For those who require it (the sport mode), believe they require it, or just want it, PASM is undoubtedly the best alternative. So I wonder how much of a difference PASM makes in comfort when you move down in wheel size for individuals who don’t have that need or want and would be making the decision based solely (or largely) on comfort. Logic suggests to me:
- on 20 “PASM is highly coveted for comfort and perhaps necessary for 80–90% of drivers who use wheels.
- Similarly, on 19 “If comfort is important to you, the reduced clearance is probably still worth it.
- I predict that PASM is just somewhat more comfortable than the conventional suspension when riding on 18s (i.e., the base 718). For most drivers, the “solution” might therefore be “not worth it,” especially if you desire the higher ground clearance. (Again, this disregards any requirement or desire for the additional Sport Mode suspension offered by PASM.)
Thoughts? Additionally, I realize this is a crude way to assess comfort, but for those who have driven the 718 with PASM vs. Standard (non-PASM), where would you rank the standard suspension on a scale of 1–7, with 1 being PASM regular and 7 being PASM sport mode? A 2, 2.5, at most? I get that impression from every comment made in this post and elsewhere. According to the wheel size, as I mentioned above, I anticipate that the change will either be greater or less obvious.
In This Article...
We provide you with a summary of Porsche’s PASM electronic active damping system and make a recommendation regarding whether you should add it to your vehicle.
The Porsche Active Suspension Management system (PASM) is an electronic active damping system that is standard on the most potent variants of Porsche’s current Boxster, Cayman, Macan, and Cayenne models but available as an optional extra on all of the lesser-powered vehicles. Additionally, the system is a standard feature on all 911 and Panamera models.
Porsche PSM (Porsche Stability Management), a stability control system that attempts to improve traction while reducing understeer and oversteer, should not be confused with Porsche PASM.
The PASM system includes a special collection of fluid-filled dampers, each of which is equipped with a valve that can be used to restrict the flow of oil inside the component, changing how stiff the suspension of the vehicle is. The driver can choose between two damper settings using a button located on the center console of the vehicle.
The damper valve is left open in Normal mode, allowing fluid to flow freely. According to Porsche, this environment combines performance and comfort. By closing the damper valve and limiting the flow of oil, sport mode produces a stiffer ride that, in Porsche’s opinion, improves handling.
Sports vehicles like the 718 Cayman and Boxster come with PASM, which lowers the ride height by 10mm. The technology can also be used in conjunction with Porsche’s air suspension system, which is installed in the Macan and Cayenne, to provide a ride height that is adjustable in six steps.
Porsche’s Active Suspension Management system, when available as an option, is priced in accordance with the model for which it is specified. It costs roughly PS1,000 for the 718 Boxster and Cayman; the Cayenne has a similar price point, but the Macan offers it for about PS800. For about PS1,900 on the Macan and PS2,600 on the Cayenne, the system on the two Porsche SUVs can also be specified with air suspension.
We’ve driven examples of every Porsche model that has PASM installed, and the feature actually alters how the cars drive noticeably. Depending on the specific model, Sport mode substantially improves the already remarkable body control, handling significant compressions and abrupt crests with ease. However, if you’ve also selected one of the larger wheel sizes, the damping may be a little stiff on UK roads.
We advise choosing PASM adaptive suspension if you’re interested in a Boxster, Cayman, Macan, or Cayenne and have the extra cash to spare. It gives the Cayenne more flexibility, the Boxster and Cayman more capability, and it transforms the Macan into one of the best-handling SUVs on the road.
Would you choose the Active Suspension Management system from Porsche? Please share with us in the comments area below.
TheBrit
Any dealer who recommends against installing PASM is completely ignorant of the Porsches they are selling.
A Macan without PASM will ride rough and have worse cornering ability to a car with PASM.
Why on earth anyone would choose not to include PASM—constant monitoring and adjustment of the suspension—is beyond me; it ought to be the first box to be checked.
Save your money and purchase a basic Macan with few accessories if you only use your Macan for errands and school runs and are only interested in the Porsche emblems.
Please do heed the advice of those who have owned and still own a Macan and check the PASM option if you are interested in the best handling and most pleasant ride.
STLPCA
This same subject has been covered in other extremely thorough posts. I recommend reading them.
To sum up, PASM is suspension magic and something I cannot live without. When you desire a sports car ride that is more comfortable than usual, you can have it. If you prefer a ride that is stiffer than usual but still manageable on the road, you can have it. All of this without using a button.
Along the street with my 19 “I nearly always leave the wheel set to Normal. With my 18 for track “I use the Sport wheel setting, and if I forget to press the button during the warm-up lap, I can tell the difference.
You might be content without it if you have 18s, never plan to get 19s, never drive aggressively, never track your car, and have never encountered PASM. However, you will limit the pool of possible customers for your car’s resale, decreasing its marketability. Naturally, you won’t make your money back if you purchase PASM, just as you won’t with any other choice or mod.
By the way, I haven’t heard of any PASM failures, and considering that the option costs less than any aftermarket “alternative,” it seems like a good deal.
Does the car descend with Porsche PASM?
PASM shocks have continuously variable damping rates that respond to the driver’s style and the state of the road. The ECU receives data from sensors at each wheel and uses it to change the fluid level in each shock to firm up or soften it. photo courtesy of P
You’ve decided on the Porsche you want to purchase, but you’re not sure which performance-enhancing features to look for. The fact that many of the most well-liked and practical factory performance modifications, such as ceramic composite brakes, electronic anti-roll bars, and air suspension, are extremely expensive adds to the difficulty of the situation. How can you tell which choices are best for you?
When you arrive at the dealership to take a test drive, be ready: Become informed. Knowing what you need and what you desire depends on your understanding of the functioning of the many optional pieces of equipment. If you are clear on what you need in a Porsche, you can specify the model that best suits your needs while remaining within your price range. To assist you, we’ve compiled a list of the five performance options that we believe offer the best value for the money, along with information on their costs and functions. Keep an eye on Of Note since we’ll be releasing them one at a time over the next few weeks!
PASM is a standard feature on certain of Porsche’s high-performance vehicles, including the Carrera S, Panamera Turbo, and Cayenne Turbo. However, if you have your heart set on a model that doesn’t come with it as standard, think about the electronically controlled suspension.
The PASM shocks have continually variable damping rates that react to driving style and road conditions in addition to lowering cars equipped with them by 10 millimeters. The ECU receives data from sensors at each wheel and uses it to change the fluid level in each shock to firm up or soften it. Depending on the model type and its specification, we often rate Porsche’s PASM suspension on any of its vehicles as outstanding to superb.
By pressing a button, the driver can select from a variety of PASM settings that modify the shocks’ predetermined damping force. For instance, when a 911 is driven in PASM’s Normal mode, the shocks are milder; when Sport is selected, the shocks are firmer for a livelier ride and improved stability.
Porsche does offer Sport PASM on the 911 if you desire an even sportier ride than what regular PASM gives. It sports updated front and rear spoilers, harder anti-roll bars, and shorter, firmer springs that lower the car further 10 millimeters. The Sport PASM bundle also comes with PTV or PTV Plus.
How can I tell if my Porsche is equipped with PASM?
The FAQ will answer all of your queries if you click on the underlined terms in this page for PASM or Sport Chrono.
In conclusion, both sport chrono and sport chrono without PAM are valid options. For each, there is a different button. If you have a PASM button (which resembles a shock), you have PASM; if you don’t, you don’t. The button is considerably simpler to find than wires coming out of shock towers, which can also be checked.
What does PSM on my Porsche stand for?
Porsche Stability Management (PSM), which provides a high level of active driving safety at longitudinal and lateral limitations, is at the core of the active driving dynamics control systems. The PSM includes the ABS (anti-lock brake system), ASR (anti-slip regulation), MSR (engine drag torque control), ABD (automatic brake differential), “precharging of the brake system,” and “brake assist” features. Precharging the brake system improves braking readiness, which in turn shortens emergency stopping distances. The PSM hydraulic unit transfers braking fluid to the wheel brakes before the brake pedal is depressed if the accelerator pedal is swiftly depressed, as is frequently the case before an emergency stop. This ensures that the brake system is perfectly ready for the impending braking by causing the brake pads to lightly press against the brake discs. As a result, stopping distances are shortened and the response behavior of the brake system is greatly improved.
PSM has two stages for turning off. The system features an individually switchable mode with the name PSM Sport in conjunction with the Sport Chrono Package. This mode is accessed by pressing the PSM button in the center console. “PSM Sport” is substantially different from the default mode in terms of functionality and enables ambitious drivers to push their Porsche to its absolute limits, for instance on a racetrack. The function permits noticeably larger yaw movements around the vertical axis and a greater amount of slip on the drive wheels than “PSM On,” enhancing the vehicle’s dynamic performance. This eliminates the need for even seasoned sporty drivers to completely deactivate the PSM. Pressing and holding the PSM button initiates the “PSM Off” mode. This is in line with the Porsche philosophy that permits users to completely turn off the control system at any time. Strong braking in the ABS control range, however, reactivates the entire stabilizing effect of the PSM system in “PSM Off” and “PSM Sport” mode, but only until the brake is lifted once again.