Newbie with 996 C4S - Page 1 - 911/Carrera GT - PistonHeads UK

I have been reading the threads on the forum for a while and taken some helpful advice along the way. Just wanted to say hi as I have not long purchased a 996 c4s cabriolet back in October. Been getting used to it and trying to get it up to a good standard. Just replaced the rear tyres with conti sport3 to match the recent fronts, I have got the front discs and pads to do (weekend) and got it booked in to opc Swindon for a service. No doubt they will hit me with a list of must haves lol Here she is

Hi Louis, welcome along. Over 6 hours for someone to say hello! I don't know. Anyway, great cars the '6 C4S. Even better with PSE or an aftermarket exhaust. Enjoy your car. I hope you escape unscathed from your OPC visit. Personally I'd find a good local Indy but that's just me.

Thanks guys, I would use an Indy for anything major but the previous owner but the car into opc a month before I bought it for an airbag light. They only produced a small to do list of the front brakes and a exhaust heat shield both of which do need doing. So hopefully a minor service will be the extent of the visit! Has anyone had any problems with the cab leaking slightly around the top of the A pillar, I know we have had some serious weather but the sill pocket sometimes gets wet and also the front spare wheel well looks a little damp??

In terms of the wet in the front you need to check the bulkhead where the battery sits. Remove all the plastic trim (x3 pieces, at least on 997, I assume the same for 996) and verify that the holes are not blocked. Do a search on the internet and you will find good diagrams etc. Btw, welcome to Porsche ownership!

Welcome to 996 C4S ownership. I've had my coupe for a year now, and I love it. They are great cars. I've been chipping away at the little jobs that come up, ( coffin arms, full geo, condensers, mesh in the grilles, Low temp stat, tyres, service, coils, wheel refurb,etc) and mine is now spot on. Its all part of the fun of 911 ownership.

Louis911 said: Thanks guys, I would use an Indy for anything major but the previous owner but the car into opc a month before I bought it for an airbag light. They only produced a small to do list of the front brakes and a exhaust heat shield both of which do need doing. So hopefully a minor service will be the extent of the visit! Has anyone had any problems with the cab leaking slightly around the top of the A pillar, I know we have had some serious weather but the sill pocket sometimes gets wet and also the front spare wheel well looks a little damp?? Seriously consider an independent...and/or get it on a maintenance plan with Hartech who will give you straightforward honest advice. I would only keep a car at OPCs through OEM/extended warranty phase of its life and then use a well known Indie from there onwards who really know what they're doing and see lots of these cars. They will also advise if brakes really need doing or just skimming, which they can do. Heatshields and exhaust baffles/rear boxes, condensers/rads are a weak spot on C4S and front suspension mounts/coffin arms etc need to be kept an eye on, but you should be able to feel if it's not right. Check IMS hence the Hartech maintenance plan suggestion, don't worry about RMS if it's only damp as it's not worth gearbox out job every time it happens (and it will keep happening) only worry if it's visibly dripping. Also think about Hartech's oil cooler/thermostat modification if you're going to do more than pootle and do long runs in it. Roof shouldn't leak at A-pillar. 996s much unloved, but I think the C4S was one of prettiest (if you can say such a thing) and most sorted of the 996 range and has aged well. I loved mine and it's one of the standout cars I've owned....wasn't a cabrio...but I confess to having had 996 Cab too. Enjoy your car! PF

Fitted the front brakes last night and they did really need replacing. The inner pads were not working correctly and the discs were very worn. Thanks for all the advice.

Looks good, you will love it. I got one late December and I just can't get enough of it