2003 rebuilt engine, good or bad?

I just purchased a 2003 911 Cabriolet with 35k miles on it. It seems to be in fine condition other than the top is bit worn. I took it to the local Porsche dealer and they told me that the engine appears to be factory rebuilt because its so absolutely clean. I have 5 days to return the car if I like and I am wanting some perspective on if this is a good or a bad thing. Why would a care need a rebuilt engine with 35k miles on it? The service guy told me it was a good thing because its a brand new engine, but I am wondering why it was needed. Also, I have taken it out for a good drive in the mountains where I rev'd it to over 6000. If the engine is brand new, did I mess it up with no proper break in?

New factory engine is not a bad thing IMO. Can you talk to the previous owner and find out when the engine was installed and by who?

Was a PPI (PrePurchase Inspection) done?

Could be bad if it's rebuilt with a 997 IMS that can't be retrofitted

Had rebuild on 2002 C2 it was great. You will end up with the latest specs and the engine has a lot less miles on it. The DME will some running hours. Engines were replace do to chronic RMS leaks. The original motor had to had 4 attempts before PCNA would approval a new engine. At least that is how it was for the 2002 model. I have mine replaced in early 2004. It was all good when I went to GT3. Had my P4S motor replaced a month after I got a year ago May. Everything is fine. all that said if you are nervous you can take it back or you can tell the seller you want to return it because they did not disclose the "non matching motor". Maybe they will compensate you? Worth a try.

I bought it through Carmax so I can not talk to the previous owner but I can return it within 5 days of the purchase. All I know was that it was leased originally and had a 2nd owner. The body does not have a scratch on it. So I do not think it was in an accident. Carfax said no accidents. Its weird how the car is immaculate but the top has been neglected (stains, partially power washed). If the rebuilt engine is cool, then i am probably good to go with it. It drives great. What is the 'DME' Roberga? Thanks for the help fellas.

What does the carfax say about the service history? I have seen a few that say 'engine removed to complete repair' when an engine had been replaced. You can also try calling the dealer(s) listed as servicing the car. If it says 'engine removed to complete repair' that's the one to call.

Where would I find the dealers who serviced the car?

Quotes source post: 9170756

Request the local Porsche dealer you visited to run the VIN.

Did the porsche dealer do an inspection of the entire car? If so that should answer your questions of any issues. If not do it. I guess in your case PPI would mean Post Purchase Inspection.

Its at the dealer right now. They did the inspection today and thats when they told me about the engine rebuild.

When the serve advisor pulled up the car on the computer, he said that there was no information on the vehicle. He could not explain why and said it was strange and had never seen that before.

Sounds strange to me. I believe their are markings on the engine that identify it as a rebuilt or not. WHy would he just say oh it appears to be a new engine, the computer says nothing about the car, why no car fax of an rngine change? Maybe the car was raced then the original engine was put back in or a side deal with a certain dealer to fix the car off the books since it was a tramatic accident? Who knows. Can't see my service department man saying I think its new instead of showing me the numbers identifying it as a factory rebuilt. Strange stuff. Wanna look at my factory rebuilt and see if its the same look. Even the alternator wiring sn such are sparkling clean. When I got the car with the old engine it was detailed in the engine compartment and looked very new but now a real factory rebuilt looks super new. Even the alternator case shines.

I totally agree with you Pac. I think its very strange. I am hoping get to the bottom of this by Wed or I will consider returning the car.

I for one would rather buy a car with a new engine, especially if it was done by Porsche. It's possible there would be other benefits too, like more warranty time on it? Not sure... anyways. Post the serial number of the engine, we will be able to tell you what it is and whether the story lines up. Optionally you can post your VIN too, or PM it to me. The serial number is located on the bottom of the engine on the side of the oil pan (sorta behind the drivers rear wheel). Very easy to get to, and with such a clean engine I doubt you would need to clean the stamped serial plate off. Should be something like. M96xx/xx292323

If the engine was rebuilt by Porsche - or even a quality dealer, it will be logged. Just do a CarFAX on the VIN if your own dealer can't tell you (and they should). I'd run from a strange car that had major work that was unlogged. i'd check that the rebuild was actually done though. The engine bay may have been steam cleaned. If the whole car looks immaculate, you have a well cared for car, if the engine bay was singled out for cleaning, they may be cleaning up leaks and thats a caution.. But start by doing a CarFAX..

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The Service Advisor at Porsche or Carmax? Also, it seems the question should be "should I buy a car that "looks" like its engine has been rebuilt" because at this point the dealer "claims" they don't even know, which is odd in itself.

WP0CA29943S653530 is the vehicle vin. I am getting the car back this afternoon and will post the engine vin.

Reman engine installed by Porsche is a good thing!

Quotes source posts: 9172095, 9170811

Register @ Renntech and then use this: http://www.renntech.org/forums/content/vin_decoder/ (will not tell you much though). If the reman engine has been serviced anywhere by any Porsche dealer, then I am guessing running the "NEW" VIN should at least show something Curious why/what made you take the car to a Porsche dealer AFTER you bought the car? Sad but true. OP: Water under the bridge now (hopefully lesson learned for the future) but best to research/ask/inquire/investigate/consult, etc. BEFORE buying anything. Probably could have spared yourself the apprehension. And not dampen your ownership experience. Best of luck. P.S. Better late than never: https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...ing-guide.html https://rennlist.com/forums/911-foru...immermann.html

http://www.autocheck.com/consumers/g...&WT.mc_id=5001 $$ to get report AutoCheck found 13 records for this 2003 Porsche 911 Carrera / Carrera 4! VIN: WP0CA29943S653530 Engine:3.6L H6 MPI Style / Body:Cabriolet 2D Country of Assembly:Germany

Kromdom, Carmax has a 5 day return policy. I can return the car for any reason within 5 days of purchase. I am within those 5 days. I would not have purchased the vehicle had it not been for that stipulation. This entire thread is in light of determining whether I should keep the car. Fpb...is the autocheck different than a carfax. The carfax comes up totally clean.

Just got the engine vin logray: M96/03AT66568624 Dealer says its mechanically perfect and no bodywork. The only problem is that the top was neglected and needs replacement. Its cosmetic if I can live with the looks of it...

M96/03 = 3.6L AT = re-manufactured 665 = 2005 year engine 68624 = sequence number This is a rebuilt engine from 2005. It might have the larger 22mm unservicable IMS bearing (without complete engine teardown) which is stronger than the original single row bearing and about as strong as the original dual row bearing from 1999 and 2000 cars. So pretty much the 2003 car has an rebuilt engine from 2005, when it was put in would be dictated by service records.

I've read that factory rebuilds come complete with all the new goodies: AC, alt. water pump, coils, starter. etc. I think you scored. Install the IMS Guardian if IMS not serviceable and enjoy.

You guys have been great! Thanks a bunch for all the help. Like I said, the car drives fantastic and the engine sounds like new. Can I ask what was the problem with the non-servicable IMS issue is? Is there any way to find out if it has the problematic bearing? Also, the top is going to need replacing. The fabric is pretty worn and although it closes and seals, the fabric does not totally sit in the door groves. How much is it to replace a top? I can do the top later...

In looking at that sequence number it's a pretty good bet that the engine has the larger bearing. All cars have a "problematic bearing", so to speak, it's a supposed design flaw with this engine. Yours happens to have one that is pretty strong, stronger than most (except for 1999-2000 MY) but not as strong as the LNE retrofit ceramic hybrid. But the experts say that only 10% of cars will be affected in 90,000 miles. Plenty of cars on the road beyond that with their original bearings. The only issue with that larger bearing is it can't be replaced without tearing the engine completely apart. Which some say is not a problem, but the experts say this bearing is a service wear item and should be replaced or at least inspected every 40-60k miles. edit: I want to say that a new top was like $1-2k range, unless someone else replies before me I'll get more detail later.

The car has 35k miles on it and I would bet that I am not going to have it past 90k so I am not going to worry about it unless you suggest putting in the 'guardian'. I just called my local porsche garage about the top. They quoted me 1550 for a new top. Damn dealer quoted me at 3700. Unbelievable. Because of your help, I feel much better about keeping the ride!

Stealers do compete if you shop around, and typically DIY is even less. As for the IMS guardian, I personally think the idea is awesome. For $400 you can have some serious peace of mind. Not just for the bearing, but also for the rest of the internal ferro-magnetic engine components. This is stuff used in helicopters and airplanes, not cars... so it's pretty far ahead of it's time in that respect. Also a correction on my earlier post, the engine was made in 2005, and it was later re-manned. However from that data it's not possible to tell when (after 2005) it was remanned. That data is in some internal Porsche database. In any case, most people regard a re-manned engine as a good thing and has many benefits as has been pointed out, even if it has an unserviceable bearing. ENJOY THE RIDE!

As others have already pointed out, the reman engine turned out to be an unexpected bonus for you. Instead of a new softtop, consider a hardtop for now (used ones in great shape for around $500). Or try the salvage yards for used softops. NOTE: car below is NOT mine but I do have a removable hardtop for car

Hermdog since it appears you are going to keep it, post some pics.

Here are 3 photos I snapped the day I bought it. I let an employee drive it today. I thought he was going to wet his pants. He said, 'I wouldn't worry about the top!' His dad has as vette but he said it was no comparison. I am going to see if Carmax will go for a new top tomorrow. If not, I will get a new one. Its got to be soft Kromdom because I am in San Diego and my 5 and 7 year old cherish going for drives in the back with the top down. I am going to put in an entirely new stereo and a radar detecter in there. And perhaps one of those IMS Guarians, thanks to Logray's recommendation. Where do you get them? I will try to take better photos and post. I can not thank you enough for the help and support.

hermdog, Our beautiful SoCal weather is indeed best enjoyed with the top down......I also do it every chance I get. But trust me on this, getting a removable hardtop (SOMEDAY) is a good thing New cloth top for $500 (great reason for a road trip to Van Nuys): http://www.ebay.com/itm/PORSCHE-911-...ht_2017wt_1396 LN Engineering sells the IMS Guradian (post #3 in link below). Maybe we can both drive up to Phil in the OC: https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...n-install.html P.S. What kind of SILVER (Polar, Arctic, Seal Grey) is your car?

Kromdom! Why such an affinity for the removable hardtop? So funny, I did not even realize there were 3 different silvers so I have no idea which one it is. It looks like a classic silver to me. Its probably either Polar or Arctic. I guess I can run the vin through the decoder and see if it gives me the color. What does the Guardian 'guard' and if it goes off, then what?

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Best of both worlds, man....3 cars in one (coupe, cab and soft top) Made a mistake, do not think SEAL GREY is a "silver". Pop the hood and copy the numbers/letters in the sticker. Paint code will be there + OPTION codes. DOOR JAMB may also have the paint code. (VIN does not have the paint code). FYI, Arctic is 92U, Polar is 92M. More info here: http://www.renntech.org/forums/index...colors_carrera Read about it here: http://www.flat6innovations.com/imsg-how-it-works

My understanding is that Porsche dealership service records are not cross linked between dealerships. Unless you can find the dealership That services that car you might be sol maintenance records wise.

Kromdom. Its Arctic Silver with a Graphite top and Graphite interior. Just checked it.

The top does not look that bad in the pics. You might try some Ragg Top, or one of the other top cleaner/water proofing/restorers. http://www.superiorcarcare.net/rt116...FQXd4AodLwk1jA There are two cables, one on each side, that pull the top into the door channels. There is a ball and socket at the rear and an eye at the front. Check to see that they are still attached. The cable can pull out of the front eye or pull the rivet out of the frame. The rear socket just snaps over a ball. You can put the top in the "service" position to check them. There are also elastic tensioners along the cables that help pull the top towards the center so it drops into the channels above the doors.

Thanks fpb. I have the car at Carmax. I am trying to get them to replace it. If the do not, I will look at the cables you described. I am assuming that the "service" position is halfway down so the top is loose and accessible? Would I need to get the headliner off to do what you are suggesting?