996 Issues

[88911coupe]

Hey listers, I usually frequent the Carrera board but have a question regarding 996s. My friend has his 993 cab stolen friday and is looking to replace it with a 996. I have seen mention on the rennlist site about rear main seal problems...is this a serious issue and what, if any, years are most impacted. Any other 996 issues? I have another friend with a 2000 996 and he loves it and thought a 1999 may have some teething probs.
BTW, I did a search and could not find anything...did I not search properly?
TIA

[s_wilwerding]

The RMS (rear main seal) is the seal around the crankshaft where it exits the engine. Boxster and 996 engines (which are very similar) have a problem with the RMS leaking. Sometimes it is caused by a faulty seal, sometimes it is caused by a non-concentric crankshaft. If it's the latter, Porsche will replace the engine, in or out of warranty, for free. If it's the former, a mechanic can replace the seal with a redesigned seal from Porsche. I haven't heard of anyone yet who has had the new seal go bad. The repair is about $800 - $1000.

There are no indicators that the RMS will go bad - they have gone bad on all model years (for 996s) at all mileages for any driving style. However, it's a relatively easy fix that can usually be done in a day. Porsches are expensive cars to fix, and RMSs are no exception. However, once it's fixed, it's fixed. I wouldn't let the RMS issue stop your friend from buying a 996 - they are very good, generally reliable cars that are selling at tremendous discounts.

[88911coupe]

That's the information I needed,
Thanks