Hello Everyone - new to the Cayenne forum. I am considering getting a C-S this fall and have been reading issues on several forums. Having been on a couple of MB forums - sounds like the Cayenne forum has both positive and negative issues. I dont know if these issues are common with European makes.

Regardless - I am considering getting a C-S. I have read both good and bad issues on the C. Seems like most owners are happy with the C, regardless of the problems they are having. Is that the general consensus? Any opinions will be helpful and appreciated.

I know there is also the big debate over getting the C vs C-S. Other than the V6 vs V8 motor differences, which do you recommend?

Thanks, Scott

 

Little niggling problems now and then, but for a heavy SUV the driving characteristics are pretty impressive. I also tow with it ( a vnosed aluminum enclosed trailer) and it does very well except for the famous "check trailer lights" ! . Would definitely buy another- wouldn't get one without air suspension which of course comes with the turbo. The S is the best all around IMHO- turbo just too much $$ and the V6 is just TOO SLOW. With gas prices like they are and sales slowing down, you should be able to get a good deal now...

 

You should get the S, I used to own a V6 and it was adequate and handles well, I do like it very much, but like what everyone says the S will change my mind, so I traded it in after driving an S.
Both was good in the snow, been thru snow storms in tahoe and never let me down. No issues on both, i had 13K miles on the V6 when i traded, now I got 6K on my S, no problems whatsoever.
You should get a good deal now on the S. Try getting one with the PASM/air suspension, I couldnt afford it at the time,i regret not getting that option.
Good luck with your decision , either way , and welcome to the forum

 

I sensed a disturbance in the force as you were typing those famous words

 

Me, too. But, the disturbance isn't the "trailer lights" issue, it is when anyone says, "I'm headed to the dealership!". It pains us all and we wince!!

For the potential new guy. An '05 or '06 S is the best of both worlds and should be relatively glitch free. Just know the ropes with tires, oil, and that you have a high performance luxury vehicle. V6 IMHO is underpowered and doesn't drive like the S. The Turbo is ridiculously over-powered but if you want to tow it is probably nice to have. Other than visiting the dealer (mine is awesome) all too often, the S has been a true pleasure.

FYI, I couldn't justify $30K for the ability to blow people off the line. From 20-100 the S is about as fast as anything other than exotics or 911 Turbos!

 

If you stopped at 100 you missed the best part the S pulls impressively strong over 100 as well.

I have an '04 CS with 19k miles on it now. Its first glitch just showed up, the airbag fault. It is a known issue and an easy fix, so it doesn't bother me much. The 20" tires wear really quickly, 18's last much longer and there is a better selection. Definately get the V8 and the air suspension. The Cayennes quality has been much better than the last two MB's I bought ('01 S600, '02 G500). It is a very impressive car-truck thingy.

 

Thanks for the info. I am extremely aware of "electrical glitches". My current 2001 MB C-Class has had it fair share of electrical glitches and other minor things. I am not unfamiliar to going to the dealer with these types of problems. Do you guys think the air suspension is necessary for light towing? Getting married in November and the "wife" has a horse that we may need to move from Phoenix to Tucson. Will not be pulling as large a trailer as SKL, but for once in a blue moon towing, will having the regular suspension be adequate? Also, I am aware of tire wear - I have been using a staggered set up on my MB. My last set of Yokohama AVS ES100 lasted about 10K miles. Usually have replaced tires every 20K -25K - I am on my 4th set of tires with nearly 100000 miles on the car. I think I would stick with the 18's and get the "turbo" wheels. Are there any "options" you would need to have? I know this is very subjective. How user friendly is the PCM/navigation? Is the PCM a "need to have" option? I think the "comfort package" would be something I would get. Thanks again for all your input.

 

Considering the electrical glitches I had on previous BMW and MB models, I skipped a bunch of what I considered potnetially troublesome options. I do not have the NAV system. I had a Cayenne loaner that had one, I think it is obtuse to operate personally. I also recall that some have had problems with it, though not many. I prefer the standard radio and cubby hole in my dash. I also passed on the comfort package as the only part of it I really wanted, drivers side memory seat, you can get as a separate option and save $7-900. The 18" turbo wheels are a good call. The air suspension is much more than nice for towing, it gives a ride and handling advantage. If you are going to tow make sure you get that option from the factory, I think it is cheaper that way. Make sure you order a spare tire, used to be an option, may be standard now, but I wouldn't leave home without it

 

You should give PASM some serious consideration. I test drove both and the air suspension is noticably more refined. If you are towing then it offers the important bonus of automatic leveling. If you venture off road the air suspension helps by giving you better ground clearance.

For general duty stay with the 18 inch wheels. The 20's look cool but they limit your tire options. I have two sets of wheels but if I had to ditch one set it would be my 20's.

The PCM is a matter of personal taste. I use it because I navigate all over SoCal and it helps get me to my destination. There have been complaints about the map database. At the minimum you can expect it to lag rapidly growing areas, for example new streets in southeast of Phoenix. That's just the nature of the beast but personally I don't have many problems in SoCal.

The nav user interface is not the best, especially compared to the Japanese units which are outstanding. PCM or not I personally like the Bose stereo.