AustinL

Well, I am happy to report that I crossed the 3,500 mile threshold today, and I thought I would offer a few comments about my experience so far...

On my way to Ft. Worth this morning, I dropped my car off at Autobahn Porsche to see if their service department is better than Park Place Porsche's. Needless to say it was. They fixed my rattling sunroof, rattling rear seats, tightened my left sport exhaust pipe, and made some changes that drastically improved the ride quality. All I can is that it was the first time in quite a while that a service department has fixed every issue on the first try.

I prefer to think of these little things as minor adjustments in the post break-in period.

In comparison to my previous 993, this C4S is superior in every way. Of course, it is a completely different car, but there is no way I would ever go back. It takes some time getting used to the all wheel drive, but once you do, you began to recognize both the abilities of this car and its mastery of the road. The new technology is great, and while there might be superior sound systems, the Bose system is a great improvement over my standard sound system in the previous car.

At this point I am thinking about doing some upgrades to the interior, but I will delay any such whims for quite some time. It's hard to believe I have put this many miles on the car in only two months, but it's not worth having if it's not worth driving every day. This car is great as a daily driver, once you adjust to the overall harshness of the ride, and I also think that the precision this car offers makes for an extremely self vehicle when handled properly.

If you have any specific questions, let me know.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/infestation/.Pictures/Photo%20Album%20Pictures/2003-03-28%2017.36.59%20-0800/Image-4C73AD4E618611D7.jpg" alt=" - " />

Yackedy Sacks

Is that an E36 M3 I see?

Love your taste in cars... nice combo you got there <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />

AustinL

Yes it is...

Thanks.

LanceK

I also just purchased an '03 C4-S

My sunroof rattles somewhere in the headliner behind the sunroof.

I also have some creaking noises that sound like either the back window or the windshield are moving in their mounts when I pull into a driveway or drive slowly over irregular surfaces like a dirt parking lot. Did you have any of these creaking noises and if so how did the dealer address them?

Also what "adjustments" did they make to your suspension as I agree the ride is a bit harsh? I didn't realize there was any adjustment available other than lowering the tire pressure?

AustinL

When the car was originally delivered in mid-January, it was delivered in Tulsa and I had it trucked down here to the DFW area. My first issue with the car was a wind hiss on the front right passenger window. A little plastic tab had not been placed in the door jamb either during production or upon delivery. It took two visits to Park Place in Dallas for them to figure it out.

Because of this, and because the car was shipped down to me, I've wondered if it was not set up for delivery the way it should have been. The concensus online is that someone normally takes the car out and checks things. I am wondering if anyone ever did that with my car.

One of the most amazing things about Autobahn was that they told me they fixed it. period. Whenever I go to Dallas, they are more likely to say, "Well, we tried this." And I'm always thinking, "Well, did that fix the problem?"

I am not sure if (a) they either adjusted settings on the suspension or if (b) there was a problem with the alignment of the wheels. It could be either or, but if it was the latter, they did not charge me for it. I know something is different, b/c while I can still feel every uneven surface on the road, it is not such a jarring experience anymore.

They did explain how they fixed the sunroof rattle, and although I don't remember all of the details, this should be something very easy for your dealer to fix. My sunroof bracketing was a little loose, and they somehow increased the padding for when it is fully open. Otherwise it hits some circular metal piece in the roof lining maybe about 6-7 inches behind the drivers head. Take a close look--you'll see what I am talking about. If you push up, you will see that that thing (whatever it is) moves. This is most likely what is making noise while you drive.

I did have the creaking noises, and they said they fixed that too. However, it's something I normally hear in the morning, and I am about to go to Starbucks right now to check this out and confirm.

I will post back once I do.

AustinL

I drove it to Starbucks this morning, and the creaking/groaning that previously occured when I backed out of the driveway was completely gone. So whatever they did to improve the "ride" of the car, also fixed this.

Here's what I did: I made a detailed list of the problems and took it to the dealer.

Try that, and hopefully, if you have a good dealer, they will correct everything the first time. There is nothing worse than having to take a car to a dealer twice for the same problem.

SpeedGeek

Porsche ships the cars with very high tire pressure; 50-60 psi. The dealer is supposed to check the pressure before delivery. If you were experiencing an exceptionally harsh ride, my guess is your tire pressure was not reduced before you took delivery. Not an entirely uncommon scenario.

I can't think of a suspension adjustment that Autobahn could have performed to "drastically" improved ride harshness.

ShortShift

If you want to make a simple but striking change, this is what I have done on my Lapis Blue C4S.
1) Order a new "S" for the rear deck logo from your dealer.
2) Spray paint it the same red color as the brakes and let it dry overnight.
3) Take a piece of dental floss, slide it under the existing silver "S" on the rear deck and remove it (it is held in place by sticky tape and this is easy)
4) Pull the protective covering off the adhesive on your new red "S", and install it.

It looks great, stands out better, and carries through the color of the brakes.
Let me know how you put your picture on, and I'll post it or send it to you directly.

AustinL

You can e-mail me at: a.s.lingerfelt@tcu.edu

Speed Geek, I think you are correct. What bugs me is that before Autobahn I took the car to Park Place twice, and both times they took it out to drive, figuring out how to fix an hair hiss, and neither time did it dawn on anyone that the car had not been set up properly. What is amazing is that the second time, the master tech. didn't catch it.

I am impressed by Autobahn, because they figured everything out in one trip.

LanceK, take your car in and tell your dealer they need to check out the ride.

My own plan is to jettison these Continental tires once the rears are worn out, and switch to either Michelin Pilot Sports or Bridgestone SO3s.

Stem

Is Autobahn right across the street from Angelo's??

Speedraser

Why are there are so many references to squeaks and rattles in brand new cars. I think this is simply unacceptable. One of the things I love about my 51,000 mile 8 year old 993 and 67,000 mile 22 year old 911 SC is that they are both totally solid -- no squeaks, rattles, creaks, etc.

AustinL

To get to Autobahn take I-30 West past downtown Ft. Worth. Exist N. University Dr. and turn right at White Settlement Road. It's on the left.

The build quality is different on 996s. However, I am glad that I did trade my 993 for this car. My father actually told me last week, he has a black 2003 Turbo coming in two weeks. It will be interesting to see what that car is like.

I let my father drive my car a few weeks ago, and the first comment was, "It's not like the 993 is it?" Lol. Sorry, but I do think that is kind of funny. I am really hoping he likes the Turbo when it comes.

As far as the car though, I do think this is a better car, but I will be perfectly honest in saying that it is not as tightly built as the 993. This is most likely due to Porsche modernizing, if not cheapening, their production line. I used to think they hand built their cars, that is, until I visited their factory a few years ago.

Now visiting the Ferrari factory is an entirely different matter.

Here are some pics from the Ferrari museum adjacent to the factory:

<img src="http://www.austinlingerfelt.com/photographs/rome/images/DSC00075.jpg" alt=" - " />

<img src="http://www.austinlingerfelt.com/photographs/rome/images/DSC00073.jpg" alt=" - " />

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