MountainStone

We're considering a purchase. Is Porsche's air suspension problematic? Mercedes is known for having issues with their air suspensions, which is frustrating because there are aftermarket replacement parts with a lifetime warranty; Mercedes just chooses to source cheaper components. Should we factor air struts or compressor replacement into our decision?

Thanks!

endless_corners

In a nutshell no. The Porsche system is much better than Benz or Audi. In Most cases with cayenne's if the compressor fails u can refurb with a seal kit. Obviously if you bully it off-road you could blow an air bag. But overall you shouldn't worry about Air suspension on pigs.

Sniffer

This is true and from what I can tell said kit only runs around $150

mtnrat

Actually it is surprisingly reliable. My previous 05 CTT had 125,000 mi with zero issues. Most here are having similar experiences.

Rossi

No issues, just remember to deactivate it when lifting the car for service!!

ProgRockJunkie

Dumb question, how do you deactivate it? Specifically on a 955.

knfeparty

Hold the height selector rocker switch in the up position a few seconds until it says regulation off. I still get an air suspension error after I put it back on the ground, but it goes away as soon as I start rolling.

Wisconsin Joe

^This. Page 230 of the Owner's Manual.

You can turn it back on manually (same as turning off) or just drive it and it turns back on by itself after a bit.

AGARubberDuck

I have an 04 ctt with 160k miles. Only issue (regarding pasm) was blowing an air spring around 140k. Known metal fatigue + off-road = BOOM. The air spring was less than $500 for replacement, and we were able to put it in ourselves. (Some cursing involved - wiper arm removal is a required step?!). Dealer wanted to replace both front strut/spring assemblies for a total more than 6k including a flatbed tow. Look for cracks starting to form on the metal outer casing of the air springs. If they exist, it's only a matter of time before they split and puncture your air spring.

DWPC

I had to replace one air spring @65K miles; but it was covered by the CPO warranty.

Rossi

stronbl

I have 2013 CD with air suspension and no problems thus far. Just over 30,000 miles. Mostly pavement driving and towing, not much off road. I'd buy it again.

Boostaddiction

I had a Touareg with air suspension, and loved it. In 145K miles on the Treg, I never had an air suspension-related problem.

When I bought the CD to replace it, air was a requirement.

MountainStone

Thanks for all the responses. I'm still looking for the Cayenne's fatal flaw, but really glad to hear the air suspension is durable. Thanks again!

AGARubberDuck

For all I can tell, the only fatal flaw is the dismal resale value. It costs serious money to maintain this vehicle, which is part of why it depreciates so dramatically.