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THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCHIs a 996 a good idea?
Leading reported evidence
Replace aside
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
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1
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Read evidence and context
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
Aside from this the clutch disc was replaced at 27k miles as well as the intermediate shaft seal(it was leaking as well).
Leading evidence: 'Replace aside' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, the most frequently mentioned possible cause is 'get a new engine' (1 discussions; 0 report identifying it and 1 suggest it). The most frequently discussed action is 'Check oil level regularly' (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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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
I believe that the rule of thumb is that Porsche will replace any engine that has an RMS leak after the seal has been replaced three times.
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Suspected cause
It might actually be a good buy, since it is due to get a new engine under warranty with that many leaks.
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Suggestion
In the end, it's only an oil leak that doesn't result in a blown engine unless the owner is too lazy to check the oil level regularly.
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Suggestion
I had one of the supposedly fixed 2003.5 models and got a notice from BMW stating that it needed to be brought back to the dealership to replace its connecting rods.
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19 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
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I am looking to purchase a 2003 996 w/ approx 30k miles on it. I recently received the service records from the dealer and was SHOCKED at how many times the car was serviced, and they aren't small details.
The car was put in service in Jan 2003 and has been at the dealer 9 times!!
What is most concerning is four oil leaks that they still haven't fixed but did the exact same repair 4 times!!!!
13k miles - oil leak.... remove and install transmission ; clean transmission; remove and install crankshaft oil seal - flywheel side
21k miles - ditto above
27k miles - ditto above
32k miles - ditto above
Aside from this the clutch disc was replaced at 27k miles as well as the intermediate shaft seal(it was leaking as well). Also, the check engine light came on at 30k miles(just this past July) and the tech found fault code for cat converter so they replaced the cat converter and a few other parts of the system........
Bottom line is I dont think I will be considering this car
but it also raises the question of the reliabilty of the 996 in general. This car is under warranty until Jan 2007 but after then I think this thing is just a money pit!!!! What do you guys think and is this whats to be expected with these cars? Maybe I should just consider an M3?
Dude, find another car. I have a 2004 with over 30,000 miles on it and it's only had oil changes - zero problems.
There are a ton of 996's out there, find one without problems and you'll be good-to-go.
Rob
Most 996's I am aware of are very reliable. There are lemons of every model so buyer beware. This one sounds like a problematic car, stay away unless they are giving it away.
Hmmmm. 4 RMS leaks. Under warranty. It might actually be a good buy, since it is due to get a new engine under warranty with that many leaks. Aside from the cat, everything else seems related to the RMS; i.e. change the clutch since the tranny is down anyway and save on labor costs.
The e46 M3 has its own issues not the least of which is a engine would occasionally self grenade. I had one of the supposedly fixed 2003.5 models and got a notice from BMW stating that it needed to be brought back to the dealership to replace its connecting rods. You can imagine what a connecting rod failure would do to your engine. The 996 motor on the other hand is very reliable. It's only famous for RMS leaks that are actually several potential leaks thrown under one heading. In the end, it's only an oil leak that doesn't result in a blown engine unless the owner is too lazy to check the oil level regularly.
Find another 996 and you'll be very happy.
Mine has 41k, daily driver/track rat, zero problems. The RMS is a non isue, I agree too many red flags on that car, find another. A 996 is a very reliable car, the only ones that suck are garage queens, these cars need to be driven. Hard.
you dont think that the servicing dealer is at fault and cant repair the car properly. maybe the car needs another service outlet...i would not be put of the car that quickly...depending on the deal.
i would use the service issues as leverage for a good price and get the car looked at for every detail at another shop....my 2 cents
My 99 996 has 61,000 miles on it. I have always used it HARD for track events and autocrosses (here in FL, we do them all year around) and the heat and the humidity are staggering at times. About one year ago I statered racing with PBOC (one race weekend a month) and my wife doubles the use of the car as well given that she takes 1/2 the races herself. To date, NO PROBLEMS. Just the oil change every 2500 miles, pad and tire change. Couldn't recommend the 996 any stronger! Just an amazing car for us!
I would ask the Dealer if the car has a rebuilt engine. I believe that the rule of thumb is that Porsche will replace any engine that has an RMS leak after the seal has been replaced three times.
From what I remember, you were in the market when I was selling in 2004 August. As it has been fifteen months, that seems like a very long search. You should definitely skip a car with repeated, documented oil leaks. Good luck!
Just brought the Boxster in for a airbag light ended up with new window risers, RMS changed and the cam cover gaskets. This car never leaked oil, some dealers like those warranty bucks from porsche.
Just got an email from the seller of the 996....
He said the car had never had any RMS issues just the crankshaft problem.
This is what came up on the service records 4 times. Is this an RMS issue as others on the board refered to it or is this something different? Either way the customer complained about oil leaking for this area 4 times and they did this exact procedure 4 times!! Anyone have any idea what this is?
remove and install transmission ; clean transmission; remove and install crankshaft oil seal - flywheel side
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