DIY vs. Dealership
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 39
Likes: 6
From: North Carolina
DIY vs. Dealership
Given how much the dealership charges, I’m considering going the DIY route for spark plug and engine air filter replacement on my 991.1 S. There are plenty of videos online covering these, but would like to check in with other 991.1 owners who have DIY’d these tasks. I know the rear bumper needs to be removed for the filter replacement and looks like plug replacement may have some accessibility challenges, but having done it yourself would you consider it easy enough to do by someone with average mechanical skills?
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 3,674
Likes: 2,673
From: Shenandoah Valley
Dealer charges are the 2nd reason I avoid them, first being incompetence and carelessness.
Been to 5 different Porsche dealers over last 11 yrs for both my Cayman, Cayenne and 991s, at least 50% of the time the service work was clumsy, 2 oil drain plugs stripped but threaded back on without notifying me, unneeded "test drives" after service, no clean up after service in the engine bay.. I can keep going.
unless the service is simply too messy or difficult/requires special instructions, I avoid dealers like the plague.
Gather all the information, parts, tools befor eyou do the job, torque everything correctly, do no rush and have no distractions around especially when doing ot for the first time.
Spark plugs on a 991 are a 1.0-1.5 hour job, even if you take your sweet time. Add the feeling of "its done right, and by ME" its priceless.
This will also give you more confidence to tackle other services in the future. Good luck
Been to 5 different Porsche dealers over last 11 yrs for both my Cayman, Cayenne and 991s, at least 50% of the time the service work was clumsy, 2 oil drain plugs stripped but threaded back on without notifying me, unneeded "test drives" after service, no clean up after service in the engine bay.. I can keep going.
unless the service is simply too messy or difficult/requires special instructions, I avoid dealers like the plague.
Gather all the information, parts, tools befor eyou do the job, torque everything correctly, do no rush and have no distractions around especially when doing ot for the first time.
Spark plugs on a 991 are a 1.0-1.5 hour job, even if you take your sweet time. Add the feeling of "its done right, and by ME" its priceless.
This will also give you more confidence to tackle other services in the future. Good luck
Rennlist Member
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 878
Likes: 603
From: Comox, BC
Definitely doable by average Joe DIY'er. Obviously you need to get the car off the ground to do the plugs. I bought a Quick Jack 5 years ago and it has paid for itself several times over. I was even able to do the clutch on my 987.2 Cayman S with it.
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Rennlist Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 285
Likes: 84
From: Bend, OR
Dealer charges are the 2nd reason I avoid them, first being incompetence and carelessness.
Been to 5 different Porsche dealers over last 11 yrs for both my Cayman, Cayenne and 991s, at least 50% of the time the service work was clumsy, 2 oil drain plugs stripped but threaded back on without notifying me, unneeded "test drives" after service, no clean up after service in the engine bay.. I can keep going.
unless the service is simply too messy or difficult/requires special instructions, I avoid dealers like the plague.
Gather all the information, parts, tools befor eyou do the job, torque everything correctly, do no rush and have no distractions around especially when doing ot for the first time.
Spark plugs on a 991 are a 1.0-1.5 hour job, even if you take your sweet time. Add the feeling of "its done right, and by ME" its priceless.
This will also give you more confidence to tackle other services in the future. Good luck
Been to 5 different Porsche dealers over last 11 yrs for both my Cayman, Cayenne and 991s, at least 50% of the time the service work was clumsy, 2 oil drain plugs stripped but threaded back on without notifying me, unneeded "test drives" after service, no clean up after service in the engine bay.. I can keep going.
unless the service is simply too messy or difficult/requires special instructions, I avoid dealers like the plague.
Gather all the information, parts, tools befor eyou do the job, torque everything correctly, do no rush and have no distractions around especially when doing ot for the first time.
Spark plugs on a 991 are a 1.0-1.5 hour job, even if you take your sweet time. Add the feeling of "its done right, and by ME" its priceless.
This will also give you more confidence to tackle other services in the future. Good luck
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Advanced
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 52
Likes: 30
From: Apple Valley California
Just did my spark plugs and an oil change today. Super easy if you have the proper tools. Not difficult at all and if you do get stuck, YouTube university is there to help and guide you through it.
RL Community Team
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,802
Likes: 871
Seems like some have poor experiences with Porsche dealer. I think if you know the dealer service dept, that is less likely to be an issue. We have seen a few DIY spark plug fiascos. Price the dealer and the the independent shops. You might be surprised at the lower cost of the dealer. The dealer has more incentive to make it right is something arises. Best to you!
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Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 4,196
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From: Dickson, TN
