As I explored available tire options seemed it more and more apparent that for my needs a designated off-road winter set would be needed. No doubt forum participation is costly. Because at that point wheel esthetics comes into play. But really you want to make informed decisions and I have no problems bumping things up to get it right.

The 20's IMO are a really good value. And to go that way PASM seems to be the way to go. But this is going to be my daily driver, I'm going to run this into the ground. I don't want to click on a box for a system that isn't rock solid. Bulletproof is more important to me than esthetics.

What is the consensus on PASM?

To clarify is it bulletproof in terms of reliability.

 

PASM is less important than my input as driver. If I am dumb enough to get way over my head, neither PSM nor any other system can save me. Most of the responsibility is still mine. PSM might help in marginal situations but it is not the be-all end-all save your butt system, no matter what. This is JMHO...

 

I should of been more clear. I meant in terms of reliability.

 

PASM is good & the benefits are worth the $.

 

I have 46k miles on my 997.1 with PASM, and have never had any issues with the PASM. I wouldn't worry about it.

 

I did a lot of research on it and it's seems to be bulletproof I'm going to include it.

 

We have over 123,000 km on our Cayenne with PASM and AS.

Driving in some pretty awesome winter conditions.
We use 18" Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow (second set were mounted in Feb this year.)

Reliability: Rock solid and worth it to have in extreme winter conditions.

 

Do you mean PASM or PSM? PASM has nothing to do with stability in adverse conditions, it just means you have magnetorheological adaptive shock absorbers. They will cost somewhat more to replace out of warranty but I've never heard anything about them being unreliable, as such.

PSM is the stability/traction management system, which is standard/mandatory on all cars.

 

Noah not sure if this was directed towards me, but yes I was asking about PASM. If it was just me I'd get the steel springs , no PASM and the 20s. That would give me the ride firmness I want and the simplicity I like, the stance that compliments the car and the esthetic wheel size that balances out the look. My concern is that on rough roads it might be a little harsh for my wife and want the ability to soften it thus the inquiry regarding the PASM.

 

@NoahFect... I think only one of the persons responding to the OP was confused between PASM & PSM. Also, PASM DOES NOT use Magnetorheological dampers, simply changes the valve position in the oil filled shocks based on setting and dynamically based on driving conditions.

@Buckfever.. PASM does a lot more than just adjust firmness statically. The Normal, Sport & Sport Plus settings just define a range where the firmness needs to be. I went with the standard dampers on my 991 because I like the analog road feel. For the Macan, if I do get one, it will surely have PASM. Finally.. your original question.. is PASM reliable? Anything electronically controlled is less reliable than one without external sensors and logic, but PASM in Porsche has generally proven itself to be reliable. One of the other responses mentioned the Air suspension and in my experience, no one I know with either a Porsche, Land Rover or MB air suspensions have had a trouble free air suspension and they all come from the same manufacturer (Continental). It usually also happens right after the warranty ends. Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

rpilot: What usually happens with AS right after the warranty ends? I polled the Cayenne owners on the forums and none had any issues with AS.

 

Ah, I stand corrected. Good to know, thanks.

 

I know someone with a trouble free AS on Mercedes, myself . My ML is seven years old, 104,000 miles, no issues with AS and I have been out of warranty for about 4 years. So my question to you: what happens with the AS right after the warranty ends?

 

@keninirvine... Problems have ranged from a bad air compressor to leaky bellows in my ex wifes ML, my boss's cayenne & my 2 different Range rovers belonging to members of my extended family.

@sebis... I am glad your ML has been problem free but anecdotal data is just that.

Air Suspensions always have had more trouble but to be fair they have also gotten a lot better. I was addressing the OPs question of reliability and an anecdotal data point someone else presented on their positive experience with an AS.

Bear in mind, the Macan DOES NOT have the slick (and allegedly more reliable) dual chamber AS like the Panamera, Tesla model S and I think the new S class has. I am not sure if other modern cars have switched over to this bellow-less Spring design (Continental) which contains the air shocks inside them with the valve moving in air instead of oil. Most of the highest end ones will with their next gen re-designs.

The Macan consists of a brand new AS design from Trelleborg AB and far as I can tell it is the bellows design with a variable damping shock enclosed. Find Trelleborgs website or read this article if it helps..

http://ae-plus.com/technology/trelle...-porsche-macan

Whether this brand new system is more reliable or less vs continentals older bellows designs (still in wide use) is anyone's guess. It just happens to be more compact to fit in the macan.

I personally was not a fan of air suspensions and how they felt until I test drove a Tesla and it was also on a Panamera loaner while my 991 was in the shop. In those two applications they are outstanding and for me atleast, well worth considering, reliability be dammed. I remember driving a first gen Cayenne with an air suspension and my ex's ML both of which I was not too happy with the pillowy feel of.

Also, on a separate note, I have not figured out where the air compressor is located and if adding the AS means giving up a spare tire as is the case in some other cars. I am not willing to give up the spare tire under any circumstances and I am hoping that is not the case.

Finally,I am not trying to dissuade anyone from getting the AS but I stand by the statement that the Air suspensions are inherently far less reliable than standard spring ones.

 

I read many glowing reviews on the AS vs. steel on the Macan to the point that I think it is a MUST IMO. It is also lowering center of gravity as well thus helping with body roll and reducing wheel gap.

As far as reliability, Range Rover and AS reliability should not be in the same sentence .

To add another anecdote, my 2007 ML in Normal mode (not Comfort) it has a much better ride then a brand new ML with steel, the latter feels too floaty to me.