TMC Traffic Info on PCM

Guest · Jan 9, 2005

This is only probably of interest to people who have the Navigation Module...

When reading the brochure before getting my 997 I was interested to see that the Navigation module supports TMC info to display congestion info, and adjust the navigation device's route accordingly.

However, before I got the car, I heard from another car enthusiast friend that the system was not yet active at all in the UK, but would be soon. So, I did not think much more of it.

Then I was really surprised when one of my colleagues just picked up a new BMW 5-series with full navigation, and they were raving about the navigation system that routes them around hold-ups. Initially I did not believe them, but it is definitely there.

A bit of research shows that Porsche were not licensed to use it in the UK until November 2004. Now, as it is listed as a feature in the UK brochure, I'd like to think that I will be able to get it switched on by an OPC, but bet it won't be as simple as that. It works elsewhere in Europe apparently, but it would be a nonsense if Porsche put it in the brochure, yet it did not work in the country where the car is sold.

Anyone else know anything about this?

Mark_Bennett · Jan 9, 2005

Hate to say it, but the brochure is not UK specific, and I bet there is a disclaimer somewhere that says all features may not be available in a specific country...[&:]

Guest · Jan 9, 2005

Well, there is a disclaimer to some extent on the inside back cover, but (a) the book is in English, and (b) mention of distances is in miles throughout rather than km. That does tend to imply that it is a UK book, as it would be irrelevant elsewhere.

It is interesting to note that the GB web site still lists it as a feature, with no disclaimer http://tinyurl.com/6ff4y

And also if you look at Tecquipment for previous models, it lists it as functionality of the PCM.

Mark_Bennett · Jan 9, 2005

--> THIS THREAD <-- has a little more info as to why it is not available (maybe)...

dereksharpuk · Jan 11, 2005

I, as 997 Register Sec, am arranging a visit to Porsche Cars GB to take place about Easter. Perhaps we could raise this topic, and others, with the Big Chiefs face to face. In the meantime I'll do a little investigation. I am very interested so please keep me informed. It does work well in BMWs and I expected it to work in my 997

graham m · Jan 11, 2005

It should do! It makes great play of it in the publicity blurb on the official GB Porsche web site http://content3.eu.porsche.com/prod/911/911_common.nsf/gbrenglish/c_comfort_pcm?OpenDocument&sc=carreras.nsf

Navigation module
The optional GPS navigation module includes dynamic route guidance via TMC (Traffic Message Channel). This function provides a visual overview of traffic congestion as well as automatic calculation of alternative routes. Other features include a DVD drive for navigation data and an easy-to-use menu structure. After entering your destination, the system determines your position via GPS and then guides you to your destination via the best possible route.

So does it?

Graham

P996997 · Jan 11, 2005

Tim

When studying the brochure and specifying my 997 I also ordered the Navigation module expecting TMC info to display congestion, and allow the option to reroute.

I am expecting this option to function as ordered. My fear is that this will be handled by the dealer in the same way as the Multifunction Steering Wheel, listed as standard equipment for the 997S. Once it dawns on you that you have not seen it on any 997 you ask the question. The answer you are politely told once the current UK printed price is consulted (also including the error) is that it is a mistake, and no you cannot have one because your order has gone firm with the factory. It is impossible to alter the specification. I have asked them to please try, but as usual no feedback.

Note. I see as of today the Porsche web site is still listing this as standard supply one month on from me highlighting the fact. It leaves one wondering whether anybody at the dealership could be bothered to attempt to change the order. Car is due for March delivery. Oh and a quotation of £4000.00+ to retrofit.

Link to Price list at Porsche Cars GB Ltd
http://content2.eu.porsche.com/prod/911/carreras.nsf/gbrenglish/C1256EBC0050EBE8C1256ED10045E1F5/$file/pricelist_997_PCGB.pdf

Regards James

ps. Looking forward to Le Mans Tim, I'm afraid its silver, not Carmon Red!

dereksharpuk · Jan 12, 2005

Hi Guys

Talked with my very reliable Service Manager at my OPC yesterday. He understands the problem, which is indeed a licensing thing. He will let me know as soon as he gets an answer as to when the system will come on line. I agree with everything everyone says.

If it can work, and if it should work, then Porsche should make it work!

I want it to work!

dereksharpuk · Jan 13, 2005

I had a long chat with a senior OPC engineer today who is a PCM specialist, He is tells me that PCM requires an additional hardware module for TMC to work. It would be a simple fit, bit like plugging a card into a PC. He will let me know when Porsche intends to retro fit the 997 (if ever)

dixhuit · Feb 22, 2005

Dear James,
Dont know which dealer you purchased from but Exeter OPC were really good.
Firstly on handover told me the rerouting function wasnt available in the UK but operational on the continent. UK operation would follow later in the year.
Secondly my order was placed jan 04 and I had to spec car in July 04 before the official launch. Delivery was offered for Nov but I was happy to wait until Jan 1 to collect.I had only seen pre release photos and hated the big round boss bus drivers steering wheel. Sports wheel was the official line from Porsche. Exeter couldnt confirm which wheel was on the S. So phone calls to Germany resolved the problem . Special Order placed Oct 20th also got the red seat belts as these were now available. Multi function 3 spoke option number 431 at £280. Even with these changes to the order my car arrived Dec 15th at Exeter ready for the New Year. Wonder why your dealer couldnt be bothered to do a little telephoning on your behalf
Regards
Simon

Guest · Feb 22, 2005

Simon, car looks great. I tried to get the red seat belts, but was told they were not available untill first quarter 2005 (collected my car Nov 04).
As a matter of interest, does your 997 suffer from dash rattles?

Guest · Feb 22, 2005

Nick

I have dashboard rattles, a hard thump on top of the main cluster sorts it for a couple of days, will get it looked at next time I visit the dealer.

graham m · Feb 22, 2005

The demo 997 I drove rattled and squeaked worse than my wife's VW Polo. Cr*p for a 60 grand car. I'll be mighty hacked off if my new one rattles[

]
Graham

Guest · Feb 23, 2005

Once your's is out of it's pjamas it will I'm afraid.

How many days left[

][

]

graham m · Feb 23, 2005

It's PJ's are off, all PDI'd and being delivered on Sat. Time to admire and wait for the snow to melt[&:].
G

Guest · Feb 26, 2005

I hope the snow melted. how did the collection go, any pics?[

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My car is going back in for the second time for rattles, hope they cure them, driving me mad[

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graham m · Feb 26, 2005

Oh yes its arrived[

][

] Just got to wait now 'till Tuesday[

]
This is all one BIG waiting game[&:]
Graham

Guest · Feb 27, 2005

FANTASTIC[

][

] HOW THE HELL CAN TO WAIT!!!![

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]
Cool petrol cap, where did tht come from

graham m · Feb 27, 2005

The cap is in the 997 Tequipment catalogue http://www3.uk.porsche.com/isapi/english/gbr/accessories/911_997teq/item.asp?id=348&kat=Sport
It looks great in the picture, and on the car, but it's just a plastic cap with sticky on ally look. I got it VERY heavily discounted[

], its worth no more than a tenner - the RRP is more like ten fold[&:]
BUT it looks the part - not than anyone would normally see as it's hidden. What the heck, you can't see the engine.......
Graham