Choice of coils for a V6 Cayenne

[Herr Vorragend]

In addition to the 'Tranny Troubles' (see post/thread), my 04 V6 Cayenne just threw a coil. It has 187k miles and I replaced the plugs at 80k and 155k. I will likely just change all the coils and plugs in one DIY.

There are a few coil brands out there and I have scoured the posts here and elsewhere to get some idea of best value/choice for coils. The following coils are listed/offered for the V6 Cayenne:

Standard (Partstrain $35.76, Autoparts warehouse $45.61, Partsgeek $30.35)

Beck (Partsgeek $37.95, Autoparts warehouse $49.06, Partstrain $42.50)

Beru (this seems the frequent suggestion) (Partsgeek $48.98, Autoparts warehouse $61.95, Partstrain $61.95)

Replacement (Autoparts warehouse $150.82 for 6, Partstrain $117.25 for 6)

Denso (Pelican $29.25)

Bremi (Pelican $39)

Genuine (Pelican $57.50)

Karyln (Partsgeek $32.95)

Plug costs are close across the board, so would probably choose NGK (or Denso if the Denso coils are recommended)

Cheapest route is the 'Replacement' brand of coils but I have not seen any other recommendations in other threads.....has anyone used this brand? At 187k, I am looking for best value here......

Thanks team!

[Loren]

Porsche has had so much trouble with these as I think there have been over 6 updated parts.

I would go with the Porsche parts (and the Porsche parts warranty) to get away from this troublesome problem on all Cayennes.

[Herr Vorragend]

Thanks Loren! Ok, it's calls to Suncoast and Sunset tomorrow....

If I can get good before/after pics, would you like to see them for a DIY (if you think it would add to the collection)?

[Loren]

I doubt it would help unless they look very different - most times the changes are internal and very visible unless you cut one open (and you don't want to do that!)

[Herr Vorragend]

For anyone who drops into this, I bought the coils at Sunset, was a breeze to change DIY except for the one coil that was bad - it snapped off and I had to dig a little to get the part hugging the spark plug......$11 for a long needle nose plier, a frustrating 30 minutes of trying to not cause any more damage....... and now it runs like new.

One suggestion if not already posted elsewhere. The next time I do this I will remove the coil from the plug and then remove the connector from the coil. It was a real pain to try to remove the connector as the tab is so hard to get to. Next time - pull the coils off first!

[wvicary]

I just buy the latest coil from the local VW dealer, think I paid $25/coil CDN last time.

[Herr Vorragend]

I picked up a set of coils at Sunset for less than $225. Started as an easy job but the faulty coil actually broke and the bottom end was stuck on the plug. Took about 45 min to eventually work the broken piece out. (needed to buy long needle nose pliers....)

Learning advice: I found it hard to remove the coil wire from the coil while still attached to the plug. I would suggest pulling the coils off the plugs and then removing the wire connector as the connector is tricky.

Now runs like a champ at 188k miles. Really can tell the difference on acceleration (which is an overstatement anyway with the V6.....)

[ychung]

Hi Vorragend, have you done any majot repair/replacement since you have 188K miles on your 04 V6?

I have 05 V6 with 128 K miles and I've replaced the usual ones, drive shaft, coils, tailgate strut, fuel filter, check valve, crankcase valve, and horns,

I've also replaced all fluids, transmission, front & rear diffferential as well as transfer case( I don't know if I really needed since I never use 4 wheel)

I think I've listed everything other than the regular maintenance stuffs and brakes.

I haven't yet to replace the battery, the original one, even after 128K miles and 8 1/2 years, as well as the drive belt.

My car always ran fine except when it had issue with coils at 80K miles and recently involving the replacement fuel filter, check valve and crankcase valve

Do you recommend any other maintenance stuff or replacement?

If anyone else has comment, it will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

[Peter Villalon]

I bought a set of 6 coils oem from Napa Auto Parts for $160.00 and the sparkplugs for $57.85 from a local Ebay auto parts. There is a great DIY on replacing the sparkplugs and coils for a Cayenne Turbo I believe but I have the base model. It would be great if I would have known that all you had to do is remove the top plastic cover from the engine and easily replace the coils and sparkplugs instead I followed the first steps of the DIY and removed ALL of plastic parts around the engine and also bought a Triple Square socket set when its not needed. Anyway the car no longer misfires during a cold start, feels great and runs great.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/251245660497?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

[njrbd]

Just did this myself. Very easy job on the V6. Used VW Part #022 905 715B for the coils and NGK plugs.

For crossreference here is my thread - http://www.renntech.org/forums/topic/45693-05-base-cayenne-6-speed-cel-codes-p0300-and-p0302/

[PKN]

The best tool buy I ever had was a set of pliers including large, long nosed straight, another pair with a 90 degree bend at the end and another pair with an open circle at the end of the nose. This latter set is what I use to pull the connectors off the plugs, they fit perfectly around the upper part of the connector without straining any wires and the plugs come off as easy as pie. I also use them to pull out the coil pack as they grip nicely around the middle of the square section. Because of their shape, they are also ideal for tugging and pushing variuos diameters of rubber tubing.

Steve

[Herr Vorragend]

Hi ychung, sorry for my delayed response. Just got lost with holidays and travel....

You have actually replaced more items than I have. I did have a leak in the intake manifold that was a dealer fix. I did have an axle go out at about 150k ($1000). I have not replaced my battery either, but just recently I started to get a warning light and I'll have to check for other posts on that. I also replaced my tranny fluid and wire harnesses, but that also caused an issue with the valve body that eventually got solved at a total cost of just under $3,000 - I should have waited for symptoms as my maintenance move caused me to do something I was trying to avoid!

My advice at this level of mileage now is to wait for a symptom (beyond doing the usual brakes/oil, etc). I was surprised how much better it ran with new coils and if I have this another 50k, I'd do it again.