Unfortunately had a rock nick the A/C condenser late this fall. Did not drive the Panamera in the snow/salt this year so found out about the lack of A/C when trying to use the defroster last week.

1. Job took about 8 hours -- would be faster second time. This also includes servicing A/C unit.
2. Condenser is easy to source on-line. It will come with dryer already installed.

General Job Steps:
1. remove front apron
2. remove radiator fan (need to provide clearance to tilt radiator toward back of car)
4. remove side radiator support clamps (easy)
5. remove air filter box and associated ducting
6. remove bumper assembly (to allow loosening of front radiator support panel)
7. remove plastic radiator/condenser top cover & disconnect refrigerant lines to condenser
8. loosen (no need to remove) front radiator support panel. This is to allow room for condenser to be removed by sliding upwards while tilting assembly toward the rear of the car. I could not get the condenser out without doing this. Be careful with Al screws used to hold this.

I was very surprised with the amount of debris at the top of the radiator under the plastic cover.

Reassembly is the reverse. Pulled vacuum for 2 hours on system. Recharged with 25g of PAG oil (in R134) - small can obtained at local parts store. Used scale to put total of 580g of R134 in system. Outlet temp and pressure within spec. I will have to wait another month to really test out due to mild temps here in Michigan.

I also finally made and installed SS grill inserts on back side of apron openings to help prevent larger rock issues in future. (I was waiting till this spring to do the job - too late)

 

Thanks for the instructions on how to remove and replace the A/C condenser.
Where did you get the material for the grill guards and how did you attach them to the bumper?
It's something I need/want to do. The radiators seem too exposed to debris/damage without them.
Already had my condenser replaced due to rock damage.
Thanks.

 

Same scenario happen to my 2015 GTS and the dealer charged me $1800. My service adviser advices me to check with my insurance (GEICO) because its an outside damaged (Rock damage) while the vehicle in motion and I have full coverage on my GTS. Called insurance and they covered $1300 and my deductible is $500, I sent them the copy of my bill service from Porsche. By the way great job sharing the pics and how to remove the front end

 

Grill material sourced from "CustomCarGrills.com"

I chose 16"x48" small perforated grill mesh - Aluminum powered coated black. https://www.customcargrills.com/prod...rod=Perf_Small

Attachment was using black zip-ties from the back -- only going through the rear part of the front apron openings so there were no visible fasteners. (Between the silver grill and body color portion of the openings).

Have to cut them close to the opening size so that the apron will fit over the grill sections - esp. the turbo air-coolers.