ADias

PDK is not bleeding edge. PAG has developed the system since the 80s. What usually fails in a PDK is an electronic or hydraulic controller, which in a similar form is also present in a standard automatic transmission. If anything, PDK has proven to be remarkably reliable. Given the negativity towards it from certain customers, when one fails, the Web projects a sky is falling scare. Nonsense!

Robocop305

I agree!!

3Series

Yup. Very few PDK issues. Tiptronics have their fair share of issues and so do manuals.

Anything mechanical is prone to breaking. The issue is that Porsche's current fix is to replace the whole transmission which at this point in time is ridiculous.

sandwedge

When it was first introduced and nobody but the factory knew how to work on them, it could be excused but seven years later? Especially since there are indications that some of the failures are due to fairly inexpensive electronic components. That seems to have been the case with the failed PDK in my -09 C4S. My dealer pulled some codes and that's what they concluded.

neanicu

What problems do you know with manual transmissions? There aren't any. Those that had synchro problems or required a rebuild were driven very hard on the track. You will have ZERO problems with a manual on the street. And stop comparing manuals with PDKs.the cost is not even close,even if they require a rebuild.

OP,I hope Porsche will step up somehow and you will stay with the brand,but if you do go with BMW,remember that their DCTs aren't better either.

caitov

OP - Sorry to hear that.
My PDK had the same issue at around 20k miles. Noticed a very small leak and the result was they had to replace the entire transmission as I was told they do not service them. I was under warranty so for me that was preferable.

I would really hope Porsche would step up for what is obviously just a defect, but couldn't blame you for wanting to ditch it for another brand.

Mumbles

Was this a launch car. If so this is at least the second pdk replacement needed thread in past few weeks.

Manufacture date in 08, first pdk transmissions.

rankoutsider

Yep a launch car.

As to the other comments - its not me bashing Porsche technology here. I chose a PDK coz thats what I wanted and it suits my needs. In so far as not being a "proper" sports car because its (essentially) an auto...well, thats probably an argument for another thread.

My issue is (perhaps I am bashing Porsche after all) is the fact that they do not let the dealer even order parts, let alone provide training to adequately service a critical drivetrain component. My dealer and Porsche Australia have bent over backwards to help, but without replacement parts being available there is little they can do. They are already giving me more than 50% off the replacement (usual price AUD $38K).

Anyways, the decisions made...signed for an M4 today. The corporate program I am with gets me 5 year warranty and free servicing for that period. So we'll see how it goes I suppose. I'll be on the hunt for a 964 era coupe in the meantime.

Linnm

I would ask the Porsche Dealer for a sit-down discussion of your situation

sandwedge

If I was asked to pay for a PDK replacement out of pocket for any reason short of catastrophic failure due to abuse I would hire a lawyer in Germany to oversee the teardown and confirm what exactly needed to be repaired and what the cost would be. As stated earlier in this thread, there are suggestions that some of these $15,000 replacements are done because of failures of low cost electronic components.

Para82

If the PDK can't be fixed without paying the 18kAUD premium than I suggest you patch up that leak, polish some money into that paint and sell that car ASAP.

Para82

M4 paired with a 964 would be awesome.

3Series

The statement that Manual Transmissions are trouble free is ridiculous. Anything that is mechanical is prone to break. Zero problems on the street??? Seriously?

So people with manual transmission have never had issues getting the car into 1st gear? Gears never slipped? Hmm...

neanicu

Getting the car in the first gear?! Are you for real?

Gears don't slip,the clutch does from burning it by people that don't know how to drive a manual properly.

Quadcammer

He's got a point. The failure rate on street driven, non-tracked manual transmissions is infinitesimal. Sure, you may have some balky shifting or a slightly salty synchro, but these hardly ever fail outright and usually will easily last over 100k miles without issue.

The minor issues with manuals can be annoying, but they don't result in a "tranny fault, tow to dealer" and $18k repairs.