How I personalised my 981 Porsche Boxster using PIWIS

[@christianpratt]

The third and final video in my ‘coding’ series - and a satisfying result with PIWIS 3. Do watch the Power Steering and Puddlelight videos to see what else I’ve done to my Porsche with PIWIS.

[@DMR777-p5o]

strange I activated the rain sensors as per Jeff's video and they work perfectly but I dont have the added menu options in light and visibility, what did you change the menu options please?

[@christianpratt]

@@DMR777-p5o Enabling the rain sensor doesn't activate the menu item automatically it seems (though it would surely make sense!) So, you need to be in Engineering (V) mode. In the Overview window, select Kombiinstrument, then CODIERUNG ANPASSUNGEN. Next, select Manual Coding ohne /without MCR-regelen. So far, so normal. Then, in the long list, you need to find something along the lines of 'Board Computer Menu Configuration - Rain Sensor (and I think it was in German from memory - so possibly 'Regensensor'. Toggle the Value to 1, and F8 to write. That should do it. The only caveat is that I used PIWIS 3, and the menu structure for 2 could be slightly different. Good luck!

[@DMR777-p5o]

@@christianpratt thks I didnt do this final step So far, so normal. Then, in the long list, you need to find something along the lines of 'Board Computer Menu Configuration - Rain Sensor (and I think it was in German from memory - so possibly 'Regensensor'. Toggle the Value to 1, and F8 to write. That should do it.

[@kafercup1]

​​@@DMR777-p5o to get the menus in the cluster, you need to go into the cluster coding itself and tick the boxes for rain sensing wipers. It then gives you the controls in the cluster.

[@kafercup1]

thanks for the terrific video. I have discovered that by using the Thinkdiag+ dongle and mobile app, you have almost the entire suite of controls found in PIWIS 3. It's terrific, because you don't have to go into the engineering menu and translate from German, the app has everything clearly spelled out in English. I've been able to do all of these modifications you listed, and additionally activate PTV, GT3 steering program, and activate the light design option for all of the LED units I've added.

[@WFORacer]

I’m interested in spoiler speed mod. Here in the states the speeds it goes up is an easy sign for a law enforcement officer familiar with the brand to pull you over. I leave mine up all the time. I don’t like the increased drag it offers. And doubt it offers any tangible downforce in a corner. I would prefer it stays down. Lastly I forget how tiny the garages are over the pond. That looks like my shed for garden / pool equipment. We are blessed to have garages here with plenty of space. Cheers mate.

[@DMR777-p5o]

easy to do, mine goes up at 70 kmph instead of 120 kmph (legal speed limit) and now comes down at 40 kmph

[@christianpratt]

The speed 'signal' the spoiler provides is a bit of a giveaway isn't it? I've read of people setting the parameter values so that the spoiler effectively remains inactive - basically coding out the spoiler. I don't know precisely what's involved but I know others have tried. Alternatively you could adjust the height values so that it only extends a small amount, reducing the drag. We have a national cultural precedent for small garages (dating back to small cars!). It's - a pain. At least I actually get my car into the garage - thank goodness the Boxster is relatively narrow. Appreciate the comments... 👍

[@christianpratt]

Have a look here... rennlist.com/forums/981-forum/1344350-piwis-rear-spoiler-coding.html

[@SoulBrother-V8]

Another great video 👍

[@christianpratt]

@@SoulBrother-V8 Thank you! Appreciate the comment. 🙏

[@stephenfoster6940]

Thank you for sharing. You mention that all of the specific instructions for enabling these features can be found on various forums etc. Would you be willing to share the details of how to enable these features to save duplicating your time and effort - I’m specifically interested in adding the Rain Sensor menu to the Settings display. I have successfully permanently enabled the auto rain sensing function, but don’t have the menu option to enable/disable, which obviously requires a further change to the instrument settings. You also mentioned that you encountered some issues which you managed to work through - I’d be interested if you could elaborate. As the owner of a manual transmission 981 I’m curious to know whether the Gear Shift Assist display (which is available with the Sport Chrono option which I don’t have) can be enabled. Like many features it won’t materially help with driving, but if it can be enabled then it would be a bit of fun and an additional “free lunch” feature. Thank you.

[@vet.sensia]

Thank you for sharing such useful information. Today, I used PIWIS3 to change the EPS map. Unfortunately, my 14CS didn’t have the GT3 RS/GT4 settings available (they were all marked as 'Reserve'), so I opted for the GT3 as the next best option. After the change, the experience feels very similar to when I drove a 997. However, I noticed a slight disconnect around the dead center of the steering wheel, which someone would describe as feeling 'lighter.' Despite this, I’m relatively satisfied with the results so far. I think I’ll need to drive on more varied roads to properly assess the changes.

[@christianpratt]

Hello! Thanks for commenting and sharing your own experiences - that's great. The GT3 map is widely considered to be an improvement - I'm sure some further driving will reveal its qualities and characteristics, letting you decide if it's for you. Enjoy!

[@julianlong]

Really enjoying these videos. New owner here and I’ve learned a lot, great to know also I’ve got a good independent just down the road from Bury St Edmunds I’m keen to see if I can get the PSE exhaust soft button enabled and the reverse mirror dip activated without the seat memory option

[@christianpratt]

@@julianlong Hello Julian. Welcome to Porsche ownership! It’s a great place to be. PIE Performance are super. So too is William Francis - Charlie knows his beans. I haven’t encountered the reverse mirror dip in isolation. Have you already got the memory seats/package? Not sure what you mean by the soft button for PSE - is that the ‘sunglasses’ button? Are your PSE valves working correctly? That would be the first thing to check if the button doesn’t seem to be working. (See my earlier video on this if you haven’t already…)

[@julianlong]

Hi. Thanks. No I don’t have the memory pack but I was curious to see if anyone and looked into it. So what I’ve read is even if you don’t have the PSE fitted, by activating this regardless you get the ‘exhaust’ button come up in the PCM display and get control of the valves. Keep the videos coming

[@christianpratt]

@ With the caveat that I am far from being an expert on this… stick your head underneath the back of your car and see if your exhaust system has the valve actuators adjacent to the silencers. If they’re not there then it’s probably the stock (non-valved) exhaust.

[@len333p]

How are you finding the GT RS steering map Chris?

[@christianpratt]

@@len333p There in lies a story Barrie! Have a watch of the power steering video I posted before Christmas…

[@bucabrandon]

Is activating PTV without the having the differential harmful in any way? Looking to do that as well as swapping out the front turn signal bulbs to LEDs and finding the setting in PIWIS to eliminate the hyperflash. Curious if you'd be interested in that mod as well!

[@christianpratt]

@@bucabrandon Hi Brandon. Well, I don’t actually know for certain. But the standard diff is ‘open’ and I can’t see how some selective application of the brakes might cause any concerns. (That’s how the stability control - PSM - and ABS works too, of course). And I haven’t encountered any post-fact concerns on the forums. LEDs - 👍 Hyperflash - what’s that when it’s at home?!

[@DMR777-p5o]

@@christianpratt everybody tells me not and I triple checked having carbon disc brakes

[@christianpratt]

@@DMR777-p5o @bucabrandon Useful - thank you. 👍

[@villaman4818]

Hi Ever thought about a lightweight Flywheel and clutch ?

[@christianpratt]

I have, yes, along with a single plate clutch. I'm reluctant to introduce too much additional NVH to though, even though the reduced engine intertia on the throttle blip is highly appealing. A dilemma!

[@villaman4818]

@ I might know someone 😉 who has a brand new boxed Nienmister kit going cheap if you decide to go for it. 👍🏾

[@christianpratt]

@@villaman4818 I shall bear that in mind! 🙏

[@joshlaurence9718]

What forums do you use for all things boxster in the UK ? Thanks

[@christianpratt]

@@joshlaurence9718 Hello Josh Good question! I tend to roam far and wide on the English-speaking forums, cross-referencing as I go. There can be spec and option differences across regions but the core mechanical stuff seems to be common the world over (unsurprisingly). In no particular order: Pistonheads Boxa.net Planet-9 Rennlist Porsche Club Great Britain Porsche Club of America (Technical Q&A) Plus lots of KZbin channels, including: M R Sportscars Jet Fuel Only Jeff Richardson (who is amazing) All of which, in combination, should see you right!

[@Dave-un7fh]

Christian. My car is missing the TPS. Do you know if the physical sensors were fitted as standard? (981S)

[@christianpratt]

@@Dave-un7fh Hi Dave. Good question. The general rule of thumb is that if the option is missing then the wiring loom won’t support retrofit - as I discovered with my puddle lights and footwell lights. I think the rain sensor is the exception that proves the rule (it exists within an otherwise standard fixture) - that the TPMS hardware isn’t present and nor are the plugs on the loom to retrofit. (Same for the rear speaker blanks if you don’t have BOSE - another example.) That said, if you want to know your tyre pressures there are, I understand, plenty of aftermarket options. The only downside being you might not be able to get them to work with/in the dash display.

[@allynwithington]

@@christianpratt As far as I'm aware the inclusion of TPMS (i.e. type pressure monitoring), is a physical component which was optional on all MY 2012-2014 cars, and was made standard for MY 2015. So If I'm right your car will have it as a 64 plate / 2015 car is MY2015 and will have the necessary hardware and KombiMenu option with the tyre pressures.

[@christianpratt]

@@allynwithington Hi Allyn. That’s a good summary - thank you. I think the legislation change was an EU law? Whether it applied in the US too I don’t know. The challenge is that the OP’s car doesn’t have TPMS, and he was hoping it could be simple code enable, much like the wipers. (I suspect it’s not. 😕)

[@Dave-un7fh]

From what I've Googled, if the sensors are installed inside the Tyre, then the"system" should automatically pair with them. I'll talk to my Tyre man and the dealership. The local Porsche Club (NZ), might have some answers too.​@@christianpratt

[@christianpratt]

@@Dave-un7fh Be interested to know what you find out…

[@patricksipple6513]

Tach Speedo daytime illumination would be great. The gray tach in my 981S is almost unreadable.

[@christianpratt]

It’s a problem isn’t it? I had the silver/grey faces in previous cars and they’re useless for visibility. Ironically the standard -classic - white/black/orange is way better. Which is why I didn’t feel the need to code this on the GTS (since my dash isn’t coloured.)

[@stephenfoster6940]

Thank you for sharing. You mention that all of the specific instructions for enabling these features can be found on various forums etc. Would you be willing to share the details of how to enable these features to save duplicating your time and effort - I’m specifically interested in adding the Rain Sensor menu to the Settings display. I have successfully permanently enabled the auto rain sensing function, but don’t have the menu option to enable/disable, which obviously requires a further change to the instrument settings. You also mentioned that you encountered some issues which you managed to work through - I’d be interested if you could elaborate. As the owner of a manual transmission 981 I’m curious to know whether the Gear Shift Assist display (which is available with the Sport Chrono option which I don’t have) can be enabled. Like many features it won’t materially help with driving, but if it can be enabled then it would be a bit of fun and an additional “free lunch” feature. Thank you.

[@christianpratt]

@@stephenfoster6940 Hello Stephen. Thanks for commenting - pleased to know that I’m finding fellow Porsche owners… By all means contact me using the email address in the Channel Details section and I’ll share some details with you. I should also add that we are deep into ‘what I read on the internet’ territory here, since there is absolutely nothing official out there from Porsche on this stuff, and my own notes are in no way definitive. There is also the variability associated with PIWIS - some of the instructions I found online didn’t entirely match what we then encountered in PIWIS. It’s very much YMMV. The issues were to do with steering maps working (or not) and asymmetric LED bulbs. See the Power Steering and Puddle Light videos for more details. Gear shift assist - good question! I’m not sure I’ve found that on my car. I’m going to have to go and check! 😀