Aftermarket Wheels - Warranty Issues
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Damon,
The aftermarket has dealt with this problem for decades. I served on the SEMA Board of Directors for years and it was always an issue.
The problem has two main facets:
1. OEMs, not just Porsche, have a general distaste for aftermarket products. Dealers often modify vehicles prior to delivery. SOME of these products can have a negative impact on performance and handling. Imagine the impact on the performance of a Chevy Tahoe if you install 75lb cast 24" wheels. Well this can also happen to a Porsche, although to a lesser degree. The OEMs don't have the patience or resources to police this activity, so they take a general "DON'T DO IT" position. There are US Federal Laws that control this activity, but there are seldom prosecutions.
2. That said, the OEMs recognize the profit potential of the aftermarket so they often restrict modifications other than the stuff in their own accessory catalogs.
I think it unlikely that you will ever get PCNA or any other OEM to take a friendly position towards mods that they don't control. They have little to gain and much to lose. Sadly, the clandestine approach suggested in this thread is the common recourse.
The aftermarket has dealt with this problem for decades. I served on the SEMA Board of Directors for years and it was always an issue.
The problem has two main facets:
1. OEMs, not just Porsche, have a general distaste for aftermarket products. Dealers often modify vehicles prior to delivery. SOME of these products can have a negative impact on performance and handling. Imagine the impact on the performance of a Chevy Tahoe if you install 75lb cast 24" wheels. Well this can also happen to a Porsche, although to a lesser degree. The OEMs don't have the patience or resources to police this activity, so they take a general "DON'T DO IT" position. There are US Federal Laws that control this activity, but there are seldom prosecutions.
2. That said, the OEMs recognize the profit potential of the aftermarket so they often restrict modifications other than the stuff in their own accessory catalogs.
I think it unlikely that you will ever get PCNA or any other OEM to take a friendly position towards mods that they don't control. They have little to gain and much to lose. Sadly, the clandestine approach suggested in this thread is the common recourse.
Why not Porsche?
It's not that the mod frenzy segment is so large that an extra warranty expense and some controlled choices offer the most powerful upgrades for a fee . They can even make a sliding scale for upgrades where less costs less .
Is there simply not enough profit ? too hard to warranty? Too difficult to offer it worldwide? This is almost like halting stem cell research but for car development .
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From: Long Island
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Being in the industry, I would love it if someone who wrks for or is related to PCNA has any feedback on this. If not I am going to try and get a straight answer myself. It isn't like you can change OD or offset enough with the space provided to really do any damage.....
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Joined: Nov 2008
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From: Dubai
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Sadly we have the worst after sales/service Porsche dealer in the world, and ironically they got first place in the highest number of vehicles sold by a Porsche dealership around the world. That's why Porsche AG loves them.
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