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YOUR RESEARCHBuying my first 996 - Advice needed
Leading reported evidence
Check intermix in coolant bottle or in oil
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Suggestion
when you do the PPI try and be there to watch and discuss - have them cut open the oil filter and look for metal shavings that may be too large - also have them check for intermix in coolant bottle OR in oil - check and make sure it doesn't have too much of a vibration at idle.
Leading evidence: 'Check intermix in coolant bottle or in oil' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Check intermix in coolant bottle or in oil' (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.
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Suggestion
That's great mileage for a 99', I would get an oil change done and check the oil filter before purchase.
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Suggestion
I suppose your service decision will depend on the outcome of the PPI but unless you have service records I am with GuardsTurbo for an oil change and filter inspection plus a brake flush and check the tires for rot if they are old.
Clean 1999 us spec 996 here in germany (stationed here
Suggestion or failed attempt
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.
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Suggestion · Original poster
So I've come across an exceptionally clean 1999 US spec 996 here in Germany (stationed here with USAF).
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Check intermix in coolant bottle or in oil
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
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
when you do the PPI try and be there to watch and discuss - have them cut open the oil filter and look for metal shavings that may be too large - also have them check for intermix in coolant bottle OR in oil - check and make sure it doesn't have too much of a vibration at idle.
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 suppose your service decision will depend on the outcome of the PPI but unless you have service records I am with GuardsTurbo for an oil change and filter inspection plus a brake flush and check the tires for rot if they are old.
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18 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
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Generation: 20261028T003752Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources
So I've come across an exceptionally clean 1999 US spec 996 here in Germany (stationed here with USAF). The car only has 27K miles with no RMS/IMS issues/work being done. It is a base Carrera model and has been well cared resulting in its present condition. Clean CARFAX (up to 2010 when it came "home") and I will be bringing it to the local Porsche dealer for a PPI. At 15 years old should the RMS/IMS issues have surfaced by now or due to the low miles could they still be possibilities? How does the age/low miles relate to scheduled services? Should I just go on an oil change interval at certain miles? The price is right but if these issues are around the corner then I may need to re-think. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you for your service. Sounds like a nice car. I suppose your service decision will depend on the outcome of the PPI but unless you have service records I am with GuardsTurbo for an oil change and filter inspection plus a brake flush and check the tires for rot if they are old. I purchased a low mileage `04 last year and the RMS is "sweating" and the retailer's service department put my mind at ease (somewhat) on the IMS. Nearly 8,000 miles after purchase it has been good.....fingers are still crossed. Good luck with the purchase if you move forward with it.
Sounds like a fantastic find. I LOVE my 1999. There's a major service at 30K - I think you ought to do it / have it done when you purchase the car, as it will give the mechanics another chance to go over things and look out for any other deferred maintenance items.
The Porsche interval for oil changes is ridiculously high in my opinion. Change the oil every 5K - or after every track event if you plan to use the car for this purpose.
Check the tire age and replace if necessary. Have fun on the Autobahn.
I purchased my 99 with similar mileage and appeal. If I had to do over again I would look for a mk2 version 2002-2004. So may upgrades and improvements went into the later models, it's tough to notice them all after the fact, and not feel like you should have gone that route. I love my 99 but- no glove box- convertible roof 1st edition was to be revamped and fabricated much better in the later models- no Psm- inferior leatherette interior- mk2 has a better electrical system- more features/options- among other subtleties. Also, they were the first year of a new generation. Generally speaking, how many bugs are in 1st generation releases? I would keep looking. Good luck!
greg - no worries on the glovebox - you can store your bong under the front seat. remember to empty in the coolant bottle - helps with the cracked head issues.
Thanks for all the advice on the car. PPI scheduled for tomorrow so hope all goes well! After reading up on the net it seems the pre-2001 models like this 996.1 3.4 have the dual row bearings leading to a much lower frequency of failure issues which is a great sign. I'll post how things go....looking forward to taking her on a road-trip down the autobahn to Stuttgart!
You may want to consider the water pump before you do any high-speed runs down the Autobahn. My water pump bearing gave up @ 150MPH in 5th gear.
I'm jealous - I'd love to have my 996 on the Autobahn. The only time I've had the opportunity to be on the limitless part of the Autobahn, I was driving a diesel Ford transit van. Not quite as much fun as a 911...
So wish I had a chance to swing by Stuttgart (passed by on the way to Heidelburg from Sembach). Surprisingly, did not see that many P-cars that day (lots Of Beemers and Benzes though).
Drive down the 5 past Pendleton mid-day. Pretty much the same as the Autobahn.
No real answer on the IMSB. As far as anyone knows, a relatively small percentage of cars succumb to this death (maybe 5 - 10% depending on source). If you don't want to gamble, swap out the bearing. No idea of cost there, roughly $2 K here in U.S. (parts and labor). Change the oil, brake fluid, etc. ASAP. Then, enjoy the car!
Damn, that was rude! You don't even own a 996. Listen, I don't come to the old folks home while your gigging there and knock over your checkerboard between sets... Why insult me when I offered my opinion on a thread? I've got it! Next time you comment on someone like that, Why don't you stick a broomstick up your rear end and post your avatar as the @sssicle nunce you are!
Sunabe1 thank you indeed for your service. Hadn't had much sleep the past few. I forgot to mention the headers exhaust, 996.2 sound better. Hope the PPI goes well.
Hope your PPI comes up clean, sounds like another example of a low mileage Porsche that might be fun to own. I love my '99 coupe that just turned 67k miles, one that I bought almost 8 years ago with 35k on the clock. To date, my water pumper has been fun and reliable.GL and thanks for your military service.
Looks like a great buy !
Do it I loved my 99. Simple fast light weight awesome car. BUT Replace the water pump before you take the car home. Don't ask me about my 99 with a bad water pump and the engine overheat and then engine failure it caused.
when you do the PPI try and be there to watch and discuss - have them cut open the oil filter and look for metal shavings that may be too large - also have them check for intermix in coolant bottle OR in oil - check and make sure it doesn't have too much of a vibration at idle. also see if it has the annoying coupe rattle in the headliner behind drivers head. install new water pump asap