My engine died today :(
 

Porsche owner for less than a month. 75K on a '01 C4. Car had been checked over but no compression test was run. Car died, won't start, white smoke coming from driver exhaust pipe. Car does turn over. Oil is clean and coolant is clear. My Porsche owning experience has not been a happy one.

Do not lose faith...my engine exploded while having the care less than two weeks. Have it check by a reliable mechanic and it will come back. My best wishes.

Sorry to hear this. I had engine grenade on my 996 at 5k miles on a new car. It happens. It suks, but if you can replace it you will be in good shape.

Oh man, that sucks! Hopefully it is nothing major! Keep us posted on the diagnosis.

my car didn't start either today...luckily for me I was dumb enough to leave my xm radio plugged in to the cigaret lighter......but it is enoying and hope it is nothing major! Last time my P didn't start (besides today) it was only a fuse! check all fuses!! 2x..

compression test would not have told you anything,

Sorry to hear your news. Hope you have a trustworthy independent mechanic who can help you through this. If not (one month owning a Porsche), ask on here and you might find someone others have used.
Best wishes, Andy T

Will you go to an Indy or dealer to sort out your troubles?

No need to panic yet!!!!!!!!!!!
Cars don't start for lot's of reasons and most of them are pretty benign.
White smoke does not automatically = blown engine as some of my co=members have quickly suggested!!
I am sure that everything will be fine, let us know as soon as you have some more info.
All the best!

Local dealer. I'm just abouts to put my soul on eBay; I hope it brings enough!

My condolences for your loss :crying:

My friends 01, had a starter issue, hopefully that's all it is. I've had a cloud of smoke before...could mean a few things but not necessarily a blown engine. How's the battery voltage?

I tried starting it again this morning before calling the tow truck (over an hour away from home) and it runs for about 2 seconds and dies while billowing smoke out the tail pipe. Driver tail pipe has a white residue and smoke smelled like coolant. Leaning towards a blown head gasket which, while not terminal, is not much fun.

If you would have a badly blown head gasket or cylinder wall, the engine would hydraulic-lock and would be impossible to turn over. I think something else is your problem, maybe on the FI side.

Sounds exactly like mine I am sorry to say - cracked #1 cylinder wall. Ugly ugly ugly. That is a rough way to start. Sorry for your pain. I assume you didn't have an extended warranty?