I had an interesting experience with my 2018 Panny earlier this month. It was time for my next yearly service at 38k miles (I put about 9k miles a year over the last 21 months of ownership and the car was CPO with 19k when I got it). The planets aligned in a rather inauspicious manner, resulting in an a series of unfortunate events. First, an engine temp warning came on, intermittently at first and then manifesting in actual and rapid temp rise resulting in having to pull over, several times to let the car cool down. I managed to get the vehicle home, but also succeeded in picking up a large screw in the rear driver's side tire (a low pressure warning light signalling the presence of said hardware item).

This led me to setting up a service and repair appointment with a dealership I had been to the year before. That appointment, at 28k miles, was for an oil change and service (including spark plug replacement); things went very smoothly and I was given a loaner Cayenne for my trouble. Total cost, $0; a pleasant surprise as it turned out the previous owner had purchased a 3 year maintenance plan. My recent service, however, was not so pleasant.

I called up the dealership, who promptly sent a flatbed to tow my car from my house down to them (a 40 mile trip). The car arrived safe and sound and I was contacted the next day to start servicing and repair. Two rear tires (the passenger side was claimed to be worn past tolerance), oil change, filters, seals, and a rather suspicious "transmission fluid flush", the later quoted at around $1000. I okayed the tires, oil, filters, but after consulting the service interval, rejected the "flush"; I was told that since this was a "major 40k mile service", that the transmission flush was suggested, and if I refused, the service maintenance alert would be left on/uncleared. I told them fine, leave it on. After 5 days, the overheating was said to be addressed with radiator fluid change (no leaks or drop in fluid level were noted before sending the car off) and replacement of the thermostat, all covered under warranty. On my day off, I took the rental that I had been using (I have no spare car and no spare time to battle traffic after work on the I-95 during rush hour to receive a loaner) down to the dealership to collect my car. When the car was towed, it had about 1/4 tank left, when I picked it up, it was empty (30 miles range and low fuel warning on); no overheating light was on, so I stopped to gas up and not 1 mile from the dealership, said light came back on and the temp started to rocket up. After stopping immediately to cool down, I made it back to the shop and left in a Macan loaner to go back home. About 9 days later, the fault was found (some over-veil? valve? associated with the water pump) and fixed under warranty. The dealer sent up a driver with my car to drop it off at my house and drive the loaner back; my car was left with 1/2 a tank of gas whilst I had filled up their loaner. Total approximate cost: $2700.

I received an email to review my experience, and I was not in a generous mood with my ratings. I received a reply email from the service manager stating that services provided are as recommended by the manufacturer and are suggestions only; she generously sent a pdf with the service schedule (which I already had as it is posted on this forum). I have not yet responded, but I did not see any mention of a "major service" nor such thing as a "transmission fluid flush"; transmission fluid change is recommended every 60k miles.

Sorry for being so long winded, rant over.

 

The PDK fluid doesn't need to be changed until 60,000 miles. How can a dealership not know that? What is particularly reprehensible is their refusal to turn off the service light. I would contact Porsche corporate and complain.

 

which dealership was it? I usually use Champion and feel that while expensive they do a good job

 

West Palm Beach. The service manager stated that transmission fluid is every 60k miles or every 4 years (a point I did miss admittedly), however my car was 3 years and 5 months in operation from time of original sale, so a little premature still. From what I've seen, a typically transmission fluid change varies from $480-770; no where near the $1,040 they wanted.

 

its worth the drive down to Champion, I believe that they will pick up for no charge. You can PM for the service manager contact info I work with at Champion.

 

Must be the Zip Code Tax!

 

You ain't kidding.

 

My experience with the WPB dealer mirrors your own. $270 an hour for service (lawyers charge less) and they haven't a clue. Thankfully I now have a PIWIS3 and do all my own service. PM me if you ever want to do your own oil change. I did mine for $100 last week, dealer wants $600. I live in WBP

 

Precisely why I either do the work myself or take mine to my indie mechanic when it's above my pay grade. Of course, I don't have a warranty so I don't have to worry about it being voided.