When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
What might be the worst gouge in all of Porschedom
I was looking for a magnetic drain plug for my car earlier today (still haven't found a good one (metal is too soft)) and noticed what might be the worst gouge % wise in all of Porschedom.
Ah, I thought you were comparing the one to the other...like the premium for the VIN decoding with the printout was $2.77.
Well, one of the local P-car dealers here wanted to charge an arm and a leg for wheel balancing. I asked if it was road force balancing at that price. The service writer said “It’s spin balancing” in a tone that made it sound like that was better and worth the added cost.
“So, it’s just regular balancing, like I would get at Discount Tire?” I asked.
”Yes”, he said—after a pause and obviously deflated.
Recently had to replace two front run-flats for the missus' BMW.
For the exact same tyre and wheel alignment, tyre shop: $520, BMW dealer: $870. All are in New Zealand $ which buys US$0.60 for NZ$1.
The dreaded run flats. I swapped them out for regular tires on my BMW, best thing I ever did. Way cheaper, much less harsher ride. I had a friend who was driving across a remote part of the state. Ran over something and the run flat tire couldn't be fixed, had to be replaced. The only tire shop in town had to special order the tire. He had to get a hotel for 2 days and wait around for his tire to arrive, ugh.
997.1 muffler delete pipes for $495. They are little more than 2" straight pipes bent 90 degrees, can't be more than two feet long. Won't name the vendor, but come on! Example picture below:
Well I have to say I'm surprised no-one has just printed the OEM options list - the option to have your key painted the same color as the car - $570, I note on the 992 for a 'Rev counter in White' Porsche charge you $480!
Recently had to replace two front run-flats for the missus' BMW.
For the exact same tyre and wheel alignment, tyre shop: $520, BMW dealer: $870. All are in New Zealand $ which buys US$0.60 for NZ$1.
LOL reminds me of my buddy who had to have the windscreen replaced on his Mercedes - dealer quoted him some horrendous amount, he said 'don't worry I'll take it to Autoglass, they are way cheaper...' they gave some big spiel about bonding the screen to the car contributes to structural safety yada yada yada.... He eventually relents.
Later the same day one of hi sales guys comes in and says - 'You're getting a new windshield for the car - What happened??'
Reply - 'I never knew you drove a Mercedes??'
'I don't - my car's in at Autoglass and I saw yours there.............'
He had fun when he picked up his Mercedes from the dealer later that day!!
This is exactly why we started doing this as a hobby. Started with the BMW tax and valve adjustments costs on parts, DME tuning, and then snowballed from there. I’m all
for making a buck but blatant bs costs. Nope. Not having it.
In reference to your magnetic drain plug quest, I just purchased one of these off ebay for $23. Claimed to be much stronger than aluminum. Looks like a quality product. Have not placed in my oil drain hole yet. 10mm hex key instead of smaller stock one. Ebay Link
HAVING A MAGNETIC DRAIN PLUG TO CATCH IRON AND STEEL PARTICLES IS ONE OF THE BEAT WAYS TO DETECT A FAILING (IMS) OR “IMMEDIATE SHAFT BEARING” IN SOME OF THESE Porsche model’s engines.
Three times as strong as the standard OEM 6061 machined aluminum plug with the small 8mm socket head that is easily stripped out.
I sourced the highest quality “forged steel” Japanese made plug with a much larger strip resisting 10mm hex socket with hardened “rolled” instead of die cut threads.
Hot “die forging” and rolling of the threads work hardens the entire plug to give both the threads and the hex socket exceptional strength.
Soft 6061 aluminum is NOT the ideal material to use for the oil drain plug. Dissimilar materials allows easy “no galling” run down and tightening of the oil drain plug in the cast aluminum drain hole.
The center of the plug is not just drilled or bored. It is milled with a FLAT BOTTOM hole to accept the FLAT END of a 15 pound pull N45 high grade neodymium rare earth magnet. A high temperature and slow curing high strength epoxy is used to lock the magnet permanently into the drain plug.
After ALL of that preparation, the magnetic drain plugs are “oven baked” to make sure that the epoxy cures fully to its ultimate strength.
When I took my car in for 40,000 mile service I mentioned there was a rattle coming from the console and asked if they could figure out where it was coming from. They correctly diagnosed it coming from the cab top switch. They quoted $270 to replace it. I declined. I purchased a new one online for $45 and it took me about 20 seconds to replace it. At least they figured out where the rattle was coming from but a $225 markup on a $45 part is robbery.
06-02-2019, 01:23 PM
What might be the worst gouge in all of Porschedom
