MR_Y
Well-known member
Thanks, but no thanks
I travel over rough gravel daily.
18 inch rims on plump rubber is perfect.
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I travel over rough gravel daily.
18 inch rims on plump rubber is perfect.
MR_Y
Well-known member
Offroad update
As explained elsewhere, I live in the rougher part of Midrand and need to use gravel roads to avoid the horrendous traffic in my area that runs on the tarred roads every morning. Acacia and Mimosa gravel roads are quite terrible after the recent rains - sand/gravel has turned to thick mud and ruts have turned into craters that can swallow a 1/4 of a Toyota Agya.
Previously, I used my EcoSport on these roads but the little Ford cannot cope with the mud with just FWD. These are roads that require AWD or 4WD.
My Macan makes traversing this terrain effortless. The offroad mode keeps the AWD in its optimum setting for low speed offroad work. The 3.0 diesel has enough low down torque to make progress up slippery, muddy slopes without any drama.
The only negative is the ground clearance of 190mm that results in my undercarriage picking up mud. However, the good approach and departure angles (especially since my car was specced with higher mounted skidplates instead of fancy low mounted spoilers/skirts) means that careful placing of the car avoids most scrapes.
Yes, the Macan is no axle twister 4x4, but it can handle dirt and mud roads quite well for a sporty compact SUV.
While it does feel a bit skittish at speed on dry gravel compared to the more composed X3 (base, not M Sport), the Macan holds its own when steady progress is required on mud. And that large diesel motor pairs perfectly with the AWD in this application.
Interestingly, there was an impatient driver in a previous generation Ford Ranger (with the full aftermarket grille kit and spot lights) behind me on a rough downhill stretch on Acacia. On the uphill section towards Tambotie Road, I just cruised up while he got bogged down in the mud - I suspect he had a 4x2.
My next update will be on my skidpan autocross experience, once I get my results. Spoiler alert - the Macan S Diesel was a handful on the skidpan and I expect its results to be a bit behind that of my X3 20d from a few months ago. I now understand and appreciate why less powerful/torquey cars do well on a tight skidpan gymkhana...
For a taste of the Macan offroad abilities, here is a video of a facelifted (though same chassis) GTS against an X3 M. Note that the GTS is lower (177mm vs 190mm) than the Diesel S model:
As explained elsewhere, I live in the rougher part of Midrand and need to use gravel roads to avoid the horrendous traffic in my area that runs on the tarred roads every morning. Acacia and Mimosa gravel roads are quite terrible after the recent rains - sand/gravel has turned to thick mud and ruts have turned into craters that can swallow a 1/4 of a Toyota Agya.
Previously, I used my EcoSport on these roads but the little Ford cannot cope with the mud with just FWD. These are roads that require AWD or 4WD.
My Macan makes traversing this terrain effortless. The offroad mode keeps the AWD in its optimum setting for low speed offroad work. The 3.0 diesel has enough low down torque to make progress up slippery, muddy slopes without any drama.
The only negative is the ground clearance of 190mm that results in my undercarriage picking up mud. However, the good approach and departure angles (especially since my car was specced with higher mounted skidplates instead of fancy low mounted spoilers/skirts) means that careful placing of the car avoids most scrapes.
Yes, the Macan is no axle twister 4x4, but it can handle dirt and mud roads quite well for a sporty compact SUV.
While it does feel a bit skittish at speed on dry gravel compared to the more composed X3 (base, not M Sport), the Macan holds its own when steady progress is required on mud. And that large diesel motor pairs perfectly with the AWD in this application.
Interestingly, there was an impatient driver in a previous generation Ford Ranger (with the full aftermarket grille kit and spot lights) behind me on a rough downhill stretch on Acacia. On the uphill section towards Tambotie Road, I just cruised up while he got bogged down in the mud - I suspect he had a 4x2.
My next update will be on my skidpan autocross experience, once I get my results. Spoiler alert - the Macan S Diesel was a handful on the skidpan and I expect its results to be a bit behind that of my X3 20d from a few months ago. I now understand and appreciate why less powerful/torquey cars do well on a tight skidpan gymkhana...
For a taste of the Macan offroad abilities, here is a video of a facelifted (though same chassis) GTS against an X3 M. Note that the GTS is lower (177mm vs 190mm) than the Diesel S model:
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MR_Y
Well-known member
While washing the car today, I saw that the the rubber boots on the shocks on the rear, both left and right sides, are crumbling. I assume that the rubber boot is to protect the shock from dirt and debris. The plastic protective cylinder/sheath is still on the shock, but has dropped lower given that it is no longer attached to the rubber boot. Will take the car in to check this out.
Attachments
Hi MR_Y, thats the bump stop (to stop the shock from bottoming out). The plastic sheath that connects to the bump stop is to prevent dirt etc from getting onto the shock shaft itself.
I recommend you have the dealer replace them and also ensure the shocks are still fully functional.
MR_Y
Well-known member
Thanks.
Will do.
MR_Y
Well-known member
I do take it very slow on the gravel roads.
My Volvo V60 Cross Country was subject to the same conditions for a longer period and higher mileage, but no issues like this. However, it did have slightly higher ground clearance.
The X3 and the EcoSport are driven a bit more enthusiastically on gravel (since they ride gravel better) and their bump stops looks perfect.
To be safe, I will not use the Macan on gravel until Porsche checks her out.
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MR_Y
Well-known member
Update on the bump stop disintegration:
Porsche said that it looks like damage from a high pressure spray over a prolonged period.
However, they will assess it under the maintenance plan and revert.
Interestingly, the X3 G01 bump stops are very well hidden in the rear wheel arches. You need to lift a covering panel to see them. More reason why the X3 is the better offroad car...
Porsche said that it looks like damage from a high pressure spray over a prolonged period.
However, they will assess it under the maintenance plan and revert.
Interestingly, the X3 G01 bump stops are very well hidden in the rear wheel arches. You need to lift a covering panel to see them. More reason why the X3 is the better offroad car...
Spanky
Well-known member
That seems rather unlikely
MR_Y
Well-known member
Thanks for sharing.
By any chance do you think high pressure car wash spray may have caused this?
My dealer will assess mine next week.
MR_Y
Well-known member
Dealer did the full assessment today and will get authorisation from head office before placing the order for the parts. Seems like the entire shock (both rear sides) will need to be replaced since just the rubber cannot be replaced.
Like all Porsche parts, one must be prepared to wait (refer to my Cayman S ownership thread). ETA is looking between 3-4 weeks, once they get authorisation. Fitment will take 2 days.
They advised against any gravel road driving and asked that I also avoid rough tar roads.
I am not too phased. I will use my EcoSport for the daily commute (gravel roads are part of my commute) until the parts arrive.
From some Googling, it appears that this issue is very rare. Most Macans are decent on gravel and their bump stops seem to last.
AshG108
///Member
Bump stops break over time when they normally take a beating...My m135i bump stops had to be replaced after lowering the car and hitting a few crap cuts in the road and things. Prior to that, it didnt have any damage to it...slight scratched perhaps. So this is a sign of the suspension taking a hit or two...they did the job though.
MR_Y
Well-known member
Small update...
Resale value:
There are used Macan S Diesels of similar year, but higher mileage, selling at a significant premium (about R200k more) over what I paid for my car last year. Spec is identical, apart from 19 inch wheels vs my 18s. Resale for the diesel S seems to be stronger than similar aged petrol S models. Will be keen to see how this evolves over time, given that Porsche no longer make diesel cars and that the next Macan will be fully electric ⚡
On road performance:
There are times when I do wish for more ooomph, or rather responsiveness, from the engine. When it builds up steam, it moves along well. But when taking off in traffic, there is some noticeable lag. It feels like both the DSG and the engine don't wake up quickly enough at low speeds. The DSG seems to stay in 2nd gear when you slow down to an almost stop and when you need to pick up again with urgency, it fails to drop down to 1st. This does get annoying in urban traffic when a gap opens up and you want to put foot. The manual paddles work, but it can sometimes catch out the DSG when the auto eventually decides to change down and your manual override interrupts it, causing a jerk. Switching the car into Sport mode helps, but makes the throttle a bit trigger happy for traffic use. Anyway, this is not really an issue on higher speeds or when carving up the bends. International forums are also critical of this gearbox and engine in slow moving traffic conditions.
(There is a known issue with the transfer case on all Macans, but I have not picked up any symptoms yet and the above is not related to this.)
Another thing I noticed is the steering. It feels better (in a straight line) than the setup on my 981 Cayman S, which had a slight vagueness around centre point at high speeds in a straight line. I wonder if it has to do with the Power Steering Plus which was not optioned on the Cayman, but is optioned on this Macan. The steering feels nice and meaty at any straight line speed on the Macan. It reminds me of my 981 Boxster, which had Power Steering Plus and no vagueness at high straight line speed.
Average fuel consumption is at 9 litres per 100km which is very decent given its daily use in traffic, and then hard open road driving on the weekend.
The accelerator pedal, regardless of drive mode, feels stiff for a family car. Much like my previous 981 cars. The steering too, even at parking speeds, feels heavy (though not as heavy as my Cayman S). However, I like this feel and it adds to the sportiness of the car. However, in traffic, pedal modulation (especially when trying to workaround the lag as mentioned earlier above) can make the experience a bit tiring, when compared to say an X3. But, this is really nitpicking.
When driven in anger, the car feels brilliant. As mentioned in earlier posts, it feels like a large RWD hatchback. However, the weight upfront from that heavy diesel block is noticeable when you push it too hard (which is beyond the comfort zone of most sporty SUVs anyway).
I am enjoying the car. Though, I occasionally scroll through Autotrader for used (pre 2018) Macan GTS - which would be much higher on fuel for a daily driver and would make zero sense for my application. Some overseas publications also note that the pre facelift GTS lacks real low down torque when compared to the Diesel and only the pre facelift Turbo Performance model (or the facelifted, new GTS) are proper upgrades over the Diesel.
Anyway, still happy with this car.
Resale value:
There are used Macan S Diesels of similar year, but higher mileage, selling at a significant premium (about R200k more) over what I paid for my car last year. Spec is identical, apart from 19 inch wheels vs my 18s. Resale for the diesel S seems to be stronger than similar aged petrol S models. Will be keen to see how this evolves over time, given that Porsche no longer make diesel cars and that the next Macan will be fully electric ⚡
On road performance:
There are times when I do wish for more ooomph, or rather responsiveness, from the engine. When it builds up steam, it moves along well. But when taking off in traffic, there is some noticeable lag. It feels like both the DSG and the engine don't wake up quickly enough at low speeds. The DSG seems to stay in 2nd gear when you slow down to an almost stop and when you need to pick up again with urgency, it fails to drop down to 1st. This does get annoying in urban traffic when a gap opens up and you want to put foot. The manual paddles work, but it can sometimes catch out the DSG when the auto eventually decides to change down and your manual override interrupts it, causing a jerk. Switching the car into Sport mode helps, but makes the throttle a bit trigger happy for traffic use. Anyway, this is not really an issue on higher speeds or when carving up the bends. International forums are also critical of this gearbox and engine in slow moving traffic conditions.
(There is a known issue with the transfer case on all Macans, but I have not picked up any symptoms yet and the above is not related to this.)
Another thing I noticed is the steering. It feels better (in a straight line) than the setup on my 981 Cayman S, which had a slight vagueness around centre point at high speeds in a straight line. I wonder if it has to do with the Power Steering Plus which was not optioned on the Cayman, but is optioned on this Macan. The steering feels nice and meaty at any straight line speed on the Macan. It reminds me of my 981 Boxster, which had Power Steering Plus and no vagueness at high straight line speed.
Average fuel consumption is at 9 litres per 100km which is very decent given its daily use in traffic, and then hard open road driving on the weekend.
The accelerator pedal, regardless of drive mode, feels stiff for a family car. Much like my previous 981 cars. The steering too, even at parking speeds, feels heavy (though not as heavy as my Cayman S). However, I like this feel and it adds to the sportiness of the car. However, in traffic, pedal modulation (especially when trying to workaround the lag as mentioned earlier above) can make the experience a bit tiring, when compared to say an X3. But, this is really nitpicking.
When driven in anger, the car feels brilliant. As mentioned in earlier posts, it feels like a large RWD hatchback. However, the weight upfront from that heavy diesel block is noticeable when you push it too hard (which is beyond the comfort zone of most sporty SUVs anyway).
I am enjoying the car. Though, I occasionally scroll through Autotrader for used (pre 2018) Macan GTS - which would be much higher on fuel for a daily driver and would make zero sense for my application. Some overseas publications also note that the pre facelift GTS lacks real low down torque when compared to the Diesel and only the pre facelift Turbo Performance model (or the facelifted, new GTS) are proper upgrades over the Diesel.
Anyway, still happy with this car.
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MR_Y
Well-known member
Epic 4 hour+ road trip today to Pretoria, then to Parys (breakfast run). Highway and back roads. Then after the breakfast run, onwards to Springs through the N17 and back to Midrand.
I pushed the car hard. Mostly in Sport mode. However, with a diesel it makes no sense to rev the car hard, just keep it in the mid range sweet spot.
Fuel consumption is definitely worth writing about. 7.8 litres/100km.
Here are some of the other Porkers on my run. Apart from the 911 GTS, the other cars (981 and 987 Boxster Ss and the 981 Cayman S) were not too far away from me.
The diesel V6 does not sing as sweetly as a petrol flat 6, but has its own aural charm.
When we approached the bumpier roads in Parys, the Macan ironed out the dips/bumps with ease, even in Sport suspension mode.
On the faster bends, the weight upfront makes itself known. It is no Cayman, but is good for what it is.
Cabin insulation is so good that it masks your true speed (which can get you into trouble if you don't check the speedo).
An enjoyable day out. Next trip is JHB to DBN at month end (virgin voyage for this car).
I pushed the car hard. Mostly in Sport mode. However, with a diesel it makes no sense to rev the car hard, just keep it in the mid range sweet spot.
Fuel consumption is definitely worth writing about. 7.8 litres/100km.
Here are some of the other Porkers on my run. Apart from the 911 GTS, the other cars (981 and 987 Boxster Ss and the 981 Cayman S) were not too far away from me.
The diesel V6 does not sing as sweetly as a petrol flat 6, but has its own aural charm.
When we approached the bumpier roads in Parys, the Macan ironed out the dips/bumps with ease, even in Sport suspension mode.
On the faster bends, the weight upfront makes itself known. It is no Cayman, but is good for what it is.
Cabin insulation is so good that it masks your true speed (which can get you into trouble if you don't check the speedo).
An enjoyable day out. Next trip is JHB to DBN at month end (virgin voyage for this car).
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///M Individual
Well-known member
Nice to see you enjoying the car!
A remap will sort out the power issue easily but understand warranty is needed.
A remap will sort out the power issue easily but understand warranty is needed.
MR_Y
Well-known member
Yup. I met a guy before with a Cayenne 2013 Diesel V6, same motor as mine. He did minor software and some exhaust mods. Car is a monster. I will see how things pan out over the next 2 years.
MR_Y
Well-known member
Forgot to update on this issue.
Porsche maintenance plan approved the repalcement bump stops.
No need for the shocks to be replaced, since they advised that they sourced the bump stops separately. Shocks were deemed to be fine as is.
Total cost was R2k for the parts and R2k for labour. All costs covered.
MR_Y
Well-known member
First trip with this car to KZN and first proper long distance trip (over 500km in one sitting).
The car was supremely comfortable over the poorly tarred sections of the N3, including the scratched tar section after PMB Midlands Mall.
Handling was top notch too. It sticks to the road and communicates what's going on very well, so you feel confident pushing it on and having fun at the same time.
Overtaking uphill was effortless against slower traffic.
Unlike my X3 20d, I felt refreshed after driving the car for such a long distance.
The Macan has elements of Volvo in terms of how comfortable it is to drive over long distances, yet has the ability to properly entertain when the mood strikes.
Gravel may not be its strength (unless you have air suspension optioned), but it excels in the ride and handling department over poor tar roads with its adaptive dampers.
After the fun was over, ⛽ fuel consumption was a cherry on top...
All this was achieved in Sport mode throughout the trip!
For less than new X1 18d money, the value-for-money proposition of a used diesel Macan (especially with maintenance plan left and being extendable too) is hard to beat.
EDIT: it was not all fun and games though for the back seat passengers. Even though the ride was comfortable, they felt car sick after I tackled some fast sweeping bends at speed 🤢
The car was supremely comfortable over the poorly tarred sections of the N3, including the scratched tar section after PMB Midlands Mall.
Handling was top notch too. It sticks to the road and communicates what's going on very well, so you feel confident pushing it on and having fun at the same time.
Overtaking uphill was effortless against slower traffic.
Unlike my X3 20d, I felt refreshed after driving the car for such a long distance.
The Macan has elements of Volvo in terms of how comfortable it is to drive over long distances, yet has the ability to properly entertain when the mood strikes.
Gravel may not be its strength (unless you have air suspension optioned), but it excels in the ride and handling department over poor tar roads with its adaptive dampers.
After the fun was over, ⛽ fuel consumption was a cherry on top...
All this was achieved in Sport mode throughout the trip!
For less than new X1 18d money, the value-for-money proposition of a used diesel Macan (especially with maintenance plan left and being extendable too) is hard to beat.
EDIT: it was not all fun and games though for the back seat passengers. Even though the ride was comfortable, they felt car sick after I tackled some fast sweeping bends at speed 🤢
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