Do firstTechEasy
Hidden features (no tool needed)#
Built-in tricks most owners never find: a hidden cluster menu, key-fob window and mirror controls, memory buttons that store climate and start-up volume, and a programmable tailgate height. Free and good for a first session together.
$0Time 30 minReversible
Free.
Gotchas
- Hidden cluster menu: scroll to the vehicle title in the right-hand display and press the stalk button.
- Hold the fob unlock or lock button to move all the windows (seen on a UK car; may vary by market).
- Press lock twice and hold, on the fob or door handle, to fold the mirrors.
- Memory buttons also save the start-up volume. Set it low before saving.
- Tailgate height: stop it where you want, then hold the tailgate button to program it.
- B-pillar button disables the interior motion sensor (useful for a dog in a locked car).
- The rear wiper wipes automatically when you select reverse after using the front wipers.
Do firstSound and performanceEasyQLD: check
Sport exhaust valves always open#
Pull the vacuum hoses off the two factory sport exhaust flaps at the tailpipes so the valves stay open. It's the best-value sound upgrade: free, fully reversible and using factory hardware.
$0Time MinutesReversible
Free.
The exhaust stays factory, but the stationary noise limit (certified level + 5 dB(A)) still applies. The GTS's certified figure wasn't found, so a stationary test at an inspection station would settle it.
Gotchas
- On MY13 the valves open only with the Sport button; MY14 has a separate exhaust button.
- Tie up the hose and tape the actuator port so nothing gets in.
- A 2013 GTS owner reports no warning lights.
- The cabin sound barely changes; most of the difference is outside the car.
- A dedicated exhaust button can't be added to a MY13: the switch panel is one coded unit.
Do firstInteriorWeekend
Leather clean and bolster dye repair#
Driver's outer bolster and steering wheel lose their colour coat and go shiny with age. Cleaning and a colour-matched dye kit fix most of it; badly torn seats need a new cover.
$30–$125
Gyeon leather cleaner $26.99-28.99; Leatherique system $74.99 (250 mL) or $124.99 (500 mL). New OEM 18-way seat cover was about US$930 in 2022.
Gotchas
- On ventilated or perforated seats, mist cleaner onto the cloth, never the seat - liquid in the holes swells the leather.
- One owner's Chemical Guys leather wipes marked Bordeaux red leather.
- Clean leather looks matte, not shiny.
Do firstExteriorEasy
Headlight lens restore and film#
958 headlight lenses fog and their UV coat can flake after years outdoors. Polish them clear, then protect with clear film so Brisbane UV doesn't undo the work.
$34–$118
Maxshine kit $33.95, 3D GLW kit $39.85, Optimum Opti-Lens coating $118 (Detailing Shed). Pre-cut Lamin-X film listed for 2011-2014 Cayenne.
Gotchas
- Inside-lamp condensation is a separate fix: vent and hairdryer.
- Haze on the inner projector lens needs the lamp split - skip that.
Do firstInteriorEasy
Alcantara clean and protect#
The GTS has Alcantara seat centres, armrest, door inserts, headliner and pillars (and the wheel rim if optioned); it goes flat and matted with use. Clean it properly before paying for a retrim - owners find it is often matted, not worn through.
$70–$125Time Protectant needs 24-48 hours to cure before it gets wet
Product cost. Bowden's Own Fabra Cadabra $22.99, Plush Brush $32.99, Fabratection $46.99; Sonax Alcantara cleaner $29.99; Mint rubber brush $8.99.
Gotchas
- Never spray cleaner straight onto the fabric - spray the pad or brush.
- Avoid solvent-based and generic fabric cleaners.
- Reapply protectant about every six months on high-wear areas.
Do firstExteriorWeekend
DIY one-step polish and sealant#
A dual-action polisher, one-step polish and a spray sealant or DIY coating removes swirls and makes the car far easier to wash. Best-value paint work for a car this age.
$300–$400
Approximate total of listed items: Mint DAS6 V2 polisher $159.99, Menzerna 3-step sampler $79.99, pads $8.99-13.99, sealant or coating $28.99-129.99.
Gotchas
- Decontaminate (iron remover and clay) before polishing.
- Work in shade - Brisbane sun dries product onto paint.
Do firstTechWeekend
Wireless CarPlay / Android Auto (keep the PCM)#
Adds wireless CarPlay and Android Auto to the factory PCM 3.1 screen. Best buy is a fibre-optic (MOST) interface such as the Mr12Volt P3000: it keeps digital Bose/Burmester sound, the factory mic, steering-wheel controls and the reversing camera. Avoid full screen replacements.
$800–$1,500Time 1.5-3 h (experienced) to 5 h; one owner took 10 h fixing ribbon seatingReversible
Mr12Volt P3000-PM31 is USD 549 (about AUD 800-850 at an assumed 1.5 rate, plus shipping and GST). Euro Car Upgrades (Buderim QLD) kit AUD 990. Installed: AUD 1,430 (Autofidelity VIC), AUD 1,249.95-1,499.95 (Car Stereo Shop WA). Cheaper ISUDAR board ~USD 300; AliExpress boards ~USD 100-160.
Gotchas
- Check the centre armrest for AUX/USB first. Some 958s (including one owner's MY14 GTS) have none. AUX-based kits then have no audio path; the MOST-type Mr12Volt still works.
- Buy a current Mr12Volt P3000. The old blue P1000 box doesn't support the factory mic (grey P2000 does and can be upgraded).
- Ribbon-cable clamps are fragile on 10-year-old PCMs and must be fully seated. Test in the car before reassembling.
- An ISUDAR board burnt a chip on one 2014 958's PCM main board (single report).
- If a factory TV tuner is fitted, Mr12Volt needs it bypassed with an optical loop.
- Unresolved: whether FM radio can play while CarPlay navigation is on screen (Mr12Volt uses the TV source). Ask the seller.
- Run the echo-cancellation calibration and update firmware (an iPhone 17 disconnect bug was patched).
- Worth cloning the PCM hard drive to an SSD while the unit is out.
Do firstReliabilitySpecialistQLD: fine
Cooling system teardown#
Check whether the thermostat housing pipes are glued or threaded. If they're glued, fit the threaded housing and do the vent Y-pipe, water pump, thermostat and rear crossover fitting in one teardown. MY13-14 cars may already have the threaded pipes, so inspect before buying parts.
$1,000–$1,500Time About 6 hours for the housing alone (AllData labour time)
Parts about A$1,000-1,500. A dealer charged US$1,800 (≈A$2,500) for the housing fix alone in 2018. Engine-out quotes for the rear crossover reached US$8-10k.
Gotchas and part numbers
- Wiggle the pipes where they enter the thermostat housing. Any movement means plan the replacement.
- The intake manifold and fuel rail must come off. Replace the single-use aluminium bolts and the intake manifold gaskets.
- The plastic cylinder-head vent Y-pipe cracks with age and leaks into the engine V. Replace it while you're in there.
- The glued rear crossover fitting can be pinned in place (drill, tap, Loctite 271, stainless cap screw) with the engine in, if you remove the high-pressure fuel pump.
- Removing the three-piece false firewall gives about 8 inches more room.
- Replace the O-ring on the expansion tank's bottom hose while the system is drained.
- Owners recommend a vacuum fill tool to avoid airlocks.
- Do the oil separator gaskets and any carbon cleaning in the same teardown.
- Threaded thermostat housing 948 106 080 02 (replaces 948 106 080 00)
- Thermostat 948 106 034 01 / 948 106 034 03
- Water pump 948 106 033 01
- Cylinder-head vent Y-pipe 948 106 026 22
- Pipe O-rings 999 707 477 40
- Aluminium water pump pulley (URO) 948 106 091 01
- Oil separator gaskets 948 107 437 20 and 948 107 438 20
- Rear crossover 948 106 061 20/21 (fitment confusion reported)
- Expansion tank bottom hose 958 106 261 01
Do firstTechEasy
Replace TPMS sensors#
Original tyre-pressure sensors last about 11-12 years, so a MY13-14 car is likely due. Owners recommend Huf sensors, and the car relearns them through the instrument cluster menu with no tool.
Time Tyre-shop fit, then a short relearn drive
Not priced. Easiest to have fitted at the next tyre change.
Gotchas
- Porsche changed TPMS systems partway through MY2014. Have a dealer confirm the right sensor from the VIN.
- Avoid cheap knock-off sensors.
- Don't carry the old wheels in the car during the relearn; the car sees 8 sensors and won't learn.
- Don't confirm 'tyre change' settings until the system reads the new sensors.
Do firstTechEasy
Coding: convenience features#
Scan-tool coding changes: one-touch indicator 3 to 5 flashes, windows up/down from the key fob, mirrors auto-fold on lock, auto-lock speed, teardrop wipe, and tailgate beep off. Each is a single value change and can be changed back.
Time 30-60 minReversible
Needs a coding-capable scan tool such as a Launch X431 (see tools).
Gotchas
- Put a battery charger on first; keep above 12.4V while writing to modules.
- Never use 'Online Coding' or 'Restore Default Setting'. One owner zeroed his parking-brake module that way.
- Screenshot every original value first; 'Back Up All Coding' doesn't work on the Launch.
- Many changes only show after you switch off, lock the car and wait 30 seconds.
- Mirror auto-fold needs power-folding mirrors already fitted. Once coded, 'Mirror retract' appears in the PCM car options.
- Indicator flashes may already be adjustable in the cluster settings menu. Check first.
- Tailgate beep: set FFB, ST, FIT and HKIT to inactive in the Rear lid module, for both open and close.
Do firstReliabilityWeekendQLD: fine
Transfer case fluid change#
Drain and refill the PL72 transfer case with the correct fluid and keep doing it. It's the cheapest protection against the 958's most common expensive failure, and owners often report symptoms clearing after one to three changes.
$150
Under about A$150 for fluid and new plugs. If it fails: dealer replacement US$5,000-5,500 in 2024 (≈A$7,000-7,700); AWD.tech remanufactured unit €1,650-1,890 (≈A$2,650-3,050).
Gotchas and part numbers
- Torque the drain and fill plugs to 20 Nm (15 ft-lb). An owner cracked the case by using a 1/2" wrench set to 20 ft-lb, so use a 3/8" or 1/4" wrench.
- Remove the fill plug first, so you're never left with an empty case you can't refill.
- It's fill-to-overflow: about 0.78-0.85 L, with the car level.
- Use new drain and fill plugs; they come with thread sealant.
- Never use generic gear oil. One shop's Motul 75W-80 caused immediate shudder.
- Diagnosis: unplug the transfer case stepper-motor connector and drive gently. If the lurch goes away, the problem is the transfer case.
- Interval from owners: every 15,000-30,000 km, or every second oil change.
- Keep the same tyre size and wear on all four corners; replace all four together.
- Turn on air-suspension jack mode before lifting: hold the level switch forward for about 10 seconds until the lights blink.
- Porsche transfer case fluid 000 043 305 63
- TF-0870 / DTF-1 equivalents: Ravenol (J1C1125 cited by owners), Triax DTF-1, Rock Oil Gearaxl TF 0870
- Updated transfer case vent 958 301 047 11 (bulletin MC-10120786-9999)
- AWD.tech GNC clutch kit for PL72 ATC (€230)
Do firstInteriorWeekend
Leather dash lifting re-glue (if fitted)#
The leather dash is optional on the GTS; where fitted it commonly shrinks and lifts behind the instruments and near the passenger A-pillar, worse in sun. Hydrate it, inject leather glue and weight it down early - once it has shrunk back it cannot be stretched.
Time About a week of daily conditioning, then 12-24 hours weighted after gluing
Not priced in AUD: leather glue, syringes and conditioner. Full re-cover quoted around US$3,000 by one owner.
Gotchas
- Check first whether this car has the optional leather dash.
- Act at the bubble stage; shrinkage is permanent.
- Needle holes need massaging closed afterwards.
Do firstInteriorEasy
Door sill scuff protectors#
Vinyl sill protectors stop shoes scuffing the painted door sills. Cheap and quick.
Time About 30 minutesReversible
About US$8 for a set.
Gotchas
- Warm the vinyl in the sun first so it is pliable.
Do firstExteriorEasy
Headlight seal replacement#
The rubber seal around each headlight turns gooey and crumbles - widely reported. Headlights come out tool-free with the Porsche key tool, and new seals take well under an hour.
Time About 30-45 minutes (Viton DIY)
958.1: original-style seals from AliExpress about US$45 a pair, or Viton cord about US$80. 958.2 OEM parts 958-631-119-00 / -120-00 about US$78 each.
Gotchas
- Make sure the headlight clamp is seated correctly before refitting the lamp.
- Old seals can leave black goo - clean the channel.
Suspension, wheels, brakesWeekendQLD: fine
Brake pads and rotors (360 mm GTS set)#
The MY13-14 GTS has 360 mm front and 330 mm rear discs, not 390 mm. Fresh rotors and a low-dust ceramic pad are the sensible upgrade.
$60–$1,800Reversible
Aftermarket pads from about US$40-45 per axle (≈A$60). A full front and rear job in parts was US$800-1,300 (≈A$1,100-1,800).
Like-for-like or manufacturer-optional brakes are fine. A Turbo 390 mm conversion wasn't a GTS option, so it needs an Approved Person. Don't machine rotors below their limit.
Gotchas and part numbers
- Measure the disc or do a VIN parts lookup before ordering; some sellers list 390 mm for the GTS.
- Caliper bolts are torque-to-yield, so replace them. One owner quotes 140 Nm; verify in the manual.
- No grease on the pad backs or shims (Porsche rule); do grease the clips and pins.
- Light-braking squeal is common; clean and bed in properly.
- Bleed order: FL, FR, RR, RL, outer bleeder then inner, with a pressure bleeder at about 2 bar.
- Front rotors 958 351 403 01 / 958 351 404 01 (Zimmermann 600.3247.20 / 600.3248.20)
- Front pads 958 351 939 00 (Textar 2500701 / Pagid 355042971)
- Rear rotor 330 mm 955 352 401 31 (Zimmermann 600.3229.20)
- Rear pads 958 352 939 00
- Low-dust option: PowerStop Z16 front 16-1577, rear 16-1453
ExteriorWeekend
Wheel face coating#
A DIY ceramic wheel coating makes brake dust rinse off far more easily. Best done with the wheels off after a deep clean.
$80
Gyeon Q2 Rim EVO 30 mL (carcareproducts.com.au).
Gotchas
- Keep strong acid wheel cleaners well out of reach.
ExteriorSpecialist
Wheel kerb-rash repair#
Mobile repairers cover Brisbane for kerbed wheels; full refinishing is a shop job. Kerbed wheels are an easy negotiating point for buyers, so fix them before sale.
$99Time About 45 minutes per repair (Mag Repair)
Mag Repair (mobile, Brisbane/Gold Coast) from $99 + GST per repair. US full refinish references: US$850-880 for four 21" painted; US$225 per wheel powder coat.
Gotchas
- Dealer-refinished wheels have peeled; ask about prep and warranty.
- Powder coating forged wheels needs controlled cure temperatures.
ReliabilityWeekendQLD: fine
Oil separator (AOS / PCV)#
The V8's air-oil separator membrane tears with age, causing warning lights and oil use. Replace the unit or membrane on condition, or while the intake is off. A catch can is largely redundant on this engine.
$100–$430Reversible
Genuine AOS A$430 (Australian owner). An aftermarket membrane is about A$100 delivered, but one split after a year.
If a catch can is fitted, it must stay in the closed crankcase loop, never venting to atmosphere.
Gotchas
- High crankcase vacuum at the oil cap is normal on these engines.
- Owners report Porsche treats up to 1 L per 1,000 km of oil use as acceptable.
- Membrane size is 87.5-88 mm, and there are different parts for different V8s, so order the right one.
- If you fit a catch can anyway, it goes inline in the hose from the oil-mist separator to the intake plenum.
ReliabilityWeekendQLD: fine
Driveshaft centre bearing#
The driveshaft carrier bearing commonly starts to whine from under the rear-seat floor. Porsche sells only the complete shaft, but a VW carrier kit or a JXB clamshell carrier fixes it far more cheaply. Most owners wait for the noise rather than replacing it early.
$420–$4,500
JXB carrier US$299.99 (≈A$420). A Timken 6007-2RS bearing is about US$15. The OEM complete shaft is over US$3,200 (≈A$4,500+).
Gotchas and part numbers
- Test: push a grease needle through the bearing seal. If the noise stops, it's the bearing.
- The exhaust centre section and heat shields must come off. Support the shaft with straps or a helper.
- Turn on air-suspension jack mode before lifting.
- Centre bearing to body torque: 20 Nm + 90°.
- One owner's old bearing failed inside the JXB carrier; a new Timken 6007-2RS fixed it.
- Carrier bearing kit (VW) 7P6 598 575
- O-rings WHT 005 156
- Snap rings 958 349 493 00 (VW 7P0 521 202)
- Meyle kit 414 151 0100/S
- OEM shaft 958 521 102 xx (Audi/VW 7P0 521 102 x)
- Timken 6007-2RS bearing
TechWeekend
Front + rear dash cam, hardwired#
A two-channel dash cam powered from the dash-end fuse panel so the wires are hidden. Straightforward on the 958, but on this era of car the dash cam cable can knock out the PCM's GPS.
$449–$869Time 1-3 hReversible
Camera only (Dash Cams Australia: FineVu GX35 2CH AUD 449 to BlackVue Elite 10 2CH AUD 869). Add a hardwire kit; parking-mode battery packs are AUD 389-399.
Gotchas
- GPS antenna sits behind the rear-view mirror. A mirror-mount dash cam's power cable dropped a 2013 GTS's nav to 0 satellites. Fix: shield the cable (foil or shielding tape) and route it away from the antenna. Check the satellite count afterwards (Map > Info > Location info).
- Keep the cable behind the A-pillar airbag. On the 958 there are no screws behind the 'airbag' logo; prying it has damaged pillars.
- The right-side fuse panel has empty ACC and constant-12V slots for add-a-fuse taps.
- Some PCM/accessory circuits stay live 20-30 min after locking. Test which feed you're on (ACC, delayed, constant).
- The rain-sensor feed at the mirror is always live, not switched.
- Don't remove the vent above the fuse cover; it's bolted internally.
- Rear cable: use the left tailgate conduit (the right one carries the washer hose).
- Fit the supplied ferrite filter or DAB reception can suffer.
ExteriorSpecialist
Professional correction and ceramic coating#
A pro paint correction plus ceramic coating is widely reported by 958 owners as making a daily car much easier to keep clean. Brisbane starting prices are for small cars; a Cayenne and the correction it needs will cost more.
$849–$1,449
Brisbane 'from' prices for small cars: PPF Wraps & Protection Gtechniq $849 (5-yr) / $1,449 (9-yr); We Tint Windows Gyeon from $950 / $1,450. Dealer ceramic $1,200-1,500 for a small-medium SUV (Drive, 2022). Correction usually extra.
Gotchas
- Pro coatings need top-ups and sometimes annual inspections to keep the warranty.
- Ask whether correction is included.
TechEasy
Interior and footwell LED bulbs#
Swap the cabin, footwell, door-edge, glovebox and boot bulbs for LEDs. Cheap, quick and a big visible improvement; code the footwell lights to LED so ordinary LEDs don't throw warnings.
Time 30-60 minReversible
Aftermarket bulbs about USD 50-60 for a set versus about USD 450 for Porsche's 18-bulb Extended LED package (Rennlist). AUD prices not verified.
Gotchas
- LEDs are polarity-sensitive. If one doesn't light, turn it round. Test before refitting the cover.
- Pry covers gently from the small cut-out or the housing breaks.
- Bulb quality varies. A Sydney Porsche specialist tried about four brands before settling on one.
- Most interior positions take the same bulb; the boot ceiling is different.
- Vanity-mirror and puddle lights are fiddly to remove.
TechEasyQLD: check
LED number plate, side marker and fog bulbs (with coding)#
Fit LED number plate, side marker, fog or cornering bulbs and code each position to LED so the car stops reporting blown bulbs. Needs a coding-capable scan tool.
Time 30-60 minReversible
Bulbs are cheap (not priced). Needs a Launch X431-class tool (see tools).
Not researched. Exterior lights must meet Australian lighting rules, especially white LED side markers that replace amber ones. Check before fitting.
Gotchas
- Number plate LEDs need built-in resistors, or you get a bulb-out warning.
- Plate-light coding (rear-end electronics) sometimes fails with 'check conditions'. One owner still saw a brief startup warning and also disabled the light-out warning in the instrument cluster.
- Side marker coding is in front-end electronics ('Side marker light SML in LED'). The bulb is a 194/T10.
- Flickering LED fogs: code 'fog light in LED'.
- Clear side markers with a DRL 'switchback' wire need tapping into the headlight DRL feed; wire colours differ by model.
TechWeekend
Sharper reversing camera (OEM harness)#
Swap the grainy factory reversing camera for a 720p CVBS camera using Porsche wiring harnesses. Owners report it's plug and play with no coding, and all the PCM functions stay.
Reversible
Not priced. Parts: harnesses 8D0973822 and 1J0973332, a 720p CVBS camera, and a Fakra-to-RCA lead.
Gotchas
- The PCM only accepts CVBS. An AHD camera needs its mode wire cut to force CVBS (see the camera manual).
- With a Mr12Volt, wire an extra camera's trigger to the '12v rear camera' lead, not the tail-light reverse wire. That caused a 'Left tail light defective' warning on one car.
- Cars with a factory TV tuner (behind the right D-pillar) can route the camera through it. A water-damaged tuner killed one car's camera, so check the sunroof drains.
- Parking guide lines may not appear with aftermarket cameras.
TechWeekend
Coding: battery registration and custom TPMS preset#
Owner-level jobs that save a dealer visit: register a new battery (Gateway > coding) and add a custom low-pressure TPMS preset for beach or off-road driving, so the cluster doesn't nag at reduced pressures.
Time 30-60 minReversible
Needs a coding-capable scan tool (see tools).
Gotchas
- Battery coding is under Gateway > coding, not Special Functions.
- The TPMS preset means renaming an existing preset, entering eight front/rear pressure values, then a cluster control-unit reset.
- Same safety rules as all coding: charger on, no 'Online Coding', screenshot values first.
ReliabilityWeekendQLD: fine
Spark plugs and coils#
Replace the plugs on schedule with the OE Bosch plug and fit fresh OEM Beru coils and boots. There's no real coil 'upgrade', and cheap coils have failed early.
$570Time About 2-4 hours
Plugs under A$100 for eight. OEM coils about US$42 each (≈A$59; ≈A$470 for eight). A US independent shop charged US$400 for the job.
Gotchas and part numbers
- Owners cite 40,000 miles or 4 years (about 64,000 km); check the Australian service book.
- The aluminium coil hold-down screws are single-use and snap easily.
- The passenger-side torque strut bolts are aluminium and single-use: 15 ft-lb + 90° when new.
- Tools: triple-square drivers, external Torx, a 3/8" wobble extension (the rear passenger-side plug is tight), thin-wall deep sockets and a torque wrench.
- Moving the coolant hose for access to cylinder 4 can make the expansion tank's hose O-ring weep.
- Bosch OE spark plugs (confirm by VIN)
- Beru OEM ignition coils
Suspension, wheels, brakesSpecialistQLD: fine
Wheel alignment to GTS spec#
Have a Porsche-experienced shop align the car to the GTS specification, with values near the middle of the range. Owners say a good alignment transforms how the car drives.
Reversible
No Australian price found.
Gotchas
- Avoid chain-store alignments.
- Dealers will align at the Low suspension setting on request.
- Camber and caster are adjustable (eccentric bolts).
Suspension, wheels, brakesEasyQLD: check
Wheels and tyres#
Owners favour 295/40 R21 over 295/35 R21, and 20-inch wheels, for ride and pothole protection. Replace all four tyres together to protect the transfer case.
Reversible
No Australian prices found.
Diameter may be up to 15 mm larger or 26 mm smaller than any size the manufacturer designates for the model (soft roader), or up to 50 mm larger if the car is ADR category MC; check the compliance plate. 295/40 R21 is +13.9 mm over the standard 275/45 R20. Non-factory spacers aren't permitted.
Gotchas
- Standard GTS sizes: 275/45 R20 (755.5 mm) and 295/35 R21 (739.9 mm).
- 285/45 R20 is 764.5 mm; 275/50 R20 is 783.0 mm, which is only OK if the car is MC category.
- Keep speedometer accuracy, and at least the placard load rating.
- Consider Porsche 'N'-rated tyres.
InteriorWeekend
Door card leather re-glue#
Door-card leather and foam can come unglued and bulge; on a 2013 GTS the windows then snagged the warped panel. Remove the panel, re-glue and clamp along its length.
Spray upholstery adhesive and about 10 clamps per side; not priced.
Gotchas
- Put a long, wide stick under the clamps to spread pressure and avoid marking the leather.
- Reported mostly in humid climates.
InteriorEasy
Sticky console buttons#
958 console buttons are hard plastic, so stickiness is almost always spilled drink from the cup holders, not a peeling coating. Contact cleaner and repeated pressing usually frees them; worst case the switch module comes out for a bench clean.
Contact cleaner is cheap; a replacement module was about US$200 from Suncoast and is VIN/option-specific.
Gotchas
- Car off, and let everything dry fully before powering up.
- One owner's contact-cleaner fix came back; a few drops of light oil held.
- There are about a dozen switch-module variants - order by VIN.
InteriorEasy
Driver's window switch chrome lip#
The chrome lip on the driver's window switch commonly breaks. The replacement switch is a quick DIY from the armrest.
Time About 20 minutes
About US$132 for the part (order by VIN - about 10 variants).
Gotchas
- Order by VIN - switch varies with options and year.
ExteriorEasy
Bonnet crest replacement#
The bonnet crest commonly delaminates and peels on 958s and is not covered by CPO. Swapping it is a quick job with the original nuts and washer.
Reversible
New-style crest from a Porsche dealer about US$131 (Sunset); black AliExpress crest about US$18.
Gotchas
- Tailgate PORSCHE letters also peel from exhaust heat.
- Black tailgate lettering needs a spacing template (Etsy template about US$18.99 vs body shop US$800-1,200).
ExteriorSpecialist
Targeted paint protection film#
At 110,000-150,000 km the front already has stone chips, so full-front PPF locks them in and costs more than it adds. Film just the high-value spots: headlights, door-handle cups and the rear loading lip.
Brisbane installers quote only. US references: full-front US$1,100-1,500; custom front quarter over US$2,000.
Gotchas
- Installer skill matters more than film brand - one owner got a bubbled bonnet.
- Edges and join lines show after a few years.
- Touch up chips before filming.
ExteriorSpecialistQLD: check
Legal ceramic window tint#
Ceramic tint cuts heat and shields the Alcantara and leather from UV. Queensland limits as quoted by a Brisbane tinter: 35% VLT front sides, 20% behind the driver with both side mirrors, top 10% band only on the windscreen.
SUV prices are by quote. Brisbane sedan examples: from $375 (entry level), XPEL XR Plus ceramic $695. An Australian owner paid $490 on a small SUV.
TMR's site could not be reached (403). Limits are from We Tint Windows citing TMR's September 2017 rules; the 35% front limit includes factory glass. Confirm with TMR or an Approved Inspection Station.
Gotchas
- Over-dark front windows cause night glare and poor visibility when looking left.
- Check the factory privacy glass first - film stacks on it.
RetrofitsEasy
Logo puddle lights and interior LEDs#
Porsche-logo projector courtesy lights swap in seconds; aftermarket LED bulbs replace the interior incandescents. Cheap, reversible and fun together.
Time About 10 seconds per puddle lightReversible
Porsche's 18-bulb LED package was about US$450 vs about US$50-60 aftermarket.
Gotchas
- Keep the original lamps.
- One owner had a bad experience with a bulb vendor.
Low prioritySuspension, wheels, brakesEasyQLD: check
Air suspension lowering#
Lower the factory air suspension by coding the height sensors, by fitting lowering links or with an electronic module. It's for looks; ride reports are mixed and an alignment is needed afterwards.
$0Reversible
Coding is free if you own a capable scan tool. Links are US$55-270 (≈A$80-380). Module prices (TechArt, H&R ETS) weren't verified.
Keep at least 100 mm ground clearance and meet ADR 43. Lower by no more than one-third of the suspension travel, with front and rear lowered equally.
Gotchas
- Foxwell NT530 coding fails below 12.1 V; do it with the ignition on, engine off and doors closed.
- One owner briefly ended up with the front 2" higher than the rear.
- Links lower every height level; some owners call the ride bouncy.
- An H&R module auto-raised at speed and wouldn't re-lower for one owner.
- Get an alignment afterwards; CV joint angles can cause vibration.
Low priorityReliabilitySpecialistQLD: fine
Intake valve carbon cleaning#
Walnut-blasting the direct-injected V8's intake valves. Build-up on the 958 V8 is generally mild and owners report little difference, so only do it when the intake is already off.
$700–$1,400
US$500-1,000 at shops (≈A$700-1,400) when done as a standalone job.
Gotchas
- Only blast or soak cylinders whose valves are fully closed; otherwise there's a hydrolock risk.
- Walnut blasting needs a good compressor with dry air and a runner adaptor.
- Replace the eight intake manifold gaskets.
- Owners who cleaned at 60,000-115,000 miles noticed no driving difference.
Low prioritySound and performanceEasyQLD: fine
ECU tune#
An OBD-flashed remap from Softronic, Fabspeed, FVD or similar. Tuners claim about +20-30 hp on the NA V8, and owners mainly notice sharper throttle and shifts. It's reversible, but several owners say it's not worth the money for power alone.
$1,530–$2,710Reversible
Softronic US$1,095-1,395 (≈A$1,530-1,950); Fabspeed XperTune A$2,709.80. A Tunezilla gearbox (TCU) tune was about US$400.
Allowed without approval if the car still meets its ADR emissions standard. A power gain over 20% (about 62 kW on 309 kW) needs an Approved Person. Tell the insurer.
Gotchas
- The Fabspeed handheld needs a Windows PC (no Mac) and pairs with one car only.
- Keep a 15-25 A battery charger connected while flashing.
- Softronic is tuned for US 91-93 octane (roughly 95-98 RON), so use 98 in Australia.
- Expect a short relearn period with odd shifts or surging.
- Cobb doesn't support the 958.
- Tunes that disable rear O2 monitoring for cat deletes are emissions tampering.
Low prioritySound and performanceEasyQLD: not legal
Secondary cat bypass pipes#
Pipes that replace the two secondary catalytic converters for a louder V8. Not road-legal in Queensland, and owners complain about the very loud cold start and pops. Avoid.
$1,590–$1,598Reversible
Fabspeed A$1,598.10 (claims +11 wheel hp); Soul US$1,135 (≈A$1,590); Hanksville Hot Rods US$795 new.
They remove emission control equipment. Alternative exhausts must keep equivalent emission control, and catalytic converters may only be replaced with ADR-marked parts. Fabspeed sells them for 'closed track events and off-road use only'.
Gotchas
- Defect notice, insurance and emissions exposure.
- Very loud cold starts; several owners removed them.
- Overrun pops.
- No warning light reported on the 958.
Low prioritySound and performanceSpecialistQLD: check
Sport catalytic converters#
High-flow replacement cats (Cargraphic makes 958.1 GTS secondaries). A calmer alternative to bypass pipes, but there's no evidence they're ADR-compliant in Australia.
$2,450Reversible
One owner paid US$1,750 direct from Cargraphic (≈A$2,450).
Replacement cats must carry the correct ADR markings and the car must still meet its ADR emissions standard. Treat them as non-compliant unless the supplier can show ADR 79 compliance.
Gotchas
- The owner preferred them to bypass pipes because they avoid the brutal cold start.
Low prioritySound and performanceWeekendQLD: check
Cat-back exhaust#
An aftermarket muffler system such as the Fabspeed Maxflo. Power gains are small, so you're paying for sound. It must still meet the noise limits.
$5,933Reversible
Fabspeed Maxflo A$5,932.77 (claims +8 wheel hp). Akrapovic slip-on price and 958.1 fitment not confirmed.
Replacement silencers must comply with the car's noise label or ADR (certified level + 5 dB(A)), carry the manufacturer's marking and not leak.
Gotchas
- The Maxflo needs minor cutting at the factory exhaust break point.
- Keep valves if you want a quiet mode.
- Milltek's listed 958 cat-backs are Turbo-only.
Low priorityTechEasy
USB-C charging socket#
Replace a 12V socket in the cupholder area with a USB-C/USB insert for proper phone charging. The armrest USB is mainly a media interface and may not charge well.
Time 1-2 hPermanent
Generic inserts are cheap (not priced). Lower-effort option: a plug-in 12V-to-USB-C adapter.
Gotchas
- One owner had to grind the OEM socket apart and trim the opening with a Dremel, so it's not fully reversible without a new socket.
- Reuse the OEM plug: the centre pin is 12V; the brown wire is ground.
- The armrest USB is 'an interface plug, not a charging plug' for one owner; another says it charges fine on a '14 GTS.
- A blown AUX fuse on the passenger dash panel can kill the port.
Low priorityTechEasy
MagSafe wireless charging mount#
A 958-specific MagSafe-compatible phone mount and charger (Nine Volt), with a hidden-cable install option and no drilling. Nice daily upgrade; price not verified.
Time 30 min-1 hReversible
Price not verified (vendor site couldn't be read).
Gotchas
- Needs a 20W supply. Car USB ports can't supply enough, and the charger will cycle on and off.
- The console is tightly packed. One owner's 'five minute' cable run took half an hour.
- There's a pre-cut hole in the bottom of the cupholder cubby for the cable.
Low priorityTechWeekend
Coding: Auto Start/Stop remembers last setting#
Make Auto Start/Stop stay off once you turn it off. Owners report mixed results, and it has to be coded in several modules.
Reversible
Needs a coding-capable scan tool (see tools).
Gotchas
- Changing only the engine module lasts one drive cycle.
- One 2011 owner did it in the air-con module ('Last Mode'). A 2018 GTS owner turned it off in all relevant modules, including 'save to last' in air-con.
- With PIWIS it has to be coded in 4 ECUs together, or the change silently doesn't save.
- One UK video believed it can't be disabled at all on his Cayenne.
Low prioritySound and performanceEasyQLD: fine
Drop-in air filters#
BMC F1 drop-in filters for the stock airbox (a V8 needs two). There's no meaningful power gain, just a little more induction sound.
$265Reversible
Fabspeed A$264.89; Soul US$85-170.
Allowed without approval, but they must not increase intake noise. Oiled filters can give false sensor readings.
Gotchas
- On cars with the Sound Symposer, remove the two screws on the soundaktor diaphragm rather than the hose clips.
Low priorityInteriorSpecialist
Alcantara steering wheel retrim or replacement#
If the Alcantara rim is genuinely worn through after cleaning, it can be retrimmed, swapped for an OEM GTS Alcantara wheel, or covered with a stitch-on cover. Retrim is skilled work; a cover is the cheap, reversible option.
Time One Macan GTS owner took about 8 hours to retrim his own wheel
No published Brisbane retrim prices found - get quotes. OEM GTS Alcantara wheel listed by Suncoast (SKU 958GTSALC) but price not visible.
Gotchas
- Try a proper Alcantara clean first.
- Stitch-on covers divide opinion on looks.
Low priorityInteriorSpecialist
Headliner sag re-cover#
958 headliners sag in hot climates as the foam backing breaks down; the GTS's standard Alcantara lining is less prone but costlier to redo. Re-gluing the old fabric does not work - the board has to come out and be re-covered.
Mobile trimmer US$1,100 for headliner plus pillars; Porsche pre-wrapped board about US$2,500. DIY material about US$15-25 per yard (standard fabric; Alcantara far more).
Gotchas
- Do not clamp freshly glued fabric - it dimples the foam.
- Colour matching unusual interiors is hard.
- Blocked sunroof drains are one cause - check them.
Low priorityRetrofitsSpecialist
Multifunction/heated steering wheel retrofit#
The GTS SportDesign wheel has paddles but no buttons or heating. A newer Porsche wheel fits via an adapter (or, per one owner, a 718 clock spring) - the one retrofit with real daily payoff, but it involves the airbag.
Time One fitter reported around 30 minutes with the adapterReversible
One owner's total about US$2,350: used wheel about US$1,399-1,499, adapter about US$500, airbag about US$350. GPS Adapter STMV1 listed at US$349-399.
Gotchas
- PIWIS coding may be needed.
- 971 Panamera wheels look similar but are not supported by the adapter.
- Avoid no-name Alibaba wheels.
- Keep the original wheel for resale.
Low priorityRetrofitsSpecialist
Skip: OEM 958.2 tail light conversion#
Skip. The GTS already has tinted LED tails, and OEM facelift tails need a facelift tailgate and rear bumper, re-pinned plugs, new brackets and covers, and bodyshop fitting.
Major bodywork; not costed.
Gotchas
- Brake and indicator pins are swapped between generations.
- Power tailgate needed re-teaching or programming.
Low priorityRetrofitsSpecialist
Skip: OEM 958.2 headlight/front conversion#
Skip. Facelift headlights need a new bonnet, wings and bumper plus eight under-bonnet support parts with cutting and welding; one converter could not get AFS and high beam working.
Major bodywork; not costed.
Gotchas
- 958.1 and 958.2 headlights are not interchangeable on their own.
Low priorityRetrofitsEasyQLD: check
Skip: aftermarket matrix headlights and sequential tails#
Skip. Plug-and-play 'matrix-style' headlights and 958.2-style sequential tails exist, but Rennlist owners rate OEM beam quality higher and Australian road legality is unconfirmed.
Reversible
One owner paid about C$1,000 for a pair of aftermarket headlights.
ADR compliance or E-marking and roadworthy acceptance not confirmed; TMR guidance could not be accessed.
Gotchas
- Keep the OEM lamps for resale.
- Serhan's lamps needed the supplied covers and careful seating to fit flush.
- Australian-delivered cars should already have amber rear indicators.
Low priorityRetrofitsEasyQLD: check
Skip: LED bulbs in OEM headlights#
Skip. Owners report no dash errors with some LED bulbs, but one admits they 'aren't approved for road use'.
Reversible
Not costed.
Forum owner describes the bulbs as not approved for road use; not confirmed against Queensland rules.