I’ve been meaning to share my experience with this small but impactful mod. In the summer I decided to source out a screen protector for my PCM 3.1. My primary motivation wasn’t to protect the screen but to change the aesthetic. I felt the matte screen dated the car. After I installed my Unichip Apple CarPlay module, the feel in the cabin changed dramatically. I wanted to compliment the CarPlay upgrade with a more modern looking screen.

I began searching on Amazon and eBay. I came across a few products from China. I then found protectionfilms24.com (I have no affiliation). They had many different screen protectors for the Panamera, all made and shipped from Germany. I sourced out their “upscreen Hybrid Glass” screen protector in a gloss finish. Cost was less than $20 USD. It arrived well packaged via international mail within 2 weeks. Easy peasy.






Install was a bit tricky and you really only get one shot at putting it on so take your time. The instructions describe using these install “sticky tabs”. Very finicky and I ended up carefully holding it by the ends, eyeballing the fit, and then sticking it down. It can be removed without damage to the PCM screen just like a cellular phone screen protector.

I like the look better than the stock matte PCM display. Only complaint is some glare when it is bright out but I can live with that.



Before screen protector

Screen protector installed


Hope this helps others who have installed the CarPlay/android PCM module and are looking to compliment the display.

 

I did the same thing for the same reasons haha. It definitely updated the interior.

 

good idea, thanks

 

Thanks for the info. Does the touch screen still work the same as it did before? Or do you find it less responsive / having to press harder?

I haven’t done the CarPlay mod yet because I’ve heard others having glitches / issues such as losing backup camera or losing the Nav display in the gauge cluster. Any issues in your end?

I may go with this screen protector either way though, even if I don’t do the CarPlay thing, just to modernize the interior slightly. Thoughts?

 

Good deal. Thx for the info!

There another version on ebay here.

 

The screen protector doesn’t seem to affect the touch screen sensitivity and it works without any issues.

I looked around at the different CarPlay/Android PCM retrofit modules before I got mine. There are a few different ones on the market. They are all from China.

The most common one is the Joyeauto unit and you will find lots of information here and on other forums about Joyeauto. I, too, had read many posts about defective units, shipping delays, install problems, and glitchy function. Also, at the time I was looking, there was relatively little install experience and people posted about troubles dealing with Joyeauto customer service given the language barrier. All of this scared me away from Joyeauto. That being said, others have installed it successfully and will sing its praises.

I went with the Unichip CarPlay/Android retrofit. This unit is less talked about on the forums. This is also Chinese made but I purchased it through NM Automotive in England. Nick Marquis (hence NM) customizes the Unichip module and sends along an installation manual with step-by-step instructions complete with pictures for every step! It is VERY comprehensive. He also provides e-mail support for the installation and any set-up problems in fluent English. He is very knowledgeable and was able to troubleshoot my install without any issues. I also had some set-up problems with telephone routing and he responded promptly (usually next day given the time difference) and helped fix my issue. You pay a bit more but (I believe) get incredible service in return. Shout out to Nick!

This made me more comfortable moving forward with the CarPlay retrofit. Full disclosure: I paid a local tuning shop to do the actual install. It is quite involved and I preferred to have someone with experience do the actual work. Shout out to Justin and Raymond at Overdrive Auto Tuning in Vancouver, BC!

The Carplay retrofit is by far the most impactful mod I’ve done on my car. I can’t image not having wireless CarPlay now! It works perfectly 98% of the time. The other 2% necessitate connecting and disconnecting the phone, fiddling with phone or module settings, etc.. It’s such an improvement over the clunky PCM that I can live with these minor frustrations!

I believe Anthony Wong (famed Panamera modder, goes by the handle @atwong1) also sells the Unichip module. I did not deal with him but he’s got a solid reputation here and on Rennlist.

Hope this helps.

 

Yes, this is the Chinese screen protector I found on eBay. I was going to purchase this one until I stumbled across the German-made upScreen one. Just felt right buying from the same country the car was made...

 

Thanks for the info, much appreciated

 

Nice screenprotector, also just bought it!

 

Nice screen protector, it surely changes the screen look for the better!

Anyone had Unichip or any other CarPlay professionally installed in the Ft. Lauderdale/Miami area? I am interested but may not want to venture into installing it myself. Thanks

 

I'm in the Los Angeles area so no experience in Ft. Lauderdale....

I've used www.photodon.com for custom screen protector they are decent but you may have to measure dimensions if they don't have a template already...