05 VS 06 997 Carrera S
Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
Joined: May 2001
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From: Solana Beach, CA
05 VS 06 997 Carrera S
Looking at a 05 997 Carrera S and a 06 997 Carrera S....then I hear a rumor that there was a suspension upgrade from the 05 to the 06, supposedly to correct a handling fault. Any truth to this rumor???? The 06 is starting to look better, or is it?
mfschacht@gmail.com
mfschacht@gmail.com
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 110
Likes: 1
From: Mountain View, CA
Go for an '06 if you can swing it. Less likely to have RMS or IMS issues, 2nd year of production (in the US, at least). The only way I'd consider an '05 is if it had under 25K miles, some sort of aftermarket warranty and was priced at $45K or less.
I know many '05 owners may disagree but even though the '05 are fairly bulletproof I'm not a big fan of buying the first model year of any car. With that said, my '06 seems to be an early one (09/05 build) so it may very likely be 99% the same car as a late '05 model!
I know many '05 owners may disagree but even though the '05 are fairly bulletproof I'm not a big fan of buying the first model year of any car. With that said, my '06 seems to be an early one (09/05 build) so it may very likely be 99% the same car as a late '05 model!
Racer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 314
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From: Orange County, CA
Wow, seems like you've been part of the P-car family for a long time. What car are you coming from?
Based on exhaustive research, and a great deal of advice from members here, I chose to go with an '06 C2S. I am very happy I did. My buddy is a tech at a Porsche stealer... he said "2006 100%". Overall, 2005 cars have the most problems (aside from the fact that they are older cars in general). He's seen enough IMS failures as well as RMS leaks (minor issue) to warrant concern. Among other things, I was also annoyed that a lot of the 2005 cars I looked at had worn out radio buttons. The market price difference is about $5K to move from '05 to '06, and IMO worth the cost. Big + if you can get a car with warranty. My C2S has no warranty and I purchased it with 29K miles for $48K.
Based on exhaustive research, and a great deal of advice from members here, I chose to go with an '06 C2S. I am very happy I did. My buddy is a tech at a Porsche stealer... he said "2006 100%". Overall, 2005 cars have the most problems (aside from the fact that they are older cars in general). He's seen enough IMS failures as well as RMS leaks (minor issue) to warrant concern. Among other things, I was also annoyed that a lot of the 2005 cars I looked at had worn out radio buttons. The market price difference is about $5K to move from '05 to '06, and IMO worth the cost. Big + if you can get a car with warranty. My C2S has no warranty and I purchased it with 29K miles for $48K.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 258
Likes: 1
From: Ireland
My 05 C2S now has 44,000 miles on it and feels like new. It never had any issues. As with any car - but especially a high powered Porsche previous history is vital.
Every time this question is asked here the general impression given is that every 05 C2S will explode as soon as you start the engine. At least I am one who can prove that this is not the case.
Every time this question is asked here the general impression given is that every 05 C2S will explode as soon as you start the engine. At least I am one who can prove that this is not the case.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 79
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Keep in mind 05 911's can have the IMS bearing retrofitting by using LN Engineerings kit. 06-08 still have an IMS bearing but are a bit larger and not prone to failure. LN said they heard of two 06+ IMS bearing letting go and destroying the motor. I have an 05 with 58k no IMS failures no RMS leaks yet. I will probably upgrade the IMS bearing to the ceramic one designed by LN once I do the clutch. 06+ bearings can't be upgraded without complete teardown of the motor. I think I like the idea of the 05 a bit better then 06+ just because I know I can replace the bearing as a maintenance item without a complete engine teardown. Just my $.02
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
2005 with 48k on the clock. No problems. Like WTFitsCarter, I'm going to do the LN Engineering IMS bearing -- probably shortly along with the clutch. The clutch feels fine, but with the mileage and the perception of a "timebomb", I'd rather do it early and get the IMS taken care of. I'm out of warranty completely, so I want to stay ahead of the curve.
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Racer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 284
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From: Vancouver
My accountant called me from the side of the highway yesterday with his 2005 C2S. It had a pool of oil under the car. Guess what? IMS failed and now he needs a new engine and his car is out of warranty. It was a good choice to go for the 2006!
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Miserable Old Bastard
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Los Angeles
My 05 C2S now has 44,000 miles on it and feels like new. It never had any issues. As with any car - but especially a high powered Porsche previous history is vital.
Every time this question is asked here the general impression given is that every 05 C2S will explode as soon as you start the engine. At least I am one who can prove that this is not the case.
Every time this question is asked here the general impression given is that every 05 C2S will explode as soon as you start the engine. At least I am one who can prove that this is not the case.
Poseur
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Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Santa Barbara, CA
Looking at a 05 997 Carrera S and a 06 997 Carrera S....then I hear a rumor that there was a suspension upgrade from the 05 to the 06, supposedly to correct a handling fault. Any truth to this rumor???? The 06 is starting to look better, or is it?
mfschacht@gmail.com
mfschacht@gmail.com
Advanced
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: MA
I'd be interested to know how many miles he had on his motor.....
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 761
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From: NJ
the 06 can fail also
