Controls, Safety, Instruments
191
Loading InformationDefinitionsThe towing capacity (gross weight of the trailer)
is the sum of the trailer's empty weight and the
weight of the load.
The vertical coupling load is the weight that the
trailer drawbar exerts on the trailer coupling of the
vehicle.
The rear-axle load is the vehicle weight on the
rear axle plus the weight of the transported load
and the vertical coupling load of the trailer.
The gross weight of the vehicle and trailer is
the sum of the weight of the towing vehicle and the
weight of the trailer.
The Curb weight - actual weight of your vehicle -
vehicle weight including standard and optional
equipment, fluids, emergency tools, and spare tire
assembly. This weight does not include passen-
gers and cargo.
The Gross Vehicle Weight is sum of the curb
weight and the weight of passengers and cargo
combined.
The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is the maxi-
mum total weight of vehicle, passengers, lug-
gage, hitch, trailer tongue load and optional equip-
ment.The Gross Axle Weight Rating is the maximum
load limit for the front or the rear axle. This infor-
mation is located on the safety comliance sticker
located in the driver’s side door jamb.
For determining the compatibility of the tire and
vehicle load capabilities:
fPlease observe the chapter “TIRES, RIMS,
TRACKS” on Page 348.
The load capacity coefficient (e.g. “106”) is a mi-
nimum requirement.
The Gross Combined Weight Rating is the
maximum total weight rating of vehicle, passen-
gers, cargo and trailer.
The Vehicle Capacity Weight - Load Limit - is
the maximum total weight limit specified of the
load (passengers and cargo) for the vehicle. This
is the maximum weight of passengers and cargo
that can be loaded into the vehicle. This informa-
tion can be found on the tire pressure plate.
If a trailer is being towed, the trailer tongue weight
must be included as part of the cargo load.
The maximum loaded vehicle weight is the
sum of curb weight, accessory weight, vehicle ca-
pacity weight and production options weight.
The load rating is the maximum load that a tire
is rated to carry for a given inflation pressure.
The maximum load rating is the load rating for
a tire at the maximum permissble inflation pres-
sure.The cargo capacity is the permissible weight of
cargo, the substracted weight of passengers from
the load limit.
fNever exceed the permissible limits.
Gefahr!
Risk of personal injury or death.
Injuries are much more likely in an accident
if persons ride in the cargo area.
fPersons must ride only on the seats provided
for this purpose.
fMake sure that everybody fastens their safety
belts.
Risk of personal injury, loss of control and
damage to vehicle.
fNever exceed the specified axle loads.Overloa-
ding can shorten the service life of the tires
and car, as well as lead to dangerous vehicle
reactions and long braking distances. Damage
due to overloading is not covered by the vehic-le warranty.
192
Controls, Safety, Instruments
Example for determining the combined weight of occup-
ants and cargoVehicle Load CapacityfThe combined weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed the weight shown on the
tire plate in the vehicle.
Please observe the chapter “TIRE PRESSURE
PLATE” on Page 273.
fNever exceed the number of passengers
shown on the tire pressure plate in the vehicle.Determing the combined weight of
occupants and cargo:
fAdd the weight of all occupants and then add
the total luggage weight (figure).
Steps for determing correct load limit
1. Locate the statement "The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX
pounds" on your vehicle’s placard (depending
on the date of manufacture).
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver
and passengers that will be riding in your vehic-
le.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and
passengers from XXX kilograms or XXX
pounds.
4. The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the "XXX" amount equals 1400
lbs. and there will be five - 150 lb passengers
in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo
and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400 -
750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available car-
go and luggage load capacity calculated in
Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from
your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle.
Consult this manual to determine how this re-
duces the available cargo and luggage load ca-
pacity of your vehicle.
Practical Tips, Minor Repairs
273
Example of a tire pressure plate ATire Pressure plateDepending on when your vehicle was manufac-
tured, the tire pressure plate on the driver's door
will contain different data.
Information on the tire pressure plate A
A Seating capacity
Maximum number of vehicle occupants, includ-
ing the driver.B Vehicle load limit
Is the maximum total weight limit specified of
the load (passengers and cargo) for the vehi-
cle. This is the maximum weight of passengers
and cargo that can be loaded into the vehicle.
If a trailer is being towed, the trailer tongue
weight must be included as part of the cargo
load.Please observe the chapter “LOADING
INFORMATION” on Page 191.
C Original tire size
Size of tires mounted at the factory.
D Recommended cold tire inflation pressure
These values are for cold tires (68°F/20 °C).
E Approved tire sizes
F Size and tire pressure for the collapsible spare
wheel
Example of a tire pressure plate BInformation on the tire pressure plate B
A Approved tire size
B Permissible tire pressure for the front axle
C Tire pressure for fully loaded or partially
loaded vehicle
D Permissible tire pressure for the rear axle
E Size and tire pressure for the collapsible spare
wheel
Practical Tips, Minor Repairs
279
Snow tiresThe installation of Porsche approved winter tires is
recommended.
Use Porsche approved winter tires for grip on
snow and ice. For optimum performance, stud-
ding can be considered.
Check with your local Motor Vehicle Bureau for
possible restrictions.
Danger!
Risk of loss of control and damage to the
vehicle as well as serious personal injury or
death.
The standard tires profile and rubber mixture
are optimized for wet and dry driving condi-
tions, and may not prove favorable for snow
conditions.
fInstall winter tires before driving in such condi-tions.
Before mounting winter tires, consult with your
Porsche dealer. He has the technical information
necessary to advise you on wheel and tire compat-
ibility.
Snow tires should have the same load capacity as
original equipment tires and should be mounted on
all four wheels.
Winter tires with studs should be run at moderate
speeds when new in order to give the studs time
to settle.
Danger!
Risk of serious personal injury or death.
Driving the vehicle with low tire pressure
increases increases risk of a tire failure and
resulting loss of control. Furthermore, low
tire pressure increases rate of wear of the
affected tires and cause damage.
Tires with badly worn treads and studs are
very dangerous and could cause accidents
resulting in serious personal injuries or
death.
fMake sure they are replaced immediately.
fDo not exceed the winter tire speed rating.
Snow tires do not have the same degree of trac-
tion on dry, wet or snowfree roads as normal tires.
Furthermore, snow tires wear rapidly under these
conditions.
Winter tires do not fulfill their purpose if the tread
depth is less than 5/32 in. (4 mm).
Comply with all state and local laws govern-
ing snow tire and tread depth requirements.
Danger!
Risk of accident and serious personal injury
or death due to excessive speed.
fAlways check the maximum speed rating on
the tire sidewall on any tire on the vehicle.
fNever exceed the maximum speed rating of the tires.
Wheel change
fWhen wheels are removed, mark the direction
of rotation and position of each wheel.
Example: FR (front right), FL, RR and RL.
fAlways fit the wheels in accordance with the
markings.
Practical Tips, Minor Repairs
281
Example of InscriptionInscription on radial tireATire size
Example: P 255/55R18 109 Y
–P - The tire is designed for Passenger vehicle.
There is not on every tire this information.
–255 - Indication of tire width in mm
–55- Indication of tire height to tire width ratio
in percent
–R- Belt type code letter for radial
–18 - Indication of rim diameter in inches–109 - Load capacity coefficient
–Y - Speed code letter
B TIN (Tire Identification Number)
Example: DOT xx xx xxx xxxx
–DOT
The DOT symbol indicates that the tires com-
ply with the requirements of the US Depart-
ment of Transportation and provides informa-
tion about:
– first two-digit code means manufacture’s iden-
tification mark.
– second two-digit code means tire size.
– third three-digit code means tire type code.
– fourth four-digit code means Date of manufac-
ture.
If, for example, the last four numbers read
1204, the tire was produced in the 12th week
of 2004.
C Tire ply composition and material
The number of layers in the tread and sidewalls
and their material composition.
D Maximum permissible inflation pressure
The maximum permissible cold inflation pressure
to which a tire can be inflated.
fDo not exceed the permissible inflation pres-
sure.
E Maximum Load rating
The maximum load in kilograms and pounds can
be carried by the tire. If you replace tires always
use a tire that has the same maximum load rating
as the factory installed tire.
F Term of tubeless or tube tire
Identification for tubeless tires.
GRadial
The identification indicates if the tire has radial
structure.
314
Practical Tips, Minor Repairs
Replacing the batteryThe service life of the battery is subject to normal
wear; it depends greatly on care, climatic condi-
tions, and driving conditions (distances, loads).
fOnly use an original Porsche battery, with the
correct part number, as a replacement. Only
this battery meets the specific requirements of
the vehicle.
fPlease observe the disposal instructions for
batteries.
Battery chargingAutomotive batteries loose their efficiency when
not in use. The charge available in your battery can
be measured with a battery hydrometer. We rec-
ommend that the battery voltage be tested by
your Porsche dealer who has the appropriate
equipment.
If the car is not driven for prolonged periods, the
battery must be charged at least every 6 weeks.
A discharged battery allows rapid formation of sul-
fates, leading to premature deterioration of the
plates.
Danger!
Hydrogen gas generated by the battery
could cause an explosion, resulting in severe
personal injuries.
fCharge battery in a well ventilated area.
fNever charge a frozen battery. It may explode
because of gas trapped in the ice. Allow a fro-
zen battery to thaw out first.
fIf you get electrolyte, which is an acid, in your
eyes or on your skin, immediately rinse with
cold water for several minutes and call a doc-tor.
Note
Your authorized Porsche dealer will be pleased to
advise you about a suitable charger.Slow battery charging
1. Pay attention to all warnings and follow instruc-
tions that come with your battery charger.
2. When charging, ensure adequate ventilation.
3. Remove battery.
Please observe the chapter “REMOVING AND
INSTALLING BATTERY” on Page 315.
4. All vent caps should be open.The fluid level
should meet the indicator mark in each cell.
5. Ensure that charger is switched off – danger of
short circuit!
6. Connect charger cables.Charger cables must
be connected POSITIVE (+) to POSITIVE (+)
and NEGATIVE (–) to NEGATIVE (–).
7. Switch on charger. Normally, a battery should
be charged at no more than 10 percent of its
rated capacity. Rated capacity of the battery in
your vehicle is listed on the battery housing.
8. After charging, turn off charger and disconnect
charger cables.
9. Tighten the vent caps and reinstall battery.
Please observe the chapter “REMOVING AND
INSTALLING BATTERY” on Page 315.
348
Vehicle Identification, Technical Data
Tires, Rims, Tracks
Tires Wheel Rim offset Track
front/rear front/rear front rear
Summer tires
255/55 R 18 109 Y XL
1)
8 J x 18
57 mm
64.8 in. (1647 mm)
65.4 in. (1662 mm)
275/45 R 19 108 Y XL 9 J x 19 60 mm 64.6 in. (1641 mm) 65.2 in. (1656 mm)
275/40 R 20 106 Y XL
9 J x 20
60 mm
64.6 in. (1641 mm)
65.2 in. (1656 mm)
275/40 R 20 106 Y XL 9 J x 19/10 J x 20 60 mm / 55 mm 64.6 in. (1641 mm) 65.6 in. (1666 mm)
Winter tires
235/60 R 18 107 H XL
1)
8 J x 18
57 mm
64.8 in. (1647 mm)
64.8 in. (1662 mm)
255/55 R18 109 V XL
1)
8 J x 18 57 mm 64.8 in. (1647 mm) 65.4 in. (1662 mm)
255/50 R19 107 V XL
1)
9 J x 19
60 mm
64.6 in. (1641 mm)
65.2 in. (1656 mm)
All-Season
255/55 R 18 109 V XL
1)
8 J x 18
57 mm
64.8 in. (1647 mm)
65.4 in. (1662 mm)
All-Terrain
235/60 R 18 107 T XL
1)
8 J x 18
57 mm
64.8 in. (1647 mm)
65.4 in. (1662 mm)
The load capacity coefficient (e.g. “106”) and maximum speed code letter (e.g. “T”) for permitted top speed are
minimum requirements.
When fitting new tires or changing tires: Please observe the chapter “TIRES/WHEELS” on Page 269.
Tire and rim sizes
The authorization of tire and rim sizes is determined on the basis of extensive testing.
Your authorized Porsche dealer will be pleased to advise you about the current authorization status.
Refitting with sizes not authorized by Porsche may have a dangerous effect on driving stability.
352
Vehicle Identification, Technical Data
Weights1)Empty weight includes 165 lbs. (75 kg) driver and baggage share.2)The maximum gross weight must not be exceeded.
Note: If additional equipment is installed, the useful load will be correspondingly less.3)Use only Original Porsche Roof Transport System. Empty weightEmpty weight (depending on equipment)per DIN 70020 5192 - 5875 lbs. (2355 - 2665 kg)per 70/156/EWG
1)
5357 - 6040 lbs. (2430 - 2740 kg)
Maximum axle load, front
2)
3285 lbs. (1490 kg)
Maximum axle load, rear
2)
3748 lbs. (1700 kg)
Maximum gross weight 6790 lbs. (3080 kg)
Trailer operation Canada/USAMaximum gross weight 6790 lbs. (3080 kg)Maximum axle load, front/rear axle
3285/3968 lbs. (1490/1800 kg)
Roof load
Maximum roof load
3)
when roof rail is fitted
3)
225 lbs (100 kg)
165lbs. (75kg)
Towing capacity/vehicle + trailer weight
Maximum towing capacity, braked (up to a max. 12% slope)
7716 lbs. (3500 kg)
Maximum towing capacity, unbraked 1654 lbs. (750 kg)
Maximum vehicle + trailer weight
14506 lbs. (6580 kg)
Maximum trailer hich load 617 lbs. (280 kg)