlay but is quite pricey. Next choice down in price is the Blaupunkt Bremen SQR 46 DAB, which is a remake of the original Bremen and looks like OE. Next there's a VDO Continental TR7412UB (I think) which is even less expensive but still looks pretty OE.

It's funny - I bought a Blaupunkt but now that I've broken the car out for summer I'm not hating the old Sony detachable face CD player. I've got a LOT of CDs and somehow it's nice just to listen to music, an album at a time, with no phone calls or BlueTooth distracting me. I get a little kick out of curating the 20 CDs I'll take with me on a roadtrip, and I'm not entirely sure I'll install the Blaupunkt!

I see Single DIN-sized CarPlay units on Amazon and eBay for $100. I think I'd rather just go out in the driveway and tear up 5 x $20s.

[darrin]

I recently installed and really like the blaupunkt Bremen sqr 46 dab -- hooks up great to bluetooth, doesn't have wifi or applecart play, but fits in perfectly with our classic cars. I use mine in conjunction with a Rennline iPhone mount, which puts my phone close to my line of sight, where it works great for maps/entertainmetn, etc. Haven't yet installed a subwoofer (there are some small ones that fit nicely under the passenger seat, but the blaupunkt has a separate (configurable) line level subwoofer output and line level outputs. The Bremen also comes with a microphone and has full cell phone connectivity for hands free calls

Have heard a lot of negative comments on the Porsche radio. Continental is nice, but lacks line level (rca) outputs, which makes it a poor choice if you want to use (or eventually add) an external amp

The other option is to skip a headunit altogether and go with a bluetooth-equipped power amp paired directly to your phone.

[ahendy]

I bought the PCCM and absolutely love it. Best upgrade I’ve done to my car. CarPlay works great and it still looks “factory”… since it is!

[86 ssinit]

Factory original looks really don’t matter to me. I’ve got the original if I ever sell. I’m just looking for an easy usable radio that works. Went to cruchfields and not sure what the radios come with. Don’t need cd player I’ve got lots of albums on my iPhone and played on random I can listen for days. But also want the standard am/fm and to be able to hook up to the phone. It’s got a 10yr old Alpine in it now that just doesn’t connect to Bluetooth anymore.

[FA-18C]

Continental is a great option, best value.

[TeeJayHoward]

I don't even bother with a radio. I stream music from my phone to a cheap Bluetooth amplifier, which my car speakers are plugged in to.

[grb008]

PCCM Classic

[86 ssinit]

Thanks guys! Ordered a pair of continentals. One for each car.

[darrin]

Originally Posted by 86 ssinit

Thanks guys! Ordered a pair of continentals. One for each car.

Enjoy! (and thanks for sharing your decision) Lots of good threads regarding installation/use of the continentals

[FA-18C]

Easy and direct install. Make sure to order the adapter harnesses and crimping supplies. Have been really happy with the overall sound given I am not in the quietest environment in the Targa. The price is a good value - I also replaced the speakers with Focals in the front with a crossover, and JBLs in the rear. Acceptable, but WAY better than what was in there. Noise cancelling allows hands free phone with blue tooth - I tend to stream music more than radio.

[Ctopher]

No need to crimp anything with a harness from Bergvillfx. It was a plug and play event and I even did a Porsche sticker so it mimics stock looking radio.

https://www.bergvillfx.com/categories/wiring-harnesses


CTopher

[porschedude996]

Originally Posted by FA-18C

Continental is a great option, best value.

I agree, it play’s some adequate sound, plays with my cellphone, and looks period correct.

[berndtj]

I've got the continental in my e30 and this modern Alpine in my 911SC: https://www.alpine-usa.com/product/ute-73bt

I prefer the Alpine, and don't think it looks too out of place.

[86 ssinit]

Thanks again. It comes with the wiring harness but not sure mounting bracket. But I bet the bracket from the alpine will fit. Liked the Alpine but the Bluetooth has always been spotty and now doesn’t connect at all. Never really worked right in either car. Antenna maybe never hooked up good? No clue but radio reception was never good.
My speakers are all Sonys and still sound good .
Will put up some pics when I get it and get it installed.

[RNajarian]

Thumbs down on PCCM+ radio.

1) I bought it from the dealer for my Cayenne ($500 more than from our host-Pelican didn’t carry PCCM+ when I pulled the trigger)

2) Had dealer install it.

3) Interface is clumsy, graphics -meh. Built in GPS system/maps looks cartoonish when compared to AppleCar Play GPS system

AM radio does not work now. Dealer service writer told me AM radio reception is bad in Los Angeles.

Here is a thread of my experience.

https://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-cayenne-macan-forum/1136481-pccm-getting-installed-today.html

Buy a high quality aftermarket unit.

My two cents.

[Qtrfoil]

Originally Posted by RNajarian

Thumbs down on PCCM+ radio.

Buy a high quality aftermarket unit.

My two cents.

I think you are answering a different question than was asked. Having read your post, it seems like a good portion of your frustration was with the dealer, and more was because you misunderstood that XM radio is not originally built into the system.

Mostly, though, with a Cayenne you DO have other options for a "high-quality aftermarket unit." With a 911G and a single DIN slot, however, you either get the PCCM or you go without CarPlay as preferred, unless you're willing to go without the original equipment look.

You:

"The PCCM+ works very much like the head units found in late model cars. The sound is pretty good. Bluetooth streaming works well and shows the song and artist on the screen.

"All the steering wheel controls work as they did with the original PCM.

"I’ll post more as I play with the radio more, but overall I’m glad I pulled the trigger.

"I activated the SiriusXM radio. It looks like the original XM antenna located in the rear spoiler works well with this radio. The signal is strong and even worked in a basement parking garage."

[Rodsrsr]

What about this? Might be cool in a 70's model.


https://www.retromanufacturing.com/collections/vehicle-search/products/1970-76-porsche-914-retroradio?variant=42013467377820

[g12314]

I know it won’t be for everyone, but I do like having modern infotainment and just had this setup installed: https://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Car/NEX/DMH-WC5700NEX

Happy with the overall install.

[Koizumi]

I used a line-out converter with the Continental to add a subwoofer under the passenger seat. Also added an amp screwed into the back of the wooden passenger footboard. Combined with Focals, the system sounds wonderful.

Yes the Continental doesn’t have a sub out, but for $20 you can use the converter. Easy work around.

Also got the harness and Porsche sticker from Bergvillfx - very highly recommended.