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Old Oct 6, 2025 | 11:54 AM
  #1  
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Default Panamera coding?

Hi everyone! I am new to the Porsche world with a new to me 2018 Panamera 4 e-Hybrid Exec. I come from the BMW side of the aisle and so far I am loving Porsche!
One of the things I like most about BMW is the ability to customize the vehicle settings with coding apps like Bimmercode. Are there similar app offerings for Porsche that are generally recommended?
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Old Oct 7, 2025 | 08:52 AM
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You can do similar things with PIWIS 3, but its not very user friendly. All the fun stuff in in German.
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Old Oct 7, 2025 | 03:56 PM
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Originally Posted by djdonte
You can do similar things with PIWIS 3, but its not very user friendly. All the fun stuff in in German.
Can't you use google translate on the photo section to translate
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Old Oct 7, 2025 | 05:45 PM
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Panny team.
FWIW (For what it's worth)

I just talked with two Scan Tool manufacturers. (6 Oct 2025)
1. DuraMetric (in Bend Oregon)
Durametric Software, Inc.
61451 Parrell Rd
Bend, OR 97702
+1-541-388-5420
2. ICarSoft (in K St. Suite 300 N.W. Washington D.C., 20006 United States.)

Both companies stated that after 2010 it is virtually impossible to accomplish ECU coding in a Porsche Panamera.
After 2010, Porsches, and especially The Panamera's software system is set with distinct and different ID codes for all the ECU functions.

Only Porsche has those ID codes, and they are on Porsche's main server in Germany.
A PIWIS ('could') do the ECU coding if you knew/know the specific ID code (varies from one year Panamera to another) for the ECU system you want to change.
They state that the 970/971 series are particularly difficult because of all the 'luxury' systems on the Panamera.
They both suggested that if you really want a system re-coded on a Panamera...our best bet is to take it to a dealer...(ouch)
Darn...
Anyone know anything different?
Thx


Last edited by F16Fighter Pilot; Oct 7, 2025 at 05:59 PM.
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Old Oct 7, 2025 | 06:47 PM
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Yes - you can code things using a PIWIS system!

I know because a colleague enabled the latent matrix headlights functionality for my Panamera using his PIWIS system.


Other diagnostic devices will severely limited in their coding functionality compared with the PIWIS system.


If you only want to read and/or clear faults or perform service interval resets, check out the Launch and OTOFIX devices.


Good luck!

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Old Oct 7, 2025 | 07:26 PM
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Welcome to the dark side! In the past, I've done quite a bit of coding for my BMW's, too. FWIW, PIWIS seems to be the 'gold standard' toolset (like ISTA, etc) but there's a number of other, less pricier tools that will get most of the things you'd want accomplished. I personally use ThinkDiag+ via bluetooth and smartphone, but a lot of people also use the Launch x431 Pro 5, etc. with a lot of success. One thing to keep in mind is that the Porsche coding world isn't quite as developed as it is for BMW, so you might have to hunt down the solution or even use a little trial and error as I did with coding out my rear spoiler. In the end, I found most of the coding solutions I was looking for in the 911 and 718 Cayman forums. Sure, the menus and options aren't 100% the same, but with a just little effort you'll find what you're looking for. Best of luck!
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Old Oct 7, 2025 | 08:00 PM
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Thanks Xarmy!!
Durametric said you could do as you state above with a PIWIS...but with caution.
They indicated you could 'screw some stuff up' if you didn't get that 'trial and error' coding correct?
Especially with the Panamera...do you know if the Launchx431 Pro 5 has any ECU coding functionality for a Panamera?
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Old Oct 7, 2025 | 10:56 PM
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Anyone try Autel versus the Launch tools?
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Old Oct 8, 2025 | 05:19 AM
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Default Durametric

Originally Posted by F16Fighter Pilot
Panny team.
FWIW (For what it's worth)

I just talked with two Scan Tool manufacturers. (6 Oct 2025)
1. DuraMetric (in Bend Oregon)
Durametric Software, Inc.
61451 Parrell Rd
Bend, OR 97702
+1-541-388-5420
2. ICarSoft (in K St. Suite 300 N.W. Washington D.C., 20006 United States.)

Both companies stated that after 2010 it is virtually impossible to accomplish ECU coding in a Porsche Panamera.
After 2010, Porsches, and especially The Panamera's software system is set with distinct and different ID codes for all the ECU functions.

Only Porsche has those ID codes, and they are on Porsche's main server in Germany.
A PIWIS ('could') do the ECU coding if you knew/know the specific ID code (varies from one year Panamera to another) for the ECU system you want to change.
They state that the 970/971 series are particularly difficult because of all the 'luxury' systems on the Panamera.
They both suggested that if you really want a system re-coded on a Panamera...our best bet is to take it to a dealer...(ouch)
Darn...
Anyone know anything different?
Thx
I pissed away $240 on the Durametrics tool, claiming it can code my 2017 Panamera 971, but it DOES NOT. It only supports up to the 2016 Panameras. I just tried to code my Bose Amplifier after it was rendered useless after updating my PCM to 4.1. Now I'm waiting on my PIWIS III to arrive...

Last edited by f18simtech; Oct 8, 2025 at 05:20 AM.
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Old Oct 8, 2025 | 12:20 PM
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Originally Posted by F16Fighter Pilot
Thanks Xarmy!!
Durametric said you could do as you state above with a PIWIS...but with caution.
They indicated you could 'screw some stuff up' if you didn't get that 'trial and error' coding correct?
Especially with the Panamera...do you know if the Launchx431 Pro 5 has any ECU coding functionality for a Panamera?
I can confirm that changing things using X431, does apply. However, does it change anything, not sure. Mainly because I was trying to code out the start/stop and the only way to do this is by disabling it complete out of the system. Also, resetting maintenance after I did oil took a renewal subscription. I used to use x431 easily on my 2011 Cayenne years ago and it worked flawlessly with many things. Seems like after 2017 things are more locked down.
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Old Oct 8, 2025 | 09:48 PM
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Hey f18simtech...
From the conversation I had with Duramatic...they do not claim that their scan tool will even support a 2010-2016 Panamera ECU coding!!
I would proceed with caution with any claims that they can do ECU coding on any Panamera!!!
Thx
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Old Oct 8, 2025 | 10:05 PM
  #12  
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I use my PIWIS II and III, better than Durametric or icarsoft by far.
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Old Oct 8, 2025 | 10:32 PM
  #13  
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Pana Team..
OK...I think I have found a scan tool that can 'they say' can actually accomplish ECU coding on our Panameras.
The tool is:

Autel MaxiSys Ultra S2 Scanner, 2025 Top Intelligen Scan Diagnostic with AI, 6-in-1 VCMI2, Up of MSUltra/ MS919, Topology 3.0, Multi-Point DVI, EV Test, 48+ Service, ECU program

Full ECU Coding and Adaptation support for Porsche. Performs online coding, module initialization, and advanced service resets. Includes the VCMI (Vehicle Communication and Measurement Interface) for more stable communication with European vehicles. Excellent for high-end and performance vehicles like Porsche, BMW, Audi, Mercedes, etc. Ideal for shops and advanced technicians.



OK.. that is the (sort of) good news.
The BAD news..???
These units sell for about $5700.00
Yes..you read that correct... $5700 frippin dollars!!!
Jeezzz
No thanks...

Last edited by F16Fighter Pilot; Oct 8, 2025 at 10:34 PM.
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Old Oct 8, 2025 | 11:05 PM
  #14  
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Originally Posted by F16Fighter Pilot
Thanks Xarmy!!
Durametric said you could do as you state above with a PIWIS...but with caution.
They indicated you could 'screw some stuff up' if you didn't get that 'trial and error' coding correct?
Especially with the Panamera...do you know if the Launchx431 Pro 5 has any ECU coding functionality for a Panamera?
Yeah, for some items there's no 'guardrails' like you'd see in BimmerCode and the like. There's definitely some things that you can screw up if you're not a little vigilant when experimenting with some things. I don't have the Launch product, I use ThinkDiag+ with their OBD2 dongle. I was able to code out my spoiler by changing the motor steps at each speed threshold. I settled on that method because I couldn't find a way to simply disable it (the 911 and 718 forums weren't helpful with that). I think both ThinkDiag+ and Launch have both on-line and offline ECU coding abilities, but as to what and how much I really couldn't say.
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Old Oct 9, 2025 | 09:31 AM
  #15  
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Originally Posted by F16Fighter Pilot
Pana Team..
OK...I think I have found a scan tool that can 'they say' can actually accomplish ECU coding on our Panameras.
The tool is:

Autel MaxiSys Ultra S2 Scanner, 2025 Top Intelligen Scan Diagnostic with AI, 6-in-1 VCMI2, Up of MSUltra/ MS919, Topology 3.0, Multi-Point DVI, EV Test, 48+ Service, ECU program

Full ECU Coding and Adaptation support for Porsche. Performs online coding, module initialization, and advanced service resets. Includes the VCMI (Vehicle Communication and Measurement Interface) for more stable communication with European vehicles. Excellent for high-end and performance vehicles like Porsche, BMW, Audi, Mercedes, etc. Ideal for shops and advanced technicians.



OK.. that is the (sort of) good news.
The BAD news..???
These units sell for about $5700.00
Yes..you read that correct... $5700 frippin dollars!!!
Jeezzz
No thanks...

How about a PIWIS 3 unit - for likely less $$$ - and PIWIS can do it all - literally!


Good luck!
Reply



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