Dear Unregistered, the permission changes should be complete, if you notice any issues with your access on the site please let us know and we will check into it.
Hey Unregistered it seems that you haven't posted a message in our forums yet. Please join in on the fun and post a message!
Dear Unregistered,
We've noticed that you are not yet a member of our Cayman Insiders group. This group provides a number of additional value-add services via this website for a very low annual fee. You can find out more about this group here:
Insider Announcement
You can join the Cayman Insiders Group here:
Insider Enrollment Form
We hope to see you "Inside" soon!
Your Donation Will Be Used To Pay For our ever increasing bandwidth costs, our hosting Service, domain registration, software licensing fees, maintenance costs and product evaluations Only!
Please enter your donation amount above, and then click on the donate button below.
I am a long-time BMW fan and am starting some (very) early research into what my next car is going to be. I currently drive a 2006 330i, and have owned 3 different generations of the BMW 3-series and am completely sold on what a fantastic combination of performance, luxury, and value a BMW is.
In about 6 months, it will be time for something new....and I'm considering a Cayman S this time around. The look and overall packaging of the car has been growing on me for some time, and I see some good value in buying a lightly used '06 or '07 model. And of course, I've always dreamt of owning a Porsche
What recommendations do you guys (and gals) have when looking for a used one? I'm seeing alot of models with really low miles (less than 10K in 2 yrs) and would probably go for one of these. Any thoughts on the ride on 18s vs. 19s? How reliable are the cars overall? What do you not like about the car? Anyone gone from a 3-series to a Cayman S? How is the car as a daily driver?
Sorry for the flood of questions but I appreciate any insight on all or any of these questions.
I went from an E46 M3 to the Cayman S. I have owned 6 BMWs, '69 2800 CS, '81 E21 323i, '85 E30 325i, '88 E30 M3, '95 E36 M3 LTW, '02 E46 M3. I was going to wait for the 1 series, but I saw a Cayman, and loved the styling. The BMW styling was disappointing to me. After driving the Porsche, I knew I wanted one.
I have a Honda Insight for commuting but end up driving the CS 2-3 times a week since I love driving it so much.
No complaints with 19s, (no PASM), and reliable (so far). Things I dislike. No spare (same with BMW). So I bought one and now carry it. 2nd dislike, the key fob, has a mind of its own. If it is in your pocket, it pops open the rear and front lids, it is too sensitive. So I bought a BMW leather keycase and now no problems. 3rd dislike. Non availability and expense of N spec 19" tires. So far I have not needed them, but don't look forward to the day. The handling and "roadfeel" of this car reminds me of the BMW LTW, albeit with unrivaled styling. It is so easy to drive fast in this car, no fear of "trailing throttle oversteer" like its older brother the 911.
From a former BMW lover, this car is highly recommended.
PASM - Porsche Active Suspension Management
This active damping system offers continuous adjustment of individual damping forces based on current road conditions and driving style.
The driver can choose from two setup modes, ‘Normal’ and ‘Sport’, using a separate ‘damper’ button on the center console. ‘Normal’ mode is designed for general road driving and circuits with uneven tarmac. ‘Sport’ mode is intended for smoother track surfaces, where the harder settings help eliminate pitch and roll.
In either mode, PASM continuously evaluates the current conditions while automatically selecting the corresponding damper rates from the respective set of mapped values.
A range of sensors are used to monitor the movement of the body under acceleration, braking and cornering maneuvers, as well as on poor road surfaces. The PASM control unit then evaluates this data and modifies the damping force on each individual wheel in accordance with the selected mode. The result is a significant reduction in body movement as well as a better grip on the road.
For example: if ‘Sport’ mode is selected, the suspension is automatically set to a harder damper rating. If the quality of the track surface falls below a certain threshold, the system immediately changes to a softer rating within the ‘Sport’ setup range. When the quality of the tarmac improves once more, PASM automatically returns to the original, harder rating.
Need more information about PASM? Click this link: FAQ for PASM
I had a 2002 330Ci, which I really liked the first two years, but it had a lot of smaller problems on the 3rd year, and it was gone at the end of the lease. Then we bought a 645Ci, which we really do like in many ways for cruising and long-distance travel, but I rarely use it daily. The whole maintenance of BMW has changed and been so computerized that for minor fluid changes I have to take the car to dealer multiple times with very short interval; they won't touch the car if the computer does not tell them to change what ever it is. I became so resentful to the whole BMW maintenance schedule and computerization that I swore not to buy another BMW, no matter how much I might like it on paper.
In terms of the CS: I drive it daily, 65 mi. commute and now have 43K mi. on the car. I had absolutely no issues, until last week where a toe-link is loose due to wear of the rubber bushing. Otherwise, the car has been nearly as the first day I bought it, there aren't even minor rattles inside. Porsche reliability has been legendary overall, and I think I am living it, including 3500+ track miles.
I sold my Z4 and upgraded to the Cayman S and kept the e46 M3.
I used my CS couple days a week to commute to work and its a great daily driver. My CS is riding on 20s and the ride is good, nothing too harsh. the car been perfect, not a single problem, they are pretty reliable cars. Love the handling, feedback, build, looks. The only downsize could use more power!
it'll be a great upgrade from the 330i, I am selling mine BTW
__________________
07 Cayman S - 6 Speed l 03 M3 - SMG l 07 Ridgeline
Last edited by advantyper; 09-22-2008 at 02:16 AM.
Thanks guys - Test drove a Cayman S this afternoon
Guys, thanks for the feedback...much appreciated.
I went to Carlsen Porsche in Redwood City, CA today and test drove a Basalt Black Cayman S, 6 speed. Some impressions and one BIG question for you guys.
- Overall, the car felt fantastic. Much more comfortable and definitely 'easier' to drive than I expected. It felt fairly effortless as compared to the last Porsche I drove which was a '97 Boxster. The seats were comfy too.
- The exhaust note is wonderful. The overall mechanical noise entering the cabin was more than I thought it would be. Didnt realize that the engine is literally a foot behind my head...so I guess it makes sense :-).
- Coming from a 2006 330i with sport package and 18 inch wheels (which in my opinion is one of the most balanced and best handling suspension set ups for an under $100K car), the Cayman S felt better. Completely telepathic. The salesman had me take some curves at a particular speed and it just felt like the car sorta knew where to go without input from me. It literally felt predictive. I guess that's driving dynamics at work.
- I drove a car with 18s and the ride felt pretty good. I am curious to see how 19s feel.
- Power. The car definitely felt very powerful, but a tad less powerful that I expected. Probably has to do with the fact that the salesman didn't want me rev past 5K, where I imagine most of the HP is.
One very interesting observation about the car. I've noticed this on other Porsches I've taken rides in as well. At highway speeds...lets say 50-75, the car feels a little like it's shimmying down the road. I'm probably not articulating it well, but my 330i (and every BMW I've driven) feels more planted (though Im sure in reality its not as planted as a porsche). I felt the same sensation when I sat in my friend's 997 Carrera S. It sort of feels like the front end of the car feels a bit vague when going down a straight line. My friend told me that at around 100mph, Porsches start to smooth out. Is this true? I didnt get to take the car that fast, but would be curious to know whether I'm experience the physics of a fundamentally different layout than I've experienced in my BMW, or something else.
Regarding prices, they were knocking off $11K off MSRP for their 'demo's. All of them had less than 50 miles on the odometer (seemed oddly low). The new ones were 10% off MSRP. I wish I was in the market today, but I'm not .
In any case, a fantastic car and I'm looking forward to researching more...taking a few more test drives...and pulling the trigger in the near future.
1) The front-end is very light because all the weight is at the back; you're probably feeling the oposite of the nose-heavy sensation you were getting with that big inline-6 from the BMW.
2) How will the 19" be? Easy answer: Worse. If you must have 19", which in my oppinion why should you, you should opt for PASM. Which you should, even if you don't. PASM is both more comfortable and more sporty at the same time; it's not like a two-stage suspension which is either "comfort" or "race", it constantly varies the settings up to 20 times per second (apparently) and results in a ride which is both more supple than standard and more agressive when road dictates. A 19" PASM car rides smoother than a 18" standard and it corners slightly better, (or so I felt at my test-drive when I had a go with both back-to-back.)
3) In 6 months time, you'll be smack-bang in the middle of the "taken orders, waiting 1st deliveries" for the face-lifted Cayman. You will save much more than 10% if you wait till then to bag a current car, or if you so wish you can wait another month (I believe first deliveries are May) for the DFI one
DFI
Direct Fuel Injection (DFI), is a new technology that Porsche states can cut fuel consumption by up to 15 percent, while increasing power by up to 13 percent. DFI cuts emissions by warming up the catalytic converter more quickly, and ensures a sharper throttle response. Better for your right foot - and the planet, then.
DFI allows much more precise measurement of fuel supply and injection at pressures up to 120 bar; it has numerous combustion modes, with different cycles for cold-starting, low-speed driving and performance driving.
As the name suggests, DFI injects fuel directly into the individual combustion chambers, instead of the intake manifold. The injector valves have an electromagnetic mechanism that controls each injection with astonishing precision, while a high-pressure pump provides the necessary pressure—up to 1,740 psi—to accompany the rapid fire of the fuel injection.
Precise geometry of the injector’s position and its spray pattern is a key factor in helping to improve power, torque and emissions of the engines. The specific placement of the fuel as it enters each chamber creates a swirl that improves the air/fuel mixture, and therefore the overall combustion process.
At engine speeds up to 3500 rpm, a double-injection process is used. In this mode, the required fuel volume is delivered in two successive injections per working stroke. The resulting benefits include faster catalyst warm-up and increased torque in the upper load range.
By forming the air/fuel mix directly in the combustion chamber, DFI contributes to engine cooling. As a result, it is possible to increase the compression ratio and with it the power and efficiency of the engine.
The direct injection process is continuously adjusted. The engine management system reads changes to throttle inputs and performance requirements and, as you drive, the air/fuel mix is monitored and adapted as required. Oxygen sensor circuits within the exhaust system provide accurate emissions control.
PASM - Porsche Active Suspension Management
This active damping system offers continuous adjustment of individual damping forces based on current road conditions and driving style.
The driver can choose from two setup modes, ‘Normal’ and ‘Sport’, using a separate ‘damper’ button on the center console. ‘Normal’ mode is designed for general road driving and circuits with uneven tarmac. ‘Sport’ mode is intended for smoother track surfaces, where the harder settings help eliminate pitch and roll.
In either mode, PASM continuously evaluates the current conditions while automatically selecting the corresponding damper rates from the respective set of mapped values.
A range of sensors are used to monitor the movement of the body under acceleration, braking and cornering maneuvers, as well as on poor road surfaces. The PASM control unit then evaluates this data and modifies the damping force on each individual wheel in accordance with the selected mode. The result is a significant reduction in body movement as well as a better grip on the road.
For example: if ‘Sport’ mode is selected, the suspension is automatically set to a harder damper rating. If the quality of the track surface falls below a certain threshold, the system immediately changes to a softer rating within the ‘Sport’ setup range. When the quality of the tarmac improves once more, PASM automatically returns to the original, harder rating.
Need more information about PASM? Click this link: FAQ for PASM
One very interesting observation about the car. I've noticed this on other Porsches I've taken rides in as well. At highway speeds...lets say 50-75, the car feels a little like it's shimmying down the road. I'm probably not articulating it well, but my 330i (and every BMW I've driven) feels more planted (though Im sure in reality its not as planted as a porsche). I felt the same sensation when I sat in my friend's 997 Carrera S. It sort of feels like the front end of the car feels a bit vague when going down a straight line. My friend told me that at around 100mph, Porsches start to smooth out. Is this true?
It is the alignment. The car is very sensitive to alignment, a little off and you feel it; if done properly, it is extremely stable at any speed.
What recommendations do you guys (and gals) have when looking for a used one? I'm seeing alot of models with really low miles (less than 10K in 2 yrs) and would probably go for one of these. Any thoughts on the ride on 18s vs. 19s? How reliable are the cars overall? What do you not like about the car? Anyone gone from a 3-series to a Cayman S? How is the car as a daily driver?
Welcome to the club. You've come to the right place for the answers you seek....
My Cayman S is a part time daily driver. Though I have another beater for work and daily driving, I've put 13,000 miles on my CS in one year. So that means lots of trips to the grocery, to pick up my son, to the store etc....
The Caymans have been very reliable and there haven't been any mileage related failures, so nothing to watch out for.
Some of the early 2006s had improperly torqued pressure plate bolts that would back out requiring some warranty work, but we haven't seen one of those situations in a long time. I think the numer of effected cars was very small.
There were 1,200 late 2007 / early 2008 Caymans and Boxsters that received a clutch slave cylinder from a bad batch. But you aren't likely to find any of them because Porsche sent out letters to all owners asking them to come in for a replacement.
Other than that, the failures have been very minor and infrequent. The nautre and infrequency of the failures are such that you really can't do much to isolate yourself from them. You risk is very low.
In regard to 18's or 19's, here is my 'opinion'. Those who have 19's have not complained about ride quality. They have however complained about the limited choices in replacement and track tires. It seems the 18's have many more options. The 18's also tend to be less expensive. I also know of several 19" owners who have blown tires driving over sharp edges or pot holes in the road, so the 19's seem more fragile. Wheels are so easy to change. For me this wouldn't be a sticking point on my vehicle selection. I went with 18's and I'm happy with them, but I may buy a second set of 19's just to experience the difference, and because I love teh look of the Carrera Classics.
Quote:
Originally Posted by sfportside
- Power. The car definitely felt very powerful, but a tad less powerful that I expected. Probably has to do with the fact that the salesman didn't want me rev past 5K, where I imagine most of the HP is.
The fun part starts at 5,000 RPMs..... The cars also loosen up noticably with mileage. If that doesn't do it for you, there are several affordable mods that can breath significant life into the motor.
Quote:
Originally Posted by sfportside
One very interesting observation about the car. I've noticed this on other Porsches I've taken rides in as well. At highway speeds...lets say 50-75, the car feels a little like it's shimmying down the road. I'm probably not articulating it well, but my 330i (and every BMW I've driven) feels more planted (though Im sure in reality its not as planted as a porsche). I felt the same sensation when I sat in my friend's 997 Carrera S. It sort of feels like the front end of the car feels a bit vague when going down a straight line. My friend told me that at around 100mph, Porsches start to smooth out. Is this true? I didnt get to take the car that fast, but would be curious to know whether I'm experience the physics of a fundamentally different layout than I've experienced in my BMW, or something else.
As mentioned above, what you're experiencing is the difference between a front engine and mid engine car. It's pretty much an illusion. The car is planted, it just doesn't feel the way you're expecting or acustomed too. I've driven mine at 165 mph on the autobahn, and spent 10 minutes at 150 mph. I know exactly what you're talking about. The front is light, and it feels light. At first, I was convinced that my old 944 Turbo felt more solid at speed. But as I got used to the mid engine car I've come to realize that it's just an illusion.
As pointed out above, I suspect you'll see some great deals on 2006-2009s once the 2010 models hit the lots.
One more thing I should have mentioned. If you'll be driving your Cayman daily, and on rough roads, I strongly recommend getting a car with PASM. I've spent good time behind the wheel of both. The PASM normal mode is much softer and more comfortable than the Standard suspension, and a press of a button gets you a ride that is as stiff or more stiff than the standard suspension.
PASM - Porsche Active Suspension Management
This active damping system offers continuous adjustment of individual damping forces based on current road
.
