buying 996..scared of RMS

I've been reading the posts here and appreciate the input. I've been looking at an 02 C2 with 20,000 miles. After reading all the RMS issues I'm scared to death. I ran the VIN through a dealer today and nothing seemed to pop up althought the dealer wasn't very enthusiastic about giving me the info on the computer network. Something about replacing a transmission sleeve showed up, what's that? With the RMS is it really only 10% of the cars are effected? and What is all the talk about replacing engines VS. fixing the seal. I cant' imagine replacing an engine out of my own pocket. The warranty does last til next June. PLease give me some guidance. Thanks, Skipp

Run! Any hesitation and you need to run, there are way too many 996's out there to allow you to get the best one available to you. As for the dealer not wanted to share info with you, go elsewhere. That is a red flag signifying that are hiding something. Call PCNA and get as much info as you can with the VIN. As for the RMS, dont' worry, it's not as big a deal as some would lead you to believe. If you get it, it is covered under warranty, if not, about $800. Be glad that is all the 996 is known for, it could be worse like the VERY EXPENSIVE problems of the earlier models (993, 964, etc.)

Yeah, what Dell said.

Thanks, The dealer didn't own the car, he was just unhelpful....and acted as if he was too busy. Do I just call PCNA and they will run the info for me?

The RMS issue is blown way out of proportion....usually by those who haven't owned the car. I have a TT, which isn't prone but I still think this issue isn't a huge deal. Firstly.....no mass recall of engines is needed (ala M3), nor is an expensive fix needed (ala Ferrari F355 valve guides ($10k)). Nor is this a safety issue (Ford Exploder). Find the right car and have a blast

Thanks

No problem......we're just looking out for another rennlister

Skipp, I also struggled with this fear so I decided to get a newer model which would have plenty of warranty coverage remaining. This has completely eliminated my concerns of RMS and any other issues. The consensus on this board seems to be that the 996 is very reliable. I'm planning to use the car as my daily driver and I hope this proves to be true.

the car I'm looking at has warranty til next june, do you think that's long enough to work out any kinks. The car's an O2 C2 cab Thanks guys

Has anyone read the recent article in 911 and Porsche World (October) about an apparent aftermarket fix for this problem?

If replacing the rear main seal ($800) actually cures the oil leak than great but the seal is usually not the problem, its a design defect with the engine itself. The only way to tell is to measure the crankshaft. Skipp, just make sure your new-to-you 996 still has plenty of warranty left (at least a year or two) or add an aftermarket warranty when you buy it and enjoy your new ride.

6 mo is enough I think to get rid of rattles and uncover pre-existing oil leaks. Fear of RMS shouldn't stop you from getting the car. However, if there is RMS history, I'd shop for another car. I also have a 02 cab. I think cabs are fun (my first cab ever). The tops are very well designed and easy to operate. It does seem to be more rattle prone though than coupes. Nothing to worry about but if you want the most rigidity, go with a coupe. The cab is about as good as any soft top can be though.

Skipp, you can get all the service records from 1-800-porsche. Just have the vin # handy. Then I called all the dealers that did the work and got all the info Porsche does not have/give. I also crossed it with Carfax. If the car had been to a dealer, I called them. As to talk to the service guys.

All flat six boxster engines are potentially prone to the RMS leak, if you really want to avoid it , buy something else. The lower HP 993/964 air cooled dinomotors have their own issues and RMS too if they live long enough or make enough HP.

The RMS issue is way over blown. Get a thorough PPI done buy the car you like and drive the crap out of the car and enjoy it.

Skipp, I also worried about the RMS issue before buying my P-car. I bought a 2002 C2 Coupe in late August, with the warranty ending in early December of this year. Guess what, I now have an RMS issue? Every so often I will get a little oil(about the size of a dime) on the garage floor. No big deal, but I plan on taking it in before the warranty runs out. My car also burns oil like a worn out tractor. About 1 quart in 600-1000 miles. Guess what, Porsche calls this normal? Some cars burn very little oil, and some burn alot. Obviously something your not going to know about until after you purchase the car. As several dealers have told me, "If you haven't had a leaking RMS yet, you will more then likely have one in the future". I would give up on trying to figure out which vehicle maybe prone to an RMS issue. If you were to find one that already had this problem, I would use that knowledge to get a better price. Just because your paronoid, doesn't mean everyone is out to get you. Good Luck, Tom L

I don't know about the RMS issue being brought up on other P-car forums, but last Sunday, at our Church service at the Most Holy and Everlasting Sling Blade, right before we started handing out the rattle snakes for the dance...some heathen did bring up someting about RMS..and we promptly stoned him to death...Amen

That's so funny...we stoned a guy too. I just can't remember why. Maybe it was because of the RMS.

thanks again for the input.

Just spoke to a friend of mine who's 996 has had a new engine installed after the third RMS failure. The first two were done under warranty and the dealer checked for the out of round condtion and it tested fine the first two times. The third time the test failed and the dealer lobbied to get Porsche pay for the new engine since this guy also races 911s (not the 996) and is pretty active in the Porsche community. Porsche paid 75% which he felt was pretty good considering it was out of warranty. What's interesting though is the shop foreman has noticed that the metal the bearing rests on seems to have been changed in later engines. He suspects Porsche is trying to implement a "stealth solution". There is also apparently a third generation seal that has only been released very recently. Interestingly, he's seen other engines test fine for the out of round problem only to fail it later but he hopes this new material may be a solution. He's a big Porsche fan but he has to admit this is pretty frustrating, especially considering what it's done to his car's value.

yikes

Funny how in 2005, folks were scared about RMS. Then the letter R switched to an I. Today, we hear about BS (bore scoring). I wonder in 10 years what we will be concerned with.

Quotes source post: 16376920

Lack of fuel availability. Everybody else will be driving electric vehicles...or being driven by them.