My car is an ’09 C2S with about 22k miles on it. I took it to the dealer earlier this week for a recurring CEL. Dealer diagnosed a bad O2 sensor and replaced it at no charge under warranty.

The service advisor called to give me the good news about the O2 sensor but told me that the service technician had observed a slight oil leak from the PDK – not very much as I never saw anything on the garage floor. The dealer contacted Germany to find out how to proceed.

Got a call from the service advisor this morning and was told that Germany had authorized replacement of the PDK under warranty. He also told me that the service tech said that the PDK wasn’t shifting as smooth as it should be and it’s a good thing Germany authorized replacement. I never noticed any problems with it, but am glad that it’s being replaced now as my warranty runs out in March of next year.

The kicker is that I track the car quite a bit and the dealer knows it. I’ve chatted with the service advisor about various tracks, there are tech inspection stickers and a Hooked on Driving decal on the car and one of the sales guys is a track buddy of mine. I probably did 15-20 track days with the car in 2012. There was no mention of track use voiding the warranty. I was asked about any modifications to the car and answered honestly that I’ve done nothing to it.

The only drawback is that with the holidays coming up, getting the PDK shipped to the dealer and working around my schedule, looks like the replacement won’t happen ‘till early January. I consider myself pretty fortunate that the dealer found the problem, got the replacement authorized and didn’t give me any grief for tracking the car.

 

Good for you! Yeah mine has been in twice for a total of two weeks as to the PDK but no leaks! I see you live in Walnut Creek. I went to Athenian School at the base of Mt Diablo! My warranty is good through Jan 2014 so I will be looking at extended warranty because of the PDK. Good luck with new trans.

 

I had mine replaced at about 3000 mi. For the same reason.

 

Great news that dealer will handle it for you...it was pulling teeth dealing with P of Steven's Creek down here- they were awful.

 

What dealer is this? We're always quick to "name and shame" dealers who do poor/indifferent work or don't give the customer an even break, but this sounds like an example of great service on the part of both your dealer and PCNA. It should be recognized.

 

I had a very similar experience with my '09 C2S PDK, also a launch edition. I have my car inspected at the dealer for track events so they're very aware of my activiities. When the PDK began to leak (at around 10K miles, IIRC) they replaced it in two days, gave it back to me, and told me I was good to go for a DE two days later.

My dealer is the lead sponsor for my local PCA branch's AX/DE series and is very track friendly. The dealership's GM as well as the service writer are both "trackies."

I can't recommend the dealership highly enough - Walter's in Riverside, CA.

DMoore
'11 Carrera GTS
'10 Panamera 4S

 

Michael Stead Porsche?

 

Dang great dealer! Also where exactly was PDK leaking?

 

Yes, Michael Stead Porsche in Walnut Creek - all around great guys.

Not exactly sure where it was leaking, was just told that it was "on the side" for whatever that's worth.

 

Lets say for fun that you don't have a warranty. How much would you be out pocket to replace that PDK?

 

I'm past break in period and not quite oil change time, but I guess I should have the dealer do it for the first time. Just to make sure nothing is leaking or broken even if I have to pay more for the oil change.

 

AFAIK the PDK is $7000 and then there is labor to remove and replace. Not sure if that is accurate but that's what I've heard.

 

Great Job man. I think that was totally awesome what they did. Hope your car is good to go now and without any further problems in the future. Let us know and keep us informed.

 

Mike, As I recall it is on the driver's side. There is what I believe is a hollow bolt that is supposed to seat into another item in the trans. If the bolt doesn't mate properly you can get a leak. The leak I had wasn't major.