transmission fluid change?

Hello everyone, Quick question - I have 27k miles on a 2007 Cayman S , I noticed that the Porsche maintenance spreadsheet contains a manual transmission fluid change every 12 years. Anyone knows how important is this? I would appreciate any input. Thanks

I also have a 2007 and had the manual transmission fluid service done this past February. I don't know how important it is, but as it is what Porsche recommends, I had it done.

Can you share a price of this gig?

Had it done as part of the 12 year scheduled maintenance, which in addition to the usual oil and oil filter change, cabin filter replacement, air cleaner filter replacement, and the bleeding of the brakes, also included the replacement of the spark plugs (while in there, I also requested that they replace the ignition coils) and the replacement of the drive belt. The manual transmission service itself was about $485 IIRC. This included the manual transmission fluid/oil.

Nice combo, thanks for the info!

I have no idea how Porsche comes up with their service intervals, and they can vary from year to year for the same component. They are probably somewhat conservative, perhaps because they know a lot of people will be tracking their cars, thus stressing things a bit more. I, too, changed my low mileage, lightly driven transmission oil at 12 years just 'cuz Porsche says so, but I'm pretty sure if I had sent it in for analysis the lab would have said it was still perfect. They tell me that about my engine oil which I religiously change per Porsche recommendation. But then I do my own maintenance so cost is low and I enjoy doing it.

I was going to change my fluid at 90K, 07CS and my floor jack died. it is a pita to do with removal of the crossmembers and leveling the car. so I called my local independent guys who quoted about 275-300. So I brought it in and waited for it. About 35 minutes later they were done and charged me 135$, guess they either forgot the 300$ or were embarrassed it took only 35 minutes. either way, car shifts much smoother. good luck

@cpgaylor - thanks for your post, interesting situation, I could attempt a DIY but removal of the crossmembers scares me at this point.

I dunno - seemed pretty straightforward to me, assuming you have the necessary equipment. Watched a couple videos and had no problems, plus I got to clean up the pan which I suspect the dealer would not have done. [

I'm tempted to go with it. I have a couple of things to do on the car anyways and cleaning it under would be good. I may come back here for some additional questions if I pull the trigger. Thanks guys.

Quite easy to do on your own. One tip if you do it on your own. Remove the fill plug before you remove the drain plug .

Cost me $115 total at my indie. Bought a magnetic drain plug for $40 and had them install that as well while they were at it. Maybe it's just me, but the transmission does seem to feel a little more "satfisying" to shift after it was done.

Just had my transmission fluid changed last month at 69k miles for an '07 base. I have done almost of my maintenance on the car but I let my shop do this one mostly because I don't have a way to support the car on four points . The Porsche book recommends its due so I just went and took care of it. At a cost of a little over $100, it wasn't worth the time and risk to DIY.

I did my own last summer. It is pretty cheap and easy to DIY so I consider it cheap insurance. I just bought 3 bottles of OEM fluid and a $5 quart size pump top from the local auto parts store. Took me maybe 30 minutes top to change it. I can't say I actually notice any difference, I consider it preventative maintenance, though my car is 10 years old with 45k miles and this is probably the first time it's ever been done.

just to relay some info from my earlier post. I had the CS in the indy shop for broken springs of all last week and I discussed this "leveling" issue with them. they said it was a silly argument as the crossmembers could only be replaced in "one" position. I will change my own fluid next time.

Oil and gear lube age regardless of mileage. Oxidation occurs over time, uses up additives, and the fluid tends to get acidic over time. This is more critical for oil (as it is recommended before winter storage), but with varying thermal environments (hot and cold), it is a general recommendation for time-based replacement of transmission fluid as well. So there is usually a mileage and time limit. If you reach the mileage limit first, you've used up the additives and a change is warranted. In severe environments, such as a track car, more frequent change intervals is wise. For those of you posting that the transmission felt better after the change, there is less friction with the new gear lube and the viscosity improvers help shifting. V6

just did mine, leveling is the key, fairly easy, about 3L out and put in all 3L, OEM liquid gold. didn't feel any difference, but at least I should be good for another 3-6yrs, I think 12yrs is too long. I was going to drill an drain hole on the pan but it will be so messy to drain and fill with the pan on, so I decide not to, remove the cross member is not bad.

I agree. No hole drilling for me either since it’s so easy to do. My gears click much easier now going into first gear and then 1st to 2nd. Very happy. DIY: