DIY service / warranty

My MY2004 C2 has a full OPC service history and Porsche warranty but I want to do some of the service work myself such as oil, filters & spark plug changes etc because I like doing these things, I would expect to still have an OPC service / inspection annually but I am concerned about the warranty issues, has anyone got any comments. Best regards to all Jim

I think it is important to maintain a documented service history by an OPC or known independent for the time when it comes to sell. Most buyers consider this to be of paramount importance. I would get the OPC/Indy to do the scheduled maintenance and stamp the book, and do any "over-servicing" yourself, along with any jobs you care to tackle. You will need to maintain the service schedule in order not to void the warranty, and any items you (or an indy) replace should be Porsche parts, or "those of equivalent quality", as I believe it says on the warranty booklet. Good to hear of another that likes getting his hands dirty! [ ] [ ]

Hi Richard, Thanks for the information, my car has a full OPC service history which I intend to keep up. I only use genuine Porsche parts but I will take your advice and restrict my own work to as you put in "over servicing" such as brake fluid changes and spark plug changes etc and leave the main service to OPC. I have already changed brake fluid once with Porsche fluid along with receipt and date and mileage logged in my service history, and yes, I don't mind getting my hands dirty, shouldn't expect anything different having been an engineer for 43 years and trained at Rolls Royce on service & repair of Silver Shadows (a long time ago). Best regards to all Jim

Silver shadows! I got one of those I inherited, and if you can understand the braking system on one of those you will find a 996 a walk in the park! Seriously! I think its a good idea to keep everything that can be stamped in the service book, stamped by a main dealer or in my opinion by an independent who I think will give your car more care and attention. As for other jobs, the main dealers can have a nasty habbit of doing any jobs they think need doing wihtout asking, however an independent like the one I use may be more helpful with you doing your own jobs if they know you like doing them. I have a deal going like this with www.jmgarage.com in Bournemouth, they know I like to get my hands dirty, so they go to town on servicing looking for anything to add to a list to hand me to get sorted out, they even sell me the parts to do it and sometimes work with me by being happy to look over what I have done when I pop back to them. They have even talked me through what I have been doing on the phone as I do it when i get stuck or just worried. If you find someone like this, who will keep your service history going, yet helping you with wiring diagrams, diagnostic code read outs etc when you need them, then your home and dry.

Hi Dan, Thanks for the advice, and yes I like getting my hands dirty and don't like the redundant feeling just taking the car for a service when I know I can do most of the work myself to my standards. It is not about money, it is about being involved and understanding the car. Prior to the Porsche, I had a company car and a '68 MGB which I converted to 5 speed and made my own gearbox bell housing and propshaft, resprayed, did all the welding etc etc. I just need a fine balance between a full service history and my own work which will be fully documented with genuine parts and invoices. Thanks again. Best regards Jim

No problem Jim, You have any knowledge about the silver shadow rollers? If, so, and if I ever need any advice, can I drop you a line?

Hi Dan, I would be happy to help you but it is over 35 years ago since I worked on these cars and don't remember much and I think I gave all the workshop info away as well because I cannot find anything apart from the little drivers hand book given out when car & driver were checked out annually. Best regards Jim

I purchased a 2003 996 turbo a year ago and it is now due for service and the extended warranty is also due. Do you think it's worth taking out another year at £895 ?? I did when i bought the car for peace of mind. Also does it make big diff if i service at OPC or independent specialist ? The car to date has full OPC history.

depends if you intend keeping it for a while-there are lots of different opinions on this one!!i decided to save the £895 AND get a mechanic who wasnt being trained but knew porsche inside out!

If it was a 3.4 996 and if they were young enough to qualify for the extended warranty, I would say stick with the warranty because the engines seem to be made of toffee (no offense, but its true) Being a turbo, their engines are much stronger and not so much of a hand grenade, so your less likely to see terminal engine failure costing thousands of pounds to repair. So it may well be worth going with an independent specialist. I use Jon Mitchell in Bournemouth ( JMG ) for all my work in the past for my old 996, all the Boxster's I have owned and the GT3 I plan on buying later in the summer. They are top quality technicians, know their stuff and they have a customer list ranging from owners of 924's through to the Saudi royal family and the Saltan of Brunei so you can be assured your car is in safe hands. I was even told by one of the guys in an OPC that Jon is ex works Porsche motorsport. So if you can find the right specialist (Colin at 9m is another good one) you get higher standards of technician, cheaper prices and even better customer service. Just my 2p worth