8Fuel QualityYour engine is designed to provide optimum performance and fuel economy using
unleaded premium fuel with an octane rating of 98 RON (93 CLC or AKI).
Porsche therefore recommends the use of these fuels in your vehicle.
Porsche also recognizes that these fuels may not always be available. Be assured that your vehicle will operate
properly on unleaded premium fuels with octane numbers of at least 95 RON (90 CLC or AKI),
since the engine's “Electronic Oktane™ knock control“ will adapt the ignition timing, if necessary.Fuels containing alcohol and etherSome areas of the U.S. require oxygenated fuels during certain portions of the year.
Oxygenated fuels are fuels which contain alcohols (such as methanol or ethanol) or ether (such as MTBE).
Under normal conditions, the amount of these compounds in the fuel will not affect driveability.
You may use oxygenated fuels in your Porsche, provided the octane requirements for your vehicle are met.
We recommend, however, to change to a different fuel or station if any of the following problems occur with your vehicle:
– Deterioration of driveability and performance.
– Substantially reduced fuel economy.
– Vapor lock and non-start problems, especially at high altitude or at high temperature.
– Engine malfunction or stalling.Fuels containing MMTSome North American fuels contain an octane enhancing additive called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT).
If such fuels are used, your emission control system performance may be negatively affected.
The check engine warning lights on your instrument panel may turn on.
If this occurs, Porsche recommends you stop using fuels containing MMT.
12
Controls, Safety, Instruments
Dear Porsche OwnerA lot has gone into the manufacture of your
Porsche, including advanced engineering, rigid
quality control and demanding inspections. These
engineering and safety features will be enhanced
by you...the safe driver...– who knows his car and all controls,
– who maintains the vehicle properly,
– who uses driving skills wisely and always
drives within her/his own capabilities and the
level of familiarity with the vehicle.
You will find helpful hints in this manual on how to
perform most of the checks listed on the following
pages. If in doubt, have these checks performed
by your authorized Porsche dealer.
Before driving off...Check the following items firstfTurn the engine off before you attempt any
checks or repairs on the vehicle.
fBe sure the tires are inflated correctly.
Check tires for damage and tire wear.
fSee that wheel bolts are properly tightened
and not loose or missing.
fCheck engine oil level, add if necessary. Make
it a habit to have engine oil checked with every
fuel filling.
fCheck all fluid levels such as windshield wash-
er and brake fluid levels.
fBe sure the vehicle battery is well charged and
cranks the engine properly.
fCheck all doors and lids for proper operation
and latch them properly.
fCheck and if necessary replace worn or
cracked wiper blades.
fSee that all windows are clear and unobstruct-
ed.
fCheck air intake slots and area between en-
gine compartment lid and windshield are free
of snow and ice, so the heater and the wind-
shield wipers work properly.fIf a child will be riding in the vehicle, check
child seat/child seat restraint system to ensure
that restraints are properly adjusted.
fCheck all exterior and interior lights for opera-
tion and that the lenses are clean.
fCheck the headlights for proper aim, and if
necessary, have them adjusted.
fCheck under the vehicle for leaks.
fBe sure all luggage is stowed securely.
Emergency equipmentIt is good practice to carry emergency equipment
in your vehicle.
Some of the items you should have are: window
scraper, snow brush, container or bag of sand or
salt, emergency light, small shovel, first-aid kit,
etc.
Controls, Safety, Instruments
13
In the driver's seat...fCheck operation of the horn.
fPosition seat for easy reach of foot pedals and
controls.To reduce the possibility of injury from
the airbag deployment, you should always sit
back as far from the steering wheel as is prac-
tical, while still maintaining full vehicle control.
fAdjust the inside and outside rear view mirrors.
fBuckle your safety belts.
fCheck operation of the foot and parking brake.
fCheck all warning and indicator lights with igni-
tion on and engine not running.
fStart engine and check all warning displays for
warning symbols.
fNever leave an idling car unattended.
fLock doors from inside, especially with chil-
dren in the car to prevent inadvertent opening
of doors from inside or outside. Drive with
doors locked.
On the road...fNever drive after you have consumed alcohol
or drugs.
fAlways have your safety belt fastened.
fAlways drive defensively.
Expect the unexpected.
fUse signals to indicate turns and lane changes.
fTurn on headlights at dusk or when the driving
conditions warrant it.
fAlways keep a safe distance from the vehicle in
front of you, depending on traffic, road and
weather conditions.
fReduce speed at night and during inclement
weather.
Driving in wet weather requires caution and re-
duced speeds, particularly on roads with
standing water, as the handling characteristics
of the vehicle may be impaired due to hydro-
planing of the tires.
fAlways observe speed limits and obey road
signs and traffic laws.
fWhen tired, get well off the road, stop and take
a rest. Turn the engine off. Do not sit in the ve-
hicle with engine idling.
Please observe the chapter “ENGINE EX-
HAUST” on Page 6.fWhen parked, always set the parking brake.
Move the Tiptronic selector lever to “P“.
On hills also turn the front wheels toward the
curb.
fWhen emergency repairs become necessary,
move the vehicle well off the road. Turn on the
emergency flasher and use other warning de-
vices to alert other motorists. Do not park or
operate the vehicle in areas where the hot ex-
haust system may come in contact with dry
grass, brush, fuel spill or other flammable ma-
terial.
fMake it a habit to have the engine oil checked
with every fuel filling.
14
Controls, Safety, Instruments
Break in hints for the first
2,000 miles (3,000 kilometers)The following tips will be helpful in obtaining opti-
mum performance from your new Porsche.
Despite the most modern, high-precision manufac-
turing methods, it cannot be completely avoided
that the moving parts have to wear in with each
other. This wearing-in occurs mainly in the first
2,000 miles (3,000 km).Therefore:fPreferably take longer trips.
fAvoid frequent cold starts with short-distance
driving whenever possible.
fAvoid full throttle starts and abrupt stops.
fDo not exceed maximum engine speed of
4,200 rpm (revolutions per minute).
fDo not run a cold engine at high rpm either in
Neutral or in gear.
fDo not let the engine labor, especially when
driving uphill. Shift to the next lower gear in
time (use the most favorable rpm range).
fNever lug the engine in high gear at low
speeds. This rule applies at all times, not just
during the break-in period.fDo not participate in motor racing events,
sports driving schools, etc. during the first
2,000 miles/3,000 kilometers.
There may be a slight stiffness in the steering or
other controls during the break-in period which will
gradually disappear.
Break in brake padsNew brake pads and discs have to be “broken in“,
and therefore only attain optimal friction when the
car has covered several hundred miles or km.
The slightly reduced braking ability must be com-
pensated for by pressing the brake pedal harder.
This also applies whenever the brake pads and
brake discs are replaced.New tiresNew tires do not have maximum traction. They
tend to be slippery.
fBreak in new tires by driving at moderate
speeds during the first 60 to 120 miles/100
to 200 km. Longer braking distances must be
anticipated.
Engine oil consumptionDuring the break-in period oil consumption may be
higher than normal.
As always, the rate of oil consumption depends on
the quality and viscosity of oil, the speed at which
the engine is operated, the climate and road con-
ditions, as well as the amount of dilution and oxi-
dation of the lubricant.
fMake a habit of checking engine oil with every
fuel filling, add if necessary.
fPlease observe the chapter “ENGINE DATA” on
Page 346.
Controls, Safety, Instruments
59
Ignition lock position 1Ignition on
fTurn ignition key to position 1.
Ignition is switched on.
Note on operation
All electrical equipment can be switched on.
The warning lights light up for a lamp check.
fPlease observe the chapter “INSTRUMENT PA-
NEL USA MODELS” on Page 68.Ignition lock position 2Starting engine
fOperate footbrake.
fMove selector lever to position P or N.
fDo not press the accelerator pedal.
The engine control module will provide the
correct starting mixture.
fTurn ignition key to ignition lock position 2.
fDo not operate the starter longer than approx.
10 seconds.
If necessary, repeat the starting procedure af-
ter a pause of approx. 10 seconds.
Turn the ignition key to ignition lock position 3
(ignition off) first.fDo not warm up the engine when stationary.
Drive off immediately.
Avoid high revolutions and full throttle until the
engine has reached operating temperature.
fIf battery output is insufficient, jump leads can
be used to start the engine.
Please observe the chapter “EMERGENCY
STARTING WITH JUMPER CABLES” on
Page 323.
Notes on operation
The first operation of the starter is ended
automatically when the engine starts.
If the engine does not start, subsequent starter
operations will not be ended automatically.
When the engine is started, the warning lights
must go out.
Ignition lock position 3Ignition off
fTurn ignition key to ignition lock position 3.
Locking the steering columnVehicles without Porsche Entry & Drive
The steering column is automatically locked
when the ignition key is withdrawn from the igni-
tion lock.
The steering column is automatically unlocked
when the ignition key is inserted into the ignition
lock.
Vehicles with Porsche Entry & Drive
The steering column is automatically locked
when the ignition is switched off and the vehicle is
locked.
fTo lock intentionally, once the ignition is
switched off, turn the control unit again to the
ignition lock position 3 and hold it there for
2seconds.
The steering column is locked.
The steering column is automatically unlocked
by turning the control unit from ignition lock posi-
tion 0.
68
Controls, Safety, Instruments
Instrument Panel USA ModelsWarning and indicator lights on the
tachometerWarning and indicator lights on the
speedometer
A Oil temperature gauge
BTachometer
C Clock reset button
D Cooling system temperature gauge
E Multi-purpose display
F Digital speedometer,
Outside temperature,
Clock,
Mileage displays
G Fuel gauge
H Reset button for trip counter display
I Speedometer
J Engine boost pressure display Emission Control warning light
(Check Engine)
Airbag warning light
Safety belt warning light
PSM warning light
ABS warning light
Turn signal pilot light, left
Cruise control readiness
Hydraullically engageable anti-roll bars
Rear fog light indicator light
Turn signal pilot light, right
Trailer turn signal Indicator light
Differential locking indicator light
Brake warning light
Fog light indicator light
Tire pressure warning light
High beam indicator light
70
Controls, Safety, Instruments
Instrument Panel Canada ModelsWarning and indicator lights on the
tachometerWarning and indicator lights on the
speedometer
A Oil temperature gauge
BTachometer
C Clock reset button
D Cooling system temperature gauge
E Multi-purpose display
F Digital speedometer,
Outside temperature,
Clock,
Mileage displays
G Fuel gauge
H Reset button for trip counter display
I Speedometer
J Engine boost pressure display Emission Control warning light
(Check Engine)
Airbag warning light
Safety belt warning light
PSM warning light
ABS warning light
Turn signal pilot light, left
Cruise control readiness
Hydraullically engageable anti-roll bars
Rear fog light indicator light
Turn signal pilot light, right
Trailer turn signal Indicator light
Differential locking indicator light
Brake warning light
Fog light indicator light
Tire pressure warning light
High beam indicator light
76
Controls, Safety, Instruments
Emission ControlThe emission control system detects malfunctions
early that could, for example, cause increased pol-
lutant emissions or consequential damage.
Faults are indicated by the warning light in the in-
strument panel by being continuously lit or flash-
ing.
The faults are recorded in the control unit's fault
memory.
The warning light in the instrument panel lights up
when the ignition is switched on as a lamp check
and goes out approx. 4 seconds after the engine
starts.The warning light in the instrument panel flashes to
indicate operating states (e.g. engine misfiring)
which might cause damage to certain parts of the
emission control system.
fIn this case, immediately reduce the engine
load by easing off the accelerator.
The warning light in the instrument panel is lit
continuously after the critical range is left.
fIn order to avoid consequential damage to the
engine or emission control system (e.g. cata-
lytic converter) go immediately to the nearest
authorized Porsche dealer to have the fault
diagnosed and rectified.
Caution!
Risk of damage. If the warning light in the in-
strument panel continues flashing even when
you have eased off the accelerator pedal,
the emission control system may overheat.
fStop as soon as possible in a safe place.
Make sure that combustible materials, such as
dry grass or leaves, cannot come into contact
with the hot exhaust system.
fSwitch off the engine.
fContact your nearest authorized Porsche deal-er to have the fault rectified.
Check engine warning light