https://bringatrailer.com/listing/20...11-carrera-33/

Interesting one to watch for a number of reasons. But I'm curious about the supposed larger non-serviceable bearing noted by the mechanic. Seems that it should have an engine number indicating it was rebuilt - with an AT. Seller just uploaded images indicating otherwise.

Is that not always the case? Or is it possible the mechanic made a mistake and this is still running the original motor. As I understood it, a Porsche rebuild would be the only way for an M96/03 to have a larger bearing.

 

Mistake or an old motor pic?
BAT is the last place I'd buy one of these!

 

He just took it. I'm thinking mechanic mistake, but that's a big one.

Last place to buy, but probably the first place to sell as long as you can take some annoying comments in stride and have the IMS done.

 

I like that color, this will be an interesting auction. It looks like it's in decent shape appearance wise for the mileage.

 

I agree, sellers are killing it on BAT when it comes to the 996. Someone needs to bring up the replacement motor issue though.

 

It’s true. On rennlist it’s like a small bubble of people who are paranoid and think every seller is out to screw them and every 996 is about to explode. Selling a 996 is awful. Whenever I have put one up for sale I get calls from some d-bag who wastes my time and is unsure of what they want or if they want it. On bat, the people are legitimate buyers who have cash on hand and ready to buy for a good price. No ppi’ s or hoops to jump through. Bat has their own subset of buyers who get excited about cars on their site but don’t look elsewhere. Cars can be for sale on other venues for a year and nobody cares. Then it’s on live auction with bat and people freak out. It’s so crazy.

take a look at the blue 1999 996 currently on bat. It’s complete trash. The seller is a huge real estate d/s bag from Arizona. The car is full of bondo with an awful paint job and barely any pictures. It’s probably going to sell for 25k and nobody cares that it’s had awful repaint. That guy has been trying to dump that car for a year at very low teens.

 

It's funny because the last comment is praising how great the seller is. There have been cars that seem questionable popping up much more frequently lately on BaT.

 

The sales guy doesn't even let it warm up before hitting 5K on the tach.

 

I find it funny on the the High mile 996.2. The mechanic writes some huge paragraph about the ims bearing like he is doing the seller a favor for “documenting” the ims being done. Seem strange. Also they put used catalytic converters on it? That’s illegal. Not a big deal. But cars will not need catalytic converters unless they are burning a lot of fuel or oil. It’s not supposed to be a serviceable part.

 

Yeah, cringed when I saw that.

 

Best I can make out the engine serial number from the photo is "M96/03663..." Am I reading that right?

If so, the motor was built in 2003. No way it has the last bearing design. Plus, if I ever had the flywheel off, I would take a picture of the unique 22mm nut on the non-serviceable bearing. That would be proof positive.

 

same with the low mileage black c2 currently at 20,001. Seller guarantees over rev but hasn’t run report, then takes it to redline when it’s not at temp. Really hate that as I am very interested in that car.

 

M96 engines with "AT" in the serial number built after 06 did indeed have the "large" non-seriveable single row IMSB, but that is not the only way for a Large single row to get into an M96 engine.

The large single row IMS shaft was available from Porsche as a complete assembly and was used in engine overhauls after 06.

L&N was also doing IMS shaft rebuilds and updating to the large single row bearing..

So while the "AT" on an Factory Reman engine built after 06 "guaranties" it has the large single row, there are other explanations.

 

You may well be right. Won't argue your points. But with respect to the car in question, without paperwork that would accompany one of your scenarios, or a picture of the 22mm nut, the motor is a standard 2003. Anyone buying the car and expectecting something different is sure to be disappointed.

 

I will be bringing my '99 996 to BAT this spring some time. Original IMS still on board, and doing just fine. My Indy of 10 years will tell any buyer he recommends "just drive it". He inspected last oil filter, test drove the car, and put it on the analytics. "Just drive it". It will be interesting to see how much hot lead or indifference I take for original IMS. Build date Feb '98, FWIW. New tires, good service records, 3rd owner, having owned it 20 years and ~35k miles. Clean car fax, and never lived in northern climates. Contrary to frequent commentary here, it's not been a "$30k" car, meaning high annual maintenance/service costs. TCO has been very "Toyota/Honda like". Never tracked, Clean over-rev's report, and one minor respray on front left fender due to 0 mph parking lot crease by an idiot. I plan to photograph, video and document the heck out of it so bidders know everything possible without xray vision. Bone stock, no mods. Wish me luck.