Hi,
I was looking for a large vehicle that is going to live on a Scottish Island for a few months while we fly back and forth for work, cheapish but will make the journey up there fully loaded. I looked at a few range rovers L322 (V8 diesel and V8 petrol (BMW engined)) but they didn't instill great confidence, thought about a volvo XC70, BMW X5, Toureg, A6 allroad etc then came across a blue metallic cayenne 'part exchange' to clear at a garage within 5 miles 75k miles 3.2 manual, pano roof, grey leather. Went and had a look - service history was patchy and a service was overdue, roof blind was stuck part way, even tyre wear, AC not really working, pretty base spec period aftermarket stereo (nav hard drive music dvd player with screens in back, bluetooth etc), but it looked like with a bit of love it could be just what I needed.
Picked up Monday this week and my son named it Blueberry. Decided I would service it myself as history patchy anyway, and I could get to know it better. So ordered up some parts. I have VCDS so could do basic checks (once this laptop is charged and the F1 quali is over) I bought an OBD2 adaptor and have crossed pins 3 and 15 which in theory shouldallow access to all modules. Engine came back clean but AC pressure is low - that can wait for later.
I changed oils in transfer box, front and rear diffs, and engine with filter, the air filter was virtually new but put in a new one. The pollen filter was in backwards but also pretty new - also replaced. Plugs were changed at last service I have an invoice for, 18 months ago (though looking at air filter it may have been serviced since). It had a new battery a year ago.
The sunroof blind came back with a reset (resynch) on the sunroof switch (press and hold the front half of the sunroof knob when closed for about 20 seconds) and the tilt on the roof worked once that was done. There was a lot of gunge in the roof seals so that was carefully cleaned with screwdriver / wd40, silicon spray, gummipflege and the roof slowly freed up. Once it had a panel slid I was able to work a bit of light water resistant grease into the channels where the rollers run. It then worked fine for a few days - Yesterday blind wouldn't move at all - this morning it was all fine again, no doubt a few more headaches to come with that. I am enjoying driving with it open though and even closed it lets a lot of light in.
There is a crack in the rear most glass panel (inside) I think I will helicopter tape it and leave it until I can find a second hand replacement.
The front sidelights / indicators were giving random failures and then the headlights went out completely - I know it needs new headlight surround seals so suspected it may be connected - but I pushed the headlights backwards and they all came good again - am planning to remove the units to polish the lenses so not checked the lock/release yet but I have the tool in the boot.
Gave it a fairly good wash / polish / wax and it came up really well.
It needs some attention to subframes / rear suspension arms in slower time as there is a lot of surface rust.
The struts on the rear screen have failed completely the rear hatch has been done but they are going again. Bonnet had a new strut in 2021.
Being a V6 its not very quick but makes a lovely noise and I am hoping the best option for reliability - Will change the gearbox oil once I have some.
It doesn't have a spare but it does have the compressor and (Porsche) tyre sealant do they have a fixing for the collapsible spacesaver? most punctures I have experienced would not be fixed with sealant so I am going to source a spare.
Wheels are 22" with Toyo tyres - I think I will look for a slightly smaller set as these need a refresh and I don't think they do the ride any favours - centrecaps are pretty ropey / missing.
So far enjoying my Cayenne experience!
Tony
I was looking for a large vehicle that is going to live on a Scottish Island for a few months while we fly back and forth for work, cheapish but will make the journey up there fully loaded. I looked at a few range rovers L322 (V8 diesel and V8 petrol (BMW engined)) but they didn't instill great confidence, thought about a volvo XC70, BMW X5, Toureg, A6 allroad etc then came across a blue metallic cayenne 'part exchange' to clear at a garage within 5 miles 75k miles 3.2 manual, pano roof, grey leather. Went and had a look - service history was patchy and a service was overdue, roof blind was stuck part way, even tyre wear, AC not really working, pretty base spec period aftermarket stereo (nav hard drive music dvd player with screens in back, bluetooth etc), but it looked like with a bit of love it could be just what I needed.
Picked up Monday this week and my son named it Blueberry. Decided I would service it myself as history patchy anyway, and I could get to know it better. So ordered up some parts. I have VCDS so could do basic checks (once this laptop is charged and the F1 quali is over) I bought an OBD2 adaptor and have crossed pins 3 and 15 which in theory shouldallow access to all modules. Engine came back clean but AC pressure is low - that can wait for later.
I changed oils in transfer box, front and rear diffs, and engine with filter, the air filter was virtually new but put in a new one. The pollen filter was in backwards but also pretty new - also replaced. Plugs were changed at last service I have an invoice for, 18 months ago (though looking at air filter it may have been serviced since). It had a new battery a year ago.
The sunroof blind came back with a reset (resynch) on the sunroof switch (press and hold the front half of the sunroof knob when closed for about 20 seconds) and the tilt on the roof worked once that was done. There was a lot of gunge in the roof seals so that was carefully cleaned with screwdriver / wd40, silicon spray, gummipflege and the roof slowly freed up. Once it had a panel slid I was able to work a bit of light water resistant grease into the channels where the rollers run. It then worked fine for a few days - Yesterday blind wouldn't move at all - this morning it was all fine again, no doubt a few more headaches to come with that. I am enjoying driving with it open though and even closed it lets a lot of light in.
There is a crack in the rear most glass panel (inside) I think I will helicopter tape it and leave it until I can find a second hand replacement.
The front sidelights / indicators were giving random failures and then the headlights went out completely - I know it needs new headlight surround seals so suspected it may be connected - but I pushed the headlights backwards and they all came good again - am planning to remove the units to polish the lenses so not checked the lock/release yet but I have the tool in the boot.
Gave it a fairly good wash / polish / wax and it came up really well.
It needs some attention to subframes / rear suspension arms in slower time as there is a lot of surface rust.
The struts on the rear screen have failed completely the rear hatch has been done but they are going again. Bonnet had a new strut in 2021.
Being a V6 its not very quick but makes a lovely noise and I am hoping the best option for reliability - Will change the gearbox oil once I have some.
It doesn't have a spare but it does have the compressor and (Porsche) tyre sealant do they have a fixing for the collapsible spacesaver? most punctures I have experienced would not be fixed with sealant so I am going to source a spare.
Wheels are 22" with Toyo tyres - I think I will look for a slightly smaller set as these need a refresh and I don't think they do the ride any favours - centrecaps are pretty ropey / missing.
So far enjoying my Cayenne experience!
Tony
