Ownership Diary - Porsche Macan S

Fully agree. I had a pick at the black stuff with my finger (when I at first thought it was a grease mark). That did some off. Felt a bit like baked on brake dust. The yellowy bit looks and feels like it’s a much deeper scratch.

The fitter called me to tell me the valve stems needed replacing anyway as they had corroded to the point where they had seized in the wheels. I took the opportunity to tell him about the scuff. Of course he denied it flatly. I guess I’ll now wait for what the company decides to respond with. I’m not confident I’ll get any recompense given it’s my word against his. But I’ll certainly push for some goodwill as I think it’s plain the vehicle is otherwise in very good condition and it stands out as an issue.

 

Unfortunately I’ve not got a photo of that side beforehand. Only of the near side.

I do have a photo from a month ago or so where it wasn’t there but nothing more recent. Thing is, I removed all the tar from the vehicle on Sunday so I know it was spotless bar the existing bits I knew about. Nobody or nothing could’ve got near the car the interim so it has to be when the wheels came off and is at the right height. But will be difficult to prove.

 

Oh wow - you’re right. I was looking for the full side profile but you’re right. Thanks Adie!

 

Thanks both of you. That’s really irrefutable evidence and just what I needed. I’ve sent an email to the company with the photos plus a time stamp to show it was the night before. The vehicle hadn’t moved so there’s no way it could’ve happened in the intervening 18hrs. Let’s see what they say. They seem to have a very good reputation for putting things right on Trustpilot so let’s see how it goes. As I said, I can live with human error. Whether the chap knew he’d done it or not, I just want it put right by way of the easiest and most painless route possible.

Watch this space.

 

So a quick update. They’re standing by their man in the sense that he says he doesn’t remember doing it. But agree that it looks like a tyre scuff. When he comes back with the wheels, they’ll send him with some “specialist cleaning products” to see what can be done. That is their suggested first step. Let’s see.

I’m certainly not looking to hang anyone out to dry but just keen on getting the car as it was. So far so good with their response. I’ll update again on Thursday once everything is back together again.

 

So, a belated update from me. Apologies. Unfortunately, as they say, life gets in the way of things. If anything on this occasions, a reminder as to the fragility of life and how things can go wrong very quickly. No sooner had the wheels gone back on, I had a freak accident on my mountain bike which had me stopping from 25mph on my head and right hand. The resulting concussion has had me more or less out of action for the last 10days or so. But good news, the fog is now lifting and my hand, although fractured and metacarpal previously dislocated, is healing well enough not to need surgery. One big lesson.........always wear a helmet. Had I not have been wearing mine, I was told by the consultant that I’d have had a very significant brain injury.







Back to the wheels........The wheels went back on the car as planned on Friday 8th Jan. The same fitter apologised for the damage but did say he didn’t realise he’d done it. In fairness, it was most likely an honest mistake and we were both delighted when just some solvent and light polish removed all trace of the mark. It seems it was mainly brake dust. The result on the wheels is for the most part good, but not exceptional. Some are better than others, with uneven powder coating or lacquer on two of the wheels letting the side down. That said, for the money I’ve paid and ease of service, I’m not going to moan, but if it’s concours I’m after then I’ll be back to Lepsons. For a neat & clean looking result which will give me top book value on trade in, I’d use them again.





To complete the look, I bought a full set of new Genuine Porsche centre caps. You can see from the side by side the difference between old and new.



Overall, although the finish isn’t perfect, I’m very happy with the return to OEM colour, the consistency of finish across the whole wheel and the fact they’re now “as new” with new valve sleeves and centre caps. I’ve no immediate plans to trade in but it’s good to know the providing there are no dings in the interim, I’ll be able to maximise my trade in/resale and at the very least cover my costs (c £600 all in).

Unfortunately due to said accident, she hasn’t moved since the wheels went back on. Hence why the suspension is sitting so high. She’s been fully charged on the CTEK and left on constant “Supply” mode until such time as I can drive her again (most likely this weekend now concussion has subsided).


Next stop Porsche for the replacement transfer box (Warranty) and smart repairs of the two minor dings/scratches.