Please Give Me a Straight Answer on this 03 996 4S

Is it true that the 2003 996 4S has RMS / IMSB issues or not? Is this engine exactly the same as the standard 996? I spoke to the dealer today and he claims none of these issues with this 996. Could you please look at this car and render the opinions? Dont hold back because I have written off several just from you guys advice and/or knowledge on the issues. A warranty is available with this car. I understand there is no advantage to a 2005 or early 997 because of the same issues, correct? I simply cannot afford a 2008 or newer at this time. Are there any special issues with the 4S I should be aware of? The options seem pretty nice and I am assured the vehicle is in A++ condition. Thank you again. http://www.texasimportsales.com/web/...Texas/1077466/

The C4S engine is exactly the same as the other 996 engines (except the turbo and GT3). It is susceptible to RMS and IMSB issues, just like all M96 and M97 engines up to 2009. That being said, the rate of failure is very low, especially on a car that has been driven and properly maintained. It's not impossible that you'll have an issue, but it's unlikely. If this possibility is a major issue for you and you really want a 996, then I'd recommend a turbo or a GT3. Personally, I don't lose any sleep over it. I'm at 116K on my C4S and going strong.

WOW 7 Previous owners car

+1 to everything Dennis said. The other alternative is obviously also to have the L&N Ceramic bearing installed, which will rectify any IMS concerns (figure around 2k-2.5k, with a new clutch) . Don't hear about too many people having RMS issues any longer, but doesn't mean it couldn't.

The most recent version of the RMS seems to be a much better design. My original leaked ("sweated" oil, according to the dealer) but it hasn't leaked at all since I had it replaced 3 years ago.

FWIW, in reviewing the dealer's ad for the car, there are a few things listed as optional equipment that are actually standard equpiment on the C4S. These are: full-leather interior and Bose sound system. He may be just trying to highlight the fact that they are present on the car, but they didn't add $3,280 and $1,625 to the base price of the C4S. They were already included in that price...

To help you get some peace of mind with whatever car you decide to buy, maybe consider an aftermarket extended warranty ( yes, I have read your other threads about your search for a P-car). Best of luck.

that thing is beautiful !! get the car, get the warranty - go drive - smile

A Black C4S is a beautiful car!

Krazyk there is a very good indy called RAC Performance 5 miles down the road from this dealer. You could have a PPI done on the car there.

http://www.racperformance.com/ Got it , thank you.

At the very least the previous owners took care of the exterior! Nice

The photos looks fantastic inside and out - enough to be very tempting. Do your due diligence as there are a lot of Porsche's that LOOK great and tug at the heart strings. As to the concerns of RMS, IMS, and IMSB. At the mileage it is most likely that RMS and IMS seals have been addressed. Both of my 996's had the seals addressed prior to my purchase and both remain bone dry. As to the IMSB - because you mention it so much you have a few options. Don't take this wrong, it's just straight up. 1. Don't buy a Porsche older than a 2009. You won't enjoy the car, you will always be waiting for a sign that your engine is blowing up. 2. Invest in the IMSB retrofit and all the other "while you are in there" stuff - but that will add to the price and price also seems to be what you are looking for. 3. Invest in a top tier 3rd party warranty - good ones aren't cheap - so that also add to the price Sincerely hope you find the right car - this could be the one - or not.

I don't think that's the correct steering wheel airbag for a full leather interior. I believe the airbag cover is supposed to be leather as well with obvious stitching visible.(see attached image of what I believe to be the correct airbag) This begs the question of whether the airbags have been deployed in the past.

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On my 2002, the full leather interior did not include the leather airbag cover. That was a separate option (one that I regretted not getting after finally seeing my full leather interior!) Are you sure that changed in 2003?

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Nice looking garage floor in that picture......Oh yea, its my floor

The 7 owners would bother me. This car has been kicked around a lot and there is a reason for that. I would get a really good PPI.

Quotes source post: 9902755

I've owned an '03 C4S for about 14 months now. It had 75k miles on it when I bought it. This forum is GREAT, but, it can easily make you paranoid about engine problems on these cars. After I had been "paranoided" enough I had a new clutch fitted and had the LN IMS bearing fitted as well as the RMS while in there. I had zero signs of any problems before I had this work done, other than a seemingly heavy clutch that caused me some strange operating problems. The dealer told me it was likely dirt that had accumulated on the input shaft and they would take car of that when the clutch went in. Sure enough it was coated in dirt and the clutch still had about 40% oof its life left. But anyway, the work has been done, the clutch is now nice and light, and the world is a fine place. As another poster said, if you worry about these things, either don't buy a 996 or just get the work done and forget about it. If all other things about the car are good then it sounds like the amount of money to "fix" the IMS/RMS problem could be money well spent, if only to maintain your sanity!