ABD and PSM + milky oil

I went to view a porsche today and I was informed the car had ABD and PSM it was a 1997 996 C2. My mate informs me that PSM and ABD were only introduced on the C4. What exactly are they and what do they do, also were they an option on the C2? i.e could a C2 have them? Also I would assume that emulsifying of oil in the top of the oil top up means that there was a problem with coolant leaking in to the oil. I was informed by the seller that this is common in 996's and not serious - am I being taken for the non-mechanical idiot that I am??? The seller is a trader that sells a large volume of porsche and I suspect he wouldn't stay in business long if he sold duff motors or am I being naive. A swift response would be appreciated as I am looking to buy soon!! Please excuse my total lack of knowledge of not only porsche but basic car mechanics. Cheers

I'm not sure what ABD is but know that PSM is Porsche Stability Management - better known as traction control - and was indeed available on C2s as an option, it is std on all C4s - the milky residue is indeed also a std "feature" - I've had 3 996 Carrera's and they've all had this virtually from day one - I think it is to do with the length of the oil filling tube and it's ability to trap condensation. If unsure as to the condition of the car then get an expert to check it over or ask the seller if he minds you taking it to an OPC to get checked out - if the car has a full OPC service history (dealer maintained) you might also be able to purchase a Porsche warranty. Regards Dave

PSM is Porsche Stability management - a complete system that includes traction control, ABS, and stability control in the sense that it aims to stop the car going sideways. It was indeed introduced on the C4, and the only thing available on a 97 C2 would be traction control I believe. You'll be able to tell on the dash because there will either be a button saying "PSM Off" if it has PSM, or "TC off" if it has TC, or neither of course. If the guy is 'misleading' you about this he may be 'misleading' you about other things as well. The milky oil thing is something I've heard other people mention but not had a problem with myself. Don't assume that because he is a known person that he is whiter than white. I bought my car from a well known independent specialist and .. well put it this way wish I'd patted my pockets afterwards. Get the car checked by someone who is independent and knows what they are talking about. An OPC does a reasonable check for £95+VAT I believe. Good luck!

I think that ALL early C2's had Traction Control and Active Brake Differential, but I don't think PSM was an option on the early cars. PSM was standard on the C4, which has the fly-by-wire throttle. As Tim (above) says, you will find a button to the right of the a/c controls marked TC or PSM, and an orange light towards the left of the instrument cluster when it is deactivated. Like the two previous posts suggest - get an independent inspection. No self-respecting specialist would be surprised or offended. If they are - walk away. I would recommend Peter Morgan who inspected my brothers C4. He charges about £250 but is extremely thorough and gives a good detailed pictorial report. Quick to respond too. You will find his details in the traders index pages, under buyers guides. And the milky film in the oil filler tube and cap is fairly common. (I am assuming it isn't a thick sludge). If he has other 996's in stock, take a look to satisfy yourself.

mine does not have TC or PSM etc as it not standard. i get a milky film in the neck of my oil filler tube! just keep wiping it out, you can see condensation on the underside of the oil filler cap.

Ivan I would agree with Richard that Peter Morgan is very well known he has even written a book on buying 996. His number is Tel 01672 514038 or Mob 07798 948 237. Or get them to take it to an OPC for a full inspection and then your safe, as they will pick up any bits that need doing. Maybe you should let us all know who the seller is if he is a Porsche specialist lots of people may know who it is and give you the thumbs up or down. My car also had the Milky Sluge but not that much, and all the other 996 i looked had this as well. Good Luck Phil

Ivan Agree with other respondents here: definitely get the car inspected, preferably the 111 point check at an OPC as you will then be eligible to buy the Porsche warranty (that also comes with Porsche Assist rescue / get-you-home). Early 996 C2s had a mechanical throttle actuator and therefore could not be fited with the PSM system. Traction control and Active Brake Differential were options on the C2 with mechanical throttle. C4 had e-gas (electronic throttle actuator) from outset and was fitted with PSM as standard. When C2 got e-gas (MY '00 ??) TC and ABD were deleted as options and PSM became optional instead. Other than the standard-fit ABS, electronic driver aids (be it TC/ABD or PSM) have always been options on the 996 C2 and remained so throughout its lifetime. Ian W PS Milky sludge is normal - more so if the car is used for short journeys - and is indeed caused by condensation in the long filler neck

Milky sludge is normal so long as it's not much and you don't see similar in the water header tank. PSM was not available on the 996 until 1999 in the UK prior to that it came with Traction control. No idea what ABD is but could it be ABS = Automatic Brake System. It's fairly easy to see if PSM is fitted. There is a switch to turn it on/off on the center console dash to the right of the air vents (on a RHD) car. On such an early car, I would also see if the clutch has been changed recently and also does it have RMS problems. Take it for a drive, listen carefully for gearbox whine in all gears. When was the last "major" service done? Check the break disks (rotors) for wear and also the water header tank for cracks/leaking. Any oil leaks could be expensive to repair. Without a doubt get it inspected by a Porsche professional specialist. Ensure this specialist can read out the DME to check for stage 2 faults (overrev on gear downshift change).

On early 996s TC was an option that came with sports suspension; the TCs good to have, but drive a couple to see whether you like the sports suspension - it's a bit firm round town