I just saw there is Bosch Hammer for sale on ebay. Sorry, no link, but look under "P.orsche 9288 Diagnostic Tool." The ad says it comes with the version 8 software , which is what you need for the 993. However, it only has the large round plug in, so it will work on the 95 OBD I cars, but not the 96 and newer OBD II cars...not without a different plug anyway. No affiliation...just saw the ad and thought people might like to know.

Rob

 

1) learn your 993's. My early '95 is OBD I but has a very rectangular plug.

2) for $1725+ they can stuff it where the sun doesn't shine - even if the plug fit the car.

 

OHHHKKKAAAYYYYY....that about sums it up

 

Ray Calvo: I had no idea this thread would strike such a nerve. Regarding the plug, I had understood that all OBD I cars had the round plug. I stand corrected. Regarding cost of the Hammer, in my situation, $1725+ seems pretty cheap. I spent more than that on one a year ago. It made sense for me because the nearest dealer is 7 hours away, and the nearest independent I trust is 5 hours away. Both are closed on weekends. That means taking at least a day or two off work and driving or trailering the car to the mechanic. Add in the cost of either a motel room or or a plane ticket (I've done both with my other Porsche in the past.), and the cost of even a minor repair can skyrocket. If the Hammer saves me a trip or two to the mechanic, it will pay for itself. Because I plan to keep this car forever, I figure the Hammer will pay for itself many times over. That being said, I'm going to re-read the factory service manuals, so that I don't embarrass myself again.

Just my thoughts, Rob.

 

Different strokes for different folks. After spending $200+ on something (VAG-COM) that does similar (or maybe more) on various Audis and VW's, felt this was highway robbery. Then again, it has the Porsche shield of approval, so that's why it's so high.

 

Is it necessary to be such a jackass?

that has nothing to do with it, it has to do with the fact that Porsche is buying these back from dealers and destroying them.

The hammer is a necessity when racing a 993, as it is impossible to remove all the air in the brake system without it.

Also, the majority of the 993 cupcars have the round plug and I think the ROW '95 993's have the round plug as well.

 

Learn your Hammers! To imply that a generic OBD code reader could do as much or maybe even more than the Hammer couldn't be further from the truth. The Hammer is more than a glorified code reader with the "Porsche shield of approval." Ask your code reader to shut off one of the ignition systems. Ask it to shut down each spark plug individually. Ask it to shut down each fuel injector individually. Ask it to run a diagnostic check on the ABS system or help diagnose a problem with the heating system. Porsche refers to the Hammer as the "Porsche System Tester 9288" because it works on all of the car's systems, not just the on-board diagnostics. If you think a $200 code reader is just as good or better than a Hammer, you either don't know much about you code reader, the Hammer, or both.

Just my thoughts, Rob

 

I vote for both.

 

See what happens when a square plug tries to fit into a round hole.

 

Any one know which diagnostic plug is used on the euro vrams? Specificly a '97 M64/21

 

Hi Bill:

A factory 993 RS Clubsport we have here uses the rectangular plug.

 

Thanks Steve!

 

Just to confirm, my '97 M64/21 has a rectangular plug ....

cheers, Maurice

 

Rob,

Thanks for the Hammer explanation. I have seen these advertised before but never understood why they were so expensive relative to OBD readers. Now I understand.

 

Hi Rob, just to think that you were be helpful. by the way the is one for sale on rennlist classifieds too.