2000 996 for sale with engine changed question

928911 · 08-19-2016, 07:21 AM

Hi, I'm planning to buy a used 2000 996 and Porsche's files say that the engine has been changed in 2005 because of heat issues. The car has 40000 miles on it since that. Can I conclude that the car is free of IMS bearing issues? Porsche themselves can't answer to that question

billh1963 · billh1963's Garage

No...you cannot assume that. I don't believe an IMS solution was in place in 2005.

mickey356 · 08-19-2016, 08:05 AM

Was it factory replaced....by dealership....or at the very least, a VERY reputable shop?
I owned an 2002 that had an engine replaced and never had a single problem other than a cracked ignition coil. Drove it for 4 years. Nice car.
Some will tell you to run. I'll tell you it's a great car for the money. You will NEVER guarantee yourself protection from the dreaded IMS issue except to just not buy any car that had it. Yes, there are kits but they aren't a guarantee either, the just minimize an already minimally occurring issue.
My understanding is most cars implode within the first 30k-40k if they have "the curse", obviously that's NOT saying it couldn't happen later.
Bottom line - if you're seriously considering one of these cars you must accept, and prepare for, the IMS failure issue and move forward, or walk away now. I accepted it and enjoyed every mile I drove my 996.

928911 · 08-19-2016, 08:33 AM

[QUOTE=mickey356;9246887]Was it factory replaced....by dealership....or at the very least, a VERY reputable shop?
QUOTE]

Yes it was replaced by Porsche dealer.

Thank's a lot to both of you for your help. I think I will put this project aside for a while cause i'm not ready to deal with IMS risks

seafeye · 08-19-2016, 08:46 AM

If the car is priced right then go for it. Many believe the IMS issues were over exaggerated.
I had a '99 Boxster and a '05 Cayman. Both were great cars.
Don't under rev them. Don't be in too high a gear. And use good oil. You'll love the car.

928911 · 08-19-2016, 09:01 AM

the car is a convertible and has 87000 miles on it now. Seller asks $15500 for it

Matt Monson · 08-19-2016, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seafeye

If the car is priced right then go for it. Many believe the IMS issues were over exaggerated.
I had a '99 Boxster and a '05 Cayman. Both were great cars.
Don't under rev them. Don't be in too high a gear. And use good oil. You'll love the car.

This. I bought a 99 Boxster about 6 months ago. Engine was replaced under warranty 25k mi ago. I seriously doubt it has an IMS fix. I don't care. It's not a terribly expensive car. Cheaper than any decent air cooled car these days. If the engine pops I sell it as a roller to someone building a spec boxster or put a 996 engine in and keep driving. Either I lose $5k on resale or spend $5k on an engine. Cost of ownership in my eyes...

928911 · 08-19-2016, 09:13 AM

Forgot to mention that the car had 2 accidents. One center front cost around $4000 and the other on a door. Apparently the Under is perfectly dry (no leaks).

Elombard · 08-19-2016, 09:42 AM

The problem with them for me (Matt touched on this above) if something happens to the engine it will cost more to fix than its worth. I think even a used motor is 7 or 8k these days due to the demand. If you cant or dont want to afford that scenario I would avoid a purchase. Lots of car for the money!

lately I am reading that they do not make good track day cars because its difficult to keep the oil cool causing failures. You cant just add an external oil cooler easily like a front engine or air cooled car (even a boxster has the side vents).

928911 · 08-21-2016, 01:36 PM

Thank's a lot guys for your help and advice. I'll continue to evaluate

Tippy · 08-21-2016, 01:42 PM

Replacing the IMS bearing with the Raby unit is a must. Good piece of mind.

Matt Monson · 08-21-2016, 05:31 PM

The Mantis sump extension is a good track mod. We raced them in Grand Am for many years. They aren't as bad as the internet paints them.

928911 · 08-22-2016, 04:41 PM

I just wanted to share a bit of todays experience. I m back from a 6 hour trip to check a 1999 996 carrera 4. The car was in an almost perfect condition. A real beauty. I took the time to check all around. Everything was more than fine until the seller started in from cold on his lift. I consider myself lucky for seeing cold start. I saw water dropping from both exhaust but from the left side it was a bit green. I touched it and it smelled hot coolant. Showed it to the seller who was sceptic of course. After a few minutes the dropping of coolant stopped but left exhaust still smelled burnt coolant. I walked away very fast allmost crying. Did i do the right thing?

Matt Monson · 08-22-2016, 05:49 PM

yes.

Elombard · 08-22-2016, 06:02 PM

Do you want a 4WD? I would skip the 4WD just more crud to go wrong. Stick to the C2s unless you need the 4WD for some reason.

08-22-2016, 06:03 PM

Plenty of 996's out there with no stories. I'd keep looking.

928911 · 08-22-2016, 06:57 PM

I still think of it and my heart is bleeding. Jeee.... it was in so good condition and so beautiful

lol altough my wallet feels good. I feel Lucky I saw and smelled that.
No I don't really need a 4wd. I tought it would have better weight balance and grip from stop start.
Yes there are still many 996 out there but I'm a bit scared to buy one that will develop a cylinder leak a bit after i bought it. The one I saw today was 100k miles.

Tippy · 08-22-2016, 08:45 PM

He was probably selling knowing the inevitable.....

928911 · 08-23-2016, 04:10 AM

Very possible. I think the only thing the guy did nt know was that coolant was dropping at a collar on the left exhaust when cold. He kept saying he did nt smell or felt like coolant. Most of all he own a mechanic shop