Uncategorized
Porsche BCM Part Number Decoder: 997.618.260.04 vs 997.618.260.08 and More
If you’re replacing the rear Body Control Module (BCM) in your Porsche 997, Boxster, or Cayman, you may be confused by the different part numbers that look nearly identical. What does 997.618.260.04 mean? Can you use a 997.618.260.08 instead? What about .01, .02, or .06?
In this blog post, we’ll break down:
- What each part number means
- Which versions are interchangeable
- Which ones are most reliable
- And how to avoid compatibility issues
🔧 Understanding Porsche BCM Part Numbers
All of these part numbers start with 997.618.260.XX — the last two digits are the revision or version. The full list includes:
- 997.618.260.01
- 997.618.260.02
- 997.618.260.03
- 997.618.260.04
- 997.618.260.06
- 997.618.260.08
Each new revision generally means Porsche made a hardware or software improvement. However, these changes are often minor and focused on reliability or internal layout.
🔄 Can You Mix and Match These BCMs?
Yes and no.
- YES, if you’re cloning the original BCM to the donor BCM with the exact same part number
- NO, if the donor part number is different — you risk compatibility or immobilizer sync issues
For example:
If your car originally has a 997.618.260.04, you should clone into another .04 only — even though .08 is a newer version, its internal layout or coding structure may differ.
⚠️ Why It’s Safer to Clone Than Swap
Trying to install a used BCM with a different part number without cloning usually results in:
- Immobilizer lockout (car won’t start)
- VIN mismatch errors
- Lost coding for lights, locks, and accessories
- Warning lights on the dash
That’s why we recommend 1:1 cloning of your original module into an identical donor.
🚑 Dealer Replacement vs Clone
- Dealer replaces BCM with the latest version (usually .08) and programs it from scratch
- That requires towing and dealer tools
- Cost: $900–$1300+
Cloning at Karman Auto:
- You send us the original and matching donor BCM
- We copy the VIN, coding, immobilizer, and configuration
- Result: a plug-and-play donor that works just like the original
Ship both units to Karman Auto, clearly marked “Original” and “Donor.”
🔍 Still Not Sure Which Part You Have?
Look at the white sticker on your BCM. You’ll see something like:
P/N: 997.618.260.04 HW: H04 SW: 3.1
Use that to confirm your exact part number before ordering a donor.
You can also message us with a photo, and we’ll help you verify compatibility.
🔗 Order the Porsche Rear BCM Clone Service Now
Avoid costly reprogramming, immobilizer issues, and dealer downtime. We make BCM replacement simple and reliable.
Tags for SEO: Porsche 997.618.260.04 vs 997.618.260.08, Porsche BCM compatibility, Porsche rear BCM part numbers, Boxster BCM revision list, 997 BCM clone, BCM not working after swap, Porsche BCM decoder, BCM version differences, Porsche BCM interchange chart
