Changed my air cleaner today, man it was nasty. But sure when it was changed last. I know I paid for it to be changed but can’t say for sure they actually did it.

All but three screws that hold the air box together were corroded beyond recognition. I tapped it and added new screws but I’m going to order another one to replace it.



What was left of my screws.

Was actually very easy to remove the bumper.

Had one screw which I found where it went and this other part left over. I couldn’t figure out where it came from. Can off the drivers side when I pulled the bumper.

 

I don't think the extensions etc I had at the time would have worked, but there is a torque spec of 2 Nm on those screws if you are so inclined. (I'm wondering if that would help prevent the nasty intake valve coking that I saw. Our filter was immaculate when I opened her up I guess around 45k miles).

 

I did this same job (air cleaner) this past week. Exact same issue --- only the center 2 screws in front were corroded completely - I was able to remove the other 6 carefully. Only the front ones were significantly corroded. Replaced with SS screws. Did the same drill out for the two that were broken.

I did slightly drill out the top section of the air box so the screws would properly pull the airbag back together when tightened. (Since they were fully threaded)

I did take the time to clean out the radiator, intercoolers, and other "hidden" front end areas.

Panamera 4S with 81,000 miles.


new SS screw , front corners, front center, rear

new screws in place

still can't believe the work to get change the air filter (photo before front cleaned up prior to re-assembly)

 

Sorry to hear you had the same issue, but sort of glad it wasn't just me. I used stainless screws as well when putting it back together.

Yeah, I vacuumed and cleaned my radiator are too. It was insane the amount of leaves and debris that was in there, jammed in the sides especially.

Base Panamera - 111,000 miles

 

Yes, I had the same issue with the corrosive screw when I replaced the air filter last summer, 1 bad screw in the front unbelievable. I did not drill it out, my car was 60K miles, 2016. I am thinking to inspect it this coming spring April/May to see how it is, and plan to replace with Stock filter instead of BMS performance air filter, a waste of money.

 

I would have expected this in Michigan (or anywhere in the rust belt) -- but Florida and California not so much. I do not drive the Panamera much at all in the winter. Try and keep it out of the salt.

Must be a sub-par vendor for these screws.

The screws that hold the wheel well liners in look pretty good -- only the ones in the center have visible rust from being hit by road debris. I plan on replacing them this summer.

 

LOL ... I am in Northern Cal, sunshine ... shocking the screw was so corrosive after 4 yrs, bad design ...

 

Our screws were fine here in Southern CA. 2nd owner so not sure when the filter was last changed though. It's possible they went bad before us buying it and changed out during a prior service.

After seeing the bad coking of the intake valves I did not buy a "performance" filter like I usually do since they tend to let more fine particles through...