So, bad news from the shop today.. the sound I had hoped was tire/road noise is actually the input pinion bearing on the rear differential. I'm looking at the build sheet for my car, by VIN, and I don't see an option listed for locking differential, but i'm not sure that wasn't standard equipment. Seems to be alot more non-locking diffs out there than locking, so i'm guessing it wasn't a common option. Probablly not really required on a 400 hp car with AWD anyway. Anyhoo. I see there's a visual difference between the locker and non-locker, but I haven't been to the shop to lay eyes on it and the're closed already. I'd like to get parts coming today, as there doesn't seem to be anyone locally who cares to try their hand at rebuilding a Porsche diff.

So.. was it standard equipment? And if not, it would be listed as an option on the buld sheet... and it's not. NO button on the dash to manually lock, but I don't think that was offered in the Panamera.

 

So, quick answer to my own question. Porsche shows that particular part number as being on backorder with no ETA. I ordered a used unit out of a 76000 mile Panamera 4 (not S) off Ebay. Part numbers are the same for all engines, and actually the same for non and AWD versions, so shouldn't be any issue with compatibility. 60 day warranty. I'll have the shop replace the axle seals, I'd like to do the Pinion seal as well but can't seem to find any instructions on how to remove it, or a torque value for the nut. Probablly critical to get that TQ correct to maintain the correct preload on the pinion bearing. So, hopefully have it in a few days and then whenever the shop can schedule me in to get it replaced. I should think about doing it myself, it's not a huge job but does require an alignment if it's done by the book.

Oh, and by VIN, car is not a locker.

 

I know this is old thread but i ll give it a shot..

looks like i have same problem with my 2010 4.8 panamera 4S.
i m looking at really cheap used replacement rear differential of a 2013 panamera 3.6 RWD but nobody can confirm that it will fit.

And reading your post you saying it should fit?

Thx for any input

 

So it turns out that the final drive ratio is different between the V6 and the V8, so while the diff fit, and for a bit, seemed to be working fine, as soon as the car clutched in the front diff, it was like putting on the brakes. The shop never noticed it during the test drive as they were apparently very gentle with the car, but the first time I pitched it into a corner on the gas....

So no, that diff won't work.

 

Oh ok good to know you just saved me alot of headache since i was about to order it.
Thank you

 

This happened on my 2010 turbo. I was extremely lucky… the Porsche dealer 15 min from my house had a factor refurbished unit on the shelf. Purchased it from the for $1200 and had my Indy guy replace. Happened with 70k on odometer. The dealer told me they had never had to replace a rear diff. Seems like it’s a growing issue in 1st gen cars.