I have a 2008 Porsche C4S with 8500+ miles and my onboard computer says I have 10 days when service is due. I spoke with my local Porsche Service Center and they gave me a rough estimate that my 1st service would cost $825.00 USD . He also mentioned that they would check for software updates on the ECU. Having owned the car since April 2009, is there any required updates that needed to be performed? I'm not having any problems with my car and would rather keep my $$$ and perform the maintenance myself i.e. hose inspections, oil changes, air filter changes...etc.

Additionaly note: I've ordered the X51 headers and later order AWE cats. I shouldnt need to have the ECU reflash, am I right?

Thanks in advance,
Darren

 

Darren, I would invest in the Durametrics software so you can reset Service Engine Soon lights. The 1st maintainence requirement is quite light and you are right you can do it yourself. I have done all my maintainence other than the brake fluid flush which I paid $80 to have it done. As far as an ECU reflash I wouldn't worry about it unless the car isn't running right then take it in for warranty work and have it reflashed then if one is required.

I have X51 headers and AWE cats on my car now for almost 3 years and the car has no ECU reflash and all is well. You don't need it..

Dave

 

Dave,
Thank you for the information. I'll look into that reset tool.

 

I believe that any time you take the car in for service, under warranty, if there are any ECU updates....... that they are to be done when the car is there so they can mark-it-off. (no charge).

In-fact when I stopped in for a simple cover on the wiperblade nut (push in black plug went missing), they did a check for any updates....... had there been one they would have wanted to keep the car versus just handing me the plug.

 

ECU updates are rare, and since your car is a late model 997.1 you should be current.

 

Durametric software is not a reset tool but software that is loaded into a computer. It can be bought from FVD at around $280.00. It comes with the USB connector that connects to the cars OBDII port to communicate with the car. It does a lot more than just reset the "Service Soon" light.

Dave

 

Thanks Dave.

 

You do have an ECU update - I had one on a previous 997.1 myself. It had to do with the control of the fan and the theoretical problem is overheated engine and I remember the note saying something about possible fire resulting. So I'd treat any ECU update very seriously. As others have said, this is a warranty item. So, I'd do the oil / filter / brake fluid and whatever, bring the car for the ECU update, and ask them nicely to reset the service computer as you show them you did it yourself (ie: Receipts for the filter, oil, etc.). If you don't want to chance it, ask them ahead of time. Me, I would not want the Porsche computer system to suggest that you never had the service 1 done. If the dealer is reasonable, in the scenario I suggested they should update the computer to show service 1 was completed.