Looks like I shoulda read up a little on common Cayenne issues. I think the dreaded plastic coolant hose issue struck on my 2004 S.

I was driving pretty aggressively when the 'Check Coolant' warning came on. Within two minutes I was off the road but vapor was steaming off the engine and coolant dripping all over the place.

I had the car towed to a reputable mechanic who took a quick look and said that the manifold had cracked... He estimated about 20 hours on repair. Seems a bit much considering that I read others having done the work in 4.5 hours.

I did a little research but I didn't see anyone complain about this overheating having damaged the manifold. I'm guessing it's just the coolant hoses that need to be upgraded to the aluminum ones. I think my next step is to get the car towed to the dealership for a professional repair...I'm sure they've done a bunch of Cayenne coolant hose upgrades. .

So I want to make the best out of this event and while I'm getting the work done, get any additional recommended maintenance done. I'm right under 60,000 miles.

Two questions.. 1 - What does the Porsche dealership charge for this?

2 - Does anyone have a reputable Porsche repair shop near DC metro area that is more affordable than the dealership?

 

Sunset and suncoast offer "kits" made entirely of OEM parts that would save you some $$. You may get the prices and see if the dealer will match since they are getting the labor out of you anyway. I doubt the intake manifold has broken.

 

have the dealer check: drive shaft, torque converter seal, and liftgate struts. These are known issues. Since you're there, you can also get the 60K service done.

 

neil have you had to replace your pipes yet? Just curious, I'm still looking for a used cayenne tow vehicle, my price range their all looking like 04s, so I figure at some point it's going to happen! Friends telling me I'm crazy to by a six yr old 50-60k mi cayenne, but seems like this is the only problem I've really seen come up in these forums. Sorry if went of topic

 

No I have not but I'm waiting on them to go. The cold weather is helping so it probably won't happen till spring/summer. Get an '04 and buy the extended warranty or find a CPO '04.

 

probably won't find one CPO for want I want to pay, been thinking about the extended warranty tho. Any suggestions where to go/cost? Assume I can search here for info? thanks again!

 

Just got off the phone with Porsche. My main beef is that I had the car (which I got from a private party) in their service department just a few months ago. They did a 27 point inspection but did not alert me of any potential cooling issues.

Bottom line - About 2 grand in parts and labor. Including $200 for the coolant! No concessions or goodwill offered.

I asked if they would do the upper and lower tubes and their response was - We'll cover 'every tube that's under the intake manifold.'

I wondered if we should do any 60,000 mile services and their response was that nothing should be necessary...

This is my first Porsche and I was just about to buy a pre-owned Carrera from them. I'm not so sure now.

I hate to say that even after getting off the phone with them I'm still left with a skeptical feeling that there will be more 'surprises.'

 

The driveshaft is the only other major problem. I've had several others, but the cooling pipes and the shaft are the two major ones.

 

I had my 2005 CTT's coolant pipes 100% covered by Porsche. I was out of the original factory warranty and no CPO.

The dealer originally wanted $2500 to replace everything and when I mentioned to the Service Adviser the pipes are a known defect and asked for assistance they called Porsche and PCNA stepped up.

It really depends on your relationship with your dealer. If they are willing to help you out, they will talk to Porsche.

Hope it all works out for you.

 

2nd... I was right at the end of my warantee so I was able to get everything covered by the dealership. But I believe even out of warantee my service manager would have taken care of me.

 

I had the same thing happen to me a few months ago on the highway. Had to get towed to the dealership and they charged about $1900 for the repair. I was about 9k miles out of warranty. I didn't think to make the 'known issue' argument.

 

so what are the common symptoms I should look out for? I'm waiting for mine to go out as well. Will there be a CEL?

What did you notice in the days before it happened? Was the temp gauge higher than 180 degrees all the time?

thanks.

 

What's the typical symptom of having the drivershaft issue? rattles on stop position? Did they fix the issue on later built Cayenne like 05/06? or is my 2006 also on the table for this?

Thanks!

 

You'll feel and hear your car shake considerably coming from the front right side. Especially when you accelerate from stand still. It then goes away after you've reached approx 15mph or higher. I believe this is only an issue with the '04. It was addressed and fixed from the '05 on up.

 

So Porsche has had my car for the day... the found that my ignition coil had some cracks...recommend replacement. Also, since I'm at 57,000...why not do the 60,000 mile service.

So to fix the coolant pipe issue, replace the coil, and do the 60,000 mile service we're looking at about $4400.

Does that seem a little high to anyone? This is my first time dealing with Porsche on major repairs...and they don't seem to want to budge at all.