I had the privilege recently to replace starter on my vehicle. Symptom was car was not starting, when attempting, I heard a clicking sound from under the hood (when hood opened, clicking comes from the area under intake manifold, where the starter is). The clicking comes from solenoid trying to engage starter, but the starter motor not turning on.
After fuse checking, and making sure battery is good, next step was starter. Given the clicks, and other items being fine (and no other engine errors), my next step was starter replace. Long story short, it was the starter.
Replaced my turbo starter with genuine Bosh starter, price $255 shipped from eBay.
Porsche PN: 948 604 210 01
Bosh PN: SR0447N
Intake seal PN: 948 110 146 01 (will need 8)

Below is a DIY for removing and re installing new starter into the car. If you have done things like coils/plugs replacement, this should be a breeze for you. Even if you have not done more than oil changes, it is not difficult, but takes time. So if you do not feel like spending about $1800 for this at the shop, you can do the job yourself, spend about $250 on the part, plus about 2 days of work (this is worst case, if you have not done any work on your car yet). Take time, be patient, mind all hoses in the way (if you crack and do not know it, you will be back there to replace these, and PD may be tricky, so why not just keep an eye on everything).

Torques in pictures, follow the sequence. I recommend you read all of the steps, so you can understand the process before you begin. Then get some beer, turn up your favorite tunes, and go to work. Enjoy and hope this helps others in similar situation.

 

Unbelievable! I'm just hoping my starter doesn't fail - great writeup as always

 

beautiful write up ciaka, great pictures

 

<insert gif or Fabio flicking his long hair back>

 

LOL

 

https://images.app.goo.gl/qDJDxDh11Aba9edy6

 

Great Work and write-up. This job is easily $2k up at Porsche. You save so much $bucks here.

 

Thats the whole idea. Do something, document it, give others, so we dont unnecessarily run to dealer and get paddled.
Keep em coming if you do something, better for the entire community.

 

Great write up, but I have to say what a STUPID place to put the starter, come on Porsche!

 

LOL. Not my first porsche, I guess I stopped questioning it. Agree, not very convenient.

 

This is not an unusual location for a starter. I had a Toyota Tundra with the starter in the valley. Cadillac too.

 

Did you have your coolant tubes replaced already? Those look like the newer ones.

 

The original ownedmr did as precaution, I am just the beneficiary.

 

This is one good write-up! Thanks to DogWood for directing me to this thread, and thank you for it!
I'm nervous and scared, but I'm going to attempt it.
I'm doing the thermostat housing upgrade.

 

Trust me, dont be scared, just take your time. Let us know afterwards how it went.