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THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
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YOUR RESEARCHNew here. Shopping for 996.......
Leading reported evidence
Install gearbox, clutch, rms and cardan shaft at 50k
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
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Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
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Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
New dealer installed gearbox, clutch, RMS and cardan shaft at 50K.
Leading evidence: 'Install gearbox, clutch, rms and cardan shaft at 50k' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Install gearbox, clutch, rms and cardan shaft at 50k' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
Source reports, not a diagnosis or a success probability. Counts refer to discussions and can overlap.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
In the last three years during my ownership - new engine mounts, coolant tank, window regulator, door locks, inner/outer tie-rods, all fluids - a lot of common things replaced apart from IMS.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
Sometime in 2002 the headlight design was changed to a sleeker design.
Replace they say the last owner says the ims bearing
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
They say the last owner says the IMS bearing was changed, and there was something done with the clutch.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
In the last three years during my ownership - new engine mounts, coolant tank, window regulator, door locks, inner/outer tie-rods, all fluids - a lot of common things replaced apart from IMS.
Counts describe captured discussions, not unique people or a diagnosis. Author identities are not reliably stored. Exact duplicate evidence is counted once across matching discussions; one discussion counts at most once per action/state. Multiple repairs reported together remain a combination. Suggestions and failed attempts do not establish a fix. Matches cover whole discussions and can include related faults, model variants and incomplete threads.
43 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
0 evidence records excluded for query context · 0 excluded by outcome qualification · 0 adjusted by outcome qualification.
1 acknowledgements have no verified action link; they do not establish a repair result.
Outcome without a verified action link
X74 = roll problem solved X51 + LSD added in just for ****s and giggles as I pull away.
Hello,
I'm David. I live in North Central WA. I'm considering (obsessing) on buying a 911. I am looking at 2000 through 2003 996's. One came up for sale at a rural Ford dealer. It is a C4 millennium edition. 34K miles, a couple previous owners. They want to get rid of it. No one in the town it's in gives it a second look. It's priced at 23K, but it sounds like they can go much lower.
What do you guys know about the millennium edition? From what I can find, it's a regular C4 with a nice interior. Any minuses with that?
One thing I am not liking about it is the color. I like silver cars, or a dark charcoal grey car. The color appears to be a dark grey/black with some sort of chameleon clear coat that gives it a green or purple sheen. I also really hate the chrome wheels, but I can get them powder coated. I'll also have 2 sets because I will need good snow tires.
I have not seen it in person yet. I'll go there this week. The place is 70 miles away, but only 40 further than work.
They say the last owner says the IMS bearing was changed, and there was something done with the clutch. But, they do not have any proof of that.
I am buying a 911/996 because I need a smaller car to drive to work about 50 to 60 percent of the time. I drive 30 miles each way on hwy. 97. No lights, no traffic, winds along the Columbia River. I get to work at 6AM, so I usually have the road to myself. I ride my motorcycle when it's warm enough and it is light out by at least the 1/4 way point. Too many deer to ride there in the dark if I don't have to. I also drive my Jeep Wrangler, but it's lifted and on big tires. I feel like I am wearing out off road suspension and tires for nothing. I'll still drive the Wrangler when the snow is deep, but when it's raining or covered in ice, I intend to drive the Porsche.
Maintenance. First off, let me explain my skill set. I am currently a mechanic for a medevac helicopter base. I take care of a Eurocopter EC135 that flys about 600 hours a year. I have also been a mechanic at a Lamborghini/Alfa Romeo dealer and worked on many of the used cars they had. Every thing from Porsche to Ferrari. I also owned a Ducati dealership for 10 years and am a master Ducati mechanic. I have a large shop, and will have a lift this year. So, any repairs and maintenance will be done by me. But, I don't want to be a slave to it. I'm thinking the 996 cars are pretty good at making it between scheduled maintenance with out needing too much additional care.
I look forward to getting to know this forum. From what I have read while lurking for the last few months, seems like your a decent group of people.
Yes the ME is a C4 with special paint (it's a chromatic purple that can look green, red, and blue depending on the light). Repainting the wheels would be a dumb thing to do. It's a special edition car and the wheels are part of it. Modifying a special car just ruins it.
Sounds to me like an ME is not the car for you (you don't like the color or wheels) so your best bet is to just keep looking as there are plenty available.
I thought it was chromatic black. Purple, no thanks. Yes, I said paint/powder coat the wheels, but as it is a special, I would probably clean them and store them instead. But purple won't work for me. I think I need to hold out for silver, which IMO is the most proper Porsche color.
Yes. And it is beautiful. Just not for me. Currently all my cars are silver, 3 of them. It would be cool to keep it that way. I also have this thing about the old FIA racing colors. If I'm getting a Lotus, is going to be BRG, if I get another Alfa, it'll have to be red, so I am determined to buy a silver Porsche, but I'm not going to pass up a nice dark grey of black one just to be stubborn.
Technically then, you need to be looking for a white car.
If you want a really good 996 priced very well, contact Gator996. It's not silver or white, but it is the BEST color.
Good luck with your search - take your time and get the right car.
Yes, white is one of the FIA colors for German cars, and is a possibility. I looked up Gator996's car that is/was for sale. Very nice. Can't do red though. I'd feel like a target.
It's a color that has to been seen in good light to be understood. I have never seen pictures of it that do it justice.
I'd still say it may be worth the drive to see it even if it's not the one for you. It will give you a base to judge other cars against.
Something else to consider on the ME is that it has the full leather interior. Most here will tell you that makes a world of difference in what you end up thinking about the quality of the car.
Low miles, the engine is going to implode, scare all the deers and animals around you, also your going to need the helicopter to take it to your shop. :0
You're a mechanic of luxury cars, so you know what to look for, don't get scare about some stuff you see over here. Is a beautiful color and the car looks in good shape for a great price, I don't know how much they will hassle regarding the price, usually dealers interchange vehicles or they can always put it on auction.
Their information about the wheels is wrong. They are 18s. I never remember, but I think the fronts are 7.5 wide and the rears are 9. The name is wrong too as they are not C4 specific (actually have a 993 part number). The correct name is Glossy Turbo-look if I remember correctly.
I talked to the head sales guys (may be one of the only sales guys, small dealer) and he said he knew nothing about them except what he found in 5 minutes of internet searching. The car is in Omak, ever been to OmaK? Broke Indian reservation town. I think I could get this car around what he would expect to auction it for. He'd still come out ahead of auction money since he'd save transportation and fees.
The last car we bought was a Jeep Commander from a dealers "off to the auction" line. It had some urban 22" wheels, and is a model thats not made anymore. We offered low book wholesale and drove it home. I resold the wheels for enough to pay for some redneck wheels and tires, and a nice 2" lift. Still have it. Great SUV with a 5.7 Hemi.
Sounds like a great deal on a very special, low mileage 996. Assuming it passes a thorough PPI of course. I think it's worth having a look and a test drive even if it isn't the car for you.
I would hold off on buying a narrow body 996 and purchase a nice 2002-2003 C4S
There is a fellow RL'er named Phil (user name UK2) who lives in Kennewick, Wa.(central Wa.) who has a nice seal grey/black example with 104K miles - He is currently looking for a 997 and will be selling when he locates the car. I was in contact with him only last week.
He will be asking $22-$23K when he sells - Very good deal on a nice well maintained car - The C4S is a superior car with better performance/handling and beautiful looking.
You will be way ahead if you can get this car. PM him and discuss it - may work out for you
I may be in the minority here but I love the millennium edition. If you can confirm the IMS was done that is a great car at a great price. The ME had almost every option. And the color is cool as heck. In the pictures to me looks like it was repainted?
Kennewick is pretty close to me, usually 3 hours. I work at the Medevac base there sometimes (Richland actually, part of the tri-cities) In fact, the 4 wheeled vehicle I bought was in Kennewick last year. 1986 Jeep Comanche, not as exciting as a 911, but serves a specific purpose for my wife and I (little farm truck)
I will contact UK2. I love the seal grey. from what I have heard, there is nothing wrong with a 100K mile 996. Should be good for another 100, right?
So I am not familiar with narrow vs. other type bodies. I know the S looks a bit different, but isn't it just bumpers? I have yet to find a good comparison of the various 996 era cars.
That is your opinion. I agree that the C4S is a great looking 996 but many of us love the C2 and think it is a better performer - same engine, lighter, and RWD make for great performance, especially on track. The C4S originally came with better brakes and suspension, but those can be upgraded.
Violet Chromaflair Metallic is the name of the paint and it is stunning in person. The interior is a perfect compliment save for those hideous wood accents. And what a great price. Buy it and I'll trade you for my silver 2000 C2.
we all have our own taste but until you have driven a C4S, how can you say it is a better performer? i've owned both and can say C4S is a superior performer as well as better aggressive design. These are my opinions but i'd have to say 95% of the 996 community would agree.
My (old) neighborhood! Sounds like good value. Usually, the Tri-Cities are like a ghost town for trying to buy Porsches.
4S is probably the cleanest shape of the entire 996 line, in my opinion. They're gorgeous. Some of the low mileage ones are starting to command ridiculous prices, well into 997 money, but there are still good deals to be had on well-driven ones.
The 1999-2004 narrow body 996 was made in a C2(2 wheel drive) and C4(all wheel drive) - The earlier 1999-2002 996's(996.1) had different headlights which were the same as the boxster. Sometime in 2002 the headlight design was changed to a sleeker design.
The 2002-2004(some 05's)996.2 C4S is basically the turbo body (w/o the rear fender scoops) which is wider by about 3", different tail lights and overly more aggressive stance. The C4S has the bigger turbo brakes too.
Just pop some different 996's on your computer screen and you can visually compare - some guys with the narrow body cars add on fender skirts to widen rockers and change out front bumpers.
Umm, let's see. C2 is a lighter car than a C4s with same engine so can we agree to disagree on "The C4S is a superior car with better performance/handling". Because you know, "physics"
Well, since you asked... to me, performance is a measurable quantity. 0 to 60 in xx seconds, x.x g's on a skid pad, but my favorite (and the one I was referring to) would have to be fastest around a race track
That's how I measure performance.
Looks, on the other hand, are completely subjective. Some prefer the wide body look. I prefer the sleek lines of the C2 and see the wide body as the 996 "on steroids". Just my $.02.
Not sure if any of this helps the OP. If not, sorry for taking your thread off course.
my experience, C2 narrow body has more "roll" in the corners than the C4S. i don't claim to be a physics expert, just a guy who has owned 2 narrow bodies and 3 C4S's
It all helps. For me, other than buying a color I like, a 911 is a 911. They all have pluses and minuses. I like the flat 6 engine, the rear wheel drive rear engine layout, and the sports and racing heritage that comes along with it.
I do think the C4S is a bit cooler, but I'd be happy with a C4, or even a C2.
What I would really like to know is how well a C4 does on ice compared to a C2. How do they do being pushed a little in the rain? Over rough, narrow 2 lane country roads?
X74 = roll problem solved X51 + LSD added in just for ****s and giggles as I pull away.
Come on, a C4s is arguably "prettier" because of the wide body and that's an opinion I actually agree with. However, a C4s better performing that a C2? I don't think so
Better performance that a 40Th AE C2? I KNOW for sure it's not.
You might as well hold out and get a car you absolutely love without any reservations. Your choice of a C4 seems wise based on your location and desire to drive it a lot in all weather. The S version will be a little sexier by most common choices...but just go with your gut. A good book on the 996 (all models) is "996 The Essential Companion"...you can find them used on Amazon. 600 plus pages of every aspect of every variation in the 996 history. I went for an early 2000 model year with the 1st generation dual row IMS bearing and the 3.4 engine and I'm very happy with the choice. The early dual row bearing has a less than 1% failure rate according to Porsche in the class action settlement. It is the second generation bearing that has the 4 to 8 percent failure rate. Bottom line, whatever model year you buy, you can always do a bearing fix before something happens and give yourself tens of thousands of trouble free miles.
Doggy, you say that you think they will go "much lower" in price. Offer 18K and walk away with the deal of the day if they take it. I think a C4 is a great choice for anyone who lives where it rains or snows. We have neither here, so I prefer a C2.
and as a long time aircooled owner, 911's, 964, 2 993's, i can say that the 996 whether NB or C4S drive really well and are great touring cars - drivability of the 996 is awesome.
and i've been told by friends who have 997's that the 996 has a better road feel
That's what I am hoping for. I used to drive Alfas. Had a Berlina, a GTV 6, and an Alfetta GT. Great touring cars too. One of my best memories in the Berlina was chasing a 911 through the Eastern Oregon backcountry. I ended up talking to the driver and he was on a day trip with an empty car. I was on a two week journey with my wife, 3 big dogs, and camping gear. He was amazed I kept up. I was amazed I had to drive so hard to keep him in sight. I wanted a 911 ever since, but still have a fondness for old Alfas.
I can't enjoy an old car much right now. Between bikes and airplanes there isn't the time or money. But a 996 fits the daily driver bill, and is a soul inspiring sports car. I fully intend to take trips in it. I often cover other helicopter bases all over the NW. Usually in pretty cool towns like Missuola MT. I think I can get my travel tool kits squeezed into the trunk and rear seat. I'm hoping 75 pounds in there wont kill the handling too much. I'll keep my lifted Jeep Wrangler 4 door, but I 'll be happy to not have to force it along on 5 hour drives.
I love old Alfa's too - They are similar to the early 356 "C" cars as far as road feel.
Try and check out that C4S in Kennewick - I think you guys could work something out and you'll be real happy.
I sent him a PM a couple days ago, no reply yet. Maybe he doesn't look at Rennlist often? I was ready to buy, now that's been put off until the middle of April. Not too long, most Porsche seller are not in that much of a hurry anyways.
I found some pictures of his C4S on the forum, it is EXACTLY what I want. 100K miles doesn't bother me either. But by some of his posts, it appears he has not taken care of the IMS bearing. That does bother me, but if it hasn't broken, it in 100K miles, it is unlikely to break before I can get to it.
he mentioned selling for $21-$22K - i'm sure he'll understand the IMS concern - for that price, throw in a clutch and have $25K invested with fresh bearing/clutch - he also has 2 sets of wheels - i have his PH# in my text messages and can search it if you don't hear from him.
and like i said, he is searching for his 997 and not in hurry to sell until he has the 997
Hi Dogote,
I sent you a reply the other day, but it looks like you'd sent me a Visitor Message and not a PM. I didn't know there was such thing!! Anyways, as Grovzilla states my car is very nice example and has a good comprehensive service history. 3 owners and 104K miles. New dealer installed gearbox, clutch, RMS and cardan shaft at 50K. In the last three years during my ownership - new engine mounts, coolant tank, window regulator, door locks, inner/outer tie-rods, all fluids - a lot of common things replaced apart from IMS. The car runs real strong, it's on new tires, and is very clean! Seal Grey, black full leather with sports seats, Sport Techno's, design package, etc. Shoot me a PM and we can discuss details.
Here's some pics...
I just replied. Didn't know there was a difference between visitor message and PM. Never heard of that, and this isn't my first forum.
I LOVE your car. We'll see, it might be my next car. Perfect model, perfect color, perfect options.
Thanks for the compliments guys. I'll email you Dogote and we'll take it from there.
Yes VivG, that's the new Southridge hospital and you're right...it is quite snazzy. There's a lot of new developments in Kennewick.
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