[bob m]

Ok, I went to the dealership and was told they recommend getting a mesh cover guard on the front sides to protect the exposed radiator from stones/chips/damage? Cost $900.00. Wth? I mean, having the radiator exposed is nuts.
Any indulge in one?

 

[jzwu]

Hmmm, your dealer sounds like an aftermarket gadget shop.

Macan is riding high so no need for that. Do they also offer a headlight mesh guard for rocks too? LOL

 

[bob m]

Hmmm, your dealer sounds like an aftermarket gadget shop.

Macan is riding high so no need for that. Do they also offer a headlight mesh guard for rocks too? LOL

Ha, but why does Porsche leave that area exposed?

 

[bobblehead]

some of us still need this type of mesh grille ...

search still going on for two years now and nobody makes a custom one for the Macan

 

[dave-t]

Not sure what the result on the Macan S/Turbo but on a Cayman/S/R there were issues in the summer with the PDK overheating when the car was pushed.

 

[bob m]

some of us still need this type of mesh grille ...

search still going on for two years now and nobody makes a custom one for the Macan

Yep, that's the one. What was cost? And I am stunned that they would leave the radiator so exposed.

 

[jzwu]

If there is little risk but the benefit of better air flow/cooling, then there is no need to have a mesh guard.

 

[bob m]

If there is little risk but the benefit of better air flow/cooling, then there is no need to have a mesh guard.

The mesh guard, I was told, protects the radiator from getting hit with debris as it is exposed.

 

[jzwu]

I know but it is an overkill and may restrict air flow.

Do you also wrap your car in foam while driving because of the possible debris hit?

 

[ghstudio]

What happens when the radiator gets coated with dead Love Bugs....a real problem in Florida and some other areas?

I'm beginning to think I might be making a mistake getting a macan (which is a moot point since Porsche doesn't seem to want to ship it to me). I still have time to walk....

 

[jzwu]

You can wash the bugs off the radiator. Imagine the bugs coating/covering/blocking the mesh guard....

 

[bobblehead]

I doubt putting the mesh grille will cause over heating issue. After all, the GT3 has a mesh grille right from the factory.

 

[MacWhte]

It took many many years for Porsche to begin to try to understand the American market. Being the "other" type of vehicle manufaturer that establish Detroit, American buyers sometimes need different coddling from what the company wanted itself to be -- race cars for the street, to some degree.

The factory was shocked when America rose up about the runs in the paint that were "okay" with Porsche and its almost totally hand-built car. And they REALLY weren't prepared when the early Boxster and 911 didn't have a....CUPHOLDER!

So, the lack of a mesh-grill for the radiator openings is not an oversight -- Porsche and its engineers just decided it wasn't necessary! And, maybe, such a grill might be a performance issue avoided.

So, it's okay to buy someone aftermarket idea for what might presumed to be a "dumb oversight" by Porsche. 'Cause everybody's got opinions.

And Porsche knows what it's doing -- making a high performance, reliable DRIVER'S vehicle -- that I would get into and drive to Alaska on any day... Sorry that my satellite and PCM isn't up to the quality of a Rolls-Royce.

Let's the beatings begin...but don't make them personal.

 

[MacWhte]

I doubt putting the mesh grille will cause over heating issue. After all, the GT3 has a mesh grille right from the factory.

Those particular race-targeted models have extra radiators and cooling...

 

[bobblehead]

Yep, that's the one. What was cost? And I am stunned that they would leave the radiator so exposed.

too bad nobody makes one specific to our car still.

If you are handy ... do what this owner did ...

DIY - 991 Radiator Grill Installation - 6SpeedOnline - Porsche Forum and Luxury Car Resource

 

[jzwu]

For performance oriented cars, you don't drive off-road or even in bad weather. In addition, they are usually low to the ground so the need for protection.

Macan, on the other hand, can go off-road and is often used in bad weather and it is riding high too.

 

[MacWhte]

For performance oriented cars, you don't drive off-road or even in bad weather. In addition, they are usually low to the ground so the need for protection.

Macan, on the other hand, can go off-road and is often used in bad weather and it is riding high too.

And so has the Cayenne for 12 years now -- still no mesh guards

 

[bobblehead]

OP just want to be better safe than sorry (with expensive rad damage and replacement), that's all.

Mine has probably about 10 tiny stone damage to the fins already, I would think the mesh could have deflected these stones in some ways, rather than taking a direct impact onto the fins.

 

[WHT TGR]

Duct tape , bubble wrap and a black magic marker are the cure all.




Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

 

[bob m]

OP just want to be better safe than sorry (with expensive rad damage and replacement), that's all.

Mine has probably about 10 tiny stone damage to the fins already, I would think the mesh could have deflected these stones in some ways, rather than taking a direct impact onto the fins.

Thanks!
And no, I do not bubble wrap or foam wrap my car, I drive them. I have leased and owned many cars and I have never seen an unprotected radiator and did not even notice it until a sales manager mentioned it to me and recommended the mesh, for the reasons stated above - its soft metal and can pick the small stones and debris that can/maybe over time damage the radiator fins, car height notwithstanding.
I don't think it would deflect any air cooling the engine either.