981 Boxster Sports Exhaust (PSE) woes - any advice?
Discussion
Dear Porsche PHers,
This is my first post here but I've been a long time browser of the site and know that if anyone can help me, this is the place to ask! I've just taken delivery of a 981 Boxster S (Guards Red, chrono, PDK, PASM - lots of toys, lovely motor) with the PSE option ticked. The one thing most people seem united about on all matters Porsche-related is that, when given the option, tick the PSE box on the spec sheet, but I'm really regretting this choice. The exhaust sounds great when you're pressing on, but there is a persistent drone between 2k and 3k rpm which makes cruising a literal headache. Also, unlike other cars with PSE that I've played with, the button seems to do almost nothing - pressing it results in no "extra" noise, even when pressing on (for comparison, you get much more difference switching my 997.2 Turbo to "Sport", even though it doesn't have 'flaps' or a sports exhaust!).
I was assuming that the car would be quiet on a cruise and then crazy when I pushed the button and "made progress", but unfortunately it is just noisy all the time which reduces the all-round ability of the car considerably. At first, I thought my PSE exhaust was broken - perhaps the flaps were stuck open, but Porsche assure me that the system is working correctly (i.e. the flaps are being actuated) and that the "system is loud". What I cannot fathom is why they bother with the button - pressing mine seems to achieve nothing else apart from lighting up an LED next to the button (possibly slightly more pops and bangs on the overrun, but that's presumably a fuelling thing not an exhaust thing). What's the point of the button?
Are there are any other 981 owners out there with PSE? Is their experience the same, or is my system malfunctioning? I'm really hoping that mine is "broken" because I can't face using this car as a daily (long distance) driver. My Porsche Centre have very kindly offered to swap the exhaust with the standard one off their demo car for free, but that still leaves me out of pocket on the option and feeling quite disgruntled that the PSE was mis-sold to me. Surely the whole point of having a switchable exhaust is that it gets louder or quieter depending on whether it is activated or not, and the difference is very perceptible to justify the engineering and expense of having valves in the system.
Apologies for the long post and the act of heresy by being the first person to ever document a dislike of PSE (!), but I'd really appreciate any thoughts and advice from you Porsche experts. Is the PSE working as you'd expect, or do I have a legitimate gripe?
Many thanks in advance!
Anthony.
This is my first post here but I've been a long time browser of the site and know that if anyone can help me, this is the place to ask! I've just taken delivery of a 981 Boxster S (Guards Red, chrono, PDK, PASM - lots of toys, lovely motor) with the PSE option ticked. The one thing most people seem united about on all matters Porsche-related is that, when given the option, tick the PSE box on the spec sheet, but I'm really regretting this choice. The exhaust sounds great when you're pressing on, but there is a persistent drone between 2k and 3k rpm which makes cruising a literal headache. Also, unlike other cars with PSE that I've played with, the button seems to do almost nothing - pressing it results in no "extra" noise, even when pressing on (for comparison, you get much more difference switching my 997.2 Turbo to "Sport", even though it doesn't have 'flaps' or a sports exhaust!).
I was assuming that the car would be quiet on a cruise and then crazy when I pushed the button and "made progress", but unfortunately it is just noisy all the time which reduces the all-round ability of the car considerably. At first, I thought my PSE exhaust was broken - perhaps the flaps were stuck open, but Porsche assure me that the system is working correctly (i.e. the flaps are being actuated) and that the "system is loud". What I cannot fathom is why they bother with the button - pressing mine seems to achieve nothing else apart from lighting up an LED next to the button (possibly slightly more pops and bangs on the overrun, but that's presumably a fuelling thing not an exhaust thing). What's the point of the button?
Are there are any other 981 owners out there with PSE? Is their experience the same, or is my system malfunctioning? I'm really hoping that mine is "broken" because I can't face using this car as a daily (long distance) driver. My Porsche Centre have very kindly offered to swap the exhaust with the standard one off their demo car for free, but that still leaves me out of pocket on the option and feeling quite disgruntled that the PSE was mis-sold to me. Surely the whole point of having a switchable exhaust is that it gets louder or quieter depending on whether it is activated or not, and the difference is very perceptible to justify the engineering and expense of having valves in the system.
Apologies for the long post and the act of heresy by being the first person to ever document a dislike of PSE (!), but I'd really appreciate any thoughts and advice from you Porsche experts. Is the PSE working as you'd expect, or do I have a legitimate gripe?
Many thanks in advance!
Anthony.
Congrats on the new 981, sorry to hear about the PSE issue though.
It sounds unusual, although I've only driven PSE on a 991S not a 981 - the experience was as you describe what you expected though. It wasn't actually 'quiet' when not on, but there was a difference it would be very difficult to miss when it was turned on.
Does the OPC have any other current-generation PSE cars that you could try to compare (if you haven't already)? Could it be a mileage issue if it's brand new - I seem to remember talk about the sound changing over the first few hundred miles or so.
S
It sounds unusual, although I've only driven PSE on a 991S not a 981 - the experience was as you describe what you expected though. It wasn't actually 'quiet' when not on, but there was a difference it would be very difficult to miss when it was turned on.
Does the OPC have any other current-generation PSE cars that you could try to compare (if you haven't already)? Could it be a mileage issue if it's brand new - I seem to remember talk about the sound changing over the first few hundred miles or so.
S
Thanks for the advice guys, the car has done 1,400 miles - I've not really noticed any changes since I've had it beyond the fact that the drone gets noticeably louder over a few hours on a motorway cruise, presumably as everything heat soaks and expands.
@Mutt -- does your exhaust note change at all if you press the PSE button at idle? You have to rev the ar$e off mine, and even then the difference is very small. Any drone on the motorway with yours? Mine is quieter in 6th than 7th. Hmmm, I wonder if the exhaust was tuned for the M6 and the PDK ratios are different.
Alternatively, perhaps I'm getting old ;-) ...
@Mutt -- does your exhaust note change at all if you press the PSE button at idle? You have to rev the ar$e off mine, and even then the difference is very small. Any drone on the motorway with yours? Mine is quieter in 6th than 7th. Hmmm, I wonder if the exhaust was tuned for the M6 and the PDK ratios are different.
Alternatively, perhaps I'm getting old ;-) ...
tonyj74 said:
Thanks for the advice guys, the car has done 1,400 miles - I've not really noticed any changes since I've had it beyond the fact that the drone gets noticeably louder over a few hours on a motorway cruise, presumably as everything heat soaks and expands.
@Mutt -- does your exhaust note change at all if you press the PSE button at idle? You have to rev the ar$e off mine, and even then the difference is very small. Any drone on the motorway with yours? Mine is quieter in 6th than 7th. Hmmm, I wonder if the exhaust was tuned for the M6 and the PDK ratios are different.
Alternatively, perhaps I'm getting old ;-) ...
Sorry to here of your woes, I'm certainly not a Porsche "expert" but I have a 991S and there is most definatly a difference when you press the button. Without button pressed very quiet in cabin, when pressed sounds like your description. Ask to take a drive in another vehicle to compare. Hope it gets sorted for you.@Mutt -- does your exhaust note change at all if you press the PSE button at idle? You have to rev the ar$e off mine, and even then the difference is very small. Any drone on the motorway with yours? Mine is quieter in 6th than 7th. Hmmm, I wonder if the exhaust was tuned for the M6 and the PDK ratios are different.
Alternatively, perhaps I'm getting old ;-) ...
Great advice but I'm struggling to find a Boxster S with PSE to compare it to - I'm not aware of any dealers that have them as demos. The dealer I bought it from had a look and said that both of the actuators were working on the exhaust. However, they agreed with me that it had no effect on the exhaust noise at all - I guess that could mean that the flaps aren't sealing internally even if they are being moved externally. They haven't had another car to compare it to as they've only just started delivering them. Can anyone recommend an OPC that might be able to help? I'd be surprised if the new Boxster was the only car where the button was just decoration! I'm loathe to take PSE off until I'm sure they really are supposed to be like this...
I was a little disappointed with PSE in all honesty but I can tell the difference on idle it's just not a massive difference 
I was hoping it would improve after some miles, still under 1000 miles on ours.
Talking of annoying things has anybody else noticed the monumentally annoying passenger seat belt buckle knocking as you drive along, Christ it's bugging me!!!!
Where abouts are you?
I was hoping it would improve after some miles, still under 1000 miles on ours.
Talking of annoying things has anybody else noticed the monumentally annoying passenger seat belt buckle knocking as you drive along, Christ it's bugging me!!!!
Where abouts are you?
Uh oh, I haven't noticed anything with seatbelt buckles - I hope I don't now! I'm based in London and Cambridge. Porsche in Cambridge were as helpful as they could be but none of their demos have PSE (and I didn't buy the car from them so didn't feel that I could be too pushy).
Andy - do you find yours drones on the motorway cruise? To be honest, it is that which is the biggest issue for me - I bought the car as a daily driver based on a test of a boxster s without PSE: a sensible enough car to cruise in but with potential for fun when required. My car gives me a headache after 50 miles - it reminds me of my old scooby with a 4" straight through on it.
I really appreciate everyone's input - this is the first car I've ever bought new and I didn't expect it to be this stressful!
Andy - do you find yours drones on the motorway cruise? To be honest, it is that which is the biggest issue for me - I bought the car as a daily driver based on a test of a boxster s without PSE: a sensible enough car to cruise in but with potential for fun when required. My car gives me a headache after 50 miles - it reminds me of my old scooby with a 4" straight through on it.
I really appreciate everyone's input - this is the first car I've ever bought new and I didn't expect it to be this stressful!
tonyj74 said:
Uh oh, I haven't noticed anything with seatbelt buckles - I hope I don't now! I'm based in London and Cambridge. Porsche in Cambridge were as helpful as they could be but none of their demos have PSE (and I didn't buy the car from them so didn't feel that I could be too pushy).
Andy - do you find yours drones on the motorway cruise? To be honest, it is that which is the biggest issue for me - I bought the car as a daily driver based on a test of a boxster s without PSE: a sensible enough car to cruise in but with potential for fun when required. My car gives me a headache after 50 miles - it reminds me of my old scooby with a 4" straight through on it.
I really appreciate everyone's input - this is the first car I've ever bought new and I didn't expect it to be this stressful!
I have a 991 with PSE and the drone between 2k and 3k revs with the exhaust activated is very apparent with roof on, less so with roof off. I agree the drone is unpleasant. But I can switch back to off and the exhaust becomes barely audible. It sounds very much as though your exhaust is stuck in the "active" position. Definitely, take to an OPC for re-diagnosis. Something ain't rightAndy - do you find yours drones on the motorway cruise? To be honest, it is that which is the biggest issue for me - I bought the car as a daily driver based on a test of a boxster s without PSE: a sensible enough car to cruise in but with potential for fun when required. My car gives me a headache after 50 miles - it reminds me of my old scooby with a 4" straight through on it.
I really appreciate everyone's input - this is the first car I've ever bought new and I didn't expect it to be this stressful!
Ah I'm in Leicester so not close, we could of compared cars, I haven't noticed the drone but it's the wife's car and my experiences tend to be a blast along a b road!
As said when pressing the exhaust button at idle there is a noticeable change in tone, so it sounds like something is not right
As said when pressing the exhaust button at idle there is a noticeable change in tone, so it sounds like something is not right
AndyBrew said:
I was a little disappointed with PSE in all honesty but I can tell the difference on idle it's just not a massive difference
I was hoping it would improve after some miles, still under 1000 miles on ours.
Talking of annoying things has anybody else noticed the monumentally annoying passenger seat belt buckle knocking as you drive along, Christ it's bugging me!!!!
Where abouts are you?
first thing I noticed.I was hoping it would improve after some miles, still under 1000 miles on ours.
Talking of annoying things has anybody else noticed the monumentally annoying passenger seat belt buckle knocking as you drive along, Christ it's bugging me!!!!
Where abouts are you?
2 possible solutions:
- move buckle up to top using horizontal plastic retainer
- put some felt pads (stuff you use for furniture legs) on the 'b pillar' where the belt hits the plastic part
SFO said:
AndyBrew said:
I was a little disappointed with PSE in all honesty but I can tell the difference on idle it's just not a massive difference
I was hoping it would improve after some miles, still under 1000 miles on ours.
Talking of annoying things has anybody else noticed the monumentally annoying passenger seat belt buckle knocking as you drive along, Christ it's bugging me!!!!
Where abouts are you?
first thing I noticed.I was hoping it would improve after some miles, still under 1000 miles on ours.
Talking of annoying things has anybody else noticed the monumentally annoying passenger seat belt buckle knocking as you drive along, Christ it's bugging me!!!!
Where abouts are you?
2 possible solutions:
- move buckle up to top using horizontal plastic retainer
- put some felt pads (stuff you use for furniture legs) on the 'b pillar' where the belt hits the plastic part
Cheers
AndyBrew said:
I was a little disappointed with PSE in all honesty but I can tell the difference on idle it's just not a massive difference
I was hoping it would improve after some miles, still under 1000 miles on ours.
Talking of annoying things has anybody else noticed the monumentally annoying passenger seat belt buckle knocking as you drive along, Christ it's bugging me!!!!
Where abouts are you?
I have a new 981 still only 300 miles but I can say that turning on and off the exhaust switch it certainly makes a difference much deeper getting more so as hotter, a bit of a drone on the motorway but in 7th nearly goes and if off almost nothing. Not sure what to expect with pse on ?? I was hoping it would improve after some miles, still under 1000 miles on ours.
Talking of annoying things has anybody else noticed the monumentally annoying passenger seat belt buckle knocking as you drive along, Christ it's bugging me!!!!
Where abouts are you?
Seatbelt rattle very common mine from day two, I put a little bit of felt on the back and cured ( pound shop table leg floor protectors) .
Do any of you guys with PSE on your 981 S nearer live near to London or Cambridge and have a spare half an hour to compare notes? I'd be very happy to come to you whenever is convenient to see if there really is something wrong with my motor or I just have overly sensitive ears!
Thanks,
Anthony.
Thanks,
Anthony.
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