73 captured repliesDiscussion pagination complete · Source accounts, not a confirmed diagnosis
THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCH?03 X51 C4S in PTS ice green with 90k miles or ?07 C4S cab in midnight blue with 60k?
Leading reported evidence
Lubricate by the oil in the sump." this sounds
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
This allows the bearing to be lubricated by the oil in the sump." This sounds to me like one of those thigs that can wait for the clutch replacement,
?03 X51 C4S in PTS ice green with 90k miles or ?07 C4S cab in midnight blue with 60k?
Read full discussion summary
Leading evidence: 'Lubricate by the oil in the sump." this sounds' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Lubricate by the oil in the sump." this sounds' (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.
Source reports, not a diagnosis or a success probability. Counts refer to discussions and can overlap.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
"Even though the larger 06-08 intermediate shaft bearing is the most robust bearing Porsche used from the factory, we recommend that you still plan on having the grease seal removed off the IMS bearing to extend the life of the original bearing as soon as possible.
?03 X51 C4S in PTS ice green with 90k miles or ?07 C4S cab in midnight blue with 60k?
Replace fact
Suggestion or failed attempt
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that contain suggestions
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion
Irregardless, it won't change the fact that he bought an injured car for more than double of what its worth in its current condition.
?03 X51 C4S in PTS ice green with 90k miles or ?07 C4S cab in midnight blue with 60k?
Replace of heart
Suggestion or failed attempt
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that contain suggestions
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion
I don't expect the OP to keep his promise to me and post the bore scope pictures of cylinders 5 and 6, but maybe he'll have a change of heart?
?03 X51 C4S in PTS ice green with 90k miles or ?07 C4S cab in midnight blue with 60k?
Run of the mill
Suggestion or failed attempt
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that contain suggestions
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
?03 X51 C4S in PTS ice green with 90k miles or ?07 C4S cab in midnight blue with 60k?
Use from the factory, we
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
"Even though the larger 06-08 intermediate shaft bearing is the most robust bearing Porsche used from the factory, we recommend that you still plan on having the grease seal removed off the IMS bearing to extend the life of the original bearing as soon as possible.
?03 X51 C4S in PTS ice green with 90k miles or ?07 C4S cab in midnight blue with 60k?
Coverage and how to read this overview
Counts describe captured discussions, not unique people or a diagnosis. Author identities are not reliably stored. Exact duplicate evidence is counted once across matching discussions; one discussion counts at most once per action/state. Multiple repairs reported together remain a combination. Suggestions and failed attempts do not establish a fix. Matches cover whole discussions and can include related faults, model variants and incomplete threads.
73 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
0 evidence records excluded for query context · 0 excluded by outcome qualification · 0 adjusted by outcome qualification.
0 acknowledgements have no verified action link; they do not establish a repair result.
Generation: 20261027T140027Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources
Different tools for different purposes. What is your mission for the car? Fast and fun cruising in the sun and wind or hooning around??
I have a 993, 996 and a 986 S and generally think the 911 is close to the perfect car, so why cut the roof off? Half joking... I will say that the Boxster is easily my favorite, it is a grin generating machine.
Normally, I would go for the best condition, lowest miles, but the C4S w/ X51 in a fantastic, relatively rare color is enticing and would be my choice, despite the mileage.
Again, what do you want the car for?
First world problems
Whatever you choose, have fun and good luck.
The C4S with those options in a PTS color is an extremely collectible car and will be one of the most valuable 996s ever in future years if these cars follow the trends of all past 911 generations.
Cabs are always going to be less collectible and that one isn�t particularly interesting. If you simply want a 911 to daily and love a vert, get the 997. That C4S is something special and should be treated as such imo � IE maybe not daily driven. Driven and driven a lot and hard, but not subjected to the elements/other people�s bull**** ALL the time. That�s just me.
Then follow your heart. I daily a 128i vert and I do get the appeal! I do think dollars for dollars, that C4S is going to be a MUCH more valuable car than the 997 vert in like 3-5 years.
Seems like a strong price to me!
If you're stuck on a convertible, I guess you've already made your choice. Honestly I would almost argue that you should just be buying a newer Boxster more than anything. I don't really think the 997 cab is an upgrade in terms of driving feel over what you have right now, unless you want the RR chassis experience.
Personally I'd go for the C4S and immediately remove the front diff/AWD bits. What a color!
I couldn�t speak to the specifics of that deal, but try to find another with similar specs for a comp and let me know how that works out.
Every single past generation of 911 has followed the same trends for collectibility; rare colors/rare options/well cared for coupes always skyrocket and cabs and garden variety specs rot and command MUCH less money unless the mileage is remarkably low.
To make a decision, I need the CarFax info. How many previous owners? How many service records for work done at a dealer or reputable indy? The others have weighed in on the color and I agree, but I also love having a cab. My car is stored for the winter, but I never put the top up in the summer unless I am doing PCA DE or AutoX when they force me to put it up!
997 in general has always been more expensive. Significantly less production #s vs 996 due to the GFC & more desirable because of the whole headlights thing.
Price is certainly a good measure of demand but not collectability (although I realize this is a bit confounding). In the context of 997 that cab is a whatever car. In the context of 996 that C4S is very interesting. Both are good cars -- maybe just best to get some seat time
My question may have been poorly written. The service records I was referring to...are they in the CarFax? Do they show any kind of regular maintenance and how many prior owners?
This must be the car.
Ice Green Metallic 2003 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Coupe X51 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $46,000 on November 6, 2023 (Lot #126,573) | Bring a Trailer
3
Convertibles are awesome. Always boggles my mind why people hate on them. A cab with a hard top is awesome. The 996 was a rare bird but probably more a collector car given the rarity. You prob made the best choice for a regular driving car you will enjoy.
Biased Response: 996
Non-Biased Response: 996
As a daily driver you dont want a Cab. It cuts down on the limited rear seat space, and the top mechanisms can and do fail. I know of multiple owners (997 specifically) that sold their car because of issues with the top. The 996 you can buy is a much more special car, and costs less to get started. Win-Win.
You sound more convinced on the 997, due to the IMS and the cab factor. I think if that's the way you're leaning, you'd be happy with that over the C4S. I would want to know why the previous owner is moving the C4S along so rapidly, but they're just different cars for different purposes IMO. As a replacement/upgrade as like for like as your boxster, the 997 makes a ton of sense.
I would choose the 996 all day though.
I find it funny you ask for opinions but it seems you made up your mind before even posting. All 997.1 non GT models also have potential IMS issues. That 996 C4S with the x51 package and PTS looks to be a special car. The 997 is run of the mill. Buy the 997 and let someone else enjoy the 996.
I fully agree with this. Besides nobody hated on convertibles and offered very relevant and objective arguments as to why one would be a better purchase than the other.
The proper OP response would be �thank you for the valuable input, the heart wants what the heart wants, and I�m going for the cabrio�.
There really isn�t a �wrong� choice but it is a bit insulting undermining everyone who contributed trying to help you make an informed decision.
Regardless, good luck and wish you lots of smiles per miles. I find all 911s special in their own way and they all deserve to be DD� even the most collectible 1-of-1 models. I know I�ll get shot for that last one
The IMSB on the 997 isn't replaceable without dismantling the engine. But here is what the good folks at LN Engineering have to say about the '06 997:
"Even though the larger 06-08 intermediate shaft bearing is the most robust bearing Porsche used from the factory, we recommend that you still plan on having the grease seal removed off the IMS bearing to extend the life of the original bearing as soon as possible. This allows the bearing to be lubricated by the oil in the sump." This sounds to me like one of those thigs that can wait for the clutch replacement,
I'd agree with you if this was truly a one owner car, bought and serviced at Porsche with all records since new, but it's not, it's had three owners with shaded service after 2014. In fact, it went 5 years without being serviced from 2014-19. Wasn't even serviced by Porsche the entire time... but hey, Pep Boys serviced this car! yay!!!
IMHO, just another run-of-the-mill 997.1 C4S cabriolet. The M97.01S 3.8L are prone to cylinder bore scoring and so... where are the bore photographs from the PPI? At least post cylinders 5 and 6. We're waiting!
Wow. Harsh!. I bought mine from a Porsche dealer and am pretty sure I paid $10K more than if I had bought it from someone's driveway, but it was a one owner, low mileage with solid service records and the dealer financed it for me. I had been looking for 2 years. I do think the dealer could have done a better job on disclosure about the tires, since I bought it sight unseen, but am I happy with the car? Over the top. I'd do it again in a second.
I think those (RF) flipping that C4S ($46k to $59K in just two months is pricing themselves out of the current market. That color is really nice, but the car needs a good PPI/Bore scope and then a nice, engine out, base line maintenance to make sure everything is good to go. So whoever gets this C4S will need to lay out $8000 plus for a proper maintenance session at their local Indy, plus the cost of the car. After that cost outlay, were are looking the cost for decent Turbo (with 100K+ miles).
I always wondered what the economics of dealerships trying to flip cars being sold at the top of the market (BaT) was. Probably not anywhere near palatable in this rate environment.
also lol
Looks like there was a thread on the 997 forum (that was also deleted) with a bore scope vid of the cab he had a deposit on that showed serious scoring in cyl 6. Some back and forth about the dealer offering a warranty for an extra $3600 and how hard that would be to claim on a full rebuild, but it looks like he got his cab.
Folks, I was the heartless ******* that predicted this one. He didn't want to hear it and even acted insulted about my advice. But he ignored it and flushed probably $60K+ into a car that is going to need a rebuild. It still amazes me that people don't have a problem throwing away money when it could have been avoided. Dang, I should be selling this guy Porsche branded blinker fluid on a monthly basis.
Now, it's sad to see the guy all butt-hurt and burning bridges (i.e. deleted comments). Guess he doesn't like to be reminded of his mistake.
Look, it's simple to me... people don't have a problem coming on Rennlist and rejoicing in their successes, but rarely do they come and admit failure. I don't expect the OP to keep his promise to me and post the bore scope pictures of cylinders 5 and 6, but maybe he'll have a change of heart? Irregardless, it won't change the fact that he bought an injured car for more than double of what its worth in its current condition. It just proves what people like Charles Navarro have been saying about the 3.8L M97 - that is, it's one of the most common engines coming to LN for repair and Nickies.
Moral of the story... conduct a pre-purchase inspection BEFORE purchasing the car or placing a down payment.
For the record, here's his last message ...
[Image-only post; no author-written text. Original image references:]
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlist.com-vbulletin/2000x840/screen_shot_2024_01_15_at_6_41_21_pm_f426af64d3b08ccdbe47340abc22776e8519a3c8.png
It�s certainly one thing to ignore good advice bc you�re passionate about a car, but being combative about it and acting like everyone providing said advice is a dick is unreal.
He set up multiple RL accounts and apparently using the other accounts to support his purchase and what a great car it was.
He got butt hurt because I warned him not to buy the car due to the horrible scoring in Cyl#6 in the video he posted of Bore Scope Inspection and then I gave him a lot of crap and then insulted him in my posts for his poor choice in buying it.
Glad he's Banned. What a jackass.
*Hope all you 996 owners are having fun with your toys! I was very active in 996 Forum for years owning 5 996 C4S's and then jumping up to the 997 6 yrs ago.
