Upgrade Your Porsche Panamera to Fullscreen CarPlay on MHI2 PCM4.1
For Porsche Panamera owners with the MHI2 PCM4.1 system yearning for a more immersive Apple CarPlay experience, upgrading to fullscreen is now achievable. This weekend, I successfully updated my PCM 4.x system, and the process, while detailed, is straightforward. This guide outlines the steps, resources, and potential minor issues you might encounter, ensuring a smooth upgrade to fullscreen CarPlay on your Panamera.
Step-by-Step Firmware Update for Fullscreen CarPlay
To begin, you’ll need the necessary firmware files. These can be sourced from MIB Solution (login as guest: guest/guest): MIB Solution :: Login. Specifically, download MHI2_US_POG11_K5186_1_MU1476_AIO_20220723.7z. For maps, the latest version is available here: MIB Solution :: Login P87_N60S5MIBH3_NAR_NT_Q3.21_2022-23.7z.
A reliable SD card is crucial for this update. A 32GB SanDisk Ultra SDHC card, similar to this one from Amazon, works perfectly. Ensure your Panamera is connected to a battery charger (10 amp recommended) throughout the update to prevent power interruptions. Turn off your headlights to minimize battery drain.
Unzip the downloaded files using 7zip and transfer them to the SD card. Follow the detailed instructions provided in this guide: GitHub – harman-f/MHI2_US_POG11_K5186_1-MU1476-AIO: Porsche MHI2 US POG11 custom AIO FW update. Adhering to these instructions closely is key to a successful update.
Alt text: Porsche Panamera infotainment screen displaying the PCM 4.1 firmware update progress, indicating the system upgrade for fullscreen CarPlay activation.
Navigating Potential Hiccups
During the update, be aware of a couple of minor issues I encountered. Firstly, the system might enter sleep mode after the firmware update completes. While the PCM remains active during updates, it might go to sleep afterward and not reboot automatically. If this occurs, simply cycle the car key to wake the PCM and initiate the final reboot.
Secondly, when applying the SVM fix, allow sufficient time (around 20 seconds after power-on) before starting. Attempting it too quickly may result in a frozen loading screen. If this happens, repeat the tuner-car button sequence to reload the GEM. Remember to use the right knob for menu navigation; button clicks might not function as expected on certain screens.
Activating Android Auto and CarPlay
For Android Auto (AA) to appear, ensure an Android phone is connected via the USB port in your Panamera’s console. Upon connection, the PCM will prompt you to launch AA, and the Android Auto button will then be visible in the menu. While wireless AA adapters are available, wired connection is initially required for activation.
For map updates, reuse the same SD card. Rename metainfo2.txt to metainfo_fwupdate.txt and copy the map update files to the SD card. Initiate the map update via the PCM’s standard update menu. Be patient, as it may take some time for the system to recognize the map update files on the SD card.
With these steps, your Porsche Panamera MHI2 PCM4.1 system will be upgraded to support fullscreen CarPlay, enhancing your in-car entertainment and navigation experience. Enjoy the improved interface and functionality!
