Researching the 996
04-14-2015, 10:34 AM
#31
All I'll say is you only live once. Still waiting for the right moment to rent a yacht and 5 beautiful girls. Or I'll settle for a suite in Las Vegas with hookers and blow.
04-14-2015, 05:16 PM
#32
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We have some great literature on the IMS issue here at our tech article: http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...MS_Bearing.htm
Pelican has developed a kit, which is designed to replace the factory bearing with a very similarly manufactured bearing (with an improved seal and updated center bolt).
-Luccia
Pelican has developed a kit, which is designed to replace the factory bearing with a very similarly manufactured bearing (with an improved seal and updated center bolt).
-Luccia
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Last edited by PelicanParts.com; 04-14-2015 at 05:52 PM.
04-14-2015, 05:55 PM
#33
how on earth are there comparisons between 911 and some japcrap even possible?
no matter how good the miata might be, it is no match for a sportscar with all the technology and pedigree behind it. so comparing the running costs is simply ridiculous.
one could as well compare it with a Ferrari or Mclaren...
Miatas rivals ar civic and golf maybe e30 (although I doubt that last one) yes I have driven the miata...
no matter how good the miata might be, it is no match for a sportscar with all the technology and pedigree behind it. so comparing the running costs is simply ridiculous.
one could as well compare it with a Ferrari or Mclaren...
Miatas rivals ar civic and golf maybe e30 (although I doubt that last one) yes I have driven the miata...
04-14-2015, 10:02 PM
#34
Rennlist Member
Read Andrew's post near the top of the forum. His engine broke, he found another motor and put it in the car.
Good reasons to buy a 996...price (obvious so I put it forst but not the most important reason)...the entire gestalt of the car...it just drives like nothing else...the sound of the engine is like no other... 996 interiors are very nicely layed out...driving a 996 makes you forget about turning on your radio... driving a 996 is unique to the model, different from both the 993 and 997 and with an edge of its own...996s are relatively easy to work on wihich allows you to save money on service costs...996s have a beautiful piece of design, the headlights (examine them up close) that will come back to haunt those who mocked them...the 996 is a significant part of Porsche history, as big a change as the 911 itself...there are tens of thousands of 996 owners who have never heard of an IMS and are continuing to enjoy their cars every day...a 996 loves to be loved, let the engine warm up and slowly feed the loud pedal so that it begs you to give it more...996s love to be washed by their owners... 996s might be considered the last of the analog Porsches. There isn't a car out there that can't turn around and bite. If you've always wanted to own a 911 Porsche there isn't a better time or model to start with.
Good reasons to buy a 996...price (obvious so I put it forst but not the most important reason)...the entire gestalt of the car...it just drives like nothing else...the sound of the engine is like no other... 996 interiors are very nicely layed out...driving a 996 makes you forget about turning on your radio... driving a 996 is unique to the model, different from both the 993 and 997 and with an edge of its own...996s are relatively easy to work on wihich allows you to save money on service costs...996s have a beautiful piece of design, the headlights (examine them up close) that will come back to haunt those who mocked them...the 996 is a significant part of Porsche history, as big a change as the 911 itself...there are tens of thousands of 996 owners who have never heard of an IMS and are continuing to enjoy their cars every day...a 996 loves to be loved, let the engine warm up and slowly feed the loud pedal so that it begs you to give it more...996s love to be washed by their owners... 996s might be considered the last of the analog Porsches. There isn't a car out there that can't turn around and bite. If you've always wanted to own a 911 Porsche there isn't a better time or model to start with.
04-14-2015, 10:34 PM
#35
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Your "worst case" happened to me. Within the first year I had a blown engine and faced the decision to replace it, upgrade to a Raby or other, or sell the car. I decided to replace the engine with a lower mileage 3.6L M96, which was less than $10k. Labor and all else for the engine swap, plus quite a few other components ran another $3-4k, but I could have trimmed that down.
The old engine does have some value. I sold it to Jake Raby, and while I won't divulge how much, it was better than I expected for a blown engine. That helped offset the cost.
The old engine does have some value. I sold it to Jake Raby, and while I won't divulge how much, it was better than I expected for a blown engine. That helped offset the cost.
04-14-2015, 10:37 PM
#36
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Read Andrew's post near the top of the forum. His engine broke, he found another motor and put it in the car.
Good reasons to buy a 996...price (obvious so I put it forst but not the most important reason)...the entire gestalt of the car...it just drives like nothing else...the sound of the engine is like no other... 996 interiors are very nicely layed out...driving a 996 makes you forget about turning on your radio... driving a 996 is unique to the model, different from both the 993 and 997 and with an edge of its own...996s are relatively easy to work on wihich allows you to save money on service costs...996s have a beautiful piece of design, the headlights (examine them up close) that will come back to haunt those who mocked them...the 996 is a significant part of Porsche history, as big a change as the 911 itself...there are tens of thousands of 996 owners who have never heard of an IMS and are continuing to enjoy their cars every day...a 996 loves to be loved, let the engine warm up and slowly feed the loud pedal so that it begs you to give it more...996s love to be washed by their owners... 996s might be considered the last of the analog Porsches. There isn't a car out there that can't turn around and bite. If you've always wanted to own a 911 Porsche there isn't a better time or model to start with.
Good reasons to buy a 996...price (obvious so I put it forst but not the most important reason)...the entire gestalt of the car...it just drives like nothing else...the sound of the engine is like no other... 996 interiors are very nicely layed out...driving a 996 makes you forget about turning on your radio... driving a 996 is unique to the model, different from both the 993 and 997 and with an edge of its own...996s are relatively easy to work on wihich allows you to save money on service costs...996s have a beautiful piece of design, the headlights (examine them up close) that will come back to haunt those who mocked them...the 996 is a significant part of Porsche history, as big a change as the 911 itself...there are tens of thousands of 996 owners who have never heard of an IMS and are continuing to enjoy their cars every day...a 996 loves to be loved, let the engine warm up and slowly feed the loud pedal so that it begs you to give it more...996s love to be washed by their owners... 996s might be considered the last of the analog Porsches. There isn't a car out there that can't turn around and bite. If you've always wanted to own a 911 Porsche there isn't a better time or model to start with.
04-14-2015, 10:56 PM
#37
The simple fact is they are one of the most fun driving cars ever made. They always look good. They can be bought by regular folks as at this time they are not expensive. There is a fix available for the most common problem which turns out not to be that common after all. You'll feel on top of the world when you drive it.
04-15-2015, 05:20 AM
#38
Three Wheelin'
Do not buy one unless you have $15K to make it solid. Glad I'm back in a Porsche.
04-15-2015, 04:52 PM
#39
I've owned one that wass a one owner low km car with full BMW service history. Never again. These cars are quite probably the most flawed BMW to ever leave the factory. A quick list of known issues: subframe, not if, when. Vanos, not if, when. Head gasket (4mm between bores with no cooling jackets between) not if, when. Rod bearings, grinding diffs, crap cooling system, suspension that lasts 30,000km, poor brakes and if you get an SMG that just adds another level of drama.
Do not buy one unless you have $15K to make it solid. Glad I'm back in a Porsche.
Do not buy one unless you have $15K to make it solid. Glad I'm back in a Porsche.
Everyone's experience is gonna vary(for whatever reason) and it's not really fair to attribute all cars into the same negative stereotype IMO. For the record, I've never run across any of the said issues during my M3 ownership.
04-15-2015, 05:11 PM
#40
Not to sound like a snob, I've owned many jap "sports" cars and "sports compacts" modded/stock. and I'm still a huge fan of japanese imports but no ****ing way you can compare a Miata with a 911. Blasphemy!!!
I say good day to you sir!
I say good day to you sir!
04-15-2015, 07:00 PM
#41
Race Director
04-15-2015, 07:09 PM
#42
Read Andrew's post near the top of the forum. His engine broke, he found another motor and put it in the car.
Good reasons to buy a 996...price (obvious so I put it forst but not the most important reason)...the entire gestalt of the car...it just drives like nothing else...the sound of the engine is like no other... 996 interiors are very nicely layed out...driving a 996 makes you forget about turning on your radio... driving a 996 is unique to the model, different from both the 993 and 997 and with an edge of its own...996s are relatively easy to work on wihich allows you to save money on service costs...996s have a beautiful piece of design, the headlights (examine them up close) that will come back to haunt those who mocked them...the 996 is a significant part of Porsche history, as big a change as the 911 itself...there are tens of thousands of 996 owners who have never heard of an IMS and are continuing to enjoy their cars every day...a 996 loves to be loved, let the engine warm up and slowly feed the loud pedal so that it begs you to give it more...996s love to be washed by their owners... 996s might be considered the last of the analog Porsches. There isn't a car out there that can't turn around and bite. If you've always wanted to own a 911 Porsche there isn't a better time or model to start with.
Good reasons to buy a 996...price (obvious so I put it forst but not the most important reason)...the entire gestalt of the car...it just drives like nothing else...the sound of the engine is like no other... 996 interiors are very nicely layed out...driving a 996 makes you forget about turning on your radio... driving a 996 is unique to the model, different from both the 993 and 997 and with an edge of its own...996s are relatively easy to work on wihich allows you to save money on service costs...996s have a beautiful piece of design, the headlights (examine them up close) that will come back to haunt those who mocked them...the 996 is a significant part of Porsche history, as big a change as the 911 itself...there are tens of thousands of 996 owners who have never heard of an IMS and are continuing to enjoy their cars every day...a 996 loves to be loved, let the engine warm up and slowly feed the loud pedal so that it begs you to give it more...996s love to be washed by their owners... 996s might be considered the last of the analog Porsches. There isn't a car out there that can't turn around and bite. If you've always wanted to own a 911 Porsche there isn't a better time or model to start with.
04-15-2015, 08:52 PM
#43
that akward story of a troubled M3
well I owned one and with all the options and with SMG, that is a fantastic car, there are no hard fixes, everything is available and also pretty easy to deal with, dunno what is with cooling system, most expensive part is the pump, which can be easily replaced. head gasket - can happen to any car, not common on the M3s if you are not dumb and drive the car while overheating (it has temp gauges you know, unlike lets say eeem e92 etc)
the vanos is also doable, buy the beisan systems seal kit and that will set you back what - 40 bucks? and for a car fanatic (who mainly buy these) there is also no big deal to tackle this yourself.
rod bearings - again maintanance matter of a wear item (often happens to 996es as well) so no reason to whine there
suspension? - my country has worst roads in Europe and that car holds up great even considering that it has some age already, yes some pieces have to be replaced, but again no big deal, can happen to any car.
brakes - ok porsche sets the benchmark herem but again they are maybe not the greatest but plenty.
the diffs? never heard of problems with those, e39 M5 yes more often.
subframe, yes that can happen but cannot as well, since it depends on how you drive and mostly whether the subframe bushes are not torn already (the excessive movement is the one to blame when subframe is torn off. (this btw happens also with 316 or 328i no matter what the power of the car, if the bushes are dead subfram will soon be torn, same story on e36 - maintanance matter, nothing else)
as soon as I will recover from my 996 repairing adventures, I sure am going to grab another M3, the e46 is one of the best M cars out there
great useability and plenty of performance.
well I owned one and with all the options and with SMG, that is a fantastic car, there are no hard fixes, everything is available and also pretty easy to deal with, dunno what is with cooling system, most expensive part is the pump, which can be easily replaced. head gasket - can happen to any car, not common on the M3s if you are not dumb and drive the car while overheating (it has temp gauges you know, unlike lets say eeem e92 etc)
the vanos is also doable, buy the beisan systems seal kit and that will set you back what - 40 bucks? and for a car fanatic (who mainly buy these) there is also no big deal to tackle this yourself.
rod bearings - again maintanance matter of a wear item (often happens to 996es as well) so no reason to whine there
suspension? - my country has worst roads in Europe and that car holds up great even considering that it has some age already, yes some pieces have to be replaced, but again no big deal, can happen to any car.
brakes - ok porsche sets the benchmark herem but again they are maybe not the greatest but plenty.
the diffs? never heard of problems with those, e39 M5 yes more often.
subframe, yes that can happen but cannot as well, since it depends on how you drive and mostly whether the subframe bushes are not torn already (the excessive movement is the one to blame when subframe is torn off. (this btw happens also with 316 or 328i no matter what the power of the car, if the bushes are dead subfram will soon be torn, same story on e36 - maintanance matter, nothing else)
as soon as I will recover from my 996 repairing adventures, I sure am going to grab another M3, the e46 is one of the best M cars out there
great useability and plenty of performance.
04-18-2015, 02:27 AM
#44
Three Wheelin'
04-18-2015, 02:42 AM
#45
Three Wheelin'
that akward story of a troubled M3
well I owned one and with all the options and with SMG, that is a fantastic car, there are no hard fixes, everything is available and also pretty easy to deal with, dunno what is with cooling system, most expensive part is the pump, which can be easily replaced. head gasket - can happen to any car, not common on the M3s if you are not dumb and drive the car while overheating (it has temp gauges you know, unlike lets say eeem e92 etc)
the vanos is also doable, buy the beisan systems seal kit and that will set you back what - 40 bucks? and for a car fanatic (who mainly buy these) there is also no big deal to tackle this yourself.
rod bearings - again maintanance matter of a wear item (often happens to 996es as well) so no reason to whine there
suspension? - my country has worst roads in Europe and that car holds up great even considering that it has some age already, yes some pieces have to be replaced, but again no big deal, can happen to any car.
brakes - ok porsche sets the benchmark herem but again they are maybe not the greatest but plenty.
the diffs? never heard of problems with those, e39 M5 yes more often.
subframe, yes that can happen but cannot as well, since it depends on how you drive and mostly whether the subframe bushes are not torn already (the excessive movement is the one to blame when subframe is torn off. (this btw happens also with 316 or 328i no matter what the power of the car, if the bushes are dead subfram will soon be torn, same story on e36 - maintanance matter, nothing else)
as soon as I will recover from my 996 repairing adventures, I sure am going to grab another M3, the e46 is one of the best M cars out there
great useability and plenty of performance.
well I owned one and with all the options and with SMG, that is a fantastic car, there are no hard fixes, everything is available and also pretty easy to deal with, dunno what is with cooling system, most expensive part is the pump, which can be easily replaced. head gasket - can happen to any car, not common on the M3s if you are not dumb and drive the car while overheating (it has temp gauges you know, unlike lets say eeem e92 etc)
the vanos is also doable, buy the beisan systems seal kit and that will set you back what - 40 bucks? and for a car fanatic (who mainly buy these) there is also no big deal to tackle this yourself.
rod bearings - again maintanance matter of a wear item (often happens to 996es as well) so no reason to whine there
suspension? - my country has worst roads in Europe and that car holds up great even considering that it has some age already, yes some pieces have to be replaced, but again no big deal, can happen to any car.
brakes - ok porsche sets the benchmark herem but again they are maybe not the greatest but plenty.
the diffs? never heard of problems with those, e39 M5 yes more often.
subframe, yes that can happen but cannot as well, since it depends on how you drive and mostly whether the subframe bushes are not torn already (the excessive movement is the one to blame when subframe is torn off. (this btw happens also with 316 or 328i no matter what the power of the car, if the bushes are dead subfram will soon be torn, same story on e36 - maintanance matter, nothing else)
as soon as I will recover from my 996 repairing adventures, I sure am going to grab another M3, the e46 is one of the best M cars out there
great useability and plenty of performance.
The vanos issues you clearly have mistaken with an M54 not the M3's S54. A seal kit does not fix the S54 isuues.
Anyway, I couldn't care less really, mine is gone and I'm glad. The problems that occur are not befitting with a car of this calibre.