Unfortunately this is not uncommon. An intermediate shaft bearing can let go with little warning trashing the engine. There is also a condition with some engines cylinders that results in a "D" chunk failure.
See December Excellence for a good explanation of these two problems. Also see the buyers guide on the Hartech web site section 4 has much data and pictures.
http://www.hartech.org/docs/buyers%20guide%20web%20format%20Jan%202008%20part% 204.pdf
Many of us read and quote Excellence Magazine. In this month’s issue, May 2009, Bruce Anderson’s technical answer column, addressing a question about the design of the M96 engine, contains the following information.
“When the Boxster and 996 were relatively new cars and the M96’s problems were not yet understood, rumors suggested that up to 50% of the cars were going to experience failure. Porsche addressed the problems and, today, I am hearing the number of cars that have had or will have a problem is closer to 20%, or one in five.”
It is good to see that “Porsche has addressed the problems”. So those who have a Boxster/Cayman/996/997 with an M96 engine know that you have an 80% chance of not suffering a catastrophic engine problem.
Make sure that PCNA has your current address and vin so you won’t miss the updated component install recall. NOT
Maybe we should start a club with a cloisonné car badge and “T” shirts? “The 20% Club”