JF914

All of the internet banter on IMS risk, RMS leaks, and risk of catastrophic engine failure on 996's (especially early 99-01) has me so scared that I am considering passing on a really nice. low mile 99 silver/blk with aero package altogether.

Really, what is the real risk out there? and is there significantly less risk on an '02-'04 996, or should I just hold off for a 997?

Someone told me to totally stay away from '99's (deal breaker)...and that an '02 was much better due to a different engine (3.6L)??

Pls help me cut through the crap/hype that is out there eating me up.

Thanks. John

redridge

they all have issues.... every year since 40+ years. I see just as much 3.6 failure vs 3.4 on the internet.... though I cant quantify them.... I dont think anyone can. The expert will say the 3.4 is more likely to fail but anyone's opinion is as good as the experts... no BS. My 3.4 has been great (knock on wood). Bottom line, there are known problems with the 3.4 and the 3.6...... the rule of buying the latest is the best, but in 10 years time... their issues will show up like the rest of them.

LVDell

If you have a few years to read all the thread on this crap, just search. Your answer will be as clear as mud.

mavthenav

My 2003, 3.6L engine blew at the track a couple of weeks ago.

I bought the car 2 years ago, no warranty and I must say no engine issues at all. I didn't start tracking it until about 8 months ago and I'm an ex-racer so I might be a little harder on the old girl than most. I don't think it was the tracking that made it blow, I just think it was pure bad luck.

Initially we thought it was an IMS failure but it looks like it threw a rod or bent one of the valves which then weakend and imploded in the engine. A couple of weeks previous a friend of mine threw a bearing on I-10 while heading to a track event with a bunch of his buddies, again a 2003 car. Fortunately for him, Porsche came through and gave him a new engine since his warranty had just expired, lucky sod.

The 2003 is supposed to have the factory upgrade already for the IM Shaft which is thicker than the 99-00 models where most of the failures were. The only thing I would say about the IMS is that there is no warning, and what little warning you might get is still going to cost you $10K to strip down and fix from any shop.

If I had to do it all over again I would still do the same thing, I would have bought this car again in a heartbeat as she is a stunner, and at the price, anyone would have picked her up also.

There is an upgrade of the IM Bearing that you can get done post purchase which might give you some extra security but apart from that nothing can be done for the IM shaft apart from a complete engine breakdown which will cost about the same as a 2000 car.

One thing I might have changed is to spend $3-4K on a good after market warranty that covers the engine completely, since if it blows you're looking at a hefty price for a new one or even second hand. If you are going to buy a 996 then get some warranty on it, you might pay up front for the after market warranty but it could save you a lot in the long run.

I forked out and got a new factory engine, comes with a 2 year unlimited mileage, parts and labor warranty. I went with the facory engine, thanks to North Houston Porsche , which only really came in a couple of thousand more than the second hand with no warranty and 20K on it already.

The difference in price between a 997 and a 996 for me just now is still too great to justify waiting, I'd buy a 996 again no problems. Actually the day the engine blew I was already looking at a replacement 996 but just couldn't bring myself to tell the old girl her time was up and I was trading her in. lol.

If you want to see what happens when it blows, hit the link below. As you can see I still managed to track out and keep the car under control, what might have happened if the engine had just locked up on the main straight at 135-140 mph who knows.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZqgyVpSuxc

pszikla

The great majority of '99's are trouble free cars with only the usual things that you look after as any car 10 years old or more. I have 78000 miles and thoroughly enjoy my car as i know every owner of a '99 does. Like Redridge mentionned, the "dreaded IMS" issue has been so put out of proportion that the biggest "success" has been to lower the resale value of the car so someone (like you!) can purchase into a truly amazing car for a ridiculously low buy in.
my 2 cents
I love love love my car.
Pete

Mfletch

John, I have owned two 99 996s since about 2003. They have been fantastic cars. They have been two of the most reliable cars that I have ever owned and I drive them hard. It is one of my favorite years. It was available from the factory with a limited slip differential.
I would not hesitate to buy another 99 996. They represent a fantastic bargain right now...great performance for very little money. Don't let the IMS scare keep you from buying a great car. There were thousands built, with only a small percentage having the catastrophic problems you are concerned about . See "Porsche 996, the Essential Companion" or "Excellence Magazine" article on 996 reliability for further information.

mavthenav

John,

How much is the one you're looking at ,if you pass, I might buy it....

JF914

Once I "get over" the IMS concern, if I can -- then I have a couple 996's in the hunt.

(maybe an aftermarket warranty is the way to go).

20K Mile '99 3.4L or 50K mile '02 3.6L for about the same price.....

Hmmm.

Chris996

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soverystout

The MY99 probably/possibly/potentially/maybe/ have a bit more risk to them. As others have said, seeing a bad IMS on an 02,03,04 is not commonplace but it definately happens. Hell, it happens on early 997s as well.

The 99s have the potential (read again) Potential for:
IMS failure (as do all 996s)
RMS (just an annoyance that can be fixed for $800)
potentially pourous blocks (more often associated with 99-00)
slipped cylinder liners (more often associated with 99-00)
and intermix via a cracked head (not common, but can happen to all 996s).

If you are looking for a daily driver that can never let you down and is your prmiary source of transportation for you and your family members, and you depend on it, look elsewhere.

Your dealing with an 11 year old car, forget the mileage. Make sure you have a budget set aside for common repairs and maintence.

These are great cars and alot of fun. If it is your toy and you have funds set aside for the little things, buy it and enjoy. Don't forget the PPI from a Porsche specialist, not a dealer!!!!

JF914

Sounds like folks might suggest the '02 MY even with more miles.... not a guarantee, but perhaps a slight reduction in risk (and a few more hp to boot).

Trouble is in my case, I would lose the Aero kit on the 99 Silver....for a '02 Black/blk C2.

chsu74

Genuine MK1 aerokit part cars are more rare and harder to come by than the 02+. I think they are more attractive that a MK2 stock but its just my personal opinion.

I would budget the $1500 on the IMS bearing retrofit on either car if it makes you uncomfortable.

soverystout

All depends what is most important. I love the Aero. It is a great look for the car. But i would probably go for the MY02 do to the refinements that took place that year. The MY02 has the turbo headlights, refined aerodynamics, the 3.6 engine and a more unique front end look.

What options are on the 02? might help to make the case for it over the Aero.
On second thought, if these cars are about equal money the MY99 is likely too much $$$. Low miles isn't necessarily a good thing with these cars and 50K on a well cared for 02 might be the better than a 99 that sat.... and sat..... and sat for the last 11 years.

mavthenav

I'd go for whatever car comes out of your PPI the best, and within your budget for maintenance.

ivangene

PPI is worthless in diagnosing catistrophic engine failure.

99' is an excellent car, get the aero, put in the IMS retrofit and be happy