Known problems with 1999 996

I am in the market for a used 996. Anybody know of any known problems I should be on the look out for? Thanks D2

[quote]Originally posted by webave: <strong>I am in the market for a used 996. Anybody know of any known problems I should be on the look out for? Thanks D2</strong><hr></blockquote> There are several known issues with the early 99 modles. The coolant expansion tank, rear main seal, and airbag lights seem to be the main ones. There are known fixes for all the items and perhaps they have already been performed. There have been some cases when the coolant tank and rear main seal issues have led to engine replacements, not sure how this would be handled on a car out of warranty. My 2/98 build 996 is still running the original main seal and coolant tank with no problems, but that did not stop me from purchasing an extended warranty.

I also have a very early 99 and have had the expansion tank replaced under warranty, the air bag light fix has been done twice and now the light is back on. The main seal was replaced with the clutch and flywheel I broke from tracking the car. Other than those minor things it is a wonderful car all around. Good Luck.

TSB's included RMS/air bag lite/coolant expansion tank/repaint of rear deck lid(possible corrosion area) seems to be the major ones all should have been done under warranty since most if not all happened early on. Regarding engine replacement due to seals-seems like engine was off kilter to point seals wouldn't prevent oil leaks so ended up being replaced so dealership can check for that. Other small things are center console hinge breakage/check engine lite triggers due to gas cap(recall for new gas cap recently) and something about sunroof as well. IMO a great car and loving every second of it. Was a garage queen for 2 years now it's my daily driver-love the ride both street/track. Has 31k miles now and running well and gone to 10 DE's this year. '99 is the simplest of all the 996's- no PSM(only option is traction control), no e-gas(Loren-do some '99s have PSM and/or egas?). I would recommend full leather/litronic lites/traction control(can be turned off completely). Let us know how it goes and if you need to know mods- I can offer some advice. Regards. Mike

Same here: airbag light (given up!) engine seal leakage but not expansion water tank problem Wael C2 996 1999

I believe only C4's had PSM in 1999. If you plan to track the car, look for a coupe with the TC/LSD option and preferrably a sunroof delete. Karl

I had an early build '99 cab (Sept. 98 build) that was a daily driver for 3 yrs and 55k miles and had no serious problems other than the minor warning light issues mentioned by others. I did not have the expansion tank or oil seal problems some have mentioned (although I did have the main oil seal leak after 15k miles on my '02 cab). There was a reall for a corrosion problem on the engine lid which you should make sure was performed. It's a great car and very reliable

I have a july '99 build that I am trying to sell. I'm in Austin of you want to look at it. Email me if your interested at [email removed]

My MY996 has a 08/98 build date and is my daily driver.(only car)Lets see.. Not one but two coolant expansion tanks. Airbag light,center console breakage,sweaky clutch pedal(and its doing it again)two oil leaks not including the rear main seal.And a transmission failure. Fortunately I leased the car-values have plummeted. Unfortunately I'm stuck with this piece of **** for another 23 months. I tell everyone--make sure you get an extended warranty-after my trans failure was covered by the factory I spent 1500 dollars for coverage until my lease is up. If there was a way to get rid of this car without a financial beating I'd do it immediately. Not enough problems for the lemon law but I have absolutely no faith in Porsche quality. This is my third and last Porsche.

hello, if you have not bought your car as of yet read my message about bad engines in 99, 2000, 01 02 03 you would be a fool if you bought a used car without porsche replacing the engine. the new engine is like $20,000 there is a major problem with the engine and i will let you listen to the factory rep tell this to me. good luck

[quote]Originally posted by tbr623: <strong>My MY996 has a 08/98 build date and is my daily driver.(only car)Lets see.. Not one but two coolant expansion tanks. Airbag light,center console breakage,sweaky clutch pedal(and its doing it again)two oil leaks not including the rear main seal.And a transmission failure. Fortunately I leased the car-values have plummeted. Unfortunately I'm stuck with this piece of **** for another 23 months. I tell everyone--make sure you get an extended warranty-after my trans failure was covered by the factory I spent 1500 dollars for coverage until my lease is up. If there was a way to get rid of this car without a financial beating I'd do it immediately. Not enough problems for the lemon law but I have absolutely no faith in Porsche quality. This is my third and last Porsche.</strong><hr></blockquote> hello in nj, so i found someone who has gone through some of the same bs. porsche is way over rated and when you get a bad one look out. the bottom has fallen out from under these cars. if you need to get rid of the car find jimmy hoffa and i hear its a great hiding spot. they say he is in nj sorry about all the problems but read all my messages when you have time and you will laugh. have a great week . gerard