Cayenne Diesel S - 2016

[Babw]

I'm looking to get a Cayenne Diesel S as a used purchase with 20-30k miles.

I'm coming from a 2016 Range Rover Sport and a 2016 BMW X3 in the family. The RRS was a good drive but build quality and reliability was questionable. The X3 was fun to drive but the ride too firm, appreciated it's size and thought the interior build quality was better than the RRS.

Looking for an air suspension PASM car as the ride quality is something that's important.

Is there anything that I should particularly look out for? In the history, recalls etc especially?

[Cheib]

I have a 2017 S Diesel...we've done 25k trouble free miles.

I wouldn't get too worked about about PASM...we have Air on ours but the Steel srpung cars drive really well and I wouldn't say there's that much difference in ride quality. We got it because one of the things we do with our is take it away skiing so lots of underground car parks which being able to lower the car when you have a roof box can help!

Spec you'd really want to have

Panoramic Roof (must have if you ever want to sell)
Roof Rails (can't be retrofitted)
Park Assist with Camera
Dimming Mirrors (yes they aren't standard)
Heated seats (ditto if you want them)
Digital Radio (ditto)
Full Leather (also called Smooth Finish...makes a massive difference to the interior)

I also think the Sport Design package makes a big difference to the exterior....all the external trim is painted.

HTH.

[Griffgrog]

I'd definitely get air suspension. It does make a difference, especially on larger wheels. When mine went in for service they lent me one on steel springs andi found it much harsher. It was good round the bends though. Build quality in a different galaxy to Land Rover products.

[jbmxx]

I moved from a BMW X5 3.0d to a 2016 Cayenne Diesel S, I would agree with Cheib's comments, but like him, I can't comment on steel suspension as mine came with air (I bought a beautifully-spec'd ex-demonstrator from Porsche Swindon)

I really like the Cayenne, it's fast, comfortable, reliable and beautifully built. Running costs seem quite reasonable and I can see myself keeping it for a long time.

Hope this helps with your decision.....

[Babw]

Thanks for the input, really helps.

The X5 was the other option but the ride is so hard with the RFT and the tramlining like the X3 makes it too fidgety to drive. I will miss the head up display and some of the other BMW tech.

[Cheib]

Griffgrog said:

I'd definitely get air suspension. It does make a difference, especially on larger wheels. When mine went in for service they lent me one on steel springs andi found it much harsher. It was good round the bends though. Build quality in a different galaxy to Land Rover products.

My OPC think the car drives better on steel..."less floaty". Which I think I'd agree with. But we still went with Air.

The PEC cars that you drive on the handling circuit have steel springs....the one's used for off road have the Air PASM. That probably tells you a lot!

[Cpt Stirling]

I've had one for six months to replace a L322 Range Rover. As already stated it is way better than the Land Rover offering.

It has Air on 21'' wheels. As a rule I find it a little floaty in normal mode so tend to use the sport suspension set up for everyday A & B road driving. You can adjust the suspension in isolation of the 'preset' sport or sport plus modes (which also adjust the throttle map). Normal mode is ideal for motorway miles. I can't believe I can consistently get 40mpg on a motorway run. I didn't think much about it when I bough it but the Pan roof is great.

Most people raved about the 18 way adjustable front seats (which mine has) and they are comfy but the side bolsters are more of an 'obstacle' when getting in/out than the 14 way ones.

Had no issues whatsoever with it and I really like it. The engine is ace!

[The Wookie]

Up to 110k on my 2013 Diesel S, the only problems I’ve had in that time were a couple of separate weird electrical faults involving the alarm and the tailgate. Oh and the rear wiper went bonkers and eventually died (thankfully as it was getting on my tits). All repaired under extended warranty.

The only things I miss on my car are a reversing camera (for hitching trailers mainly) and xenons, the standard halogen lights are pants. I’ve improved them with hotter bulbs but they need replacing regularly, although it is very easy to do.

I have PASM on my car and I prefer it to the coil spring courtesy cars I’ve had, the damping and body control are fraction sweeter but the air sprung cars ride better and if you’re towing or carrying heavy loads the air suspension is useful.

[P1rwm]

We are at 63k miles on our 2013 car. Definitely the best SUV and family car we have owned. Engine is ace in my view, huge torque, great noise, we average 34mpg. More than fast enough to entertain and deal with modern daily driving in the UK. Fit and finish excellent. Only one issue with 4wd transfer box which was replaced under warranty by OPC. We have all season tyres which seem to work ok in summer and were great last winter. Tows superbly too. Watch the utube video of one towing an A380.......
Air suspension is floaty in comfort but great on motorway and firms up nicely in sport.
Difficult to know what to replace it with apart from a younger version of the same thing which is as good a compliment as it gets, in my view.
Great to hear one on 110k still going strong, means I may keep for a while.
Warranty a must in my view as a big complex beast.
Hope that helps