Tech Time with Rob Van Name – 2011 Boxster PDK Repair

This article discusses how a friend got their 2011 base Boxster with PDK repaired.

At 55,000 miles, the Boxster (nicknamed “Redbird”)  would not shift out of first gear. When scanned at the Porsche dealer, it was showing fault code P000730.  Regrettably, the dealer will not do any internal PDK repairs, preferring you buy a replacement PDK transmission for $29,000.  But this car was worth about $25,000.

I could not find a Florida-based PDK repair shop. Several shops offered to replace the complete PDK.  With the help of my son, we got in touch with the folks at Atlanta Speedwerks, in Gainesville, GA. The car was shipped to them for repair and returned a month later.

Here’s a complete timeline for the PDK repair:

January – off and on “transmission emergency run” message on the dash
February 14 – AAA tow to Dan at The Werkshop. Dan suggested a tow to Porsche of Melbourne, given the work required.
February 19 – tow to Porsche Melbourne, Dave’s Towing ($175)
February 20 – Porsche Melbourne estimate for transmission and brake repair ($55,983)
February – Porsche Melbourne fee for inspection ($380)
March 5 – Navi Transport tow to Atlanta Speedwerks ($599)
March – numerous emails and phone calls (Bill and Rob) with Atlanta Speedwerks concerning diagnosis and tasks to perform
April 2 – Deposit paid to Atlanta Speedwerks ($7,500)
May 3 – Balance paid to Atlantic Speedwerks ($10,185)
May 5 – Navi Transport to bring Redbird home! ($549)

And here is a summary of the repair work at Atlanta Speedwerks:

• Evaluate PDK transmission and found failed temp and distance sensors – $650
• Remove and replace transmission assembly and wire in two new sensors, replace transmission pan with serviceable filter new fluids – $12,000
• Recommended replacement of the transmission control module – $1450
• Replace dual mass flywheel which showed signs of wear – $2,200
  A grand total of $16,300 to Atlanta Speedwerks

Note: Atlanta Speedwerks provides a two-year, 24,000 mile warranty on their PDK repair work.

The Grand Total of all expenses related to the PDK repair ended up being $19,388, which is almost $10,000 less than the Porsche PDK parts-only estimate.

Here is Redbird, in happy times.