E81 Power Kit "wantability"

[mmmbeer]

I am in the market for a Cayenne and have found a 06 Turbo that is nice with quite ok mileage. It is reasonably well equipped and is actually a bit cheaper than others in the same year/mileage range. This car has the E81 option which I know is the very expensive power kit with upgraded engine, suspension and brakes. The dealer does not seem to know that the car is special in this way and I am sure not about to tell him.

Would this be a run and buy situation or is the E81 just another option and nothing to value to highly?

[Harness]

It's a nearly $20,000 option and raises power to 540 HP, which is just hellaciously insane for an SUV. Not knowing anything else about the car, I would say it's a rare option and you'll have a ton of fun ; )

[mmmbeer]

On the 06 model it is actually a leap from 450 to 500HP, but yes I think I agree... The 380mm front brakes seems just awesome... If it was not for the E81 this car would be in the running against a few other candidates, but I am wondering if the E81 should be the deal-sealer here or not. All other things being about equal. I did plan on taking my sweet old time to surf around and decide later, but this one seems to be one I should buy before the dealer finds out it has E81 and advertises it as such.

Edited July 5, 2010 by mmmbeer

[PTEC]

The dealer would have to be completely inept to not know. Its completely obvious thanks to the rotors. Speaking of which, if you do take the plunge, make sure it wont need front brakes any time soon. The rotors are about 800 bucks each IIRC. The extra power is nice too but how often are you WOT racing someone?

I wouldn't say the E81 should be the deal sealing factor. It seems like the rare expensive options don't usually do all that much for resale once the car has some miles on it. Its kind of like having a pool. Sure it cost 50 grand but it only adds 10k to the value of your house. So unless you love the car for everything else it is, I would say the E81 in-and-of-itself isn't worth it.

[Reborn996]

Isn't this the same as a Turbo S?

[Loren]

Isn't this the same as a Turbo S?

Check the 16 page TSB on the E81 Powerkit.... http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?app=downloads&module=display&section=download&do=confirm_download&id=1385

[mmmbeer]

Thats a nice link Loren, but it is for the 2008 model. Do you have anything similar for the 2006 model year?

The car is bought and pending a ppi and some minor things it is on its way "home".

[Loren]

The Powerkit did not come out until late 2007 or early 2008 - with the 2nd generation Cayenne.

[mmmbeer]

I found the 2003 onwards Powerkit retrofitting documents in the TSB section. My soon to be new Cayene Turbo MY06 has E81. There was a E81 kit taking HP from 450 to 500 for the earlier cars. Perhaps not in the US-version?

[Ignited]

Perhaps not in the US-version?

where are you you located, 'beer? Not in USA? So you are not buying a US version?

Tim in Ft Worth

[mmmbeer]

Norway. Usually ROW version for Porsches.

Edit:

Here is the TSB for the 2003 onwards E81: TSB 2003 onwards E81

Edited July 10, 2010 by mmmbeer

[scxtasy]

Isn't this the same as a Turbo S?

Check the 16 page TSB on the E81 Powerkit.... http://www.renntech....ownload&id=1385

Wow, that seems like a LOT of work for an extra 50HP... Anyone care to speculate what the TurboS does to get to 520HP? New Turbos???

Andrew

[mmmbeer]

To be fair the E81 is not just 50 ekstra horspower. It is more like a general sports package upping the handling, brakes and power of the car.

Edited July 12, 2010 by mmmbeer

[hahnmgh63]

I'm a little late to this thread but yes the Power kit E81 was available in the U.S. and it is more than just the power as mentioned. New ECU and suspension ECU, new Intercoolers, Servotronic tweeked, brakes, boost increase. It definitely steers, accelerates, and brakes better.