Black Smoke & Power Loss: Panamera Diesel Issues

Hey there! I had a somewhat similar issue with my 2011 Porsche Cayenne Diesel (I have some experience working on cars). After changing the fuel filter, I experienced similar symptoms, black smoke, rough running, and poor performance. Turned out there was an error in the system that needed to be cleared. Took it to my regular workshop, and they diagnosed it as an entry error after the filter change. Basically, the ECU needed to be reset to recognize the new filter properly. They cleared the codes and reprogrammed the system, cost me 45€ and fixed all those symptoms. Before I can offer more specific advice, could you tell me: Have you recently had any work done on the fuel system? Which diagnostic codes are you getting? Is your Panamera still on the original fuel filter? Let me know these details and I might be able to help further!

Hey, thanks for the detailed response! My last service was about 3 months ago, and I'm currently at 72278 KM. Haven't had any recent work done on the fuel system specifically. Unfortunately, I don't have access to the diagnostic codes right now, planning to get that checked tomorrow actually. I'm really hoping it's something simple like your filter situation. The fuel filter might be due for a change, come to think of it. I'll definitely ask the mechanic to check the ECU and programming when I take it in. Your experience with the Cayenne gives me some hope that it might not be anything too major. Thanks for the pointers! I'll update once I get those diagnostic codes.

Hey again! Yeah, from what you're describing, it definitely sounds similar to what I experienced with my Cayenne. Since you're at 72K KM and haven't had recent fuel system work, I'd bet good money that your fuel filter is due for a change. These Porsche diesels can be pretty sensitive to fuel system maintenance. When I had my issue, I learned that these cars really need regular filter changes, like every 60K KM or so. The symptoms you're describing are almost identical to what I dealt with. The black smoke and power loss were what really got my attention too. Just a heads up, when you get the filter changed, make sure they reset the ECU properly. That was the key with my Cayenne. Some shops might just change the filter and call it done, but the computer needs to be told about the change, or you'll end up with the same issues I had. Let us know what those diagnostic codes say when you get them. I'm curious to see if they match up with what I saw on mine. From my experience, it's probably not as scary (or expensive) as it might seem right now! Good luck! Keep us posted!

Thanks so much for the detailed explanation! This is really reassuring to hear. I'll definitely make sure to mention the ECU reset to my mechanic when I take it in tomorrow. It makes total sense about the 60K KM maintenance interval, I'm well past that now. Really appreciate you sharing your experience with the Cayenne. It's helpful to know that these symptoms don't necessarily mean something catastrophic. I was worried it might be something major with the injectors, but this sounds much more manageable. I'll update the thread tomorrow after I get those diagnostic codes and have the mechanic take a look. Thanks again for all the help, it's great to have someone who's been through something similar! Take care!