996 servicing

I have a 99' C2 and its due its annual service. I understand it should be minor major... However this doesn't take into account those who don't drive 12k a year. Currently only driving 5k pa. Had minor last time so should have a major or another minor? What do people here do..? :dont know: Had a major less than 10k ago.

On my turbo there are three service schedules - annual, minor and major. Annual is only if you drive very few miles. You cannot have two consecutive annual services but there is nothing I think that prevents having one minor after the other.

My thoughts: If it had an oil change last time just a minor would do. If not oil change + minor. So much depends on what the current mileage is and whether when it last had plugs changed, coils replaced and brakes checked/fluid changed. It also depends on how much good use you want from the car. If you're going to keep it why not spend whatever it needs and, if it's done 10k since the last major, treat it to another one.

Doing 2-3k miles per year. I've decided to have MINOR, MINOR, MAJOR. Plus any time based works (eg brake fluids every TWO years etc) or as advised during inspection. Having said that it did have its 96k mile service (at 35k) last MAJOR, so I am pretty sure it's ship-shape.

Mine is looked after by Paragon and the last 2 services have been Minor as recommended by them due to the low mileage between them, about 4k I think. It's due again this Winter and it will get a Major. Cheers! Phil

I would go for the minor, minor, major route that way it is regularly serviced and checked out without the expense. If you are keeping it, then there will be other outlays you will have the extra cash for. ie rads, coil packs, that sort of stuff.

Still :dont know: I guess there will be additional £££ to spend as I haven't had to spend much £ this year

Brendan, pm sent

Minor service (supplying own oil @ £27 for 9L) including airbaggery check = £226.86 Brake fluid change = £100.00 + FREE Cayman S with only 35 miles on the clock (nice DFI power delivery :thumbs: ) No issues found except the low tyre tread on rear (2-3mm). They've given up notifying me I have a (better) non-Porsche battery, non-Porsche wipers and a non-Porsche bright orange CAI in the back! Perhaps it is just it is 10 years old now and ineligible for the warranty.

Thats cheap. Where did you go? I also bought the Mobil 1 oil.

OPC Cambridge

Hello, I'm new here (been lurking but first post!), got my first Porsche in August, a 996 Turbo (2002), absolutely love it, and have a couple of questions on servicing. The last service was done in November 09, since then it has done about 3k. I called an OPC this morning to book a yearly maintenance check, and they said it didn't need one, and I could do the service in June next year when the MOT is due. So can I skip the annual check and wait til next year? The other question is regarding oil, the indicator fluctuates widely, when I check with the onboard computer, it indicates about mid point, when is it best to top up oil, when its goes below 2, or before? and what oil is best to use? Thanks!

Hi, and welcome, A bold step going straight for the turbo, well done !! It seems that most of us think the onboard computer indicator is pretty reliable, as long as you are on flat and level ground, and the engine is warmed up. There is a Min & Max line on the indicator, and each bar represents about 0.2 of a litre on the turbo guage, So, obviously, anywhere inbetween is ok, just don't go below Min and above Max Use this 0.2 as a rule of thumb to start, but by topping up a bit at a time and by checking your guage, you will get to know your car. Mobil1 0-40w is the oil of choice for a lot of us, but do a forum search, or google, and you can find a list of Porsche 'Approved' oils if you spend a few minutes looking, good luck, and happy motoring.

Thank you very much, most helpful, I am really enjoying it. Shall I forget about the yearly maintenance check then?

Irrespective of how many miles you have done or if the car is on extended servicing, as these cars get near to, or older than, ten years old, I think it is only sensible to have them given a mechanical health check by a specialist. A stitch in time may save you thousands. I realise the car will have an annual MOT, but that is way too basic for the true health of your complex instrument. In that sense, I wouldn't bother with an "Annual Check" as for a few pounds more on a Minor you get the same checks and more and oil/filters etc changed. Plus new screenwash!