Earliest production dates
#46
Not just NA cars. Mine is GCC (Middle East) spec and my plate is in the passenger door sill.
#47
Burning Brakes
Parts are often manufactured months before the car.
I am curious about the VIN number compared to the build date. You would think it is car number 2301 (starting with 00001) manufactured and that there were 2300 cars built before it, but that seems unlikely to me with a 12/97 build date.
I am curious about the VIN number compared to the build date. You would think it is car number 2301 (starting with 00001) manufactured and that there were 2300 cars built before it, but that seems unlikely to me with a 12/97 build date.
Last edited by Splitting Atoms; 05-07-2017 at 12:01 AM. Reason: Revised numbering. This car is SN 02301
#48
Interesting question. How many cars roll off the line in a month? If the 996 started production in Aug/Sep of 1997, how likely is it that they would be at 2300 by December?
#50
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Parts are often manufactured months before the car.
I am curious about the VIN number compared to the build date. You would think it is car number 2301 (starting with 00001) manufactured and that there were 2300 cars built before it, but that seems unlikely to me with a 12/97 build date.
I am curious about the VIN number compared to the build date. You would think it is car number 2301 (starting with 00001) manufactured and that there were 2300 cars built before it, but that seems unlikely to me with a 12/97 build date.
Do cabs and coupes share their VIN number?
Volkert
#52
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Well, that at least solves one riddle! Yes, convertibles have their own series of serial number, however only in the States. ROW does not differentiate between cabs and coupes.
So that would mean yours is serial number 89 for MY98 NA Cabriolet!
Cheers!
So that would mean yours is serial number 89 for MY98 NA Cabriolet!
Cheers!
#53
Pro
I have an inservice date with dealer stamp of 22 May 1998, so clearly built before that.
I will check car when I get it back from the engine rebuild for a build date.
I will check car when I get it back from the engine rebuild for a build date.
#54
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I didn't check mine before I shipped it off to FSI, but that wouldn't have mattered anyways. Jud at FSI looked inside my door and examined the entire vehicle and has concluded the sticker is gone. The vehicle could have been repainted, but I doubt it. The carfax doesn't indicate any accidents and the paint has plenty of chips, but a lot can happen in 19 years.
After some digging, I've pinned it down to a 9/98 build. The dealer had two dates in their system for the vehicle, 9/2/98 and 9/14/98. I thought this was odd, but who really knows. There is also a 7/98 build on here with xxxx3481, while my car is 9/98 with xxxx3633 for a vin. Makes sense, right.
After some digging, I've pinned it down to a 9/98 build. The dealer had two dates in their system for the vehicle, 9/2/98 and 9/14/98. I thought this was odd, but who really knows. There is also a 7/98 build on here with xxxx3481, while my car is 9/98 with xxxx3633 for a vin. Makes sense, right.
#56
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Who told you that? They have a reduced chance on IMS bearing failure (due to double row design) and bore scoring (due to better temperature mgt etc). It does not mean they are failure free, especially when 18 years old... They do have a 4th/5th timing chain, lack of oil changes related issues etc etc (24 modes of failure....). You can still overrev them, cooling issues due to failing waterpump, clogged radiators...
#57
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What I understood on why early 996 are the ones to have:
- double row IMS
- better alu casting for engine
- more balanced cooling water flow through the engine (compared to mk2 3.6L engines)
- throttle cable (C2 only) iso e-gas
- no ***** glove box! No cup holders!
- still can open frunk / boot with flat battery
Other?
Volkert
- double row IMS
- better alu casting for engine
- more balanced cooling water flow through the engine (compared to mk2 3.6L engines)
- throttle cable (C2 only) iso e-gas
- no ***** glove box! No cup holders!
- still can open frunk / boot with flat battery
Other?
Volkert
And a real dipstick! Aren't they lighter than later years as more electronics were added?
I didn't even pick mine up yet and I'm already loving it!
(PS I just ate fried eggs for breakfast)
#60
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