Bill_SoCal

Mike/jmaata, Good points. Mike, you have outlined some excellent points. Having said that... I believe Porsche went to a 20K interval for the Boxster starting in ’05, and to 24K for the Boxster/Cayman in ‘08…not shortened the oil change interval from 15K. I could be wrong. The subject of oil manufacturers and oil change intervals is very subjective because there are so many “experts.” I agree that more frequent oil changes are necessary if you truly meet the severe duty; and that’s not only oil, it's the micron quality of the cartridge filter, and an air filter too. My Boxster is a daily driver and I would say it is driven harder than normal through LA traffic and over the mountain passes. I’ve never changed my oil more frequent than 15K since I drove it off the lot new. I have 139,000 miles on it and haven’t replaced one engine related component other than then maintenance items (air filter, drive belt, and plugs). I’ve been in the oil business for over a decade. I deal with everyone from daily drivers, to all forms of racing (cars and motorcycles), heavy equipment, as well as heavy machine hydraulic operations. I would say I am well versed, but not an expert. The expert in this case in clearly the manufacturer(s): Porsche/Mobil1 as related to this subject. For anyone that would really like to understand their oil and the way their engine is responding to an oil, I would recommend contacting an oil analysis laboratory, send in a sample, and then once the analysis is returned with recommended oil change intervals and the litany of minerals and measurements, call customer service at one of these companies, which are in fact industry experts on oil performance, and have them walk you through the mineral content, wear concerns based on mineral content, and why they recommend shortening or extending the oil change interval. I would never recommend extending beyond the Porsche recommended change intervals regardless of the data. It will cost $25 to $30 for anyone to become better educated on oil and their engine wear characteristics. Blackstone Laboratories: www.blackstone-labs.com/ Oil Analyzers: http://www.oaitesting.com/ If you really interested in the chemistry aspects of synthetics and their superior performance, I recommend an older book, but very thorough in its documentation: High Performance Automotive Fuels and Fluids, Jeff Hartman, 1996 ISBN 0-7603-0054-2 These are reliable expert sources. There are so many websites out there that are not based on empirical information or scientific evidence and these “experts” believe that have the panacea for every automotive enthusiast. I have met many engine builders that I did not find to have proficiency in oil. They all have an opinion though. This is my last post on this thread. I like to keep my posts beneficial for the forum readers and all too many times I see the subject of oil become negative due to the varying opinions, level of experience, and dilution of factual/empirical information. I wanted to respond as to what resources are available for industry recognized lubrication experts. All the best, Bill B)

I work with Jeff Clark at Sunset for what seems like every other week for parts for either the Boxster or one of the Cayenne's...what great service and prices. Love those guys at Sunset...specifically the service I get from Jeff. All the best, Bill B)

My wife had the opportunity to pre-screen the Panamera in LA about six months ago...she is ready to trade in her Cayenne S as soon as the Panamera hits the lot at our local dealer...we'll see. The Panamera is one beautiful car. Bill B)

Bill - I never hear when in ip mode, bu i do get the noise when in normal auto mode. I have noticed this on and off for about a year. Same situation for me...I hope this in normal for us. The Cayenne's are a great ride! I never thought much about the downshift thug until you posted...now you've heightened my awareness. All the best, Bill B)

:huh: The experts? Porsche recommends 15K or one year for this model year. You meet the one year mark...not many miles at 2,500. With today's synthetic oils, it is not environmentally friendly, nor is there a benefit to change engine oil less than the manufacturers (Porsche) specifications. Bill B)

You might try Autohauz or Sunset for the belt...you'll have it in a few days. The price and quality of the belt will be what you're looking for. The link below is the belt from Autohauz. http://www.autohausaz.com/search/product.a...%20Drive%20Belt Bill

I would take a very careful look at the coolant tank. Pull the carpets in the trunk and look for any leakage. I took a 5K+ mile trip last fall in my '01S and replaced the leaking tank right before I left. Other than that, the serp belt is really easy. If there are any doubts about its age/condition I would go ahead and change that. Check the condition of the air filter while you are at it. Enjoy the trip. Rob Agree with Rob...I have 139,000 and I've had to do none of the typical. Serp belt is very easy and due at 60K. Based on the mileage, the last oil change on the vehicle was 60K? You should be good to go. Where are you driving 3K this time of the year? That's a lot of miles up and down the west coast. :D Enjoy your trip Gary and have safe travels. All the best, Bill

I notice a loud clunk or thud at times from both my '06 and '08 when slowing the vehicle aggressively. It is intermittent...doesn't happen all the time, and only when I'm in automatic (not tiptronic mode). Have you always noticed this or did you just start noticing the thud recently? When you're in automatic or tiptronic? Based on my experience, I don't think what you're hearing is abnormal if you're driving with the transmission in automatic and not tip. Those on the board with a 2003 model year might have further input as to what you are hearing is normal or not. Bill B)

Great info guys. I wasn't able to go yesterday. My wife and I plan on checking it out next Saturday. With 60-70 Porsches there on a Saturday, I'll feel right at home! Look forward to seeing all the cars. Sounds like the place to be on a Saturday morning. Bill B)

Steve, congrats on the Cayenne S. Did you get a fix it ticket? I live in California where front license plates are law as well. I plan on driving as long as I can without drilling those holes on my '06! My wife's '08 came from the dealer with the plate mounted...but we still don't have the California plate; she has a Porsche plate. Good luck! Bill B)

:welcome: Beautiful ride! Congrats!! :cheers: All the best, Bill B)

The Ortega originates four miles from the Pacific Ocean near Mission San Juan Capistrano. It stretches 32 miles over the Santa Ana Mountains to Lake Elsinore in Riverside County. I take the road each day from the origination point in Lake Elsinore, to Antonio Parkway, which leads into Irvine. I would say I have the gnarly 25 miles of the road. At the halfway point between Riverside County and Orange County lines, there is then seventeen miles to the ocean...the intense curves start to straighten out about twenty miles into my commute. I'm on the road for about 45-50 minutes, and then I have another fifteen or so to get to my office. As much as I hate to admit this, my wife made me put the car cover on my Boxster and start driving the Cayenne through the mountains. I would make it home just a little bit too quickly some days if you know what I mean... :P There are many fatalities on this road, and between the Boxster and my Cayenne, the Cayenne won out for the commute when it came to weighing out an accident. I really have a blast in the Cayenne too...it can hold its own. My tiptronic gets a severe workout each day. I do my best to run the road without brakes (just downshifting). On the weekends this section of highway is filled with motorcycle enthusiasts and high performance cars. This section of road cuts off quite a bit of time for me (half-hour)...otherwise I'm on the freeway for about 1.5 hours each way to get to my office. To add a bit more about tires, I work with Discount/Americas tires for all my tire needs. Not sure if you have one near you. Those guys are great about pointing out the pros and cons of the different tires and what they see come through the shop. One important consideration is the weight of the Cayenne's...not the lightest SUV. All the best, Bill B)

For others who may have had trouble with the link, hopefully I've fixed it...this highway is the ultimate for bikes and Porsches. Cayman on the Ortega - or - http://www.oncars.com/video/53/Porsches-Ca...-Ortega-Highway Bill B)

My Cayenne S came from the factory with the Contis on 20" wheels. They weren't bad, but they made excessive road noise at roughly 20K miles. They were replaced after 24,000 miles because they were worn. Not bad for a performance tire. Because of occasional light snow, I switched to a performance all-season tire with the "M+S" rating. I ended up going with the Hankook Ventus tire. I realize it isn't an n-spec tire, but I have been relatively happy. I have about 25,000 miles on them now. They are starting to make some road noise, but the tread is holding up much better than the Continentals. If you are more interested in performance driving, I'd stick with softer rubber. I've heard good things about the Michilins, and they should last longer than the Pirellis. Performance driving :huh: ...I spent some time researching the Michelin's before I went with them...at $340 per tire, I wanted to make sure I was getting both performance and long life. Never considered the Contis, however, sounds like you did okay with them. My wife's 2008 S came with 255/55 Michelin Tour HP's from the factory. I drive one of the most intense sections of California highway from my home in Murrieta, to my office in the OC. OnCars.com tested the Cayman S on this highway. Believe me, this is a high performance tire highway...or you're drifting beyond the double yellow lines...check out the video: Cayman S Ortega Highway One of the benefits or owning a Porsche in Southern California...I'll enjoy the adrenalin rush at 6am tomorrow morning! Bill B) Cool...you'll be very pleased! Bill

My Cayenne S came from the factory with the Contis on 20" wheels. They weren't bad, but they made excessive road noise at roughly 20K miles. They were replaced after 24,000 miles because they were worn. Not bad for a performance tire. Because of occasional light snow, I switched to a performance all-season tire with the "M+S" rating. I ended up going with the Hankook Ventus tire. I realize it isn't an n-spec tire, but I have been relatively happy. I have about 25,000 miles on them now. They are starting to make some road noise, but the tread is holding up much better than the Continentals. If you are more interested in performance driving, I'd stick with softer rubber. I've heard good things about the Michilins, and they should last longer than the Pirellis. Performance driving :huh: ...I spent some time researching the Michelin's before I went with them...at $340 per tire, I wanted to make sure I was getting both performance and long life. Never considered the Contis, however, sounds like you did okay with them. My wife's 2008 S came with 255/55 Michelin Tour HP's from the factory. I drive one of the most intense sections of California highway from my home in Murrieta, to my office in the OC. OnCars.com tested the Cayman S on this highway. Believe me, this is a high performance tire highway...or you're drifting beyond the double yellow lines...check out the video: Cayman S Ortega Highway One of the benefits or owning a Porsche in Southern California...I'll enjoy the adrenalin rush at 6am tomorrow morning! Bill B)

I don't have an "S" Dan <_<, however, my driving habits are similar to yours. I have 139,000 miles on my original clutch...still feels great! Bill B)

And I know it means Cars and Coffee...but is this an event? I've heard of an event at the Spectrum. Never been.

Not familiar with C+C...my office is in Lake Forest. What is C+C? Bill B)

I've had phenomenal success with the Michelin Tour HP's...I run them on 20's (275/40/R20). I believe they have one of the best treadwear ratings in their class at 440. Great performance and great handling! I've had them on the '06 for about 15K now...significant improvement from the Pirelli's I had when I purchased the upgraded wheel package. All the best, Bill B)

:huh:

I don't have any great advice here...maybe someone else has encountered this problem, however, no other replies. I looked at my latch assembly on both the '06 and '08 and it is very simple...the problem is there is not a way to release in between the cover and storage area (e.g. latch locks below the console). The release will need to come from the assembly where the latch came apart (front of console at latch assembly). Have you checked with the dealer to see if they can provide you a schematic of the assembly? You might PM Loren or RJM to see if a schematic is available. Good luck! Bill

Need more information. :huh: By center console, do you mean the armrest between the driver and passenger seat? If so, this is a two part storage area. Are you having trouble opening the lower section or the top section now that you've closed it? Bill B)

It's not an investment...sounds like an expensive hobby! I've left mine the way they were when I drove them off the lot...for the most part. The extent of my Tequipment/investment for the Gen 1 Cayenne: Cargo Petition Part No. 955 044 000 13 Cargo Rubber Mat Part No. 955 044 000 17 Rubber Floor Mats Part No. 955 044 800 61 Regular Maintenance Tires Gen 2 Cayenne: Gas (and lots of it!) Both SUV's have been great! All the best, Bill B)

Cool thought :lightbulb: I imagine a few $$$'s. I like the old ragtop look myself... Bill B)

Interesting...we use our cruise control fairly frequently on both Cayenne's. I've never noticed the vehicle to pick up speed on a decline. I drove my V6 from San Diego to Texas a month or so ago and was pleased with the cruise control. I don't know that we've every tried it on a really steep grade. I have it on my list to check out... Bill B)