Tier1Terrier

Taking my car to dealership to get my spark plugs changed per recommended 4 year interval. So far I'm doing all the other maintenance stuff on my own. What non-mechanical services would/could you ask for? For instance, would you ask for a DME report? Can I get them to reprogram my keys so that the windows and sunroof close when the door-lock button is pressed on the remote? Is there anything else you can think of that one may want the dealer to do through reprogramming etc that I would otherwise be unable to do on my own? I just changed by oil and brake fluid but I'm guessing they wont reset that service interval but I can ask. Since they're changing the spark plugs which is part of a 4 year major service, I'm guessing they'll have to reset that service interval request. Also, I know that my dealer charges in 30 min labor intervals. I'm figuring that anything PROGRAMMING or REPORT related like this shouldn't take more than 30 minutes. Is that reasonable?

LexVan

Well, here's the list of thigs they SHOULD NOT DO:

1) Change tire pressures
2) Wash car

spiderv6

Agreed

barncobob

cup of coffee,,not anymore since Covid:{

Rich_Jenkins

Off hand, from my recent 30K service for plugs on my '17 991.2, notes below. (I DIY'd the oil change and both filters prior to arriving at the dealer.)

- Asked about DME report, my SA said sure, they run those all the time. Nominal fee (which I interpreted as $50, but didn't confirm. Probably varies by dealer). I might do this next time.
- They stamped/signed my Porsche service book. I am a bit OCD about this, and I know these days it's all "in the computer" but I am old school and am used to the Dealer stamping the car docs.
- Following the plug replacement, my SA did an inspection for the "30K", provided me the report, and reset the service minder appropriately. This was complementary (I brought in a dozen Krispy Kreme glazed, which may or may not have helped. )

I did catch my SA and tell him NO WASH, thank goodness. On the way home, there was enough vibration that my back molars were coming loose. Sure enough, I checked the TPMS and realized they had jacked up the pressures to the service limit, full load, Autobahn speed levels. Geez. I dunno why they do that - liability!? Anyway, I deflated them to my normal levels and all was well.

I have never heard of a feature where the windows/sunroof close if you press/hold the lock button (last car that did that was my '09 E92 M3), so can't help you there. That would be a cool thing, if so.

NF4710

The dealer will definitely charge more than half an hour for spark plugs. Parts alone are eye watering. If you have a sunroof maybe have them check the drains and make sure they are open. If you can find a good Indy shop you’d probably be better off.

NF

asellus

Yeaaaah... plugs are a little longer than half an hour. List is 2.3 hours. The plugs themselves are just shy of $100 from most places.

Unless OP is asking if things like service reset/DME readout/etc. are going to be 30 minute charges, in which case that depends on the dealer. Local dealer here wants $75 for a DME printout, which is a bit under the value of 30 minutes of tech time. Interestingly enough, the service advisor can (and has) done this for me in the past.

WP0

how about an insurance policy against some random technician f#@$-ing up your car?

ipse dixit

Extra fresh warm chocolate chip cookies and a well stocked espresso machine

Tier1Terrier

Sorry, I updated the OP as the way I had written it was misleading. Yes, the spark plugs are ridiculously expensive. $913 + tax to be exact (parts incl). A reputable indy wanted $700 but they told me they charge the same for the 991.1 and the 991.2 suggested to me they were unaware of the difference in the labor and probably haven't done many 991.2 spark plug changes. The dealer will also perform a multipoint inspection and the service will show up on CarFax so I guess that's what I get for the extra $200.

rnl

Amen!

Bud Taylor

Where they won't abuse you sexually.

Fullyield

For what they will charge you for fee for reprogramming, consider buying a Durametric Pro to do yourself and then you still have the Durametric for future use. If you do not want to pay cost of Durametric Pro, review posts/threads on here re Foxwell NT 530 which members report here has limited reprogamming capabilities.

Also consider replacing coils with plugs. Coils tend to be a weakness on these cars due to heat. While others may disagree,I automatically replace coils with plugs as no additional labor.

Rich_Jenkins

For reference, at the dealer here in Tampa in Feb I paid $150 for six plugs (they are $17.60 at Sunset, each, so $25 retail is not bad I guess). The big cost was the labor, $481.91. That job probably books out at 2 and a bit hours, so at their $200 an hour shop rate, that makes sense, given what you have to do.

Tier1Terrier

I would change the coils if it weren't for the fact that my car only has ~8k miles on the odometer. 4 years old which is why I'm getting the service done now. My biggest concern albeit an unlikely issue was the plugs seizing due to time. If the coils were in need of replacing, that would be a lot more straightforward and less likely to cause more costly headaches. Perhaps the next go around I'll do the coils with the plugs.

Good point on the durametric pro. I was thinking maybe the Autel 808 or I-Car-Soft POR 2.0 as I've seen a lot of reviews on them including specifically for the 991.2 (2nd gen 991).