Headlight Washers
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Joined: May 2011
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From: US
Headlight Washers
Hi Everyone, noticed that my car doesnt have headlight washers. Is that part of a package I just missed? Every 991 comes with Xenon's so I thought headlight washers were part of it.
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Joined: Apr 2009
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According to one part of PCNA's model information in configurator site, the 991S model comes standard with Bi-Xenons and the Base does not. But if you compare models on that same website, it claims both 991 models come with Bi-Xenons & headlight washers! "The New 911" paper brochure claims both models come with Bi-Xenons but does not mention headlight washers unless talking about PDLS. In the 997/987 models, you only got washers if you ordered Bi-Xenons, which is why I have washers on my '12 Spyder. I hope that by now you as confused as I am about what type of headlight you actually have in your base!
My understanding of the need for headlight washers was a German TuV regulation which specifically required cleaning glass lenses in the event of any obstruction (e.g. snow) which could deflect path of your bright lights into incoming traffic for a blinding effect. It was mandated on certain types of lighting (e.g. Bi-Xenons) by German law, especially in a systems that moves according to load (e.g. self-leveling depending what is in your trunk, etc). If a base 991 headlight system (even if it is technically a Bi-Xenons) does not self-adjust to load, perhaps it doesn't need the headlight washing system! But that is only a guess. Like you, I assume the Base also had Bi-Xenons.
Saludos,
Eduardo
Vail Valley, CO
Racer
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 295
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From: SoCal - Ventura County
I hope mine never engage as we don't need them here in sunny SoCal and I had a couple of BMW's (535i and M3) where they came on every four washer cycle (or similar) and I'd always have windshield washer fluid on the hood! I always thought there should have been a separate button for the headlight washers....
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Joined: May 2011
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From: US
Yes, you missed it because you didn't chose a 'Premium' package on your base car. Otherwise you would have had it. It is an option called "Porsche Dynamic Light System" or PDLS. It consist of Dynamic cornering lights, speed-dependent headlight range control, adverse weather function and headlight washer system.
According to one part of PCNA's model information in configurator site, the 991S model comes standard with Bi-Xenons and the Base does not. But if you compare models on that same website, it claims both 991 models come with Bi-Xenons & headlight washers! "The New 911" paper brochure claims both models come with Bi-Xenons but does not mention headlight washers unless talking about PDLS. In the 997/987 models, you only got washers if you ordered Bi-Xenons, which is why I have washers on my '12 Spyder. I hope that by now you as confused as I am about what type of headlight you actually have in your base!
My understanding of the need for headlight washers was a German TuV regulation which specifically required cleaning glass lenses in the event of any obstruction (e.g. snow) which could deflect path of your bright lights into incoming traffic for a blinding effect. It was mandated on certain types of lighting (e.g. Bi-Xenons) by German law, especially in a systems that moves according to load (e.g. self-leveling depending what is in your trunk, etc). If a base 991 headlight system (even if it is technically a Bi-Xenons) does not self-adjust to load, perhaps it doesn't need the headlight washing system! But that is only a guess. Like you, I assume the Base also had Bi-Xenons.
Saludos,
Eduardo
Vail Valley, CO
According to one part of PCNA's model information in configurator site, the 991S model comes standard with Bi-Xenons and the Base does not. But if you compare models on that same website, it claims both 991 models come with Bi-Xenons & headlight washers! "The New 911" paper brochure claims both models come with Bi-Xenons but does not mention headlight washers unless talking about PDLS. In the 997/987 models, you only got washers if you ordered Bi-Xenons, which is why I have washers on my '12 Spyder. I hope that by now you as confused as I am about what type of headlight you actually have in your base!
My understanding of the need for headlight washers was a German TuV regulation which specifically required cleaning glass lenses in the event of any obstruction (e.g. snow) which could deflect path of your bright lights into incoming traffic for a blinding effect. It was mandated on certain types of lighting (e.g. Bi-Xenons) by German law, especially in a systems that moves according to load (e.g. self-leveling depending what is in your trunk, etc). If a base 991 headlight system (even if it is technically a Bi-Xenons) does not self-adjust to load, perhaps it doesn't need the headlight washing system! But that is only a guess. Like you, I assume the Base also had Bi-Xenons.
Saludos,
Eduardo
Vail Valley, CO
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 216
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From: Long Island, NY
Are you certain about the headlight washers? I'm Stiil waiting on my MT base order mid July, but I asked my dealer about it and checked the Porsche website and it says they are standard with or without any premium package. From the web page:
"The new 911 models are equipped as standard with Bi-Xenon(TM) headlights including a headlight cleaning system and dynamic range control."
"The new 911 models are equipped as standard with Bi-Xenon(TM) headlights including a headlight cleaning system and dynamic range control."
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Joined: May 2011
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From: US
Are you certain about the headlight washers? I'm Stiil waiting on my MT base order mid July, but I asked my dealer about it and checked the Porsche website and it says they are standard with or without any premium package. From the web page:
"The new 911 models are equipped as standard with Bi-Xenon(TM) headlights including a headlight cleaning system and dynamic range control."
"The new 911 models are equipped as standard with Bi-Xenon(TM) headlights including a headlight cleaning system and dynamic range control."
What did you get with your car?
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Instructor
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From: Long Island, NY
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Joined: May 2011
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From: US
I just checked the website and its totally wrong. They say that rain sensor wipers is an option. They even say that the PCM is an option. I think its really old info. See quote from the website below:
Engineering that takes you forward: optional Porsche Communication Management (PCM) with navigation module and a high-resolution 7-inch color touchscreen. PCM is your control center for audio, navigation and communication functions
Engineering that takes you forward: optional Porsche Communication Management (PCM) with navigation module and a high-resolution 7-inch color touchscreen. PCM is your control center for audio, navigation and communication functions
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 217
Likes: 31
From: CA
Yes, you missed it because you didn't chose a 'Premium' package on your base car. Otherwise you would have had it. It is an option called "Porsche Dynamic Light System" or PDLS. It consist of Dynamic cornering lights, speed-dependent headlight range control, adverse weather function and headlight washer system.
According to one part of PCNA's model information in configurator site, the 991S model comes standard with Bi-Xenons and the Base does not. But if you compare models on that same website, it claims both 991 models come with Bi-Xenons & headlight washers! "The New 911" paper brochure claims both models come with Bi-Xenons but does not mention headlight washers unless talking about PDLS. In the 997/987 models, you only got washers if you ordered Bi-Xenons, which is why I have washers on my '12 Spyder. I hope that by now you as confused as I am about what type of headlight you actually have in your base!
My understanding of the need for headlight washers was a German TuV regulation which specifically required cleaning glass lenses in the event of any obstruction (e.g. snow) which could deflect path of your bright lights into incoming traffic for a blinding effect. It was mandated on certain types of lighting (e.g. Bi-Xenons) by German law, especially in a systems that moves according to load (e.g. self-leveling depending what is in your trunk, etc). If a base 991 headlight system (even if it is technically a Bi-Xenons) does not self-adjust to load, perhaps it doesn't need the headlight washing system! But that is only a guess. Like you, I assume the Base also had Bi-Xenons.
Saludos,
Eduardo
Vail Valley, CO
According to one part of PCNA's model information in configurator site, the 991S model comes standard with Bi-Xenons and the Base does not. But if you compare models on that same website, it claims both 991 models come with Bi-Xenons & headlight washers! "The New 911" paper brochure claims both models come with Bi-Xenons but does not mention headlight washers unless talking about PDLS. In the 997/987 models, you only got washers if you ordered Bi-Xenons, which is why I have washers on my '12 Spyder. I hope that by now you as confused as I am about what type of headlight you actually have in your base!
My understanding of the need for headlight washers was a German TuV regulation which specifically required cleaning glass lenses in the event of any obstruction (e.g. snow) which could deflect path of your bright lights into incoming traffic for a blinding effect. It was mandated on certain types of lighting (e.g. Bi-Xenons) by German law, especially in a systems that moves according to load (e.g. self-leveling depending what is in your trunk, etc). If a base 991 headlight system (even if it is technically a Bi-Xenons) does not self-adjust to load, perhaps it doesn't need the headlight washing system! But that is only a guess. Like you, I assume the Base also had Bi-Xenons.
Saludos,
Eduardo
Vail Valley, CO
Now, what is funny, is that unless Porsche Germany does this to reduce the cost of their cars, there is no other reason.
And here it is why :
Saw a 2015 (V6) with bi-xenon lights and a 2016 Diesel with LED lights and none of them had the headlights washers. I do not know if for LED there are the same regulations as for the bi-xenon...
But even if ther are not, why is there a 2015 Cayenne with bi-xenon lights and no headlight washer?
Saw a 2016 Cayenne Turbo (LED headlights) and a GTS (LED headlights) and both had the headlight washers.
AutoX
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 14
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No washers on loaded '16 Cayenne e-Hybrid with PDLS+
I'm a little late to this thread but I, too, am puzzled that mine came without. I selected nearly every available option including the LEDs and PDLS+. Cost cutting at Porsche? I saw a new Turbo at the dealership that has the headlight washers. My dealership was at a loss to explain the discrepancy. At the end of the day, I can probably get by without them........but still.
