The 911 model that German automaker Porsche produced from 1997 to 2006 is known internally as the Porsche 996. The 997 took its place in 2004; however, the fast Turbo S, GT2 and GT3 models continued to be produced until 2006. With the first completely new chassis base since the original 911 and a new water-cooled engine, the 996 had little in common with its predecessor. Technically speaking, aside from the general layout, it represented a significant departure from the original automobile.
The front suspension, certain interior components, and the engine—all of which were expanded for the 996—were all shared with its entry-level brother, the roadster-only Boxster, which was released around the same time. The multi-link rear suspension, however, was adapted from the 993 that came before it. Porsche at the time was having financial difficulties, therefore the main reason for doing this was to save development expenses. A 30% cost reduction in the development of the car was the outcome of this decision.
The most notable departure from the traditional 911 series was the 996’s water-cooled engine, which took the place of the air-cooled engine at launch. The changeover became essential due to ever stricter emissions and noise rules, environmental concerns, increased expectations for refinement, and the requirement for a high-performance engine with four valves per cylinder. A fully new chassis with a slimmer body and a more sloped windscreen, a redesigned interior, and new “fried egg”-shaped headlamps in place of the former “bug eye” headlamps are among the other significant modifications. [Reference needed]
In This Article...
Avoid purchasing a 2001, 2002, 2004, or 2005 Porsche 996.
It is difficult to pick one of these Porsche 996 model years from the seven years of the 996 platform to avoid. However, there were absolutely no issues recorded for the 1999, 2000, or 2003 model years.
In light of this, you may say that the Porsche 996 model years to stay away from are 2001, 2002, 2004, and 2005. There is just one complaint for each of those years, but it is for a rather serious issue that can make the car dangerous to drive even if it is still functional and cost a lot of money to fix.
The CoPilot app isn’t just for purchasing a car; it can also be used to keep track of recalls and receive recommendations on which regular maintenance activities are most crucial.
Search, click, and outcome.
With the help of the Porsche Classic Components Explorer, you can now find a selection of genuine parts for your classic automobile quickly and effortlessly. Every year, about 300 reissued components and chosen goods for particular models are made available online, along with, of course, all the pertinent information. You will discover a variety of relevant information on the various items and particular usage scenarios in addition to photos and part numbers.
There is a ton of information available to investigate, as you might expect. Why not explore the Components Explorer on your own right now to see which reissued parts are offered for your vintage vehicle. In addition, it’s a good idea to return often. After all, our product selection is always growing. We eagerly await your arrival.
Is the Porsche 996 a vintage car?
Drivers of Porsche tend to be traditionalists. The water-cooled Porsche 996 was received with astonishment when it was introduced in 1997, much like how many devoted 356 drivers thought the initial 911 to be a tough departure from what they knew in 1964. However, it is now prized as a classic Porsche.
Today, the 911 is the undisputed Porsche, and collectors are vying with one another for early models. The value of the Porsche 911 is only rising.
What were the Porsche 911’s worst years?
Only the 1983 and 2009 models of the Porsche 911 should be avoided out of the more than 50 years’ worth of models.
According to reports, the 1983 Porsche 911 may experience head bolt problems after only 40,000 kilometers. The model from 2009 would be the worst choice because more issues have been recorded with it than any other model. This includes hoses that stall or leak.
The best approach to purchase a car is through the CoPilot app. We’ll show you all you need to know about each listing, including how long it’s been on the lot and whether or not there are comparable cars in the area for less money, thanks to technology developed using that used by dealerships.
When did Porsche experience engine issues?
The dreaded intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing failure is the most noticeable and well-publicized problem you’ll encounter on the used market. An IMS bearing failure can result in a loss of the engine timing, which would completely destroy the engine. A Porsche engine replacement is not inexpensive, as you might expect.
The M96 and M97 flat six-cylinder engines used in 911s, Boxsters, and Caymans between 1997 and 2008 frequently experience IMS bearing failure.
However, the 996-era Porsche 911s and 986 Boxsters experienced the most significant IMS bearing issues up to 2006. Despite the significantly lower IMS bearing failure rate in the later year samples, it is still feasible.
Before buying a car, it’s crucial to check the VIN and service records. It is best to budget for an urgent replacement of the IMS bearing if you locate a car in this time frame that you are interested in purchasing. It might cost up to $2,500 to have an IMS bearing replaced by a skilled mechanic.
The cost of replacing an engine, though, can be more than triple that. As a result, it is imperative to replace the bearing before anything else.
You would be hard-pressed to identify any significant failure areas of Porsche flat engines if the age of IMS bearing problems were excluded. Given their great performance, Porsche engines are known to be remarkably durable whether they are new or old.
Some more recent models hardly ever have “bore score,” which is the engine cylinder walls scraping together as a result of inadequate lubrication.
However, if a Porsche has been well maintained, you won’t likely encounter any significant problems.
Which used Porsche 911 is the best?
I would suggest either a 911 from the 997 or 991 generations if you’re searching for the greatest secondhand 911 to buy. Porsche identifies the generations of the 911 with three-digit numbers. Production of the 997, which debuted in 2004, continued until the launch of the 991 in 2011.
The 997 is less problematic than the 996 of the previous generation, and it also has much better and more contemporary body style. Because they are older, 997s are usually more reasonable than 991s, though some fantastic deals can be obtained on low mileage models.
The 911’s 991 generation, which debuted in 2011, was produced through the end of 2019. These are renowned to be incredibly dependable and contain the majority of the newest technology. Additionally, the 911s came with a naturally aspirated engine only during this generation. They switched to all-turbo engines in 2020 with the launch of the 992 generation.
The 996, what generation is that?
The Porsche 911 from the 996 generation has an interesting place in Porsche’s past. In addition to being the first 911 to be produced on an assembly line rather than by hand, it was the first 911 to feature a water-cooled engine. Because some people think it’s the “worst” 911, prices have held steady while those of subsequent generations have increased dramatically. Despite this, the 996 offers a wonderful driving experience, frequently for less than the cost of a brand-new Miata.
Consider purchasing a 996 of your own. We applaud you. Here’s how to locate the ideal candidate.
What Porsche 911 is the least coveted?
The 996 was the first of the Boxster-related 911s with water cooling. It has been the least desirable 911 generation for a while, and pricing have reflected this
How far can a Porsche go?
Yes, they are constructed to function, but they are built to function for a very long time. The lifespan of a Porsche 911 engine is rated at 100,000 kilometers and 10 years. Porsche 911s, like any other vehicle, live longer with good, regular maintenance and care. The majority of Porsche vehicles have a lifespan of at least 150,000 miles.
Which Porsche requires the least maintenance?
The annual cost of maintaining some Porsches should be between $200 and $600 to be reasonable and affordable. Taxes, fuel, and bodywork repairs are not included. The price may exceed $1,000 if you take it to Porsche or Porsche-approved businesses.
One of the less expensive Porsches to maintain is the Boxster. If you continue receiving regular annual services over a ten-year period, the cost is between $550 and $700 annually.
Some of the fixes you might need to do are listed below. Additionally, costs will change based on your location, the age of the model, and whether you are taking it to a Porsche service center or a neighborhood mechanic.
In place of:
- Sensor for Cam Shaft Position
- Control Body
- Joint Ball
- assembly of the CV axle/shaft
- the control arm assembly
- Assembly of Struts
- Oil Pan and Gaskets for the Oil Pan
- Bulb Headlights
- hose under the power steering
- Spiking plugs
You must also complete the following:
cooling system cleaning
What Porsche maintains its value the best?
Our top choice for the finest 911 model year value is the 2021 Porsche 911. The 2021 would cost you, on average, 96% less than a brand-new vehicle while still having 92% of its usable life left.
For the 911, the 2020 and 2019 model years are also desirable and offer a respectable value. Our rankings take into account a number of variables, such as the 911’s original purchase price, current price, maintenance costs, and the remaining years of anticipated overall costs. The Porsche 911 models from our top-ranked model year offer the most value for the money.
When was the IMS bearing fixed by Porsche?
Following the release of the IMS Retrofit by LN Engineering in 2008, Porsche introduced their own IMS bearing replacement in 2017 using a sealed ceramic hybrid ball bearing.
Which Porsche models have IMS problems?
The intermediate shaft bearing, commonly known as an IMS bearing, has a significant failure rate in the Porsche 911 and Porsche Boxster from model years 1997 to 2005. Its build and design cause the bearing to prematurely fail, which causes a catastrophic engine failure.
Which 996 is the best?
- Porsche 996 Carrera 4S, number 5. Only one Porsche 996—the C4S, which is quickly turning into an icon of the modern era—had the renowned “Carrera S” decal applied to the back.
- Porsche 996 GT3 RS, number 4.
- Porsche 996 Carrera Generation 3.
- Porsche 996 Turbo 2.
- Porsche 996 GT3 Generation 1
Why is 911’s 996 the best?
The fact that the 993 is the final air-cooled 911 is one of the reasons devoted 911 lovers like it. The inclusion of water cooling was the main change made by the 996. This had a number of benefits, one of which was that the 996 could generate more power from a lower displacement.
Older cars utilized a 3.4-liter M96 flat-six engine with 296 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque (350 Nm).
Later models upgraded to a 3.6-liter flat-six engine, which included normally aspirated variants with 316 to 376 horsepower (235 to 280 kilowatts) and 270 to 284 pound-feet (370 to 385 Nm). The intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing, which could result in catastrophic failure and bore scoring, is one of the key issues with the identical non-turbocharged engines. The crankshaft design, according to reports, is to blame for the rear main seal’s propensity to leak. Fortunately, a “permanent RMS upgrade” that resolves the problem is available.
The IMS problem is not present in the GT3, GT3 RS, GT2, and Turbo models since their engines are designed differently. The Turbo and GT2 models are also twin-turbocharged, producing 416 to 476 horsepower and 410 to 470 pound-feet of torque (560 to 640 Nm). The 996 can reach 198 mph (318 km/h) in GT2 form and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 3.6 seconds.