17 captured repliesDiscussion pagination complete · Source accounts, not a confirmed diagnosis
THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCH6 month ownership report
Reported or suspected cause
�big scare�
Reported cause
No successful repair reported for this finding.
1
Identified cause
0
Suspected cause
0
Reported fixes
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 report identifying a cause
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.
Reported cause · Original poster
- Taillight savers (it was the �big scare� on the forum when I bought it).
Leading evidence: '�big scare�' (1 discussions report identifying this cause; no attributable repair resolution). Across 1 matching discussions, the most frequently mentioned possible cause is '�big scare�' (1 discussions; 1 report identifying it and 0 suggest it). The most frequently discussed action is 'Fill tank completely' (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.
Install dm flywheel (original was thunking and failing)
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
I've replaced the IMSB with LN single row (it's what the local service had in stock), at same time replaced water pump and fitted new DM Flywheel (original was thunking and failing).
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
I've replaced the IMSB with LN single row (it's what the local service had in stock), at same time replaced water pump and fitted new DM Flywheel (original was thunking and failing).
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 contain suggestions
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.
Suggestion
Odd things can happen when you run the tank low, like false readings on the fuel gauge, and inability to fill the tank completely.
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 contain suggestions
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.
Suggestion
Passenger window did not open anymore and starting is lazy so plan to replace startermotor and cable.
Install dm flywheel (original was thunking and failing)
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
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
I've replaced the IMSB with LN single row (it's what the local service had in stock), at same time replaced water pump and fitted new DM Flywheel (original was thunking and failing).
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
I've replaced the IMSB with LN single row (it's what the local service had in stock), at same time replaced water pump and fitted new DM Flywheel (original was thunking and failing).
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.
Suggestion
I've just bought a mint set of identical wheels yet to pick them up - they'll serve as replacements for the originals which have some minor kerb rash and will be put into reserve track use with cheaper tyres for occasional fun days.
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.
17 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.
0 acknowledgements have no verified action link; they do not establish a repair result.
Generation: 20261027T000231Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources
Amazing, outstanding car. Absolutely great. Been loving every day with it.
2002 C4S, Silver, bone stock no mods, Tip, came with 80K miles. The C4S is certainly the sweet spot for me among all the variants, great balance, enough power. The silver color is good enough, would prefer the Arena red or Forest green, but this one was 15 miles from home and that certainly was a factor compared to waiting and buying remotely. I've monitored the for-sale sites, and nothing came along within reason that would have been a better choice.
It has been fantastic, can�t believe the excitement and appreciation for this car continues. Just great handling, enough power. Took 2-3 weeks to get comfortable, but in some ways this car�s capabilities will always exceed my abilities anyway, unless I join and go AX � thinking about it. Great for staying ahead of traffic on the freeway and out-zipping everyone around town. And it�s a fun car, a lot of fun. Just a smile every time I drive it, and of course like most of you, the look back in the parking lot before I enter the store. All the right options, the full leather, 12 speaker Bose, supple leather seats, etc.
Have driven about 5,000 miles. Didn�t have to add any oil yet, which I think is a good sign. No odd noises, nothing out of the ordinary. Remember I bought this from a used car dealer, without records. That sucked, I went against all my best practices. But the car got a hold of me because it was in just superior condition. I�ve been around Porsches for a long time and can do a bit of good inspection myself, and got the PPI.
Past since 1988:
- �80 931 (924 Turbo) 7 years
- �82 911SC Targa 11 years
- �93 968 11 years
- �84 944, for about 6 months in there somewhere.
All were daily drivers, commuters, heck I raised my kids in the back seats of these things. But the 996 outperforms them all in almost every way.
New problems or discoveries:
- Sunroof switch broke loose from the housing, easy fix and well documented here on the forum.
- Fuel tank is acting odd. I fill it up and the computer reports a range of only 250 miles. Once I ran it down to below the low on the gauges and it only took 14. 5 gallons. I have more to investigate here.
- No Milfshake -- at least not in or around the engine.
- One barely visible wheel curb rash I created when I was on the phone and my wife said �NO! TURN HERE!�. Oops, the mistake was listening to her.
- No CEL
- Wife tried to get fuel, forgot how to unlock it, asked some �pickup driver� for help, he pulled that loop in the door jamb all the way out, broken.
Done so far, not much,
- Washing, tire pressure, etc.
- Taillight savers (it was the �big scare� on the forum when I bought it).
- Bought a new low profile floor jack, but haven�t used it yet. I was all over and under the other cars, so it�s not a brand new thing. Just a mental block �do I really want to go get dirty under a car again?�. I know, a bad attitude.
Really good news: I am over the Internet scare of all the <unnamed> things that can go wrong on the 996. For the first week I felt guilty listening to the stereo, because I was supposed to listen for an IMSB starting to fail � really silly. I don�t lose sleep, but I do feel bad for those who have written with scored cylinders, etc. I still have the 968, and with the new thrill of the 996, I drive that one much more aggressively and it�s a lot more fun also, so the 996 goodness is spreading.
Other:
- Great ergonomics overall, driving position is great, I think the telescoping wheel really helps that.
- Windows switches actually belong on the doors (on the console is cute, but not useful).
- Headlight switch looks about the same as the ignition switch (not exactly user friendly)
- No Bluetooth yet. But I like the Continental since it looks like it belongs. I�ve been listening to stacks of CDs that the family bought in the 90s, and then they got stashed in the closets � that�s been quite nice and nostalgic, but won�t be enduring.
It has been a great time, love the car, thanks to all of you on the forum who have enriched this experience.
Roland
Great write up, thanks.
I've had similar positive experience over 4 months with my '03 C2 6sp Basalt Black Metallic- bought with 39,000mi, body in perfect unblemished condition, paint mint, black full leather interior unmarked and great place to be - totally mystified at the severe criticism the interior has come in for, although photos of other colours without full leather go some way....
Since owning I have done nearly 2400miles, even though not bought as a daily driver I've struggled to keep out of it!
I've replaced the IMSB with LN single row (it's what the local service had in stock), at same time replaced water pump and fitted new DM Flywheel (original was thunking and failing). Considered going to lightweight GT3 flywheel but prefer to keep the drivetrain smooth and quiet as it's for street use, not track.
Also fitted H&R lowering springs (blue) and Bilstein B8 Sport shocks - big improvement in handling with minimal ride cost.
Absolutely love the instant throttle response from the NA engine (specifically didn't want a turbo for that reason primarily, but also much more $$$ - although the Mezger engine would have been a big bonus in terms of reliability issues).
And the steering! - So communicative and direct, without the weight and torque of driveshafts, was a big appeal of going 2WD - as it's not a daily, and no snow/ice where I live AWD wasn't on the wishlist - I've had plenty of quattros and while the traction is amazing, the feel is absent.
The Porsche quality of build and materials is Audi-esque, much more so than BMWs from the same era, and another source of ownership joy.
This car was bought 100% as a toy for driving enjoyment, and it has measured up brilliantly to date. Love it.
Next up is to source a new set of PS2s (the tyres on the car have tread but are way past use by date - 11 years front, 7 years rear!). I've just bought a mint set of identical wheels yet to pick them up - they'll serve as replacements for the originals which have some minor kerb rash and will be put into reserve track use with cheaper tyres for occasional fun days.
Hard to imagine a more accurate description of 996 ownership.
Thanks for adding your experiences to this thread AudiDude. We should encourage all new owners to add their experiences as well. Doesn't matter, 3 months, 6 or 9 months report. That might be interesting to a lot of readers.
Sorry, I can't because I've never seen it.
From what I've read, it's a pretty rare thing actually, but people love to use it to beat up on the 996. Usually non-996owning "experts".
Much rarer than IMSB failure. Probably about the same incidence as many other high performance engines.
But as I said, it's part of the overstatement around the 996.
My advice would be ignore it, and enjoy your car. There's no prevention other than good routine maintenance AFAIK, and prayer.
Somebody should Google "milfshake" and see what comes up...ummm then again, maybe not a good idea. BTW...great report OP. Glad to hear your experience. Thanks for sharing.
What cars have a better size + weight + top end howl + driving cluster + shifter location + pedal setup + visibility? I don't know of any near the $20k pricepoint.
Mine's been pretty faultless in past 12 months. #929, delivered 01-1998. Passenger window did not open anymore and starting is lazy so plan to replace startermotor and cable. 8000km driven, thoroughly enjoyed!
My private life this year was in shambles so having my 911 as pride & joy really kept me going!
Sorry to hear that, Ive been there done that. That's when I bought my ur quattro 5 years ago. It's since more than doubled in value, so there's often a silver lining to the cloud, and so often, although the pain is acute, we end up in a better place.
Your comment about the headlight switch / ignition switch rings true with me. I recently took a long drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway. In and out of several tunnels, headlights on in tunnel, then off. A couple of times I almost switched the ignition off instead. Not good.
Glad you’re enjoying it.
The fueling issues that you mentioned are common in 996 AWD cars. These cars have a “saddle” shaped fuel tank that sits on top of the front differential. Odd things can happen when you run the tank low, like false readings on the fuel gauge, and inability to fill the tank completely. Some gas pumps work better than others in this regard; I found that I could usually achieve a complete fill up at Shell stations.
I did not note an unusually high incidence of MILF attention when I owned a 996, shaken or otherwise.
I'm three months in so i'll withhold my report but the only thing wrong with mine is the radio has turned itself on twice. I listen to the car exclusively.
