Goodbye BMW ,hello Porsche

[npower]

If you are willing to have the car parked off for a while, I would get a good gearbox tech to strip the box. This looks more like an electronic failure than a mechanical failure. Perhaps strip, see what can be seen, test actuators, etc and if you find something wrong, then try to order from overseas. Worse case, you waste a bit of time and labour costs. At least then, you know you tried everything, before forking out R160k.

Try and get them to pull the gearbox out at your house, so that the car is at least parked off by you and not in a workshop.

Thanks for the offer bud, but I've already authorized ordering of a new gearbox. I came to this decision after consulting with plenty of people in the industry and reading about the experiences of others in a similar situation on Porsche forums worldwide- virtually everyone had to replace their gearbox

 

[Veedub]

Thanks for the offer bud, but I've already authorized ordering of a new gearbox. I came to this decision after consulting with plenty of people in the industry and reading about the experiences of others in a similar situation on Porsche forums worldwide- virtually everyone had to replace their gearbox

Tough decision, but understandable. Do they give you the old box back? Might make for an interesting diy project.

 

[individj]

After reading the DIY i sent i see that everyone replaces the Box because Porsche dont work on them its a replacement item....even the boxes that had the $35 temp sensor fix. If the money means nothing then its definitely the best decision to just get it replaced in terms of time and it being painless.

 

[momo1]

Thanks for the offer bud, but I've already authorized ordering of a new gearbox. I came to this decision after consulting with plenty of people in the industry and reading about the experiences of others in a similar situation on Porsche forums worldwide- virtually everyone had to replace their gearbox

I think this would be the best decision too, especially if you keeping the car long term
However, what maintenance/service does the box need to ensure longevity?
i would trust Porsche not to build boxes that only last a few years

 

[npower]

I think this would be the best decision too, especially if you keeping the car long term
However, what maintenance/service does the box need to ensure longevity?
i would trust Porsche not build boxes that only last a few years

I believe that it requires a service at 12years/120 000km. This consists of replacement of clutch pack fluid as well as transmission oil.

 

[individj]

so they are going to pop in a Recon box now like MrY? with your box as an exchange ?

 

[individj]

a note to self that if i get a Cayman it'll be manual.

 

[TBP88]

Sho - R160k bill is hefty. I'm sure you've explored all other avenues before going this route - good luck man.

 

[npower]

so they are going to pop in a Recon box now like MrY? with your box as an exchange ?

Thats correct.

 

[npower]

Sho - R160k bill is hefty. I'm sure you've explored all other avenues before going this route - good luck man.

I really,really have no other viable option. Can't sell it as is, a non running Porsche Boxster is worthless. The repair route is not an option, believe me I've asked every one! There was one who said they'll give it a go, but they've never worked on a PDK before. Anyway, the transmission requires calibration after any work is done on it and this can only be done with the PIWIS tool which only Porsche dealerships have access to.

 

[MR_Y]

a note to self that if i get a Cayman it'll be manual.

Yes, yes, yes

 

[MR_Y]

I really,really have no other viable option. Can't sell it as is, a non running Porsche Boxster is worthless. The repair route is not an option, believe me I've asked every one! There was one who said they'll give it a go, but they've never worked on a PDK before. Anyway, the transmission requires calibration after any work is done on it and this can only be done with the PIWIS tool which only Porsche dealerships have access to.

Option A: With demand for 981 cars being strong, even the base models, I think you can recoup your losses by selling the car after replacing the box. In fact, most used car buyers would like to have a new box anyway.

Option B: However, if you keep the car, you will basically have a car that has already had its biggest ticket item sorted out. The other known 981 issues, of delamination on the headlights and the warping of the door panels, are more cosmetic issues. But, those are still expensive issues (one of the door panels is R25k to replace).

I would lean towards Option A. Get the new box and sell the car, only if you can get an offer that makes it worthwhile. I feel the 981 will maintain its value, so take your time.

 

[npower]

Option A: With demand for 981 cars being strong, even the base models, I think you can recoup your losses by selling the car after replacing the box. In fact, most used car buyers would like to have a new box anyway.

Option B: However, if you keep the car, you will basically have a car that has already had its biggest ticket item sorted out. The other known 981 issues, of delamination on the headlights and the warping of the door panels, are more cosmetic issues. But, those are still expensive issues (one of the door panels is R25k to replace).

I would lean towards Option A. Get the new box and sell the car, only if you can get an offer that makes it worthwhile. I feel the 981 will maintain its value, so take your time.

I will definitely get an appraisal done after the transmission is replaced. Although historically the base Boxster weren't in much demand compared to S models. But looking at retail prices recently its almost impossible to get a 981 for less than 450k.

 

[MR_Y]

I will definitely get an appraisal done after the transmission is replaced. Although historically the base Boxster weren't in much demand compared to S models. But looking at retail prices recently its almost impossible to get a 981 for less than 450k.

I know that Porsche JHB do sell cars on consignment. So, something to consider if Umhlanga can do the same.

 

[MR_Y]

Any update on the gearbox?
Would be good if they can give you a decent warranty on the replacement box too.

 

[npower]

Any update on the gearbox?
Would be good if they can give you a decent warranty on the replacement box too.

Bit of a delay getting a claim lodged with the warrantee company. Looking at a timeline of 4 weeks before new transmission arrives ex Germany.

 

[MR_Y]

Any update?
I wonder of the semiconductor shortage would impact you, of ZF need to source or build a new box.

 

[osiris]

Damn I just read through all of this. What a disaster! Gearbox problems are the worst I can definitely sympathize on this one. What a pity that this happened.

The price of these parts are always mind boggling to me. I have a feeling you may have already tried this but I am asking anyway. Did you give scrap yards a call before dropping 160k?

 

[MR_Y]

Damn I just read through all of this. What a disaster! Gearbox problems are the worst I can definitely sympathize on this one. What a pity that this happened.

The price of these parts are always mind boggling to me. I have a feeling you may have already tried this but I am asking anyway. Did you give scrap yards a call before dropping 160k?

Finding that particular ZF box is very difficult - not many 981 2.7 PDK cars out there.

 

[npower]

Still waiting. They did give me a timeline of 4 weeks.
As for sourcing a box from a scrapped 981, like Mr Y said, its an almost impossible task due to the scarcity of these cars.