
10
Before driving off...
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, the moving parts must still wear 
in with each other. This wearing-in occurs mainly in 
the first 2,000 miles/3,000 kilometers.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, 
gear-shifting or other controls during the break-in 
period which will gradually disappear. 
Break in brake pads and brake discsNew 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 tires New 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 an-
ticipated. 
Engine oil and fuel consumption During the break-in period oil and fuel consump-
tion 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 
refueling, add if necessary. 

Instruments, On-Board Computer, Warnings
119
Tachometer The tachometer shows the engine speed in revolu-
tions per minute (rpm). 
The beginning of the red marks at the right end of 
the scale indicates the maximum permissible en-
gine rpm. 
A speed limiter prevents the engine from being 
overrevved during acceleration. Before reaching 
this area, the next higher gear should be select-
ed. 
Shift to the next lower gear when the engine rpm 
drops below 1,500 rpm. 
 Caution!
To avoid severe engine damage. 
fAlways observe the engine rpm before down-
shifting to a lower gear, so you do not exceed the maximum engine rpm. 
Flashes in synchronism with the turn signals. 
Left arrow – left turn signals
Right arrow – right turn signals 
fIf the frequency of the display becomes notice-
ably faster, check the operation of the turn sig-
nals.
Lights when high beam or headlight flasher is 
switched on.
The indicator light goes out when the high beams 
are switched off. 
The indicator light flashes in the event of cornering 
light failure.
Gear Shift Indicator “A”(in vehicles with manual transmission)The consumption-orientated gear shift indicator A 
on the display panel of the on-board computer 
assists a fuel-saving driving style. The gear shift 
indicator lights up as a recommendation to shift 
up to the next-higher gear depending on the 
selected gear, engine rpm and accelerator pedal 
position.
fWhen the gear shift indicator A lights up, 
change to the next higher gear to decrease 
fuel consumption.
Turn Signal Indicator Light 
High Beam Indicator Light 

Instruments, On-Board Computer, Warnings
127
A- Digital speedometer
B-Central display
C- Bottom displayFunctions and display possibilitiesNote
The available items and displays in the on-board 
computer depend on the equipment of your vehi-
cle. For this reason it is possible that some of the 
items and displays shown here are not available in 
your on-board computer.Basic setting
– Central display: .... Radio station
The central line B of the on-board computer can 
be selected in the SET menu.
Calling on-board computer functions in 
display “C”
fPush operating lever up or down 
(selection field D must be switched off).
The following displays can be called step by step:
– Average speed (ø mph),
– Average consumption (ø mpg),
– Range on remaining fuel (mls  ),
– Tire pressure
– Navigation information
(if activated in the SET menu).
Note
The values “Average speed”, “Average consump-
tion” and “Daily trip mileage” can be reset to zero 
in the SET menu. 

Instruments, On-Board Computer, Warnings
157
General information regarding the 
on-board computer functionsRange on remaining fuel
The range on remaining fuel is continuously recal-
culated during the journey based on the fuel level, 
current consumption and average consumption.
The more the fuel level falls, the more spontan-
eously the display reacts. For this reason, the 
range on remaining fuel is not displayed if less 
than 9 miles (15 kilometers).
If the vehicle's inclination changes while driving or 
refueling, incorrect range information may tempo-
rarily be given.
Note
If the tank is nearly empty and you top up with only 
a small quantity of fuel, an accurate range on re-
maining fuel is impossible.Average consumption and average speed
The values displayed are based on the distance 
travelled since the last reset to “zero”.
You can set the starting time for a measurement 
before or during the trip.
Switching the ignition off does not reset the meas-
urements. It is therefore possible to collect values 
over long periods.
Disconnecting the car battery will cause these 
memories to be erased.
Tire pressure
The Tire pressure function of the on-board 
computer displays the tire pressures dependent 
on temperature in the four wheels. You can watch 
the tire pressure rise and fall while driving.
The display is only for information. 
fTo correct the tire pressures, always use the 
displayed values from the “Info pressure” 
display in the tire pressure menu. 

204
Mobile Roofs
Roof Transport System(Coupé only)
fPlease follow the separate instructions for fit-
ting the Roof Transport System.
fOnly use Roof Transport Systems from the 
Porsche Tequipment product range or Roof 
Transport Systems which have been tested 
and approved for your car by Porsche.
Fitting normal commercially available luggage 
racks is not possible. 
The Porsche Roof Transport System allows you 
to carry various sports and hobby equipment.
Your authorized Porsche dealer will be pleased to 
tell you about the various different uses of the 
Roof Transport System.
 Safety notes!
fCompletely remove the Roof Transport System 
before using an automatic car wash – risk of 
damage to the vehicle!
fDo not exceed the maximum permitted pay-
load, the maximum permitted gross weight 
and the maximum permitted axle loads.
Please see the chapter “WEIGHTS COUPÉ” on 
Page 291.
fDistribute load evenly, with heavy items as low 
as possible.
Items of luggage must not project beyond the 
side of the load area.
fFix and secure every item to the basic carrier 
with a rope or lashing strap (do not use elastic 
rubber tensioners).
fBefore every journey, and at regular intervals 
during long trips, check that Roof Transport 
System and load are secure. Re-tighten if nec-
essary and secure additionally by locking.When the Roof Transport System is loaded, the 
maximum speed depends on the nature, size and 
weight of the load being carried.
Driving, braking and steerin g  b e h a v i o r  c h a n g e  d u e  
to the higher center of gravity and the greater 
wind-resistant area. You should adapt your driving 
style appropriately.
Since fuel consumption and noise are increased 
with the Roof Transport System fitted, it should 
not remain on the vehicle if not in use. 

208
Maintenance, Car Care
Engine-compartment blower,
radiator fan The radiator and radiator fans are in the front of 
the car.
The engine-compartment blower is mounted on 
the engine compartment lid. 
 Warning!
Risk of injury.
After the engine is switched off, the engine-
compartment temperature is monitored for 
approx. 30 minutes.
During this period, and depending on tem-
perature, the engine-compartment blower 
may continue to run or start to run. 
fCarry out work in these areas only with the en-
gine off, the ignition off, and exercise extreme 
caution.
Risk of injury. The radiator fans in the front 
end of the car may be operating or 
unexpectedly start operating when the 
engine is switched on.
fCarry out work in these areas only with the en-gine switched off.
Engine Oil It is important to perform oil changes regularly in 
accordance with the intervals specified in the 
“Maintenance” booklet.
Engine oil consumption 
It is normal for your engine to consume oil. 
The rate of oil consumption depends on the quality 
and viscosity of oil, the speed at which the engine 
is operated, the climate, road conditions as well 
as the amount of dilution and oxidation of the 
lubricant. 
If the vehicle is used for repeated short trips, and 
consumes a normal amount of oil, the engine oil 
measurement may not show any drop in the oil 
level at all, even after 600 miles (1,000 km) or 
more. This is because the oil is gradually becom-
ing diluted with fuel or moisture, making it appear 
that the oil level has not changed. 
The diluting ingredients evaporate out when the 
vehicle is driven at high speeds, as on an express-
way, making it then appear that oil is excessively 
consumed after driving at high speeds. 
If the conditions you drive your vehicle in are 
dusty, humid, or hot, the frequency of the oil 
change intervals should be greater. If the vehicle is driven at a high rate of speed, 
climatic conditions are warm, and the load is high, 
the oil should be checked more frequently, as 
driving conditions will determine the rate of oil 
consumption.
– The engine in your vehicle depends on oil to 
lubricate and cool all of its moving parts. 
Therefore, the engine oil should be checked 
regularly and kept at the required level. 
– Make it a habit to have the engine oil level 
checked at every fuel filling. 
– The oil pressure warning light is not an oil level 
indicator. 
The oil pressure warning light indicates serious 
engine damage may be occuring when lit, if en-
gine rpm is above idle speed.
Engine Oil Level fPlease see the chapter “EXERCISE EXTREME 
CAUTION WHEN WORKING ON YOUR VEHICLE” 
on Page 206.
fRegularly check the oil level using the on-board 
computer after the vehicle is refuelled.
Please see the chapter “OIL DISPLAY AND 
MEASUREMENT OF THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL” 
on Page 153.
The difference between the minimum and maxi-
mum marks on the segment display is approx. 
1.3 quarts (1.25 liters).
Each segment of the display corresponds to ap-
prox. 0.42 quart (0.4 liter). 

214
Maintenance, Car Care
Fuel Economy Fuel economy will vary depending on where, 
when and how you drive, optional equipment 
installed, and the general condition of your 
car. 
A car tuned to specifications and correctly 
maintained, will help you to achieve optimal 
fuel economy. 
fHave your vehicle tuned to specifications.
Air cleaner should be dirt free to allow proper 
engine “breathing”.
Battery should be fully charged.
Wheels should be properly aligned.
Tires should be inflated at correct pressure. 
fAlways monitor your fuel consumption. 
fDrive smoothly, avoid abrupt changes in speed 
as much as possible. 
fAvoid jack rabbit starts and sudden stops. 
fDo not drive longer than necessary in the lower 
gears. Shifting into a higher gear early without 
lugging the engine will help save fuel. 
fProlonged “warm up” idling wastes gas. Start 
the vehicle just before you are ready to drive. 
Accelerate slowly and smoothly. 
fSwitch off the engine if stationary for longer 
periods. fAny additional weight carried in the vehicle re-
duces fuel economy. Always keep cargo to a 
minimum and remove all unnecessary items. 
fOrganize your trips to take in several errands 
in one trip. 
fAll electrical accessories contribute to in-
creased fuel consumption. 
fOnly switch on the air conditioning when neces-
sary. 
fDo not drive with the Roof Transport System 
mounted unless you need it.
The EPA estimated mpg. is to be used for 
comparison purposes, actual mileage may 
be different from the estimated mpg., 
depending on your driving speed, weather 
conditions and trip length. Your actual 
highway mileage will probably be less than 
the estimated mpg. 
fPlease observe all local and national speed 
limits. 
Operating your Porsche in other 
Countries Government regulations in the United States and 
Canada require that automobiles meet specific 
emission regulations and safety standards. There-
fore, cars built for the U.S. and Canada differ from 
vehicles sold in other countries. 
If you plan to take your Porsche outside the conti-
nental limits of the United States or Canada, there 
is the possibility that 
– unleaded fuel may not be available; 
– unleaded fuel may have a considerably lower 
octane rating. Excessive engine knock and se-
rious damage to both engine and catalytic con-
verters could result; 
– se rvice  ma y be  inade qua te  due to  lack of prop-
er service facilities, tools or diagnostic equip-
ment; 
– replacement parts may not be available or very 
difficult to get.
Porsche cannot be responsible for the 
mechanical damage that could result 
because of inadequate fuel, service or parts 
availability. 
If you purchased your Porsche abroad and want to 
bring it back home, be sure to find out about ship-
ping and forwarding requirements, as well as cur-
rent import and customs regulations.  

Practical Tips, Emergency Service
261
Battery The battery is located in the luggage compart-
ment under a black plastic cover.
fPlease see the chapter “EMERGENCY OPERA-
TION – PULLING OUT THE IGNITION KEY” on 
Page 76.
fPlease see the chapter “EMERGENCY UNLO-
CKING OF THE LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT LID” 
on Page 260.
 Warning!
Risk of short circuit, fire and damage to al-
ternerator and electronic control units, re-
sulting in serious personal injury or death. 
fObserve all warning notes on the battery. 
fDisconnect the negative terminal on the bat-
tery during all work on the electrical system.
fDo not lay tools or other metal objects on the 
battery as they could cause a short circuit 
across the battery terminal.
Hydrogen gas generated by the battery 
could cause an explosion, resulting in 
serious personal injury or death. 
fDo not expose the battery to an open flame, 
electrical spark or a lit cigarette.
fDo not wipe battery with a dry cloth.
Risk of serious personal injury or death and 
damage to the fabric, metal or paint. fWear eye protection. 
fDo not allow battery acid to come in contact 
with your skin, eyes, fabric or painted 
surfaces. 
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. 
fSpilled electrolyte must be rinsed off at once 
with a solution of baking soda and water to 
neutralize the acid.
Battery posts, terminals and related acces-
sories contain lead and lead compounds, 
chemicals known to the State of California to 
cause cancer and reproductive harm. 
fAlways protect your skin by washing thorough-
ly with soap and water.
Risk of explosion as a result of static charge, 
resulting in serious personal injury or death.
fDo not wipe the battery with a dry cloth.
fEliminate potential electrostatic charge by 
touching the vehicle before touching the bat-
tery.
Charge state A well-charged battery prevents starting problems 
and has a longer service life.
Traffic density, requirements regarding noise, ex-
haust gas and fuel consumption reduce the engine 
speed and, hence, the alternator output.
However, the large number of electrical loads has 
markedly increased the demand for electrical 
power.
In order to avoid discharging the battery 
unintentionally: 
fSwitch off unnecessary electrical loads in city 
traffic, on short trips or in a line or traffic.
fAlways remove the ignition key from the igni-
tion switch when leaving the car. 
fAvoid frequent operation of the convertible top 
and operation of the Porsche Communication 
Management system when the engine is not 
running.
fIn the cold season in particular or if the vehicle 
is used primarily for short journeys, it may be 
necessary to recharge the battery from time to 
time.