2002 (post May) 4.4i Sport. Black/Black with all options except Stereo Upgrade.

My X5 was a 2002 (May build so it was Blue Tooth ready) 4.4i Sport. Had most options except the upgraded Stereo and heated seats (I don't remeber seeing them as an option in Australia. Air-suspension was not available at the time - was only availabe on the 4.8is).

Yes I did by the Cayenne from Chellingworth's in Nedlands.

Transmission: - Yes it starts in first gear when it is cold, or selected in manual mode. It also will "kick-dowm" to 1st Gear (Assuming car speed is correct). I have noticed a little hesitation sometimes when kicking down. This is also discussed on the Cayenne Notice Board and there has been a software upgrade to partially address this problem. Apparantly I have received the upgrade, but it is still noticeable.

In regards to reliability issues, All I can say is that In Australia you can purchase a Porsche Warrenty extension for 9 Years! It is a new car warranty however there are "Fair Wear & Tear" provisions in it.

A bit more feedback: Rain Sensing wipers are not as sensitive as X5 but they do have an infinately variable wiper speed (to max of course). Unlike the X5's where they only wipe at speed setting 1, these will vary the speed right up to max, depending on rain/car speed.

Speed sensitive control for the stereo is not as gradual as the X5 - so much so that I have turned it off as it jumps up quite severely.

Servotronic steering is not very proportional at slow speeds. It feels more like a 3 stage on/off switch (High Assistance, low assist and no assist). I drove a 550i recently and their version is far superior at all speeds.

I'll keep in touch as the Cayenne board is no where near as good as this board.

Congrats on the World Wide Recognition.

ft