Meet Ron Burgundy

[MR_Y]

Will be going to the skidpan event at BMW X drive park on Saturday. Given the high profile rubber (55 and 60 ratio) will be keen to see how this car handles on the tight autocross.

So, BMW Club skidpan results are finally out.

As expected, my performance was worse than my X3 20d and my S60 Polestar.

In past skidpan events at the same location, the X3 averaged 26.28 while the Polestar averaged 28.51.

The Macan was out of its element in this tight gymkhana and posted an average of 31.70. My best run was 29.41 which is still worse than the average on the X3 and Polestar.

The Macan with all that weight and the grunt from the engine makes it difficult to weave through a tight course. It could be that if I learn how to play to the car's strengths, I could improve my time.

However, worth noting the ability that the humble X3 20d has - it has just enough power and just the right weight to be fairly nimble.

With this type of event, the more power/torque and/or weight you have, the harder it is to post a good time - especially if you are a non race car driver.

Regardless, it is always a good day out and well worth attending.

 

[MR_Y]

Random updates

Fuel:
I switched to Sasol 10ppm for about 2 weeks now. Unlike my other diesel vehicles, the performance difference in the Macan is very much noticable. The car pulls stronger or more urgently from lower speeds in both Normal and Sport mode. I used Caltex 50ppm before. Not sure if the cetane rating in Sasol is better than that of Caltex. Anyway, my X3 20d performs the same on Caltex 50ppm and Sasol 10ppm, so not sure what magic is happening with the Macan.

Macan Turbo:
I test drove a 2016 Macan Turbo a month ago and was disappointed. The low to medium speed pull is not much different to the Diesel Macan. You need to push it to higher speeds to feel the difference. For a daily driver, the Diesel easily trumps the Turbo, especially with its higher torque. I was told that the facelifted Turbo (which is now replaced by the new GTS) remedies that issue by having an Audi RS 2.9 motor that responds better lower down, while also keeping the top end punch. But new Macans are priced way too high. The diesel serves its purpose well.

911:
As posted earlier, I was looking for a 911 of 991.1 vintage. However, after testing both a 991 base and a 991 S recently, I was left disappointed. The cars are good, but not over R1m good (in my personal view). Also, while they handle really well, they do not offer the same level of driver confidence as a Cayman. With the Cayman, I can push it and still feel safe and enjoy myself. A mid engined car will always give a level of confidence that a rear engined car will struggle to give. Yes, if I was a pro racing driver, then the 911 would be a better test of my abilities. But for an average driver, the Cayman offers so much more, that is also easily accessible without pushing you off the road. The lightness of the 911 front end feels a bit disconcerting to me, compared to the planted feeling of a Cayman. Maybe a GTS or GT3 will give that better handling feel, but those cars are super expensive.

Last year, I sold my Cayman S 981 because I felt it was a selfish car for my circumstances at the time (it has no rear seats for a kid, when you want to go for a weekend blast with the family). A 911 would work better as a car for occasional family blasts, but the driving experience (at least in the 991.1 S model) cannot match that of a 981 Cayman S for the average driver.

I have put my 911 ambitions on hold and will consider something else to scratch the performance itch. BMW's M (or even M Lite) cars with their greater practicality may be an option...

In the meantime, I am happy with my Macan S Diesel.

 

[MR_Y]

My X3 has been relegated to the runaround car and the wife's car. The Macan has firmly become the long distance family car, in addition to being my daily driver. It just does everything so well.

Anyway, here are some pictures from the trip the KZN.

 

[MR_Y]

After the road trip to KZN, I am hearing a rattling noise from under the car. Seems to only appear when driving slowly and disappears with higher speed. I assume it is the transfer case (known weak point on this car) or hopefully just a loose panel that is rattling because of the diesel motor's vibration at low revs.

Anyway, the car has been booked in and the earliest slot I could get is 24 August (yes, Porsche ownership means you have to wait).

In the interim, the car still drives fine. I will likely use the X3 as my daily until the Macan gets sorted out.

 

[MR_Y]

As posted elsewhere, I used vindocs.co.za recently to check the accident/repair history on my Z4 (I was not surprised) and my X3 (I was surprised).

I decided to also run my Macan VIN through it. Well, it picked up the minor bumper respray and lower reflector replacement from May this year. Interestingly, I did not claim from insurance and neither did I report to the police (it was self inflicted minor damage). The only database that has a record of the repair is Porsche, who guard their work with the highest level of secrecy. Anyway, I was impressed that vindocs managed to source that data. However, I am also a bit concerned that if someone runs my VIN without any context, they may assume that the bumper work was major (it says accident damage in red in the vindocs report). On the other hand, it does provide transparency to the next owner and it is something that I will obviously disclose regardless.

Should also add that the vindocs report is not great with model name, specs and maintenance data. My Macan shows as a Cayenne and maintenance history is not up to date. But, all the repairs are correct - the previous owner did perform front end resprays, which the dealer did make me aware of.

 

[MR_Y]

As posted elsewhere, I used vindocs.co.za recently to check the accident/repair history on my Z4 (I was not surprised) and my X3 (I was surprised).

I decided to also run my Macan VIN through it. Well, it picked up the minor bumper respray and lower reflector replacement from May this year. Interestingly, I did not claim from insurance and neither did I report to the police (it was self inflicted minor damage). The only database that has a record of the repair is Porsche, who guard their work with the highest level of secrecy. Anyway, I was impressed that vindocs managed to source that data. However, I am also a bit concerned that if someone runs my VIN without any context, they may assume that the bumper work was major (it says accident damage in red in the vindocs report). On the other hand, it does provide transparency to the next owner and it is something that I will obviously disclose regardless.

Should also add that the vindocs report is not great with model name, specs and maintenance data. My Macan shows as a Cayenne and maintenance history is not up to date. But, all the repairs are correct - the previous owner did perform front end resprays, which the dealer did make me aware of.

View attachment 18009

My journey down the vindocs.co.za rabbit hole continues...

I contacted Porsche SA and asked them how is it that the details of their repair (that was not claimed from insurance, nor logged with the police) ended up on a vindocs report.

Here is their reply:

At the onset please let me set your mind at ease by confirming that Porsche S.A will never divulge your personal information to any third party. We strictly adhere to the POPI act.

We make use of a third party quoting system called Audatex which is owned by the international company called Solera. This system is used and accepted by the motor industry as a whole as it is the only scientific estimating system for bodyshops. This is the only other system that would have your vehicles details since the VIN is used to obtain the correct vehicle spec etc.

I will investigate this further with them and advise on their reply. Herewith a link to their website for your perusal. https://audatex.co.za/

So, it seems that Autadex is the source of the body repair information. This info then feeds into vindocs.co.za.

As noted in my X3 thread, BMW does not seem to link to this database. They seem to only record BMW Approved Repair Centre data. So a car may have no comments on Plan, but could have gone to a non-BMW ARC for repairs that would likely have been logged on Autadex.

Anyway, we learn something new everyday....

 

[Yulz9081]

Santam uses Audatex or their assessor did. I had minor cosmetic work done on the X3 front bumper at ABS Midrand and I see the R8k repair appears on a Vindocs search.

 

[MR_Y]

Update

Annual service was performed without any fuss.

Oil changes are every 15,000km or annually (which make more sense than BMWs scheduled oil services).

Wheel alignment was done on Plan. You are entitled to a free one annually under Plan.

Tyres are at 5mm all round and in good condition. Not bad, given that they are over 4 years old and probably covered 30,000km so far.

The low speed rattling noise has disappeared, but the technician said that they did not find anything. Strange.

The rear door window switch clip broke a while back. Just the silver tip broke off, while the rest of the switch works and remains intact. The Plan paid for a brand new window switch. Price is R1,500!

A software update was done. I have a slightly different looking digital instrument screen. Nothing really fancy.

Brakes were cleaned and checked. All fine.

Nothing really major to report.

I made a claim under Plan for a new headlamp. As with all Macans and 981 cars, delamination on headlights is a common issue. I had this on my Boxster (claim was denied on Plan) and my Cayman (claim was approved on Plan). Since the entire headlamp needs to be replaced (you cannot just replace the headlight glasss cover) and noting that this a xenon light with active bending functionality, the cost is just over R20k. Given the value of the claim, special approval is required which will take a while. Delamination is not really a major issue. The light still works fine, just the fine spider lines on the coating of the glass looks a bit bad. I do have VPS covering it, so that should mitigate the issue a bit.

Regarding performance, the car still performs well. I had a brief run against an old CLA45 AMG. As expected, take off is slow, but when up to speed, that torque does give decent get up and go.

As much as I rave about the Hankook tyres, in really hard driving on curvy roads, it is no match for the grip of a proper performance tyre. When these tyres wear out, I may consider Michelin or Eagle F1 SUV (had those on my V60 CC and they were brilliant).

Average fuel consumption is sitting at 9.38 litres per 100km. That is long term average, including daily driving through traffic and the quarterly trip from JHB to KZN. There is no Eco model or stop start feature on this car.

 

[MR_Y]

Update

Took the car out for a Porsche breakfast run to Cullinan today.

The last time I drove this route was in my 981 Cayman S.

Up against some serious machinery, the Macan performed excellently. Keeping the car in Sport mode, kept the gearbox in the right gears, the engine in the right rev range and the suspension firm but comfortable.

The road to Cullinan has fewer potholes than before, but still has the undulations that can catch you out. The Macan sailed through these dips with ease - the PASM compressing the bump and easing it out without any jolts.

The car just grips and goes. But, the steering is communicative and the RWD biased AWD is felt when driven with vigour (though, it does revert to safe understeer if you do something stupid).

I have to also add that Sasol 10ppm works wonders in this car. The car feels more responsive. I don't know if Sasol has a higher cetane rating than the other brands, since I understand that lower ppm does not necessarily mean better performance.

I am waiting for the plan to expire and will definitely look into an exhaust upgrade, at least.

After almost a year of ownership, I am very happy with this car.

It is booked in for a holiday check before I head off to the WC in December.

 

[GravityLee]

Love your updates dude.

Based on your input, I’ve also started using Sasol 10ppm in my 40d. Huge difference in smoothness and, as much as this may be placebo, I feel that there is a bit more power too.

 

[MR_Y]

Love your updates dude.

Based on your input, I’ve also started using Sasol 10ppm in my 40d. Huge difference in smoothness and, as much as this may be placebo, I feel that there is a bit more power too.

Good to hear.
Sasol makes no difference on my 20d, and results on my Volvo V60 5 cylinder were mixed.
But on this VAG V6, the difference is there.

The 40d is 👍

 

[MR_Y]

Interesting observation regarding Porsche SA holiday/safety checks....

It seems that Porsche SA do not offer safety/holiday multipoint checks on cars still on Plan. Off-the-record reason is that if a car passes their inspection, but something happens afterwards then they could be held liable for not picking up an issue (assuming it is an intermittent or latent issue that did not present itself at the time of the check).

Strangely, this only applies to holiday/safety checks. For their preowned cars, their inspection is performed and covers multiple items.

I am not totally convinced why they are averse to performing holiday/safety checks. Anyway, in my case, they agreed to check a few basic items only (far from a bumper-to-bumper check) and if they pick up any issues, then they will address them under the maintenance plan.

The reason I want a full check is because I am going on a long road trip soon. I full diagnostic check would be appreciated.

Volvo, by comparison, offer a free multipoint check, including diagnostics, on their cars.

BMW also offer a holiday check, but that is not free (even for cars on Plan), unless it is a promotion campaign.

 

[CK4LIFE]

Volvo, by comparison, offer a free multipoint check, including diagnostics, on their cars.

Is this only for cars on plan? I asked about it last year and none of the dealerships in PTA offered.

 

[MR_Y]

Is this only for cars on plan? I asked about it last year and none of the dealerships in PTA offered.

All Volvo cars (even out of Plan).
However, may be Volvo dealer specific.
Tom Campher offered free check + diagnostic (that was back in 2021 on my ex)...

 

[MR_Y]

Paint protection film....

In the traffic today, I had a non-consensual fender rub from another car. When I checked the damage, I was glad to see that the PPF that I applied to my rear wheel arch did its job. The paint is untouched.

Anyway, off to the PPF guys to apply a new strip (at no charge).

The product is UltraFit from LVL2.

 

[MR_Y]

To mark my one year anniversary of buying this car, I headed down to Knysna from JHB. An epic road trip that made me appreciate this car a lot more. Definitely the best all rounder that I have owned thus far and unlikely to be replaced soon. Full write up to follow later.

 

[MR_Y]

Effortless, comfortable, sporty and frugal

Four words that describe my experience driving the Macan over 2,500km in the past week. From JHB to Knysna and back.

Having been specced with full leather and heated seats, the Macan has Volvo levels of comfort. Not one back ache from driving these long distances. The light coloured leather also stood up well to family roadtrip use.
The car felt rock solid (just like an old school Volvo) in all road conditions - even in heavy rain.

Then there is the dynamic trait that is more befitting of a well sorted sports sedan than an SUV. Through the twisty mountain passes of the Western and Eastern Cape, the car felt alive, yet perfectly confident - its AWD system being RWD biased in most conditions, unlike its Audi Q5 cousin which has FWD biased AWD.

In Knysna, I tackled the Simola Hill climb route early one morning. Blasting up through that 2km winding road felt awesome (granted, it was not closed off, so sensible speed was required). The car did not feel top heavy - it just gripped and stayed composed.

The exhaust sounds subdued when cruising and I think I am happy to keep it stock. It is perfectly set up for long distance driving.

Fuel consumption on the way down was 7.0 litres per 100km and 7.8 on the way up. This is with Sport mode on most of the time.

I have not owned an X3 30d, but I expect it could behave similarly. However, the Macan being slightly smaller and shorter may just have the dynamic edge.

After 20,000km travelled in the past year, I am still very happy with this car. Next up, is a trip to KZN next year week. Mileage will tick over 55,000km soon (was bought at 34,000). The car still has one year of free Plan left - thereafter extendable until Oct 2028/150,000km.

 

[VinceM]

Thx for sharing, car looks stunning!

You seem to rate Volvo high, and influenced me to take a look at their SUV offerings.

I haven’t test driven any yet, the look and feel of the materials used in their cabins looked like high(er) quality than F and G series BMW.

My cousin has the Cayenne GTS, I have to admit, the Porsche fit and finish is something BMW dreams about.

So, I have these in my list so far

1. Macan (prior model due to budget)
2. XC60 (latest model)
3. X6 (prior models due to budget)

With your Volvo experience, how would you rate the XC60 Design R / Inscription vs. Macan.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[CK4LIFE]

Thx for sharing, car looks stunning!

You seem to rate Volvo high, and influenced me to take a look at their SUV offerings.

I haven’t test driven any yet, the look and feel of the materials used in their cabins looked like high(er) quality than F and G series BMW.

My cousin has the Cayenne GTS, I have to admit, the Porsche fit and finish is something BMW dreams about.

So, I have these in my list so far

1. Macan (prior model due to budget)
2. XC60 (latest model)
3. X6 (prior models due to budget)

With your Volvo experience, how would you rate the XC60 Design R / Inscription vs. Macan.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

I have not had a pleasure of driving a Macan or a Porsche for that matter but currently driving a 2015 XC60 D4 Excel (R design is a sportier version with extra oomph). Must say its flawless and not a single issue since ownership of over 2yrs. Most expensive was timing belt of R15k by my Indie. I'm sure the latest model is even better.

 

[MR_Y]

Thx for sharing, car looks stunning!

You seem to rate Volvo high, and influenced me to take a look at their SUV offerings.

I haven’t test driven any yet, the look and feel of the materials used in their cabins looked like high(er) quality than F and G series BMW.

My cousin has the Cayenne GTS, I have to admit, the Porsche fit and finish is something BMW dreams about.

So, I have these in my list so far

1. Macan (prior model due to budget)
2. XC60 (latest model)
3. X6 (prior models due to budget)

With your Volvo experience, how would you rate the XC60 Design R / Inscription vs. Macan.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Hi @VinceM

I was not impressed by the current shape XC60 D5 (the one introduced to SA from late 2018). The 2.0 engine (even though powerful) and gearbox do not seem to work well together when driven hard. I understand that the now facelifted XC60 (still same chassis from late 2018) has ditched diesel in favour of petrol, hybrid and full electric models. I have not driven these (besides for short test drives) to comment.

Based on my experience with the XC60 D5 (current shape, but prefacelift), I found its handling decent but not as involving as the Macan. Its ride was not as supple as the Macan - granted, my Macan has 18s while that Volvo had 20s. So, I felt the XC60 handled worse and had a poor ride compared to the Macan - however, this could be improved if smaller rims are fitted to the Volvo, I assume.

I was more impressed with the P3 chassis (pre 2018 generation) XC60. They are not as sporty handling as a Macan, but the ride is supple. Those cars are now priced very well and the diesels there seem to be better paired with those gearboxes. @CK4LIFE D4 is a facelift of that generation and has the most modern and fuel efficient diesel engine in that era's XC60 range. However, an older 5 cylinder D5 2.4 litre engine would be my choice (at the expense of fuel consumption) from that era XC60.

The Macan is not as spacious as an XC60 or X3. Rear legroom is tight for full size adults. It is also not as good as an X3 G01 on gravel roads. If neither is a concern for you, then it is a great hot hatch on stilts.

The Macan was revised 2 times (so, there are 3 iterations) in its history from 2015 to now. Important to note that besides for the petrol engines, lights and interior tech, the chassis and everything else is largely unchanged with each interation. Regardless of version, the Macan is still based on the first Audi Q5 platform, not the latest Q5. However, Porsche have worked enough under-the-skin magic to differentiate the Macan from the Q5. Also, the engines are not all the same.

The petrol motors, apart from the original 3.6 Turbo in Mk1 Macan, are all VAG motors. This means that they are all likely to leak oil as they age, in addition to the usual transfer case and DSG issues. The diesel motor, from what I researched, is regarded as being more reliable (if maintained well) compared to the petrols - it is straight from the old V6 Amarok, Q7, Touareg 3.0 TDI models. The latest V6 petrols are identical to the S and RS motors in the Audi S4/5, RS4/5 range.

If buying used and you can live with the legroom limitations, then a diesel Macan makes the most sense. Especially, if it is a Porsche approved car.

The XC60 new gen seems good but I have not driven the latest petrols.