Am considering a '10 or '11 Panamera S and am wondering if they are prone to any particular flaws, esp in the first model year? (ex. RMS in 996, coolant pipe in cayenne, distributor problems in 964 etc)

Have any of you noted unexpected problems or heard of any?

 

The two issues I am aware of are directly related to the design of the engine and not correctable. Therefore these issues are present in all Panamera MYs to date. Neither are show-stoppers, but you should be aware of what you are buying into.
(1) high oil consumption, the manual states that it is normal to use as much as 1Qt every 600 miles. You will need to keep an eye on the oil level.
(2) carbon build-up. This is due to utilization of direct fuel injection. Mechanical carbon removal is required.

 

From a quick look at the PIWIS:

Workshop campaign WA26 about the replacement of the generator for
Panamera S, 4S, Turbo; model year 2010

some reprogramming https://rennlist.com/forums/8832139-post2.html

Engines replaced (only applicable to China)

increased oil consumption guidelines

A couple of TSB's for the PDK

 

The oil consumption in my 2010 Panamera Turbo started out at 1 quart after the first 1,100 miles. I now have 34,000 miles on the clock and oil usage is around a quart every 5,000 miles.

 

Carbon build-up is also directly related to the high oil useage.

These same characteristics are present in the early 928 GTS models.

 

Use Shell, Chevron, or another TopTier recommended gas, or use Techron every 5K miles and your injectors and valves will be perfect.

 

That won't stop the carbon from building up on the back of the intake and exhaust valves. DFI by definition injects the fuel directly into the cyllinder so the fuel/additives will only see the cyllinder and piston.

 

My 2010 P4S has nearly 14,000 miles on it and the oil consumption is about 1 qt in 3,500 miles. I have no problem with this and find that it's pretty normal for modern engines. I use the recommended 0W40 Mobil1 and no other additives. At least once a week I take the engine to the redline. My wife's BMW (43,000 miles) and my VW Touareg (76,000 miles) likewise use oil very sparingly.

 

read my post "don't buy/ lease a Panamera until you read this!!" search for Toejam to find it, its a first-year recap of my experience with my '11 PanS.

essentially, the car drives very well when driven hard. however, as an everyday car it leaves a lot to be desired. especially at is price; i consider it 20% overpriced for what you get.

 

Got a 2010 pan 4s, when I start driving, the rpm goes up as I push gas, then it drops for a second, before it goes up again. I am wondering why is there a small drop of 1rpm 1 second after drive off?

 

Drive / get the GTS......da bomb!

 

I was dumping in oil like crazy in my 2010 turbo, however in my GTS I haven't needed any in 7000 miles.

 

I put my first 1/4 quart in at 6500 miles for a single bar lower indication. The GTS is hardly an oil-burner, at least if you break it in correctly.

 

I have noticed this recently as well. I'm guessing that it's got something to do with the engine management system adjusting the throttle as it modulates the clutch.

 

Your "don't buy" post reminds me of myself when I was younger and I'd complain about all of the shortcomings of my BMWs. If motivated, I could write three times the volume of "complaints" about the Panamera S than you did, but the reality is that this is a fine car with some very obvious features and design elements that can either be appreciated or despised, depending on your attitude and perspective. If you took a step back and re-read your original thread's first post, you'd see that most of your complaints are quite trivial.

Porsche takes a different approach to cars than other manufacturers, like say BMW or Toyota. For example, instead of a switch that requires just a light touch with a very subdued tactile feedback, such as you would get in a Lexus, Porsche prefers that the switch has a very firm engagement point with a very distinctive click. These things are not by accident; they are planned and designed very deliberately. You may not like it, but that's not their concern. It's the Germanic way of thinking. They know best, you must learn to appreciate it.

As for the overpriced comment, that is one point that I cannot disagree with you on. There is a huge premium that we pay for our Porsches. Most of us think it's worth it, otherwise we'd all be driving Audis and BMWs. or Chevys.

My Panamera S is my daily driver, and I love it. I drive it lightly (versus hard) most of the time, partly because of traffic, largely because I don't want to get a speeding or reckless ticket. It works just fine. It's quiet, it's comfortable, it gets good mileage for a big powerful car, and it handles very well and goes like stink. It's not as luxurious as a 7 series, but it performs better and will likely be less troublesome.

Also TJ, some of the complaints that you note with your '11 have been modified in the '12 model year and I suppose that there are more changes yet on '13. Yes, sometimes the Germans do listen to us.