2005 Cayenne V6 PCM 2.1 upgrade

[RNajarian]

i just updated the PCM 2.1 in my Cayenne and would share my experience with the group.

I custom ordered my 2005 Cayenne V6 in November of 2004 and took delivery in Feb 2005. The PCM was DVD based version 2.1 level A. The SUV is only used for family trips or occasional large item transport. It has 44,084 miles on the odometer.

I wanted to update the Maps, I figured updating every 10 years wasn't too unreasonable.

When I updated my 2007 Mercedes CLK the procedure was simple, start the engine, remove old DVD map, insert new DVD, wait 5 minutes for update to complete and turn off engine when the Mercedes Command System (their version of the PCM) states the update is complete. The cost was ~$300 for the most current map.

However, for the 2005 Cayenne it was not as simple (or cheap.) There are several issues to consider. Porsche was converting from a CD based navigation system to a DVD based navigation system from 2004 to 2005. PCM 2.1, the DVD based system has 4 levels, STANDARD VERSION, VERSION A, VERSION B, and VERSION C.

I was getting different information from different people. A Porsche Service Advisor told me "just buy the disks and put them in yourself, our service guys do it in the parking lot all the time." Another service advisor (from another dealer) said "the tech needs to hook the car up to the PIWIS to get additional updates from the factory."

I read on the web on another forum that in addition to the issue of what version of PCM 2.1 you have, the version of the amplifier is also a concern. By pressing MAIN + TRIP you can determine not only your PCM Version, but also what version of the amplifier you have. The individual on the other forum indicated that if your amplifier actual value is less than 00017500 then it is not a good idea to try and update the PCM yourself. He recommended having the dealer upgrade the navigation system because early versions of the Bose amplifier had been completely rendered useless and require replacement when attempting to upgrade from the level A to the level B when the version of the amplifier was below the amplifier actual version of 00017500.

My amplifier actual version was 00016457 and PCM model level A

My decision was to purchase the updated DVD set (997 044 90351) and have a dealer install it. The prices of the DVD navigation update varied from $302 to $487 (for the same part number.) Our host was extremely competitive at $315, and Rusnak Porsche Pasadena was outrageously priced at $487. Because of the tremendous service to the Porsche Community I recommend patronizing our host, so we can keep these forums up and running.

I made an appointment with the Thousand Oaks Rusnak Porsche dealership (not to be confused with the overpriced parts department at the Rusnak Pasadena Porsche dealership). The service advisor informed me that they have done a few of the level A upgrades of the PCM 2.1. However he cautioned me in rare occasions the system will crash and the PCM will be rendered useless and I would be required to buy a complete new head unit. Sort of an informed consent. I went ahead and had the Thousand Oaks Porsche dealership do the install, The service advisor called the technician into his office and let me share some of my concerns with him regarding the amplifier and the upgrade in general. The technician seemed knowledgeable and assured me everything would go well. The service advisor told me it may take an entire day to do the upgrade depending on what might or might not happen. However he would only charge me for an hour and a half labor time.

Long story short after an hour and a half my car pulled up upgraded updated with no problems to the amplifier and everything seemed to check out and work well. The technician told me that he did have to attempt to update it two times because the first time it did not work and he did tell me that he did hook up the car to the PIWIS. The PCM had been updated to Model Level B.

The cost of the install at the dealer was $250. The upgrade did not change any of the features of my PCM, however the maps have been updated and are easier to read and the point of interests are now included and can be displayed on the map as you drive. Overall The difference between the 2005 and 2014 navigation maps are significant and the update has more functionality than the original 2005 PCM maps.

So for about $550 I was able to complete this navigation update. Stay tuned in 2025 for my next update.

[Gilberto]

Wow thanks for your Tell.