Chalk up another RMS. help required.

I drove my C4 out of the garage yesterday and I found the dreaded oil spots on what was previously a spotless floor. Yep, it looks like the RMS has gone. Anyone in Sussex had one replaced recently? I have had 2 Porsches and this is my first experience of this failure so could do with a few bits of info. What are the likely costs at OPC or has anyone found an independant that they would like to recommend in the Sussex/Kent Borders? Thanks in advance RB

Hi ArBee, I assume you have read the 10 pages of messages "996 engine failier" thread on this board. I also assume you are out of Warranty?

RB I had one go not so long ago the OPC replaced it for £650 Inc VAT. While i was there i got the clutch changed as they only charged me for the Part £325 + VAT. The car has done 33.000 clutch was OK for a few more miles but while they were there I thought I may as well get this done as well. My car is Manual it is more expensive on a TIP. You have 2 years warranty if you have the RMS done by OPC. A lot of dosh for somthing that should not happen in the first place but hopfully that should be that, unless your name is Scouser. I got mine done with Cambridge OPC and they were very good, they had the car for 2 days and the loaner was a Boxster S, which was a great loaner. (made me appreciate my 996) Good Luck Phil

Hi Nick, Yes the car is out of warranty although I was going to take out extended warrant after my 48K service due next month. I have also read the many threads but probably forgot most of the salient advice given in them which now applies to me so I will take the time to read through them again. RB

Hi Philippe, Thanks for the info on the cost, I was kind of thinking it would be around £700. I had a new clutch about 10K ago and a new flywheel so I am hoping that the clutch remains OK. RB

Arbee, has your car had a FPSH from the main dealer with no independent stamps in your service book? If so, I suggest you call Reading and explain your dissatisfaction, tell them you know about the TSB's and ask them for some contribution towards the cost. It is my bet they will give you some good-will towards the cost (typically 50%). But only if your car has been serviced through the UK network. OPC charges range between £600-£1000 for RMS replacement. A good independent will charge between £300-£500. Ensure they check both RMS & IMS, change the block bolts for the new blue ones and ask them for measurements of the crank bore. Best of luck with it. Cheers

RB Well your clutch should be fine, but they can always take it out and have a look at no extra cost. Looking through all the threads on RMS and engine failure is helpful but to be honnest it just confused me as what the hell to think, also very depressing. I would get it done take out the warranty keep an eye on it and all should be OK, if not the warranty should cover any future problems relating to it. And if you can get 50% as mentioned above then even better. Phil.

Hi Scouse, To answer your question, Yes it is a full OPC service stamped history and all to schedule. Have you evidence that this tactic works with the RMS replacement? I have just ploughed my way through the Engine failure threads and as Philippe suggests it can be confusing to know just what to do for the best. I like the thought of PGB stumping up some (all would be better) of the cost as I had earmarked the 700 quid to put the car back into warranty. RB

Arbee, Believe me. Nobody knows this tactic better [ ] I am on my 7th RMS and I only ever payed £237 for the 1st one. "ALL" have been replaced out of warranty. Call Reading 0118 930 3666. Ask for Customer Relations (now called customer assistance). Explain you are a PCGB member. Explain that you have read/heard about all this RMS issue and are extremely concerned. Explain that the car has had FPSH. Tell them that you want to apply for a good-will claim. You have nothing to loose......try it. Best of luck.

Thanks Scouser, Thanks I will give this a ago and let you know how this goes. Just one more thing. I have not had the car inspected to actually confirm that the RMS has in fact failed yet although I am more than convinced because it has all the symptoms that you and others have describe. I suspect I would need to have the car inspected by my OPC first?

Good point. Actually, I would take it down to your OPC and ask them "politely" to put in a good-will claim for you if it is the RMS. This is the preferred method. If the claim for good-will comes from the OPC instead of you, you stand a 99% chance of getting it. That's Plan A. If your OPC says they won;t put in a good will claim then go to Plan B.

Yep, sounds good to me. I will keep you posted.

I'd certainly recommend a goodwill claim and best of luck with this! Porsche Cars GB offered me goodwill contribution of 100% on parts + 50% towards labour, but my local OPC charges a premium for doing this repair and they still wanted me to cough up £520. I decided to take my business elsewhere and speak to one of the OPC's who can do this repair for sub £600 [standard price without any contribution]. Being very helpful they spoke to Customer Relations on my behalf regarding my original goodwill claim and the fact that I felt my local OPC was trying to shaft me. Anyway, Customer Assistance offered a further goodwill contribution therefore reducing my bill from £520 to £260. Andy