worf928

Pounding in a XZN bit socket for a rounded-out Alan:

On the subject of drain plugs: The 991.1/981 plug sockets seem to be a half-millimeter too big. WSM doesn’t call for a special tool. Puzzling.

desmotesta

that is exactly what I have and used ( purchased to remove steering wheel on previous 991)

PV997

This really is a new low, what scumbags. Did they give you an itemized receipt? Curious what they invoiced for Mobil 1 that you can get at Walmart at five quarts for $25. How about the notorious "shop supplies"?

The dirty secret is that for many dealers there really is no actual set price for many services. There's a minimum they can't go below and the maximum is whatever the service advisor can get you to pay. That "trusted" service advisor is a commissioned salesman, the more he can jack up the price the more he makes.

If there is a good reason to have anything other than warranty work done at the dealership I've yet to hear it. Maybe something like specialized PIWIS coding but that's about it. Find a good honest indy or better yet DIY and don't look back.

barncobob

hard to strip that plug using hand tools...they use air tools or battery wrenches set to WFO just like the tire monkeys

Joec500

I do my own oil changes with kits from FCP euro which include a NEW drain plug and washer. Essentially costs me $28 to ship back my used oil and get my full refund LOL. Takes me an hour from start to finish, would be faster if the oil drained faster. I change my oil every 3-5k miles.

Martin S.

It was my understanding that in CA, shops/dealers are required to provide an estimate prior to doing the work.

It is not clear whether or not they did the work for you. If they did the work, disputing the charge on your credit card is an option....citing that no estimate was provided, as is customary in CA.
It will buttress your story to the CC company, if you know the dealers standard labor rate...at least $150 an hour. Once the drain is opened, I have been told it takes 30 minutes for the oil to completely drain out. I would think the tech would stay with the car in the process......just for fun, call the service department and get a quote on an oil and filter change.

Quadcammer

no, its not. the factory drain plug is soft as hell

bb964

Exactly, this plug was perfect before I carefully removed it by hand, with a proper hex socket - no longer usable.
At the cost of $6, why even think about it??

Greg D.

You guys have strong wrists... My plugs are good for 3 oil changes before I am shamed into replacing them ;-)

Wolpertinger

I bought a magnetic plug from LN Engineering. Seems a bit harder than stock. So far no issues after 4 oil changes. Billet AL Hard Anodized Magnetic Drain Plug for Boxster, Cayman, 911, Panamera, & Cayenne Models (lnengineering.com)

bb964

I was wondering about the LN Plug - is it actually stronger?, or is the lower torque what preserves it better?

Wolpertinger

I think it's a bit stronger. The anodized exterior makes it seem that way. Not sure about the actual material it's made from.

TimboCarrera

tru tru

titan7

Wow!! This is why I do my own work, price and knowing it’s done correctly and with no collateral damage.

digitalwiz

I’ve been to Livermore, Walnut Creek and Fremont for oil services. Walnut Creek was good, but Fremont wast the best and least expensive at the time, $120.00 when the others were $3-500.00.

livermore is overly full of themselves. Especially the sales team.

btw titan, sweet ride.