I use 4 ramps so the whole car is level

 

I'm going to try that. I bought 4 ramps the other day. Finally got my valve body so will be tearing into things tonight. It seems like just such a straightforward job. Hope it is!! If I run into any hitches or have good tips I'll let you know Bama.

 

Excellent, thanks. Good luck!!

So, the previous dealership screwed up during the install of the new secondary air pump and now the SAI valve is clogged. Old dealer won't cover it. I really hate that SA. New dealership wants $600 for new valve. I'm going to clean it out myself this weekend and see if that'll fix it. Some carb cleaner will hopefully do the trick.

Wheels/tires are mounted and I should be able to pick it up today. Can't wait to see how she looks.

 

Ok, here goes. It took me just shy of 6 hours but I hit a few snags along the way. Know that I know how to do it I could really have it done in probably two hours. Here are some tips and pitfalls to watch out for.

The four ramps works fine. Special terrain mode with the ramps givse you plenty of room.

Be prepared for a MESS and yes I did capitalize the whole word. Seems like every time you take another bolt loose more fluid comes dripping or pouring out of another hole. The good part is my skin is nice and baby soft now.

Be sure you have all the tools you need ahead of time. I didn't get started until late and then realized I didn't have a 16mm allen head socket for the fill/inspection plug. Had to resort to vise grips like a hack would. But I also bought a new plug and want to check the fluid level again after driving it anyway so will put the new plug in when I do that. The drain plug has a crush washer so make sure you have a new one of those.

I pulled the little stainless clips off that hold the belly pan on just for more room, only one bolt each anyway.

Pull the pan and little guard that covers the drain plug and drain it. You can get to the bolts for the guard with an extension from behind the cross member. Mine had been sitting for awhile but it was still pretty warm. Be prepared for that.

Pull the pan off but realize no matter how long you let it drain there will still be a half a quart or more of fluid in there somehow! I knew that but still managed to spill it all over the place.

Unbolt the filter and guess what...more trapped fluid.

One place I stumbled was figuring out how to unplug the wires from the selenoids. I finally figured out that a very small flat screw driver inserted into the plug from the outside edge and then prying the plug out worked. The only other hard spot was getting the large white plug off the braket in the center. Same type deal use the screwdriver from the back of the plug. I was afraid I was gonna break it but I didn't.

From there it's really striaghtforward, unbolt all the bolts (16 I think) and the valve body will be in your lap.There are three bolts that are longer than the rest. I didn't realize that when they came out but it was pretty easy to figure out putting it back in, they go on the front center three holes because the bottom of the valve is thicker there.

Bolt the new one up and plug the wires in. Double and triple check everything. Make sure all the bolts are in and torqued (70in/lb+1/4turn was what I found) and then reinstall the filter and pan.

Remove the fill plug and fill. The first fill only took about 5 quarts. Put the plug in, run it for a bit to circulate and warm the fluid then repeat fill. Mine only took just less than 8 quarts but I'm not sure I had it warmed up enough (supposed to be about 100 degrees). It was getting late and I wanted to get done. That's why I'm going to check it again.

Other than those little issues like I said be prepared for a mess and to need a shower when done. I don't get how in the hell they justify a 6 hour quote for this at the dealer? Now way on a lift and with all the proper tools there it would take a pro more than 2-3 at the most. But I guess there has to be a profit margin huh?!?

So good luck with yours and let me know if you have any issues I may be able to walk you through it if you need.

 

Outstanding tips, thank you very much jdubbya! It'll probably be 2-3 weeks before I tackle it.

Went for a bike ride today and went by Barber Motorsports Park. The Porsche Club of America had rented it out so I got a guest pass and went down to the paddock area to hang out for a bit. Lots of very nice cars out there, wish I had known about it, might have considered taking the pig. Pics are on the way...

My phone takes awful photos but here goes:

 

One or two cars there huh!? Nice. Well I am happy to tell you this seems to have fixed all my trans issues. Yesterday I had my doubts cause it was still not shifting completely right. I was spot on about the fluid though. Warmed it up today and it took another quart+. Now its all good. Make sure you get as much back in as you get out fluid wise.

 

Those wheels look great! Mind shooting me some info on where you got them? I really want to blac mine out, I think it will look wicked. Also did you lower it already with the durametric? It looks really low!

 

Thank you! I got them from wheel dynamics, 808 style on ebay. I tried lowering with the durametric but it kept saying it failed, but I think it did lower it. I haven't been able to go back and check yet as I haven't gotten it on a completely level surface (BMW lives in garage).

I may actually be selling the cayenne in the next month or so and could give you a deal on the wheels with tires already mounted if you wanted to wait. Haven't had much interest in the BMW and need to sell one of the two. Combined with the fact I take a lot of road trips for work and the 30mpg vs 18mpg its driving me to keep the BMW and sell the porsche. I'm really struggling with the decision TBH.

 

I'm in the middle of a bunch of other stuff too so am probably going to try plasti-dip on the wheels for now. But yeah keep me in mind if you do decide to lose the Cayenne. My brakes should be here tomorrow so will most likely work on those this weekend.

I may try the durametric in the next couple days. Got new roof rails today!

 

Car looks great from what it looked like from the start. What is the size on the wheels and tires? What was the setting you use lowering the car? Any roughness on the ride? Would keep the Porsche. Thanks

 

Thanks! The wheels are 21x10.5, tires 295/35/21. I went down (up) 25mm on the durametric but it said it didn't register so I reset to stock values. Still it seems a little lower to me than normal. I drive around in regular/medium ride height with shocks on comfort and the ride is only minimally effected.

 

I see you have sold your Cayenne

 

Yup. Just received wire payment today. Guy didn't have the money for the black wheels to be included so they're up for sale! The tubi muffler sold to a separate individual today as well. Now also have a durametric cable for sale.

 

Congratulations! So what's next?

 

Thanks. Probably some RB turbos, stainless lines, upgraded brakes and an all-around tuneup for my 335i.