I drive a 2013 C4 7MT. I noticed a few months ago that the passenger side mirror stopped dipping when I put the car in reverse. It used to work. Option was still checked on the MFD. After reading some threads online, I figured it wasn't a big deal and I'd get it looked at next oil change. That was today -- I went to the dealer instead of an independent because I thought it might be software-related and figured the dealer could take care of it easiest.

Around midday, I got a call from the dealer and they said if I wanted the mirror to work again, they'd need to replace the transmission(?!), which would cost $15,600. I LOLed, but they said the issue was in the transmission itself. Does this sound crazy to anyone else? They said the transmission was actually fine, just this one flaw.

Of course I'll take it somewhere for a second opinion. I figured it had to just be a faulty switch or software and that the dealer must be nuts. Here is what they wrote in my service order: "CUSTOMER STATES THE PASSENGERS SIDE MIRROR DOES NOT GO DOWN WHEN IN REVERSE internal issue with manual gearbox; actuator inside transmission that pushes on reverse position switch missing and not actuation (sic) as needed no repair performed; checked operation of reverse light circuit by removal and manual actuation of reverse position switch."

When I read that write up, I checked to see if the reverse lights come on, and they don't. I didn't realize that before. Now I'm frustrated. It's one thing to live without the mirror moving, but I can't live without functioning reverse lights. I'm surprised they didn't mention that over the phone. Still, no way this is a legit $15K issue, is it? It's not like I broke the MT. I am a very experienced MT driver, been driving manuals forever, and nobody else drives the 911. There was never any trauma to it. It drives fine now and has always driven the same. It doesn't make sense that all of a sudden, something would be "missing." Come to think of it, I'm certain the selected gear shows in the dash, so if there's a position sensor, it must be working. The dealer's write up doesn't sound like they're talking about a sensor though, they make it sound like some physical thing in there not pushing a button. And of course, the only solution is an entirely new gearbox. That just sounds wrong.

I'm writing both to vent and to see if anyone else has any similar experience or thoughts and suggestions. I'll eventually take it to an independent for a second opinion because the dealer's determination sounds too far fetched.

TL, DR: it seems like a "reverse position switch," if such a thing exists, stopped working in my car. The car drives fine, but no longer dips the mirror or turns on the reverse lights when in reverse. The dealer says only fix is a $15K gearbox replacement, which sounds insane.

I know Porsche won’t touch a PDK, but I did not realize there were no repairs on MTs either. Seems odd and I bet the dealer is wrong and the switch can be replaced.

Most (all I am aware of) MTs have a plunger type switch which turns on the reverse lights. I would find it, take it off, clean it, test it, and replace it (with something else if I had to), but without seeing it there is no way to know exactly what/where it is. I suppose it is possible there is an internal fault in the gearbox, but I can’t see how unless the part broke off and then it would be in the case of the transmission.

Might be cheaper just to trade it in for a similE 2013 C4 7MT

Seems that there is a backup switch that can be replaced... I would be surprised if that was built in.

Dealer seems shady, unless you broke the actuator inside the gearbox that activates the switch, $36 is all it costs... plus $$$ for labor.

https://www.sunsetporscheparts.com/o...ch-99161318901

Why not just disable it? I could never figure out why there’s a “feature” that points the mirrors down instead of where you’re going when you put it in reverse.