Question re: 996 series c4s

A recent positive job change has me considering another p-car. Think I am interested in a 996 c4s but would like an education from those who know. What years are better/worse Watch outs? Tips for purchasing? Any advice appreciated! Car will be for weekends and occasional DE. Thx!

The 996 C4S was made from 2002 - 2005. They are virtually identical, with a few very minor differences. Here are the differences that I can remember: - 2002 cars utilize an analog stereo system, making stereo upgrades a little bit easier. The newer cars utilize the MOST fiber optic ring. - 2004 cars were available in cabriolet or coupe - 2004 cars were available with the Sport Techno wheel option Aside from these differences, I think there were some interior and exterior color options that varied from year to year.

Thanks! Do all c4s's have the ims issue to be concerned with?

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Not all, some did and many more don't. P.S. You know what usually happens to an IMS thread, right? Below link is but one of dozens that regularly pop up here. Have a few minutes to read? https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...lure-mode.html

The 996 C4S has an M96 engine, so you do have the potential for failure. There are aftermarket solutions for this that will lower your risk even further. It's not a big deal.

So I assume a positive thing to look for would be a car that has already been retrofitted with an LN mod or someone else's bearing?

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Of course...provided the engine passed a pre-IMSB upgrade check. And install was done correctly by an experienced tech or by a knowledgeable DIY-er. And last but not least, the rest of the car is found healthy after a good PPI.

Here you go The new Porsche 911 Carrera 4S w. Walter Rohrl 996 - YouTube

As a guy that has had 3 996 C4S's I would say I love them. Great looks, good pricing, good MPG's (yeah really), not very common and still fun as heck to drive. I have had 6 996 NA cars and non have had IMS etc. Issues. But most of the cars I have bought check out on PPI and have some decent history. When doing your research they are just the same as other 996 NA's with regards to the gotchas and things to look for. I love mine and get compliments ALL the time. Dat Fat Azz rocks

Thanks guys.... Starting my homework now!

Joe, you'll like the 996. Dead easy to work on and comfortable to drive!

Do this: Use the Search option for a few hours and Google too.

If I was in the market for another C4S, there are a few things that I would look for in a car: - The factory aero kit is very rare and very desirable. I don't know if this is your style, but it's a cool option if you find one. - I'd get sport seats if you can. I have the comfort seats with power lumbar support in mine, but I really wish I had the sport seats. The seats with hard backs painted to match the car are really nice. - Personally, I really like the Sport Techno wheels and the GT3 wheels that were available as an option on the 996 C4S. They stand out a little bit from the standard Turbo Look II wheels that you see on most C4S cars. - The PCM navigation unit in the 996 cars is very dated, and it's not something that I would require in a car that I was purchasing. I wouldn't turn a car down because of it, but if nav is an important thing then I would plan to replace it with an aftermarket unit. - It would be great to find a car that has already had the IMSB addressed, as mentioned above. - I'd look for a car with service records. A good PPI is still necessary, but service records will tell you quite a bit about how the car was maintained by the previous owner(s). - I wouldn't shy away from higher mileage cars. If everything on the car is to your liking, then there's nothing wrong with buying a car with 75K+ miles on the odometer. In many cases, these cars have had the common issues resolved and they are in good shape. - Related to the previous point - look for cars that have had the common issues and maintenance items resolved. Has the water pump been changed? Clutch? IMS bearing? Any leaks around the RMS? Suspension bushings? Motor mounts? - Personally, I'd be less likely to purchase a car that has been heavily modified. I would rather modify a car myself than purchase somebody else's mods. There are some exceptions, but that's my thought. - It was possible to order a 996 C4S with PCCB. I've seen one before, but I think it's pretty uncommon. Personally, I would avoid this. The first generation PCCB components had lots of issues that were addressed in subsequent generations. They are very expensive to maintain and probably not worth the cost for a C4S. - HID headlights were standard on 2002 models and optional on the other years. Many C4S cars were equipped with the Advanced Technic Package, and this package includes HID headlights. - All 996 C4S cars were equipped with a full-leather interior. That being said, there are many additional leather pieces that you can find in the cars. The first one that you'll really notice is the stitched leather cover on the airbag on the steering wheel. This is a nice option. Others include the center console, air vents, etc. The more leather, the better... - Other nice options in my opinion include: rain sensing wipers, heated seats, auto-dimming rear view mirror. You could get rear parking sensors too, but I don't think they are necessary on such a small car. I also don't really like the look of the rear window wiper, but some people think it's a nice option.

Wow, good list Dennis. Add rain sensing wipers and rear wiper, my turbo has them, and I really like both. Heated seats I can do without. Short shift kit is nice, lowered is very nice, I'd not buy one without PSE. I do like the 19" wheels too. 2002 Turbo - Basalt Black Metallic / 2003 Carrera 4S - Speed Yellow / 1955 356 Continental 1500 - Rust Red

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Interesting. My C4s is 2003 and it has techno wheel option. Not sure if this was factory or a previous buyer put them on afterwards. They sure are nice though.

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I've had my 04 4S cab about two months and love it. It's not my DD, but as it turns out, i've been driving it as if it was. Very comfortable, roomy, great MPG's and would work great a full fledge DD. Lots of good info and experience from people on this thread and rennlist in general. I looked for my perfect 4S for many months and I pulled the trigger when I found it. My key requirements; full service history, PSE - really a must, heated seats (since i live in he DC area), rain sensing wipers and self-dimming - because I�ve gotten used to them in my BMW's. I also wanted lower miles, although as people have said, don�t shy away from a good higher mileage example. Initially, I was pretty stressed about the IMS. Reading about it on the internet will drive you crazy! I'll address it when it's time for a new clutch. Good luck. The search is nearly as much fun as the drive...

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I've got a set for my winter tires. They look great on the C4S.

Buy it, drive it, enjoy it. They're fun cars and every car has mode of failures and worse. Have had my car since new and I miss it completely while being away from it. At least someone is getting the enjoyment and my car is being exercised properly. Don't let it sit and try to preserve it. Currently at 150k miles.

Lots of good info ^^. I searched for about 3 months to find the perfect C4S with options I wanted for a high speed DD as I intend to rack up high mileage; PSM,PSE, full leather interior, sport seats, 6 speed black black. Could not be happier.

Seeeu911.... That is a beautiful car! No offense to those with light colored examples but I really love the c4s in dark colors! Maybe it helps show off those hips!

Joe, Rich did my IMSB upgrade and can knock it out on any car your buy, Just budget for it. Be happy to look at cars with you.

Thanks Marc! I will take you up on that!