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Newbie looking to buy a 958 4.2 S Diesel

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doug.isaacs

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Hi all, I'm not yet a Porsche owner but am hoping to purchase a low mileage, late 958 4.2 S Diesel, ideally EU6 and black, in the next couple of months.
I've got some questions I'm hoping you guys might be able to help with:
I've read a few buyers guides and reviews and it sounds like the transfer case is a potential weak point. Is it easy to find out if it has been replaced? How would I go about it?
Are there any other vital options? The 4.2 diesel seems to come with decent kit as standard, and I'm not a real audiophile so the sound system isn't a concern.
From looking at a few cars online, a few have the air suspension, but can the steel sprung cars have adaptive dampers as an option (is this PASM?) and therefore some have passive dampers? My gut feel is avoid the air as a potentially costly failure, but I've also read it transforms the ride, any thoughts?
I've read about PTV rear differentials being good, is this a separate option or it comes with some suspension pack?
Is PDCC - Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control just the active anti-roll bars? Or again, is this part of a pack? Is it only available with the air suspension?
I read somewhere bluetooth was optional? I'm guessing an S would always have it?
I've read the standard oil service intervals are 20k / 2 years, and somewhere else I read 5k! Anyone clarify?
I guess smooth gearchanges (especially on full lock), check all the electronics, have a look underneath for off-road damage, check for damp under the mats. Anything else I need to look out for?
Finally, I don't suppose anyone knows anyone due to sell a good one?!
Thanks
Doug
 
Morning Doug and welcome to the Cayenne forum. Seems like you’ve already done your homework don’t let some of the scaremongers put you off the 4.2 Diesel is a very robust and awesome bit of kit.

Other than checking the service records/history I’m not sure how you would tell if the car has ever been subject to a transfer box change, other than I believe (and I may be wrong) the newer ones have a breather pipe that comes out of them at the top but unfortunately you have no way of telling from underneath, but most owners know keeping on top of transfer box oil changes is fairly cheap and very easy to do so I guess there should be some evidence of this in the service records somewhere.

Take it for a test drive if there feels like there’s any lag, jumping or rumbling from the drivetrain its usually a good indication there may be a problem. However, if you’ve never owned a Cayenne before don’t confuse this with the strange jumping sensation you often feel when moving a way at very slow speeds on full lock due to big wheels and suspension angles.

As for air, I’m pretty sure PASM with steel springs was standard but PASM +air was an option. Air is very much a personal preference some love some hate it, personally having had it, it’s always one of the first things I add as personally I feel it makes the car handle and more comfortable on our potholed roads while additionally making it feel so much more planted when enjoying a slightly more spirited run, without the added extras you touched on.

Regarding PTV & PDCC and other extras, there is a little more on this in this earlier thread just click here.

Service interval info is varied probably best contacting your local Porsche Centre to get the correct timescales.

Finally, if you go for one with a panoramic roof, make sure it fully works and slides properly without fault and that all the water drains are kept clean to stop any water future ingress.

Hope this helps

Greg.
 
greg_harm said:
Morning Doug and welcome to the Cayenne forum. Seems like you’ve already done your homework don’t let some of the scaremongers put you off the 4.2 Diesel is a very robust and awesome bit of kit.

Other than checking the service records/history I’m not sure how you would tell if the car has ever been subject to a transfer box change, other than I believe (and I may be wrong) the newer ones have a breather pipe that comes out of them at the top but unfortunately you have no way of telling from underneath, but most owners know keeping on top of transfer box oil changes is fairly cheap and very easy to do so I guess there should be some evidence of this in the service records somewhere.

Take it for a test drive if there feels like there’s any lag, jumping or rumbling from the drivetrain its usually a good indication there may be a problem. However, if you’ve never owned a Cayenne before don’t confuse this with the strange jumping sensation you often feel when moving a way at very slow speeds on full lock due to big wheels and suspension angles.

As for air, I’m pretty sure PASM with steel springs was standard but PASM +air was an option. Air is very much a personal preference some love some hate it, personally having had it, it’s always one of the first things I add as personally I feel it makes the car handle and more comfortable on our potholed roads while additionally making it feel so much more planted when enjoying a slightly more spirited run, without the added extras you touched on.

Regarding PTV & PDCC and other extras, there is a little more on this in this earlier thread just click here.

Service interval info is varied probably best contacting your local Porsche Centre to get the correct timescales.

Finally, if you go for one with a panoramic roof, make sure it fully works and slides properly without fault and that all the water drains are kept clean to stop any water future ingress.

Hope this helps

Greg.
Click to expand...
Greg, that's fantastic, thanks so much.
 
Well guys, I've gone for it and put a deposit on a 4.2 S Diesel, reg FH66TXP, any info on this car much appreciated.
Ta
Doug
 
Congratulations Doug on your new purchase hopefully we will get the chance to see it firsthand at a club event soon. Great colour choice by the way. 👍
 
Thanks Greg, anyway you know of where I can confirm the original options on the car? Is there a register or database or something?
 
Hi Doug, start by checking your service manual some of them still had the option sticker on the first page, if not you could try the dealership but they tend not to be overly helpful. You could also try one of the vin decoder websites available, not sure how good they are but may be worth checking out this previous thread.
 
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