Software version on 991.1

[Phillip Wright]

I am probably going to buy a 991,1 this next week and am looking for things which I can try to get included in any deal. It would be a 2015 car. Would there be a software or navigation update which I can get? How would I know what version(S) the car has presently?
Very many thank.

 

[Paul de Waal]

Hi Phillip,
You can look at the detailed hardware and software versions of a 991.1 by pressing the INFO and SOURCE buttons in the PCM simultaneously. In the 991.1 you have a PCM3.1 (=hardware version). As far as I am aware you only have firmware versions version V3.40, V3.41 and V3.42. There where some rumours that we would get a 3.43 version, but I would not wait for that. If you next press "Current system" on the screen you see a list with all the individual hardware (HW) and software (SW) versions on that specific 911.
I had mine 991.1 C2 2012 recently updated to V3.42 and will list my list with hard and software versions as reference. (See bottom of this message, I expect a 2015 S is different, maybe somebody else can give you the latest and greatest of that specific model?). An update is about 395 Pounds, takes 1 day (about 12 CD's, takes forever) and afterwards they have to make some settings with a special tool that only the OPC or very advances Porsche centres have access to.
Lots of advantages to the new firmware, like 7 digit postcode entry, updated and better maps, interior light was not adjustable, now it is, and I swear the motor is a tiny bit more responsive. I thought it was worth it.
Worth making a deal on that (I got a 50/50).

The other issues that is a potential negotiator is extended warranty, either by the dealer itself or through an external company and f.i. share the costs. However carefully look at that extra warranty you get, it is often limited to the main parts of the car and there is a cap on the pay-outs for warranty.
Than try to make a deal on a good discount on your first service (if the place you buy it from has good mechanics obviously).

Especially for a 991.1 it is very important that the wheels are aligned properly. I had this tests by a "Specialist" and after that have it tests by an OPC. Do not bring your P to a "Specialist" for alignment, even if they claim that the they have the most modern laser system! Ask the company you buy it from to have a 4 wheel alignment test done at the OPC and let is be adjusted to perfection.

Finally, be a pain and go over the car with eagle eyes, (or take somebody with you with eagle eyes). Every tiny scratch, dent, broken piece of plastic, broken LED in the 3rd and 4th brake light, etc. is a potential negotiation helper!

Have fun negotiating and enjoy your 911!

Paul

Hardware and firmware readings 991.1 C2 2012 with 3.42:
pressing the INFO and SOURCE buttons in the PCM simultaneously.

System version PCM: V3.42
PCM3.1
Serial No: BE9612C50xxxx

After ”Press current system” button:
HWID_PCM3
HWID: PCMS01XX0919
SWID_PCM31APP
SWIDPCM31APP0113104A
Status: Valid
SWID_PCM31EMR
SWIDCM31EMR0110196E
Status: Valid
SWID_PCM31HDD
SWIDCM31HDD0113104A
Status: Valid
SWID_PCM31PWC
SWIDCM31PWC0108281A
Status: Valid
SWID_PCM31IPL
SWIDCM31IPL0108253A
Status: Valid
SWID_PCM31GPS
SWIDCM31GPS0108281A
Status: Valid
SWID_PCM31BOL
SWIDCM31BOL96120801200209
Status: Valid
SWID_PCM31IOC
SWIDCM31IOC0112105A
Status: Valid
SWID_PCM31FDC
SWIDCM31FDC0109404A
Status: Valid

Pressing sideways button:
HWID_DVDS
HWIDVDROMV0533
SWID_DVDS
SWID: DVD50XX1A20
Status: Valid

Pressing sideways button again:
WHID_PHONE
HWIDHONO1C20702
SWID_PHONE
SWID:NADP0108073A

 

[Phillip Wright]

Interestingly, in the '65 plate 991.1 GTS which I bought, the S/w version was 4.75. I was told that there was a 4.76 but the difference is minimal and not worth the update cost.
Interesting because it has PCM3.