New 996 Owner - Need help identifying a few things

Hi All, I recently took ownership of a 98 996 Coupe with just over 80k Km on the clock. I'm loving the car hugely after day three despite the recent enlightenment about the IMS bearing issue with this model! I've got a few queries, issues to work through that I'm hoping some experienced members can direct me on. The attached picture in this post is of a small pull near the driver's foot well. I don't have an owner's manual to refer to so I'm unsure what it's for. I can't determine its purpose. I believe the rocker switch towards the bottom of the photo is related to the factory spoiler manual raising and lowering but my car has a Mk1 aerokit spoiler fitted so this doesn't do anything. Second photo relates to the audio system. I can't figure out; is this a CD stacker or is this a simple, CD holder? If the former, any ideas how to operate it? If the latter, is there a point to this that I'm missing? Third photo is of a source of a noise in the car. I can hear it when the ignition is on but the engine isn't turning over. Sounds like a fan or a humming sound. I have read this small grill/vent is the temp sensor for climate control system but I'm wondering if the humming sound is normal? Fourth and Fifth pic are of a black, plastic cover that was inside the front luggage area. I don't know what it's from but it has two clips on it, one of which is broken. If anyone can assist on any of the above it would be greatly appreciated. Also, I'm based in north western outer suburbs of Sydney so am interested to find out who are reputable mechanics in these type of cars in the Parra/Blacktown/Seven Hills/Bella Vista areas? Thanks in advance for any response.

The fourth picture is attached in this reply. I don't have sufficient uploads left to show the fifth picture, but hoping this will be recognisable to someone! Also, in the thumbnails for the original post, the first and third picture are reversed.

Welcome Vultz, I had a 996 a while ago & had no problems with it. 1. I don't know what the pull switch is but the rocker switch below it was for the spoiler, 2. The 4 drawers are for CD storage only, push the button on the side & each drawer slides out, red flag means there is a CD inside, white flag means its empty, 3. I don't remember this on my 996, 4. Don't recognise the cover. Hope this helps a little.

The pull is non standard, at a guess I'd say someone might have extended the emergency release for the front hood (needed if the battery is flat). The cover is also not a factory part.

Ejector seat!

Quotes source post: 29594

Bob Whyms (BWA Auto) is in Seven Hills, and preeminent as an independent Porsche specialist.

Vultz,  Welcome to the Forum and hope to see you on some Sydney drives in due course. The "CD library" is easily removed and replaced with another shelf if you so wish.  I did this modification on my Boxster.  They're the same part and makes more use of the space. Also, it is normal to hear a small fan start up inside the instrument panel when turning on the ignition.  It's really quiet and possibly temperature activated because I don't hear it all the time.

Hi all, Thank you for the warm welcome and prompt responses. On getting home today I went and spent some more time trying to figure out the remaining mystery objects. The pull near the spoiler rocker switch does not seem to do anything. It definitely doesn't actuate the boot lid (unless I'm not pulling hard enough). It seems to pull out to the length shown in the pic attached above and no further. I'm not game to man handle it in case I break something. The black plastic cover definitely seems to be for the Porsche. It has 996 markings on the back and the year/month of manufacture which match the car. I can't seem to find a home for it though which is somewhat disconcerting! Thanks for confirming BWA is well regarded. My father used to take his Audi there and speaks highly of them also. Cheers, Andy

Was this the silver car that was sold by a pommy bloke moving to the usa??

Hi, I bought it from the Subaru dealership in Chatswood Sydney of all places. It's a red 98 coupe that had lowish kilometres at a good price so I jumped on it. I had actually seen the car posted on Carsales a month early being sold privately but it seems the seller had no luck and ended up trading it in. I only know this from the rego as I had the original ad I enquired into. I'll grab some photos next weekend

The mysterious black cover with part No on it is also a mystery to me. We have one not attached in the 996 we just bought and do not know where it belongs. So when you get an answer please share it.

Hi Airhead, Where did you find yours?

In the front next to the spare wheel.

Hi Airhead, Found that the number on the back of this part '996.521.317.00 equates to a Porsche part number. Googling the part number I came across this thread: http://www.6speedonline.com/forums/996-turbo-gt2/79347-996-521-317-00-anyone-know-what.html http://www.renntech.org/forums/topic/13956-99652131700-what-is-this/ The renntech thread shows a diagram where the part goes. Mine has a broken clip so I may need to jerry-rig something or order a replacement. Cheers. Andy