2Dear Owner, we would like to thank you for your purchase of a
Porsche Sports car.
Judging by the car you have chosen, you are a mo-
torist of a special breed, and you are probably no
novice when it comes to automobiles.
Remember however, as with any vehicle, you
should take time to familiarize yourself with your
Porsche and its performance characteristics. Al-
ways drive within your own unique capabilities as
a driver and your level of experience with your
Porsche. Ensure that anyone else driving your
Porsche does the same. To prevent or minimize in-
jury, always use your safety belts. Never consume
alcohol or drugs before or during the operation of
your vehicle.
This Owner’s Manual contains a host of useful in-
formation. Please take the time to read this manu-
al before you drive your new Porsche. Become fa-
miliar with the operation of your Porsche car for
maximum safety and operating pleasure. The bet-
ter you know your Porsche, the more pleasure you
will experience driving your new car.
Always keep your Owner’s Manual in the car, and
give it to the new owner if you ever sell your
Porsche. A separate Maintenance Booklet explains how
you can keep your Porsche in top driving condition
by having it serviced regularly.
A separate Warranty and Customer Informa-
tion Booklet contains detailed information about
the warranties covering your Porsche.
For U.S. only:
If you believe that your vehicle has a fault which
could cause a crash, injury or death, you should
immediately inform the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to
notifying Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
(Porsche Cars N.A.).
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open
an investigation, and if it finds that a safety pro-
blem exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a
recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA
cannot become involved in individual problems
between you and your dealer, or Porsche Cars
N.A..
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto
Safety Hotline toll-free at 1(800)424-9393 (or
366-
0123 in Washington, D.C. area) or write to: NH-
TSA, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washing-
ton, D.C. 20590. You can also obtain other infor-
mation about motor vehicle safety from the Hot-
line. Your car has thousands of parts and components
which have been designed and manufactured in
accordance with Porsche’s high standards of engi-
neering quality and safety.
Any alteration of the vehicle may negate or
interfere with those safety features built into
the vehicle. Modifications may be carried out
on your vehicle only if approved by Porsche.
Your Porsche is intended to be used in a safe man-
ner obeying the local laws and in the light of dri-
ving conditions faced by you, and in accordance
with the instructions provided in this Owner’s Ma-
nual.
Do not misuse your Porsche by ignoring
those laws and driving conditions, or by
ignoring the instructions in this manual.
Any alteration or misuse of the vehicle can
lead to accidents and severe or fatal person
al injuries.
The fitting of racing tires (e.g. slicks) for sporting
events is not approved by Porsche. Very high cor-
nering speeds can be achieved with racing tires.
However, the resulting transverse acceleration va-
lues would jeopardize the adequate supply of oil to
the engine.
Porsche therefore will not accept any warranty or
accept any liability for damage occurring as a re-
sult of non-compliance with this provision.
3
Regularly check your vehicle for signs of da-
mage.
Damaged or missing aerodynamic compon-
ents such as spoilers or underside panels af-
fect the driving behavior and therefore must
be replaced immediately.
Your car may have all or some of the components
described in this manual.
Should you have difficulty understanding any of
the explanations of features or equipment installed
in your vehicle, contact your authorized Porsche
dealer. He/She will be glad to assist you. Also
check with your dealer on other available options
or equipment.
Throughout this booklet, left is designated as the
driver’s side of the vehicle, and right as the pas-
senger’s side of the vehicle.
Text, illustrations and specifications in this manual
are based on the information available at the time
of printing.
It has always been Porsche’s policy to continuous-
ly improve its products. Porsche, therefore, reser-
ves the right to make changes in design and spe-
cification, and to make additions or improvements
in its product without incurring any obligation to in-
stall them on products previously manufactured.
We wish you many miles of safe and pleasurable
driving in your Porsche.
Important
For your own protection and longer service life of
your car, please follow all operating instructions
and special warnings. These special warnings use
the safety alert symbol, followed by the words
Danger, Warning and Caution. These special
warnings contain important messages regarding
your safety and/or the potential for damage to
your Porsche. Ignoring them could result in se-
rious mechanical failure or even physical injury.
fDo not alter your Porsche. Any alteration could
create dangerous conditions or defeat safety
engineering features built into your car.
fDo not misuse your Porsche. Use it safely, and
consistently with the law, according to the dri-
ving conditions, and the instructions in this ma-
nual.
Alteration or misuse of your Porsche could
cause accidents and severe or fatal personal
injuries.
Note to owners In Canada, this manual is also available in French.
To obtain a copy contact your dealer or write to: Note aux proprietaires Au Canada, ce manuel est également disponible
en francais. Pour en obtenir un exemplaire, adres-
sez-vous à votre concessionnaire ou écrivez à
l’adresse ci-dessous.
Porsche Cars Canada, Ltd.
Automobiles Porsche Canada, LTEE
5045 Orbitor Drive
Building #8, Suite 200
Mississauga, Ontario
Canada L4W 4Y4
Telephone number for customer assistance:
1-800-PORSCHE / Option 3
4Fuel Quality Your 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 ether Some 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 MMT Some 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.
6Porsche and the Environment Environmental guidelines We develop and produce exclusive vehicles with
advanced environmental and safety technology
and a great ability to fascinate.
Our environmental policy is based on the
following principles:
– The maximum possible use of environmental
and safety technology that is economically jus-
tifiable.
– Economical usage of energy and resources.
– Involvement of our business partners and con-
tractors in our efforts to protect the environ-
ment.
– Open dialogue with all social groups. California Proposition 65 Warning
Warning!
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and cer-
tain vehicle components contain or emit chemi-
cals known to the State of California to cause can-
cer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and
certain products of component wear contain or
emit chemicals known to the State of Ca lifornia to
cause cancer and birth defects or other reproduc-
tive harm.
Production Whether in production or repair, Porsche always
relies on environmentally friendly technology.
An example of this is the water-based paint used
in our painting installations.
Water-base paints and new painting methods redu-
ce solvent emissions by 70 per cent.
The water used in the painting installation is re-
circulated. Waste water leaves the Porsche facto-
ry only after being appropriately treated.
A waste-management system has been introduced
to reduce the amount of waste while simultaneous-
ly increasing the recycling rate.
7
Environmentally friendly vehicles Modern environmental technology ensures compli-
ance with all emission laws applicable worldwide.
It has the following advantages:
– Rapid operational readiness of the catalytic
converters ensures low emissions, even in
short-trip operation.
– Reliable operation and good emission control
over a long useful life.
– Please observe the chapter “FUEL ECONOMY”
on Page 194.
Recycling – for a Porsche, this is virtually
an academic question More than two-thirds of all Porsches ever built are
still running.
Just in case recycling is ever necessary, we
take the following precautionary measures:
– Identification of all materials.
– Use of recyclable materials.
– Reusable components designed for simple
removal.
– These reasons result in a further increase in
the recycling rate which is currently 80 per
cent.
Emission control is built in Innovative engine technology combines high engi-
ne performance and environmental compatibility.
The engine diagnosis system electronically moni-
tors the components and systems that affect ex-
haust gases.
This continuous monitoring and fault storage en-
ables swift, reliable diagnosis and fault detection.
Any fault messages are indicated to the driver by
the “Check Engine” warning light and the on-board
computer.
fPlease observe the chapter “WARNINGS ON
THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE ON-
BOARD COMPUTER” on Page 116.
8Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake
(PCCB)The high-performance brake system is designed
for optimal braking effect at all speeds and tempe-
ratures.
Certain speeds, braking forces and ambient
conditions (such as temperature and humidity)
therefore might cause brake noises.
Wear on the diffrent components and braking sys-
tem, such as brake pads and brake discs, de-
pends to a great extent on the individual driving
style and the conditions of use and therefore can-
not be expressed in actual miles on the road.
The values communicated by Porsche are based
on normal operation adapted to traffic. Wear incre-
ases considerably when the vehicle is driven on
race tracks or through an aggressive driving style.
fPlease consult an authorized Porsche dealer
about the current guidelines in effect before
such use of your vehicle.
Setting and operation vehicle
components when driving
Warning!
There is a danger of an accident if you ope-
rate or set the on-board computer, radio, na-
vigation system, telephone or other equip-
ment when driving.
This could distract you from the traffic and
cause you to lose control of the vehicle resul-
ting in serious personal injury or death.
fOperate the equipment while driving only if the
traffic situation allows you to do so safely.
fCarry out any complicated operating or setting procedures only with the vehicle stationary.
Portable Fuel Containers
Danger!
Portable fuel containers, full or partially em-
pty, may leak, causing an explosion, or result
in fire in case of an accident.
fNever carry additional fuel in portable contai-ners in your vehicle.
Engine Exhaust
Danger!
Engine exhaust is dangerous if inhaled.
Engine exhaust fumes have many compon-
ents which you can smell. They also contain
carbon monoxide (CO), which is a colorless
and odorless gas.
Carbon monoxide can cause unconscious-
ness and even death if inhaled.
fNever start or let the engine run in an enc-
losed, unventilated area.
It is not recommended to sit in your car for pro-
longed periods with the engine on and the car not moving.
Ground ClearancePlease bear in mind the limited clearance of your
car on uneven surfaces, when parking (curbs), on
ramps, lifting platforms, etc.
Controls, Instruments
11 Controls, Instruments
Before driving off... ...................................... 12
Break in hints for the first
2,000 miles/3,000 kilometers ...................... 14
Keys ........................................................... 17
Security Wheel Bolts.................................... 17
Central Locking in Cars without Alarm System 19
Doors ......................................................... 25
Alarm System,
Passenger Compartment Monitoring ............. 26
Power Windows ........................................... 28
Inside mirror ................................................ 30
Automatic Anti-Glare Interior Mirror
and Door Mirrors ......................................... 30
Door Mirrors................................................ 31
Seat Adjustment .......................................... 34
Seat Memory ............................................... 36
Heated Seats .............................................. 38
Steering Wheel Adjustment ........................... 39
Multi-functional steering wheel....................... 40
Sun Visors................................................... 41
Safety Belts.................................................. 42
Child Restraint Systems................................ 45
LATCH System
Child seat bracket on the passenger’s seat .... 49
Airbag Systems ........................................... 50
Clutch Pedal ................................................ 56
Parking Brake .............................................. 57
Brakes ........................................................ 58
ABS Brake System
(Antilock Brake System) ................................ 61
Sport Mode ................................................. 63
Porsche Stability Management (PSM)............. 64Porsche Active Suspension Management
(PASM) ........................................................ 67
Retractable Spoiler ...................................... 68
Parking Aids ................................................ 70
Operation, Instruments ................................. 72
Ignition/Starter Switch with anti-theft
Steering Lock .............................................. 74
Starting Procedures ..................................... 76
Stopping engine........................................... 77
Instrument Panel USA Models ....................... 79
Automatic Speed Control Indicator light ......... 82
Instrument Illumination.................................. 82
Trip Odometer ............................................. 83
Speedometer .............................................. 84
Changing over between
Miles / Kilometers........................................ 84
Tachometer ................................................. 85
Turn Signal Indicator Light ............................ 85
High Beam .................................................. 85
Cooling System ........................................... 86
Tiptronic...................................................... 87
Fuel ............................................................ 88
Clock .......................................................... 89
Outside temperature .................................... 89
Check Engine Warning Light.......................... 90
Central warning light .................................... 91
Brake warning light USA ............................... 91
Brake warning light Canada .......................... 91
On-Board Computer (BC) .............................. 92
Light Switch .............................................. 124
Welcome Home Lighting ............................. 124
Automatic Headlight Beam Adjustment ........ 125Turn Signal/ Headlight Dimmer/Parking light /
Flasher Lever............................................. 125
Windshield Wiper / Washer Lever ................ 126
Automatic Speed Control ............................ 128
Air conditioning .......................................... 130
Automatic air conditioning system ............... 133
Central and side vents................................ 136
Fresh-air intake .......................................... 136
Emergency Flasher Switch .......................... 137
Ashtray ..................................................... 138
Cigarette Lighter ........................................ 139
Sockets .................................................... 140
Interior lights ............................................. 141
Storage in the passenger compartment ....... 142
Cupholder
(holder for drinks cans and cups) ................ 144
Luggage Storage on
Engine Compartment Lid ............................ 146
Fire extinguisher ........................................ 147
Trunk Entrapment ...................................... 148
Luggage compartment lids ......................... 150
Luggage Compartment.............................. 152
Rear luggage compartment ........................ 153
Porsche Communication Management (PCM) 154
Car Audio Operation/Tips ........................... 155
HomeLink .................................................. 158
Manual Transmission, Clutch ....................... 162
Tiptronic S................................................. 163
Convertible Top.......................................... 170
Windstop ................................................... 177
Hardtop..................................................... 178
12
Controls, Instruments
Dear Porsche Owner A 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 first fTurn 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 was-
her 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 cra-
cked wiper blades.
fSee that all windows are clear and unobstruc-
ted.
fCheck air intake slots and area between front
lid and windshield are free of snow and ice, so
the heater and the windshield wipers work pro-
perly. 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 ne-
cessary, have them adjusted.
fCheck under the vehicle for leaks.
fBe sure all luggage is stowed securely.
Emergency equipment It 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.