Hello everyone, my name is Camilo and I am new to the forum.. I know how great and useful forums can be as I am coming from mbworld.org.. I currently drive a 2002 c32 AMG and looking into getting a 2008 Porsche GTS.. I searched the forum for possible problems related to the Cayenne, I came across the cooling pipes but later figured out from 2007+ Porsche replaced rubber hoses with aluminum pipes.. My questions are:

What other vehicle/engine problems should I be aware of..?

What should I look for when inspecting the Cayenne..?

Coming from a Mercedes Benz AMG, what is the difference in maintenance cost when compared to the Cayenne..? Obviously expecting the Cayenne to be more costly..

I am a DIY guy with average engine, transmission & electrical knowledge, how difficult is it to work on the Cayenne: oil change, spark plugs, transmission flush,brake and rotor replacement etc..

Thanks in advance for any help given..

 

Actually - the 2008 model still has plastic pipes -but a different design then the '03-06 models. Haven't heard of failures of the later design.

Best advice - have a good independent give whatever Porsche you're thinking of buying a pre-purchase-inspection (PPI.) Best if it's a mechanic who is familiar with Cayennes and the tiny (hugely expensive) flaws the vehicles have. Many of the problems with earlier Cayennes haven't shown up on the 2nd generation (face-lift model), but doesn't mean they won't, may be the newer trucks are under warranty, and the flaws haven't cost people money yet.

 

Where do you live?

 

i would look more at the options list you want to nail down.

manual or auto

PCM Nav head unit or not

full leather interior or not

PDCC or not

to be honest 2009 have the upgraded PCM with bluetooth & Ipod so read up on that

li think you will like the GTS - costs - can't believe MB charges any less than their German counter parts?

 

Thanks for the advice. Unfortunately I live in a small town in which I will never find an +08 Cayenne GTS close by therefore forced to search a +150 mile radius in which I know nothing of. Buying a dealer CPO is still an option though.

 

California.

 

This is the reason why I would like to make my move to a Porsche. Would rather have a 911 but wife wants SUV so we met in the middle . What is PDCC and I did notice the upgraded PCM as well as the HMI Information center in the dash of the Turbo's.

 

PDCC stands for "Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control", it is an active antiroll bar system that helps to eliminate body roll. Here is the definition from Porsche's website. This is one of the best features of my CTT. Hard to find second-hand, but worth holding out on. Do not think about it, just get it.

Here is a video demo of PDCC in action:

 

That is a great video. What powers the valves running the PDCC system? I have an annoying whine which sounds like a hydraulic pump whine and suspect it is from the PDCC pump. Do you know how to check it? No dealer I have dealt with does.

 

PDCC uses hydraulic fluid and motors to do its work. Surprisingly, there isn't much interface to this system - unlike the air suspension. There is a reservoir under your hood to check to see if the PDCC fluid level is low (part of routine maintenance), so you can top it off. I suppose this is meant to be a low-maintenance system. Other than that, I have heard of people having to bleed the system after replacing a few PDCC lines. There are bleeder nipples attached to the system for removing any stuck air bubbles. If memory serves, the bleeding process is somewhat complicated.

 

Can you share how to check the fluid level?

 

Same dilima with my wife. Was about to get 993 turbo but our third new born was on the way. So got the CTT instead.

 

EDIT: Sorry, I do not want to derail this thread - just answering questions. If it goes past this, then shoot me a PM.

It took some digging - apparently this information is not easy to find outside of the dealership. You can thank me later

 

How soon are you looking to buy? I've been thinking about selling my 08 GTS.

Not sure I can do it, but I've been thinking about it.