Coil change interval

I am familiar with changing coil packs that develop cracks, but I am wondering if there is a recommended interval based on mileage? Thanks in advance for your answer!

Dean, historically I have had an ignition coil or two go bad every 5 years or so over the past 20 years. Usually it's a misfire code. So I have replaced all of them each time which is 4 times including spark plugs. I have nearly 58k miles on the street and track on my 996.2. Last time I replaced the coils and plugs was 3 years ago. Don't know from a porsche recomendation what they suggest. I don't see it on the Porsche Maintenance Schedule, but I may be completely missing it on the schedule.

Regularly.

I would replace as they fail. It seems to me to be something that works or it doesn�t as is the case with a lot of electrical components. Maybe I�m missing something but what would the advantage of a new one versus a working old one?

It depends on: 1.) What�s the condition of the coils and how old are they 2.) What is the incremental cost of replacing the coils while you�re already in there doing the plugs? 3.) Do you have any codes I replaced plugs and coils on my (99) 20 yr-old car to help chace down misfires, but the new parts did not help anything. The codes were caused by something else entirely (failed solenoid on tensioner) Many 996 owners are proactively replacing water pumps, IMSBs, coils, RMS, AOS, rubber hoses, coolant tanks, etc. I�m different. I�m proactive with fluids and consumables, but unless stuff is broken, I leave it be and inspect everything. If it looks suspect, or will cause a problem down the road (like an oil leak), I get it fixed.

ive got 70k on my 2001 and no issues. I wouldnt worry about it unless you get misfires.

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My man out here replacing his coils every week.

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Doesn't everybody along with their ims?

174k on my '99 C4. Coils were replaced at 105k by previous owner. No misfires, so they seem to last a while. I would replace all at the same time when one fails; otherwise, don't worry about it.

For us old salty dogs who have been 996 owners forever, the key to cost effective maintenence is to (1) know what will eventually need to be replaced, and (2) group parts and procedures together to contain costs, (3) develop a rotation around preventative replacements and procedures. All of which will keep costs under control. As an example, I can guarantee you that if you own the 996 over the next 5 years, and you have old coils, it's inevitable that you will get a misfire code and will need to replace a coil or two. Your call if you want to do them all or just the bad coils. But, while you are in there it may also make sense to replace the spark plugs as well. You also have the option for a few hundred bucks more to get your bores scoped from the spark plugs. If you haven't already, you can also replace the fuel injectors since you are already "in there". If you are smart, you will accumulate the parts on sale over time knowing you will eventually need to replace them. That's what I do. Would I personally drive around on 20 year old coils, spark plugs and fuel injectors? No. But that's me. If I was replacing those parts, would I piggy back open spark plug holes with a bore scope to see how it looks. Yes. But you may feel differently. For those parts, i look at them as 5 year replacements. But i also track my car and i want it to be dependable. Last thing I want is another car to park itself in my back seat because all of a sudden I am down on power coming out of a turn. Yes, its not as critical when driving around town because it's not high speed. Remember, it's everyones call to make. Just providing things to think about as we all execute on a plan that works for each of us.

So if you just google "how many miles should a coil pack last?" the answer is 120,000 miles. I suppose if you were doing a "tune up" with some new spark plugs you could replace your coil packs, however, there are plenty of other clever ways to waste money on parts for this car.

I had one coil pack go bad and replaced all six "while I was in there". I also did plugs and tubes which were all over 21 years old at the time. As someone who spends $60.00 on a Porsche umbrella for a car that will never leave the garage in the rain, $200 for coil packs didn't seem that out of line.

My original 996.1 coils made it about 100k miles on my remanufactured engine (Looks like it was replaced sometime in 2004). It was the first wet day of the year was when I got the misfire. So in my mind you have 3 options: 1) Change them out now if you have no record of them ever being changed for piece of mind. 2) Run what you have until the next time you need to change spark plugs ( I think plugs you change every 30,000 miles...?) or 3) Run til failure. The consequences are simply the inconvenience to have tow home or to the nearest garage to swap em out. I only had my car for about 3 months when one gave up the ghost, so I swapped all 6 out with new 997 style coils. Also I ordered a set of 12 x M6x40mm flange bolts from BelMetric to make the install easier since the 997 style coils are taller than the 996 coils, thus needing longer bolts. Also, use 4x M6 spacers to stand the heat shields off a bit or the heat shield will interfere with the taller coils.

My wife drives her 997 everyday and will not drive any other cars. So, in order to keep it running without hick up, it gets over maintained. I am about to dump $3,000-$4,000 (parts) on the 120K miles engine out job. $400 go to the new coils. For some reason i don't remember, i changed the spark plugs twice but never changed the coils until this time.

I changed all 6 coil packs, plugs and wires at 60K miles. /X3

I am with @Mike Murphy on this one. Unless it is broken, i.e. misfires, don't do a thing. I typically do coils/plugs at same time, and only when I have a misfire code. Other than that, do the majors when they need to be done.