Thanks. I'm crossing my fingers on this one...

 

Apparently, that was verboten at this dealer. Because we had PCNA involved for the past 2 months he'd been handling my case.

 

I am currently also having PCNA helping me on an issue with my Cayenne S. My posting is under Cayenne 958
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...cayenne-s.html

 

Funny how PCNA seems to be more active and helpful for some, but not others. With nearly identical problems to MackSea, PCNA is unwilling to even discuss with me what they can do to make this right. If everyone on the boards, or even most, agreed that they have the same noises then we'd really have to consider that maybe they are normal. Not acceptable, but normal. The fact that many, most, say they don't have these problems is highly suggestive that some of us do have a problematic car. It happens as MackSea stated.

What I've found is that the dealers, for the most part, do try to fix the issues. They contact Porsche technical for guidance and that is where they are told that these symptoms are normal characteristic. In other words, they won't get reimbursed under warranty to fix these items. Service is where most dealers make the bulk of their money and you can bet that if they can paid to replace a strut or control arm, labor and parts, they are going to do it! At this point for me, taking it to an alternate dealer most likely won't produce any help as they'd still contact Porsche for guidance and of course this car is in their system with problems already denied as normal.

To my mind, I have to imagine that if all Panamera's made the same noises that MackSea and I experience, Porsche would have a severe issue on their hands starting with a complete lack of sales. Therefore, I am certain this isn't the case and as I've said, my prior ownership of a Panamera S tells a different story as well.

I am highly disappointed in their response, especially with my willingness and desire to remain in a Panamera. I guess reciprocating loyalty is not part of their DNA. To be told straight away that we will not attempt to repair the noises they think are normal is beyond me. Almost seems like a breach of warranty at the highest level. At least that's how it's perceived by me.

Obviously, Porsche has done a great job with their vehicles and their reputation is generally well regarded. It is for this reason that I am so upset with my current circumstances. I am not bashing anyone personally, I just firmly believe that there is a financially reasonable and suitable solution here that is being ignored. It's called customer satisfaction. For me, a voucher for a payment or two is not what I'm looking for as it doesn't solve the problems (not that they offered that either LOL).

I'm hopeful that PCNA comes around and steps up to the plate. I really love the car, but the issues are killing the joy.

 

I've had the same issue with my 2010 Panny, front end suspension noise, and had all of the same repairs done previously mentioned except for the lower control arms replaced. Now, for me the noise is pretty much gone and my dealer has been great to work with. The service guy and the shop manager knew there was an issue with the Panny and they never once had an issue with replacing what was needed. Only problem was I had to keep taking it back to have it fixed after they replaced one part until the last visit the control arms were replaced. For me, I love the car fun to drive and I love the look. I was going to buy a 911 Turbo, but the four dour hatch made me change my mind. So, as of now I'll keep my Panny but still not cool for us to have this type of issue with our rides, and to have a dealership be an *** about the situation would put me over the edge!!

 

Is the suspension noise only on the Panamera equipped with air suspension?

 

I did not have air suspension. Also the noise was evident in comfort, sport or sport plus.

 

I should have asked if the noise only on Panamera equipped with PASM?

 

That really sucks for both of you with these issues. Every manufacturer will have a problem child or 2, just always hope it's not your car! I had a VW Touareg when they first came out and it was just awful, in the shop every month for some issue or another. The last straw was when the car would put on the brakes for no reason, without the driver applying the brakes. VW refused to help, so I ditched it ASAP; I understand why you would also ditch porsche! Good luck on your next cars, hopefully it's better from now on!

 

My 2010 4S is my 40th Porsche so perhaps I get a little better treatment than most and I have bought about a dozen cars from my dealer as well and sent them many customers. I have always found my dealer to be top notch and willing to do whatever is possible to help me. I have also owned a lot of BMW's (including almost every M car in the last 20 years) and I'd say that they were far more trouble than my Porsche's though mostly the more modern ones were the trouble the electronics were the issues. I think the more complicated cars get and the more the operation relies on miles of wire the worst things will be. Sometimes simple is good that's why a Miata will always hold a special place for me. Fun to drive and nothing ever broke.

 

Mr. Price, you are spot on with BMW's as well. I've owned countless (actually it's probably just north of 35 cars) since 1993. Most of them have spent their fair share of time in the shop. In almost all cases though even with some larger issues, they were all able to be fixed first or second visit, albeit many times with longer than 2 weeks in the shop. There were a couple cars that had unfixable issues that disturbed me enough not to want to live with the issues and BMW promptly offered solutions that were most acceptable, without too much nuisance from me.

For me, my Panamera's issues are definitely not within the realm of dealing with much longer. I think, and I'm not even close to being technically knowledgeable with autos in terms of major repairs, I believe much of the issues I experience are transmission related. Suspension issues are seperate and the drivetrain vibration yet again although that may be related to the tranny as well. When I put all the little pieces together, to my mind the tranny is just shot. Don't think it's plates, I think it's a bigger issue than one or two parts. Heck, it might even cause the pinging for all I know.

I absolutely do expect things to come up, routine things and a curveball once in a while. I even enjoy helping beta test the problem for a proper fix. This is all just way too much. And being told they are normal is what bothers me most when clearly there are problems here, not present in other cars.

I'm sorry MackSea left, but I feel his frustration. My intention, currently, is to find a suitable solution to stick with a Panamera as that's still my favorite and untouchable, when it's right!

Funny thing...bought my newly driving son a Lexus IS. He's driving to lunch earlier today and I turned the music off and said "listen, you hear that?" He said "I don't hear anything!" I said "EXACTLY!). Lol. Truly though, over bumps, pavers, dips, lane markers and when turning etc literally not a peep out of this car. No I'm not comparing that to the pcar, but I have to say from a "solidness, insulated" perspective, they got it right! In the contrary, the wife's SLK55 being a convertible is just a box full of snap, crackle and pop.

 

Frustrating, I just picked my 2011 PTT from the dealer who stated they are waiting for bushings that will arrive from Germany to be replaced. I hope I don't have to be going back and forth to the dealer with the same issue.

Speaking about solidness, I had a 2005 Merc E55 and drove the car >110K miles. Not a peep or problem came out the car except for regular maintenance. It felt as solid as a brand new car when I sold it. Interestingly, last year I had to lemon my 2012 CLS63 due to engine issues, go figure.

 

Curiously, what was up with the engine?

 

There were 2 issues:
1. After the 1t 6 months, the engine kept misfiring under full throttle and going into limp mode. They continued replacing spark plugs, but it never helped.

2. From day 1, there was a weird noise on start up. Initially the dealer could not replicate, but finally they heard it, recorded it on video, and sent to Germany. I had to leave the car at the dealer for >30 to have them get and replace the new part, which was some kind of an oil pump.

 

Interesting. I have to wonder though, after 1 set of plugs, or even the 2nd, at what point does MB think that maybe there's another issue? LOL. or was that "normal characteristic"??? LOL.

I have a weird noise as well, when starting from a full stop. a wheezing type sound, then goes away. happens 1x every time from start. Oddly, if I'm crawling at even 1mph or so, barely moving, and i hit gas the same way I do from a stop, I do NOT get the sound. This is was heard by factory rep as well and was kinda shrugged off.