New 996 Owner

Does anyone have any advice for a new owner? Just picked up a 99 Cab with about 28k from a dealer. Artic Silver/Black....For some reason I am nervous!

Did you get it with extended warranty?

Congrats and enjoy!!!

1st advice: post pics 2nd advice: get as far from here as possible (unless you want to drop a bundle on mods) 3rd advice: drive the hell out of the car and enjoy every minute. Have fun!

Welcome to RENNLIST. Like people have said.... "Enjoy your ride!" Oh, and send pics!

JW - Congrats on your purchase. I'm still lingering the 996 forum after getting rid of my '99, but overall I still love the car. The 996 was my second and first water cooled 911. My first seemed to be overall a much better car. This is a great forum but as some will tell you the mod ADDICTION is easy to get and hard to stop. The only thing that stopped me (right before ordering for a RUF RGT Aero Kit) was seeing oil in my expansion tank. Watch out! This was a big problem with the early 996's and Boxters. In addition, get prepared for RMS problems. I had mine for 4 months and lucky for me I noticed the oil in the expansion tank right away. Had I not done that I would have been stuck with an engine replacement -- $13k to 15k right out of the crate without installation. I didn't purchase the extended warranty and in retrospect I should have, however (sorry to bash Porsche), Porsche knew/knows about the problem and they wouldn't stand behind it. To me, that says a lot about the company, although I know many will disagree with me. There are many on this forum who have experienced this problem and have had to replace the engine. Perhaps you have the extended warranty or maybe you can even afford to replace the motor if it happens. Quite frankly, when I took it to the Porsche dealer at the request of the dealer who sold it to me, it made me SICK. So, the dealer bought it back and offered me another 996. I saw that he had several BMW M3's and after driving several I was SOLD. I will no doubt buy another one, altough I'm going to wait to see how the 997's are and in another couple of years probably get one. Have it checked and check it regularly for oil in the expansion tank. Good luck. Can't wait to race a NA 996. Good luck!

By the way, to tell you of the difference between companies -- Porsche wouldn't stand behind theirs, my '02 BMW M3 had it's main bearings replaced due to a defect that could lead to engine failure (much like Porsche's problem with the #2 / #3 cylinder issue which also leads to engine failure) and they replaced them free of charge, and extended the warranty to 10 years/100,000 miles -- no extended warranty needed. Now that's what Porsche should have done.

Congratulations and enjoy! Don't be nervous about the car -- but I'd be nervous if you don't post some pics soon -- there's alot of us junkies out here who need a fix man! Scott

I believe that the extended warranty that BMW gave was six years, 100K miles. At least that's what I got on my '02 M3. Nevertheless it was a good offer by BMW.

I love my "new" 99 just enjoy and drive. However I did purchase the 3 yr waranty. Best of luck and you have come to the right place... Rick

Fast1 - correct, that's 10 years total.

good points. i wish porsche would step up to the plate with the defects. they really need to fix the RMS issue but i they have fixed the porosity/oil intermix problem. i am one of the early '99 owners than have had no RMS issues and porosity problems or oil/water intermix. i wish porsche would post the number of cars that had these problems and compare it to the number of cars sold cuz, you know, the forums attract people who want to b!tch about their problems. rarely is the case that someone actually posts that they have had no problems. i guess the flipside to all of this is that there are so many 996s out there that they are CHEAP! even the replacement engines are cheap. refurbished engines are around 6500. ya it's not pocket change but it's not the 15K that was stated. regarding racing a 996 with a m3 cab i would say good luck keeping up . my first time out on the track i was in front of an m3 cab. he was catching up to me through the corner [ i scrubbed too much speed cuz i was a pansy ] but at the exit of the turn and through the straights i kept pulling away. every turn, every straight, every lap. later the m3 driver told me it was his 4th time out on the track vs. my first time. was it was because of the better driver or was it a better car. i'm thinking it was a better car . now with a lighter coupe then it may have been more even of a race. YMMV FWIW

welcome! i advise you to post pics of you new car!!! other than that, i hope it was a certified pre-owned porsche and get an extended warranty if you are not going to track it or mod it... well.. mod it if it is easily reversible . are you nervous because you got in over your head? higher cost of dealer maintenance/repair? nervous to drive it because it is a work of art on wheels? DON'T WORRY, JUST DRIVE IT! cheers!

Karlooz, I have zero problems with you or what you said. For what it's worth I was modeling my car (mods) after yours. Quite frankly, if I didn't have a daughter in a very expensive private liberal arts college with another on the way as soon as she's done I probably would've kept it and purchased a new motor, but a used motor, well, why waste more money. No, what totally PIS*ED me off was the FACT this is a known problem to Porsche with the dealers here even knowing about it. Seems as it was a design/machining problem. I suppose you and others not affected by it are just fortunate. I did check on the cost of a NEW motor and it runs $13-$15k, then of course there's installation, and why do that and not replace the clutch and other incidentals. Now we're talking well over $15k. To me it just wasn't worth it although I can't tell you how much it PAINED me to return it. The dealer offered me a deal on another 996 '01 and then even tried talking me into a Boxster and Boxster S -- yeah right -- less power, same BS. Anyway, I know I sound bitter but then I was very disappointed in a manufacturer not standing behind a product. Enough of that! With respect to the performance of my '02 M3 Cab, I know it weighs slightly more than a Coupe -- I drove one too, but having owned a 996 and driving even the Cab, I can tell you that it's got more power than the '99 996 and the like. It puts out 333 HP to what, 298-300 of the 996. AS far as handling goes, I have no problem with that either since it has all the traction control you could want especially without the rear-end coming around at you. I don't know what year M3 you were racing but I can tell you that even my Cab weighing more is rocket. I'm very anxious to run it against a NA 996 -- street or track. Anyway, thanks as always for your responses and lastly, I know I've made some comparisons that will with no doubt be challenged, but I would say this -- drive one then tell me. Thanks. Gerardo

She is a certified pre-owned, so I got a two year or 24 thousand mile warranty from the dealer. I would like to learn more about this RMS issue. I suppose I should find out about the expansion tank as well. I am nervous because I am in love with the car, which is a sensation I have not experienced in years! Pics will be posted this week....I think the kids misplaced my digital camera.

M3 cab is definitely NO MATCH for a 996 on the track....I was at mid ohio with the BMW club this wknd., there was an M3 coupe, the driver had less experience, and following his M3 through the back twisties at speeds at which I could do "U" turns was a little frustrating...the only car in the group that was even pace with me (none were faster) was an M Z3 coupe with a supercharger (dynoed at 320 hp. to the rear wheels), with complete suspension work, porsche front brakes and a light wheel packge, with the driver more than twice the track experience than me...mine was a stock (only a harness and gt3 seats) C4S. It was an excellent event, friendly participants...overall I highly recommend the BMW club for DE's. AS FOR THE INITIAL POST...JWCOVE Congratulations....you are going to fall more in love as you get to know the car better...it still brings a big smile each time I see it, drive it and especially when I track it. Take it to the tracks...the car will love you for it...how ever, a word of caution, it can become very expensive, and the road of tracking is a very slippery slope..

hey gerardo, not knocking the m3 cab, really. not knocking the m3 in general. just like with the 996 you have to be careful with the m3 when purchasing used. be sure to get all the recall items done. not sure if you've seen these links but it's worth checking m3 engine failure archive , another LINK in fact, i wish my wife would trade in her 328i for an m3 but she insists on 4 doors, UGGh. if i were to get one (and i really want one) it'll be a coupe, lighter and safer on the track. yes, i do need to drive an m3 but all i can tell you is that i owned that m3 cab with less driving ability. yes there are a lot of variables, driving ability, exit speeds, tires, suspension, etc... but it is what it is (sorry for the chest beating). the owner of that m3 cab said he was at WOT on the straights and so was i. remember though, my 996 is modded and just dynoed at 277rwhp~332.4bhp. BTW, a refurbished 996 (used but not "USED") motor from porsche carries a 2yr warranty. i wouldn't call it a waste. kudos to your dealer for taking good care of you! good luck to everyone, sorry for the thread jack.

search is your friend. there are many threads regarding the RMS, rear main seal oil leak. oil in the coolant expansion tank is due to casting problems of the cylinder block. i think porsche fixed this problem. man, if you are gonna be so ***** nilly about this car just sell it and get something else. j/k

WHERE ARE THE PICS ALREADY? We're on 2nd page of posts and NO FRIGGIN PICS LMAO give it to me baby!!!

[QUOTE=JWCOVE]Does anyone have any advice for a new owner? Just picked up a 99 Cab with about 28k from a dealer. Artic Silver/Black.... For some reason I am nervous![/ QUOTE] Boy, what a nice, soft & fuzzy, warm welcome you guys gave to JWCOVE. He originally stated that he was "nervous" about owning a P-car. So what do ya'll do?... you tell him to get ready to pay $6,500 - $15,000 for a new engine! Why sugar coat it? Just tell him to bend over and grab his ankles!! JW - Congrats on your new purchase and welcome to the Porsche Phunny Pharm! And if a 50-ton boulder falls on your car, you can expect to see a few paint chips! Now THAT"S how you sugar coat it!

I had a 2003 E46 M3 Convertible, ran it for approx 18,000 miles. It was fitted with the SMG II gearbox that is "supposed" to improve gearchange response times. Anyway, the car was a wonderful car, lots of performance, a fantastic metallic roar on hard acceleration and bags of revs way up to 7800. All good, but as the new owner of a 996 C4 Convertible I can tell you now, if I had to put money down on who would be quickest round a lap of the track...it would be on the 996 every time and by quite a margin. I have done many track days and normally run my 964 as its just so natural ( no technoloigy between you and the car). The important distinction is the M3 has just as many Horses, actually slightly more, what it lacks is the same balance and chassis to deliver the power as effectively as the 996, i find the biggest single variation is that the 996 can carry much more speed through a corner whereas with the M3 it would be stepping out much earlier. Hey, both are great cars, but the beauty of a 996 is not just on how many HPs it has, but on how it can handle and deliver the power. I must confess I am very new to the 996, but already I am hooked.

Congratulations on your 996. We can disagree on the performance issues, although I suspect your C4S is a lot heavier than the coupe (much like the M3). I've had my M3 Cab now for a few months after the disaster with my '99 996. Quite frankly I was very very bitter and it blew me away that not too long before my experience I hammered someone that had the same problem I ended up having, bad for him was that he had to replace his engine; good for me the dealer bought mine back. After being able to sort both cars out now I would agree that the 996 Coupe would outperform an M3 Coupe although it would be close and depend very heavily on the driver. I can't see that a C4S Vert with it's added weight would do the same to a similar M3 which all you basically have to do is correct the over steer issue. I plan on keeping my M3 until next year at which time I will purchase another 996, but not an early model and for sure Porsche Certified and well-sorted! Too many problems much like the early 986. Karlooz, in case you read this: YOUR CAR IS LOOKING AWESOME MANG, way too cool! Gerardo

what company did you buy the extended warranty from..I have been reading all leads and think that buying an extended warranty is the best way to get ride of my nervousness.....recently purchased a '99 996 cab....was love at first site and didn't get it checked....have the 1000 mile warranty (which is 50 miles from being gone)...and the engine failures and rms/coolant leaking expansions tanks are starting to freak me out...my wife will kill me when I spend 15K on an engine...

I didn't have an extended warranty and should have, although with 24,000 miles I honestly didn't think I needed one -- WRONG. My expansion tank had oil in it and I had it flushed twice. The first issue the owner addressed prior to my purchase was replacing the oil pump and I was told it was residue within the engine. WRONG. It was #3 cylinder leaking. Regarding the $15,000 for the engine, yeah, out of the crate, don't forget the labor if you have it done, plus replacing other items. I hate to tell you this but th'99 had many issues. Have your car checked out and get a warranty. Don't take my word for it, research the posts. For my car, the issue resulted in a more realistic quote was closer to $25k than $15K. Regretfully I got rid of it and ended up getting an '02 M3 Cab with just 12,000 miles -- 333HP! After getting it I learned it too had issues with engine bearings causing failure (dang), BUT, I was very very pleased to learn that BMW stood behind their product, replaced the bearings and everything to go along with it, extend the warranty for an additional 6 years and a total 100,000 miles. Good luck and get an extended warranty.

By the way, I should have mentioned that Porsche knew/knows of the machining issue with the early 996 engines, unofficially of course from Porsche, yet they would not stand behind the product. They do stand behind it if it's under warranty, or unless it's certified prior to purchase from a Porsche dealer. More than anything else, what really bothered me is knowing you have a problem and not standing behind it. I'm over being bitter (really) and in the next few years will be buying another, but this time a 997, used and certified. I'm sure I'll get ripped for my response. Best of luck! Gerard

whoa thread brought back for the dead! BTW ~6500 is the going rate for a remanufactured engine. tack on labour too. if you are being charged 15K you are getting reamed. you can get the extended warranty but don't expect them to pay out. i got one for my previous boxster and it had the RMS. it was denied because is was an "existing" condition. whatever, just stay away from manheim extended warranties. aw hell you are so nervous about it just trade it in for a honda.

77K miles and just replace d the coolant tank. no RMS and engine is going strong

I wondered if Carlos would catch on to this and thought "yup". No disappointments - car is looking cool man! Just to let you know I didn't bring this up. I seemed to have elected the "instant notification" to responses and get them, not that I mind. LOL. Now on to business: Prior to parting with my '99 996 I checked into all options including the (ahem) "remanufactured engine". All I can say is that the price I stated is from Porsche WITH a warranty -- "out of the crate". I learned a very valuable lesson my last Porsche experience -- don't buy without certification/warranty and you get what you pay for. The machining defect can be had in so-called remanufactured engines and I wasn't going there. In addition, unless you know who rebuilt it and what they put into it, you may just be throwing your money away -- not my bag, don't need the hassle. To the post (nicolas?), just read the threads about remanufactured engines. On the other hand, Carlos makes a good point, just drive the thing or get a Honda, but then that's what I did (drove it) when I read someone belly aching about the same thing I ultimately experienced and low and behold, it happened to me. Sorry fella and hope it doesn't make you worry. Look at Carlos, 77k and no issues, perhaps you'll do the same -- we're not all thay lucky. Good luck though.

Sorry guys, the M3 engine warranty extention is NOT plus 6 years to equal 10, it's 6 years/100K miles from the in service date of the car on just the engine, the base 4/50 warranty still applies to the rest of the car. I didn't have any problems with my early build 01 M3 coupe but stock to stock the 996 will kill it at the track, actually a stock Boxster S (old style) will kill a stock E46 M3...it has nothing to do with power (the M3 has plenty) it's the weak brakes on the M3 and the suspension Once you spend $3K on the big brake kit and another $3K on the Ground Control suspension and spend a few days at the track tuning the settings, add some r-compound tires...then, just maybe, you can kill a stock 996 (with street tires) at the track.

Lincoln, I have an '02 M3 and I effectively have a 10 -YEAR warranty on my engine. Just to be certain, before this post I checked my facts and I am informed it's an ADDITIONAL 6 years up to 100K. Now, if my car is a 2002 and I normally have a 4-year warranty, what would you call that? DUH. The point WAS that Porsche didn't provide the same. Hey, I'm over that okay. It also seems you also have quite an imagination or grossly exagerate about the 996 "will kill it at the track", on top of comparing an old-style Boxster S doing the same. One can say that the Boxster S is a very good handling car, however, it's under-powered and has to compensate with its handling. Another comparison you can make is that a Lotus which has even less power will outperform all of the above at the track. Does that make them equal? I DON'T THINK SO! While I haven't raced one at the track, I have gone head to head with an "S" on a nice stretch of highway, then pulled off, and race from a slow roll -- no even close fella. I don't know whether it was new or old, but I do know it only saw my rear. I have also owned several 911s and do appreciate the car (and will own another one in the next year or two), but I'd run my M3 against a '99 or similar 996 (stock) with no problem. But I guess this doesn't mean anything because I'm here and you're there and this is just for naught. It was interesting however, to see this past weekend Speed Challenge whereby cars are relatively stock and gee who was up front, uh, it wasn't Porsche, it was PTG in several M3s. How's that for handling at the track? Lincoln, just because

Talk about major thread-jacking! ha! I think we all agree that the 996, M3 and boxster S are all great cars within their own right. I think it is fair to say no car will "kill" eachother at the track. Much has to do with the driver's skill. That being the major factor.

Sorry gonz, you have a 6 year warranty not 10. I too owned an E46 M3 and I too have the letter from BMW explaining the warranty extention (which I recieved AFTER I sold the car). The letter has language in it that explains the warranty has been extended to 6/100 on the engine NOT extended BY 6 years. Speaking from experience ONLY at my track (MSR) the 996 and Boxster kicks butt all over the M3 and this is coming from a huge BMW fan and 20 year owner (I'm new to Porsche). A stock '01 Boxster S with street tires runs around MSR more then 1 second faster then a heavily modded and well setup E46 M3 coupe (same driver). Plus the Boxster and 996 can run all day at this track and experience NO brake fade, the M3 can't even go 20 minutes at this track with stock parts and not boil the fluid.

WHOA Lincoln, You clearly have your information confused. Practically everything you've stated is totally off. You can say what you want about your letter from BMW, it's 6 years ADDED or 100,000 miles. Done. Disagree if you like, whatever, that's what it is. I realize I am no longer a Porsche owner (but will be again), nonetheless, I love the marquee, even though I have issues with warranties. Now, you should know what it is that you're talking about before you put things in print -- it leaves a lasting impression. Just about any DORK can get into a car at a track and make a car faster/slower than another -- like Evo 333 said (I like those numbers by the way -- those not in the know see below), it's the driver that can make the difference when cars are/are not closely matched, as these are. As such, your information, assuming it's accurate, is not an objective reflection on the performance of the car. True, the Boxster, S or not, handles extremely well, much like the 914-6 did/does. You do know what that model is, right? However, here's what's important, and regrets if I offend anyone: FACTS: Boxster, 2.7 ltr., 228 HP, 0-60 = 6.6 sec. Boxster S, 3.2 ltr.,250 HP, 0-60 = 5-9 sec. 996 (99-02), 3.4 ltr., 296 HP, 0-60 = 5.6 sec. Oh, oh, Yikes! M3 E46, 3.2 ltr., 333 HP, 0-60 = 4.8 sec. The all-important under 5.0 M3 Vert (mine), 3.2 ltr., 333 HP (of course), 0-60 = 5.4 sec. WHOA. I know she's FAT due to the drop-top. I didn't want to do it, but "Sorry" Lincoln, that's performance. As far as brake fading, ah, sorry there too, the stock brakes on the 996 (at least the '99) fade just as quickly. How many owners end up upgrading if they track? Just about all! That too doesn't hold water fella. Where you get your information from I don't know, but WRONG, it's not a matter of fact. The above is. All this being said, I love the Porsche marquee, have owned several 911s and I don't want to bash. Now, I know I'll get some hate, but the cars are fairly evenly matched and overall the driver can make the difference. The M3 INDEED holds its own on the track and OFTEN against 996s. Just 'cause you saw a few that didn't doesn't reflect on the brand. It would appear you're not as familiar as you think with M3s, or so it seems. Ciao.

Sorry, but I can't resist -- your quotes: "A stock '01 Boxster S with street tires runs around MSR more then 1 second faster then a heavily modded and well setup E46 M3 coupe (same driver)." INSANE. What does this mean!?! The 1/4 mile, 1/2 mile, 100 miles, cross-country? This is totally non-sequitur. What does 'heavily modded" mean? NUTS! Do you know what you can do with a "heavily modded M3"? Did you really own one and do you know these cars? Baseless. Over-the-top Non-Sense: "Plus the Boxster and 996 can run all day at this track and experience NO brake fade, the M3 can't even go 20 minutes at this track with stock parts and not boil the fluid." LAUGHABLE. You must be a Jokester? Come on, fess up.

Gonz, you are the one creating a credibility problem for yourself here. Re-read your letter from BMW and if you still don't get it, give it to your attorney and let him translate for you. I also think I mentioned "same driver" at least once in my comparisons of the cars at the track I frequent. You also can't come here and quote the horsepower and 0-60 times for cars when we are trying to compare their performance on a track that is not straight. Again, as I stated before, my expereinces are at the one track I frequent, it's a tight technical 1.7 road course and HP is only one minor factor in performance on this track. All I'm saying is that you MUST mod the M3 to make it decent track car, the P-car is decent out of box (their is always room for improvement and mods). I loved my E46 M3, but face it, the coupe is pig and the cab is an elephant and this really shows on the track.

Consulting an attorney for me is not necessary, ahem. Your statement, lets break it down: "Speaking from experience ONLY at my track (MSR) the 996 and Boxster kicks butt all over the M3". What does "kicks butt" mean? It clearly suggests superior performance and that's subjective, the facts don't support what you generalize, otherwise why are you making the statement? A "huge BMW fan and 20 year owner (I'm new to Porsche)", what does "fan" mean? Spectator or participant? Have you raced/tracked it? "A stock '01 Boxster S with street tires runs around MSR more then 1 second faster then a heavily modded and well setup E46 M3 coupe (same driver)." That's totally fiction or in your head. Sorry to be harsh, but I don't know how you can make these claims. Where do you get your data or did you time it? The facts don't support this? Was this something that you timed and it happened to be someone was 1 second slower? And, if so, why frame it as such as to suggest all are the same (rhetorical question only). New Quote: "All I'm saying is that you MUST mod the M3 to make it decent track car, the P-car is decent out of box (their is always room for improvement and mods).". If you understood the M3 you would know that basically all you have to do to CORRECT THE UNDERSTEER is go up a size in front tires. That's your basic mod! The car out of the box is an excellent track car, much like a stock 996. New Quote: "...but face it, the coupe is pig and the cab is an elephant and this really shows on the track.". Uh, the M3 vert is just as much a track car as the 996 vert is. The advantage of the 996 over the M3 in weight is that the latter has usable rear seats which the 996 does not. The coupe is a "pig"? Dude, you really don't know what you're talking about! The cab as an "elephant", well, she's heavier no doubt, but that "elephant" will hold its own and doesn't have "issues", this notwithstanding, it's a great car, performs like a rocket, and other than a Porsche Turbo Cab, Ferrari, or another exotic cab, I can't think of one better, including the NA P-Car Cab which I would argue wouldn't keep up with my M3 Cab. I was wondering if you were going to respond to the factual performance numbers I provided? HP, 0 to 60? What's up with the silence on that? Come on, fess up now. Plus the Boxster and 996 can run all day at this track and experience NO brake fade, the M3 can't even go 20 minutes at this track with stock parts and not boil the fluid.

Sorry, forgot one: "Plus the Boxster and 996 can run all day at this track and experience NO brake fade, the M3 can't even go 20 minutes at this track with stock parts and not boil the fluid." Do you really believe that? Laughable.

Lincoln: "Gonz, you are the one creating a credibility problem for yourself here." No, I don't think so -- you cannot be serious and you're either obviously yanking my chain or are out of touch with reality. For some reason I just think you don't know what you're talking about or must have M3 envy (LOL). Maybe you got spanked by an M3 and are now just kicking yourself for getting rid or it? Having previously posted when I HAD my 996, I'll say it for those thinking it (beat to the punch), get over it, move on, who cares, prove it on the track, mine is better than yours, blah, blah, blah. But, you're still totally CONFUSED and WRONG. LOL WHOOOOAAAAA.

Gonz911 Where did you get those 0-60 times? It seems that all the times for the Porsches listed are slower than the factory times which, universally are considered conservative to what the cars can actually do.

I found this text on one of the BMW sites I frequent (I have owned 3 and currently still own one). Friend had a 01 M3 and if I remember correctly this was basically the letter he received (with specific information filled in obviously) and the insert language.... "December 2002 Re: BMW VIN # Dear Valued M Enthusiast, We hope that you are continuing to enjoy your M car and that your BMW ownership experience is everything you hoped it would be. At BMW of North America we are committed to maintaining a level of automotive and service excellence that exceeds your expectations now and in the future. We are grateful to you for your passion and enthusiasm for M cars. BMW has always maintained an open dialogue with our valued customers and BMW centers. As you may be aware, we have seen cases of damage to the connecting rod bearings resulting in engine failure. We are listening to your comments and concerns and have been meticulously researching this issue. We promise to keep you informed of any issues that affect your vehicle's engine. To further strengthen your confidence in your BMW and assure you of our commitment, we will extend the warranty on the above referenced vehicle identification number for all internal mechanical engine components that are lubricated by engine oil to 6 years or 100,000 miles whichever comes first. Enclosed is a copy of the extended warranty statement for your records. Please insert this page into your Service and Warranty booklet, as it is transferable to any subsequent owner. We continue to recommend that you only use BM W approved SAE10W-60 synthetic oil in your engine. Please be aware that your engine needs to be at operating temperature before you take advantage of its full power at high engine speeds. Please do not overrev the engine under any circumstances. Be careful not to pump the accelerator pedal when there is no engine load, e.g. when the vehicle is not in motion. The best, most efficient and safest way to warm up an engine is to drive with moderate engine speeds until you reach the operating temperature. We assure you that we stand behind our product and will always continue to listen to our customers. If you have any additional questions please contact your authorized BMW center or call Customer Relations at [phone removed]. We wish you many more safe and thrilling miles in your M car. Sincerely, Hans G. Duenzl Vice President, Aftersales & Engineering New Vehicle Limited Warranty Enhancement - S54 Engine Vehicle Identification Number: (Valid only in the Continental USA and Puerto Rico) BMW of North America, LLC warrants on the above referenced VIN all internal mechanical engine components lubricated by engine oil against defects from material or workmanship for a period of 6 years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first. The New Vehicle Limited Warranty is described in your Service Warranty booklet supplied with your new BMW. The warranty begins on the date of the first retail sale or the date the vehicle is first placed in service as a demonstrator or company vehicle, whichever is earlier. Please insert this into your Service and Warranty booklet." This is not an additional 6yrs/100,000 miles on top of the normal factory warranty.....but merely and extension of the factory warranty to 6 yrs./100,000 miles on the engine only.

Information found on Consumer Guide and Publications International, Ltd. It would be interesting to see if you have other figures, but those provided are consistent with what I've seen published previously. I know it doesn't look impressive for P-Cars, but they still do it on the track. I was responding (unsolicited) to Lincoln who in my opinion was totally off base and not credible with statements made. IMO of course. I appreciate the information you provided on the warranty and not sure of why the letter states one thing (2002) and having something different from my dealer in the Twin Cities, MN. No problem either way. The problem was corrected and it was refreshing to get an extension and up to 100k, not that I think I'll need it.

BMW E-46 curb weight 3415 lbs. My 996 is 29XX Just thought I would ad some fuel to this high-jacked thread...... BTW: Welcome my friend to the board! Hope we'll see some pic real soon. -Eli

BTW: My other car is an M3 so I'm not just a Porsche driver, I've been driving BMW longer than I've been driving P-cars...... Feel free to bring your thoughts with you to www.bimmerforums.com I'm sure you'll have many friends that will side with you..... I get picked on every now and then...... It's all good!

JWCOVE: take it from a 996 owner of one week's standing - drive your car on roads you know, and enjoy it. Take it further afield and enjoy it. Feel that smooth power delivery and enjoy it. Oh, and post pix! CONGRATS

Ppffffttttt, okay, curb weight, impacts the 0 to 60 quite a bit (posted above). Eli, you're cool and always enojyed your posts and more importantly your help. I really don't have an axe to grind. Just waiting 'til '07 and my M3 will be paid in full, then it'll be hammer time with a 997, of course unless the E90 M3 totally knocks my socks off with it reported V8 at over 400 HP. We'll see, for now I'm digging the car and greatful I don't have oil in the expansion tank or RMS. Sorry guys, couldn't resist. I was wondering if Lincoln had some more crazy comments. Disappointed. LOL.

Eli, BTW, M3Forum Rocks!

No axe to grind here either, I just figured I would pull you from the riot before it got out of hand. I really like both cars and think they both have their own advantages. Personally I think the M3 is the best daily driver I've ever owned. The performance and styling is hard to beat. Unfortunately I have other views when it comes to the 996 that make is so damm hard to keep in the garage. See you on Bimmer forums although I don't frequent them as often as I used to. But hey I'm still a sponsor there..... Take care and enjoy! I paid off on the cars right now but the home front needs some attention so room additions and remodeling comes first..... This 996 will have to last me for the next 3 years or so.... -Eli

bought extended warranty 36K miles or 3 years, inspector came and now I feel a lot better. Put about 1800 miles on the car and it drives great.....smell burned rubber from rear left wheel case, but nobody can find a problem and I now think it is just the hot tire smell.....sometimes I think I smell coolant, but I drive a cab and sounds and smells from other car can be quite upsetting...because I always think the worst. All in all I am like a kid in a candy store and try to find excuses just to take the car out for a ride. And comparing it to an M3 is comparing apples and oranges....and I am a former BMW owner and love them...but a P is a P......

I think that data is incorrect. 02 model have different engine size and 0~60 time.

Nik -- The smell you're sensing has been found by many. Check your expansion tank -- oil? I don't know if it's an issue but I started smelling that with mine and it was driving me nuts. I finally started to hear some sizzling only to find oil coming from time to time coming out of the top of the expansion tank and it was landing on the exhaust. Glad you're enjoying your P-car, but your comparison is off. It's understandable that your proud of your car but the E46 M3 and your model of 996 are very close. Too many problems with your model. I'll be getting a 997 next year. Hope your PROBLEMS don't persist.

Nik, Lest we not forget the performance figures. Just exactly what are you referring to with your fruit (apples and oranges)? I can really appreciate touting the marquee and trying to justify your move from a Bimmer to a P-Car, but the facts don't support what you're saying. Perhaps you just have your doubts -- lol. Hey, look at what happened at the last Grand Am race, P-car was down to PTG BMW M3 (fairly close to stock racing) as with many other races. Another race today at VIR on Speed. FACTS once again, not you're "apples to oranges": Boxster, 2.7 ltr., 228 HP, 0-60 = 6.6 sec. Boxster S, 3.2 ltr.,250 HP, 0-60 = 5-9 sec. 996 (99-02), 3.4 ltr., 296 HP, 0-60 = 5.6 sec. Oh, oh, Yikes! M3 E46, 3.2 ltr., 333 HP, 0-60 = 4.8 sec. The all-important under 5.0 M3 Vert (mine), 3.2 ltr., 333 HP (of course), 0-60 = 5.4 sec. WHOA. I know she's FAT due to the drop-top. One other thing, how much added weight does the 996 cab provide to the stats above? "apples and oranges" I don't think so. I'm truly wondering exactly where do you find the difference in performance? Understeer on the M3 versus oversteer of the 911? You can correct with an increase in wheel size from 8" to 8.5". I don't mean to strike a fight or anything, but having owned both myself I just don't see it, even more so in cabs. Looking forward to you backing your statement up with facts. Mike, go find the numbers, I don't think you'll see a big difference. I know you'd like them to be unless you've got the "50" motor. Also, my wife is asking that I wait 'til the E90 M3 comes out with it's V8 since I've spoken about it so much (she's worried about my going back and forth and spending LOL) but I drove a 997 and liked it especially with it's fat hips, but I may sway the other way once the new M3 is previewed. In the final analysis they're both great cars.

FYI....you data about the 996 model line is incorrect. Here is the data: 99 996 is 296hp 3.4L 00-01 is 300hp 3.4L 02+ is 320hp 3.6L

LV Dell - I stand corrected: 2000 3.4 ltr. increased 4 HP to 300 and 0 to 60 improvement 5.1 seconds 2002 3.6 ltr. increased 20 HP and 0 to 60 improvement to 5.0 seconds BMW M3 steadied from start to present: 333 HP and 0 to 60 in 4.8 Seconds! Heck, my '02 M3 Cab does it in 5.4 seconds with an added 400 lbs or so. The overall results are still the same. Trying still to see Nic's " apples to oranges". Maybe I misunderstood him and the comparison is the other way around? His experience in his 996 Cab is slower? Would have to be. By the way, anyone flip to Speed to see race at VIR? M3 leading again.

http://www.track-challenge.com/main_e.asp

VIR Today. PTG required to drop from 3.4 ltr (Porsche campaign) to 3.2 ltr, added weight, started at the rear of the pack, PTG wins again. Good stats on your track challenge Rob and touche to you; rear usable seats added weight, still, no "apples to oranges" comparison as some, okay one has compared. Not bashing P-cars, just that M3s not the dog some seem to think as with P-Car is such a big-step up (not). For the most part it's still a drivers race. It'll be interesting to see the whining when the new E90 M3 comes out with it's monster V8 that Porsche complained about in the racing series (P-cars couldn't compete), even though the I6 is still the best motor out there in its class (for several years). I'm still leaning to the 997 but I'm waiting for the release, in the meantime, I have no worries with the "M", certainly no RMS or oil in expansion tank.

To the point above (off another forum and factual): "One of the best Nurburgring drivers in the world (Horst Von Sauer) got the following times in each car: E46 M3 (SMG): 8:15 996 C2: 8:17 E46 M3 (6-MT): 8:22 996 C4: 8:23" Other similar data out there.

gonz911..the apples and oranges sound a little bitter. They are both great cars and both also have their problems but not enough for me not to buy either. At the race track I would put my money on a great driver before I would a great car. If BMW can kick some butt more power to them they deserve it as much as anyone else.

Agreed. I really do like both. I also didn't revive the thread -- it reared its ugly head again this morning. UGH.

99 996 is no way 5.6 seconds to 60... Every mag I saw pegged the 911 at ~5.0 seconds until the HP bump in 02 that brought it down to ~4.8. 99-00 difference of 4hp doesnt have a measurable impact on 0-60.

Mlambert - I know it isn't pretty but I didn't make up the numbers. They are what they are. Read the thread for source.

Nicolaasdb - I to have purchased a 996 (cab) - year 2000. Am interested to know where you purchsed the warranty from. for some reason some companies are excluding Florida. I sometimes get that wierd smell, but I have burped it etc, and have pressure in the expansion tank when i remove the cap, so i assume no leaks. So for now just keeping an eye, nose etc.. Oh, btw - love it, had a 1987 carrera sport when in the UK, moved to the US 6 years ago, had to have another one. This is my wife's 40th birthday present - honest.....can't you tell....

We are now.... beating

this gif somehow reminded me as the office space. the fax mahchine... if you like office space (the movie) you sure like this: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....cat70800050006

Yaaaah.........

Why don't you find the numbers yourself since you're posting this inaccurate data. I know the numbers. I own one.