What are some common issues with 1999 996 c4?

Hi all I'm looking at a 1999 996 c4 and was wanting to know what im getting myself into? I've never owned a Porsche and plan on using it as a daily driver. Thanks

Other than the engine exploding the cars have very few issues. Replacement engines cost more than the car is worth in most cases. I suggest hours of reading and researching to determine what your tolerance level for this potential failure is. That will determine whether or not this is the car for you.

^^^^Awesome advice Now to answer the OP's question.....I had a C4 for 6 years and 80,000 miles. The only issue I had was the CV boots (inner and outer) tearing. I replaced both axles complete with used ones. The other thing I would look at during a PPI would be to remove the front underbody panel and look for any leaks with the differential. If it looks clean you should be fine. C4's are great cars. Good luck!

I have a '99 C4 with 147,000 miles. I use it as a DD. It is reliable, comfortable in all kinds of weather, gets very good gas mileage, draws tons of compliments and is a blast to drive. It actually hauls quite a bit as well - I have 2 small businesses and I always seem to be bringing supplies to the building in it. These are great cars. The major issues have been largely resolved over the years and are avoidable. They do require maintenance (like any older vehicle), but between many easy DIY repairs and a good independent Porsche mechanic, the maintenance costs are very reasonable. Yes, sometimes someone's engine will grenade itself, but the engine failure risk is way overblown. I would summarize it like this: If you cannot tolerate an 8% chance that your engine may fail (including other types of failure than the dreaded IMSB), which will reduce your car's value down to about $6,000 or require about a $15,000 repair, then the 996 is not for you. But, the same can be said for nearly any sports car that is now at least 11 years old.

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Thanks for making my point though.... Other than the exploding engine, it is very much like any other used car.

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Which C4 do you have? Gets good gas mileage? Hauls quite a bit? Do we have the same model? Maybe I just put my foot into it too much!

Well, I gets well over 20 mpg even with my foot in it. Compared to our Saab 9-7x, or any small SUV I've owned, it is a much more enjoyable way to burn a lot less gas. Crap, once upon a time, I commuted in a Ford Expedition and you could literally see the gas gauge move toward empty. With the frunk, the rear seats and the passenger seat and footwell, I can haul 6 cases of paper plus a bunch of smaller crap. Only if I need to haul a really big item do I have to swap cars. One time I bought a card table with 4 folding chairs at Walmart - hauled it home no prob. Actually, that gives me an idea for a new thread - pics of people hauling large amounts of stuff in their 996s. Ultimately, it would evolve into a boobie thread, I'm certain, but heck that's a winner.

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Those of us that have experienced the "exploding engine" issue on our '99 C4s would argue that it is indeed awesome advice.

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Don't forget that I'm one of those that have gained that experience. One painfull time for sure. We have a guy looking to buy a C4 and he asked specifically about the C4.....and he gets the "exploding engine" speech on the 1st response. That's all I'm sayin' here. GO PACK!

Totally OT here... but I saw Pete's "GO PACK!" comment and it compelled me to respond. 1. I think the Pack will probably win the Super Bowl. I'd much rather see them win than the cheating Patriots. 2. That was a catch by Dez... it should be the Cowboys headed to Seattle!

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Brats and kraut serving at 430 PM Eastern.......come on over!

Count me in!

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Upset wife due to spending too much time with the car. Inability to stop finding excuses to go drive it. Grin that is hard to get off your face. We're about to start the 15th year with her 01 C4 and it has been mostly trouble free. Basically anything you see about the C2 cars is possible in the C4 as well and you have the addition of the front drive components. Other than the axle boots though, I haven't seen many reports of issues with the drive system. Seems pretty solid.

The most common issue I have is I always want to drive it. Going on two years and still love every time I pull out of the garage. Now for reals issues - not including an exploding engine as stated above - very solid car mechanically. But lots of little things no one ever talks about and probably don't matter, but I am slowly correcting all of these. This is the list in no particular order of things that seem to go bad eventually. I have been hit by all of these, and they are relatively cheap and easy fixes with good write ups on how to fix. Visor lids Light in frunk parking brake light back up light ignition switch remote fob seat side bolsters clogged drains

Thanks for all the awesome advice! Can someone elaborate on the exploding engine issue? The car I'm looking at has been sitting for about four years due to a transmission issue (grind from third to fourth and pops out of first gear at times). Other than that, it sounded really good on a cold startup and I plan on replacing the trans and the Ims bearing aswell to be safe. As far as the engine goes, would full coverage insurance not cover that?

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Bostick= 996? Exploding engine for real.

You hit the main one, but there are other options for a total failure. It should have the dual row IMSB though which is believed to have a lower risk of that failure. That it has been sitting for so long is actually a big red flag for possible failures. These motors generally do best when they are being driven and get to see the higher revs. If the oil wasn't changed prior to it sitting (and ideally periodically while it was sitting) I'd want someone really familiar with the M96 to take a close look at it before I ran the motor much/any. I'd go as far as having the oil pan dropped and getting the cylinders scoped at a minimum. They should be able to get a good review when the tranny is repaired/replaced.

Yep, that was an ugly, ugly loss. Oh, and regarding the engine question, it's been beaten to death on here, so I doubt anyone will want to discuss it further. Search is your friend and will yield more info than you can read. Just in case the terminology is confusing you, the engine really doesn't explode - they are just talking about engine failure. An aftermarket warranty would be the only type of insurance that MIGHT cover it.

Sounds like you are willing to spend some money fixing things and upgrades. There are lots of cars for sale and maybe you should look at some others without the trans problems right off the bat unless you're getting an amazing deal.

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Good lord that was an implosion of epic proportions! It's ok I still have booze.

The guy is asking $8500 but I offered 7150. I think after repaiers I'll be somewhere 10-12k what do yous think?

Also, I'm aware that the engine doesn't actually explode. From what I've seen, it's the connecting rod that shoots out of the crank case?

Well, the most infamous mode of failure is the IMSB, but there are several modes of failure - just like in any car. Again, "search" is your friend. Also, every time I buy a project car, every freaking time, I regret it. It costs me more $$ in the long run than just having bought a car in good shape.

$8500 and the engine runs? That is a bargain. Just make sure it runs and do your homework before hand. If it all checks out you may be in the lead for best deal. But again, spent a few hundred before hand and get it all checked out.

The one he's looking at has been sitting for 4 years and has transmission issues. I think he'll have at least $12k in it once he's got it sorted (maybe/probably quite a bit more). How many miles on it Hsg?

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Now that both of the teams we support are out, I'll buy the brats and beer!

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Deal! The Dez catch was not a catch.

The car has 94k on it. I listened to the engine on a cold start and it sounds really good. I actually drove the car. It feels smooth with no unusual noise aside from the transmission grind from third to fourth.

Well, the engine alone is worth close to the purchase price. That transmission makes me think that it will cost you about the same as buying one that's already road worthy. Does it have any other unique qualties - aero kit, full leather, cabriolet? How old are the tires? You might need to replace them since it has been sitting quite a while.

My friend works on European cars and said he knows a trans for sale for 2k. The car is full leather to answer your question. Not sure what other features it has, I'm new to porsche. The tires are worn and will have to be replaced. Same size as my car (bmw 540i). The leather on the dash above the instrument looks like it's been shrinking due to sunlight I suppose. As far as cosmetics go, that's all I can see that's wrong witht the car.

I say "go for it". Your risk is pretty minimal at that price point. Let us know how it turns out. And post pics as soon as you can.

I'm leaning towards going ahead with it aswell. I'll post pics for sure.

Just know, if you replace your G96/30 transmission with a G96/31, you will need a new front prop shaft as well. They are easy to find used, as all of the AWD 996.2 thru 997.2 use the same front prop shaft. They can be had used for around $200.

I've been doing a lot of research on this model and it seems people generally have negative feedback. It seems that porsche cut back on quality and the cars are prone to breaking down often. I'm stuck with a similar problem at the moment owning a e39 bmw 540i. In my opinion bmw has done this same thing. Cut back on production cost and make a subpar car that people will still buy thinking its a quality automobile because of the badge.

Well, for $8,500, I think the car is priced appropriately. What are your expectations for what $8,500 will get you for a high performance sports car? If this is your first foray into buying an older sports car, you could do a lot worse reliability wise than a 996. If someone has talked you out of a 996 due to maintenance issues, ask them what year 996 he owned. My bet is that he has no firsthand experience owning one.

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Ouch I don't agree. In my opinion these cars come in 2 flavors. Japanese reliable or American nightmares. The hard part is making sure you get a #1 not #2.

I've just done research on my part. Sometimes you just have to roll the dice.

My problem right now is that I want to get away from bmws problems but other cars are just not the same. They really are a blast to drive. I imagine Porsche is 3x the fun to drive.

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Having owned a half dozen BMWs over the years I would say the 996 is a different experience. The 540 is likely a constant repair project, never anything major but usually something. I think the 996 is the opposite. If you avoid the engine lottery the rest of he car is going to be pretty trouble free. Tons of great experiences if you research this board and its owners. I would expect the 996 to be much more reliable in general than an e39 540.

Hsg, if your not an accomplished mechanic, keep looking. The trans is very expensive to repair/replace, the front dif could be next if it was neglected. The 99 is less likely to have IMSB issues but more likely to have the porous block, cracked heads, etc. After your repair the trans your going to be up to a decent fully sorted 99 without issues anyway so why not buy one to begin with? As other have stated, this one sounds like a project car nightmare.

I currently do all repaiers, maintenance, etc myself on the e39. I find it more enjoyable and cheaper so it pays off. My buddy owns a shop and he specializes in European cars. He said he can price a trans at 2k. I'm looking at around 11k for the whole ordeal. You think I can get lucky finding a 996 for around that? If so it would only make sense to go with a road worthy car.

I think if the car has been sitting for 4 years, you'll have more to do than just the transmission swap. $12,000 to $13,000 will get you a decent Mk I 996 with around 100,000 miles. I'd be willing to bet that if you pay $8,500 for the one you are looking at with the bad transmission, you'll have at least $12,000 in it before it is sorted out and running well (and when I say "at least $12,000" I really mean more like $15,000 or $16,000). Like I said earlier, every time I buy a project car, I regret it. I will never, ever buy another fixer upper. I have one car now that's in pieces that I have nearly $30,000 into that I bought way back in 2008. I got it cheap. Super cheap. I figured I'd have all the work done and in great shape for about $19,000. You see I'm not just any regular Joe - I've got access to lots and lots of mechanics, shops, specialty stores. I've got a nice set of tools, two 4 post lifts in my garage, do a lot of my own work. I've got several relatives who are professional mechanics. Blah, blah, blah. I've still got a car in pieces that I've got $30,000 into right now, with at least another $5,000 to go to make it into a car that's worth maybe $25,000 if I'm lucky. Do you think my wife is pissed? Yes. Do you think my superpowers of mechanical ability and relatives and friends made a difference? Nope. I'm still just a dumbass who bought a project car and has spent way, way too much time and money on it. I'm not the first person to make that mistake, and I won't be the last. So, if you think you can take a Porsche that's been sitting for 4 years and has a known bad transmission and turn it into a nice running car for $2,500, then knock yourself out. I'm just sayin' that's probably a little unrealistic. Learn from my mistake - go spend a little more and buy a car that's in good running condition. My 2 cents worth.

^^^Completely agree. Every time I buy a project "insert truck, car, boat, etc. here" I have to endure my wife shouting "no more #$%# parts!" each time the UPS, Fedx, USPS, arrives at our house with a package. My argument of "I can fix anything" does not impress her. I've gotten very good at beating her to the mailbox when the parts bills arrive.

I can imagine the fights with the wife. Especially since women generally don't care if it's a porsche sitting in the driveway or a civic. It see the points on having potentially more problems because it's been sitting. It's temting though since the engine and undercarriage look clean. Not a spot of oil where it's been sitting. I think it would be smarter to wait. Thanks for the awesome advice.

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Really? With the E39 generation? I beg to differ. I think the quality is much higher than the E60 generation of 5 series. Those had more serious problem areas in electronics and in the V8 motors.

I don't think you can find a nice 100k Mile mkI for $11-12k. Maybe $14-16k depending on condition and maint history. Still I totally agree that would be money well spent vs the project car. Look for a nice 99.

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in my epeience, every bmw that I have owned or known someone who's owned one has a windows that doesnt work and/or Is on its way out. It should be illegal to roll your windows down if you own a bmw IMO. They have also had the infamous shimmie shake from 50-60 mph, it always comes back to haunt you. You can pretty much count on replacing the headlights when owning one because of the cheap plastic that hella uses. I've litteraly crumbled the plastic pieces between my index finger and thumb. Don't get me started on the cheap rubber parts that deteriorate just from the force of wind. Not to mention the "environmentally friendly" paint bmw uses that becomes sand blasted from daily driving. And good luck resolving the check engine light..you can't, there's always something. How about the engine and its ability to retain motor oil, non existent. I've seen oil leaks on bmws that have been a few years old. Imo, the best one I have owned was a '90 750il. The older ones are work horses and sadly the quality stops shortly after.

I have had a very different experience. I've owned 8 bmws over the past 15 or so years.