i have removed way way too many door handles in my day and i have to admit, the pictures you guys are posting up does not make me .01% nervous enough to go through that on a 997 door panel. our door panels are very tight put together and i would rather keep it that way versus taking the panel off, then moving the window up, then unbolting the door handle, then reinstall. someone better show me water leaking in there for me to go through that hassle.

 

I think I can answer my own question here. For whatever reason, PET calls this rubber seal a "desk pad". Looks like a <$5 part that is also cross-used on other Porsche models.

Left side is 997 537 637 00
Right side is 997 537 638 00

FYI, I believe Left=Driver's; Right=Passenger's, but you better confirm for yourselves.

 

Thanks to all for posting about this, it might be small but it is certainly not insignificant! Great exchange of information....

 

Yes thanks for all the info. I think id rather leave it then pull the door handle though.

 

If this isn't addressed could this lead to rust?

 

Doors are aluminum, so no? However the handle, locking mechanism maybe reinforcement bars are most likely not aluminum components which would lead them to rust and corrode.

Definitely worth fixing, even with aluminum doors.

 

As the OP I still have not fixed mine! The car is garaged so Im not too worried about rusting.