wicked vibration through-out entire car

[mach schnell]

bmussati - so are you saying that if I have an engine number DIFFERENT than either the two you listed, I potentially have the faulty oil relief valve? Or are those the engine numbers that are specific to the faulty oil relief valve?

mach schnell, sorry. I edited the statement to include:

The date is not that important (except that if your car was built before that date it couldn't have the new control spring). If your engine number is below the engine numbers above (depending on model) -- then you need the new control spring.

[MNBoxster]

Hi,

The speculation here is all over the Map. But, most vibrations are either RPM or MPH dependent. If RPM, then look to the Drivetrain, if MPH, then suspect the Tires, Suspension. I'm going for the latter based on what you've described. Good Luck!...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[mach schnell]

in leiu of the tires magically falling out of balance, what is the likelihood that the suspension is f-ed up in a new car with 4k miles (no sarcasm here - real question). i have to admit, i feel like the car is wobbly even on gentle corners (even with sport-mode engaged) - however, i may just be imagining every little thing until i get to the bottom of this vibration!

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by mach schnell

in leiu of the tires magically falling out of balance, what is the likelihood that the suspension is f-ed up in a new car with 4k miles (no sarcasm here - real question). i have to admit, i feel like the car is wobbly even on gentle corners (even with sport-mode engaged) - however, i may just be imagining every little thing until i get to the bottom of this vibration!

Hi,

I can't imagine an issue with the Suspension on such a new car, except if something wasn't properly torqued on the Assembly Line and has now shifted. But, have you hit any pot holes, curbs, speed bumps, even a sharp driveway, or the like? You could have delaminated a Tire causing the vibration.

Your Tires and Suspension are virtually new. Well, manufactured things tend to fail at one of two stages - in their infancy or old age. The first because of poor manufacture or assembly, the latter due to old age and simply wearing out.

In either event, everything discussed here is sheer speculation and can only be confirmed by visiting the dealer, or a tire & alignment shop and getting these things properly measured to insure they're within spec. Gonna cost some time and maybe some $$, but there's no other way except to live with it, which I certainly would not. Hope this helps...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[mach schnell]

well - 987 going into Walter's monday morning to sit while they come up with reasons why there is no vibration

incidently, i throughout the idea of the control spring for the oil relief valve as a culprit and the service rider was clueless! who knows - will provide updates next week.

by the way - re: loaner car - Angie, the service rider confirmed when I made the appt today, that I'd have a loaner car ready monday morning when I drop my car off - no charge, unless I upgrade to the MB.

[RandallNeighbour]

Mach, there's something you should know about warranty work at Porsche dealerships that I just learned from my mechanic, who is a tech at a dealership.

Rattles, squeaks, noises and vibrations (even bad ones like yours), etc. are all justified issues on new Porsches covered under warranty, no doubt.

However, Porsche does not pay the normal labor rate to techs to find these things and resolve them during the warranty period. Therefore, they are always wiggling out of working diligently to find your problem.

Moreover, if the fix for the issue does not include replacing any parts, the dealership makes no money on the service work.

On another note, Hans told me that if the book rate for a repair is 4 hours and it's warranty, Porsche will only pay 60% of book rate to him to fix it. However, if it's customer-paid work, you get charged all four hours, even if he does the job in 2.75 hours, which he typically can do because working longer doesn't pay him any more.

Imagine sitting in a waiting room for your car, working on your laptop, which I've done three times now. The service guy quotes 4 hours, the mechanic is done with it in 3 or less hours, but leaves the car on the lift, goes to lunch works on another car, cleans his tools, tells a buddy a joke, and all of this just to make you feel like you paid for 4 hours labor.

I know this is how all dealerships work, but it pisses me off. It's cheating the customer in a big way.

All this to say, mach, know you're going into warranty issues with people who don't feel they are paid enough to do the work you paid for when you bought your very expensive German car.