996 Headlight Question and CupHolders

[barlowdo]

I was just looking at 03 Cab today with around 60kmiles.

On the pass side headlight the chrome metal cap was missing. It is about three inch in diameter.

What is this cap for? Does it hide the water sprayer for the headlights?

I must confess it is not my favorite feature of these headlights.

I was surprised with this low miles that there were fine cracks or some kind of degradation inside the lens's on both sides near the metal cap.

On the center console I saw quite a few nicks in the hard surface of the console. Like it was a bad quality paint job and was chipping easily.

Is this chipping normal?

BTW - this car was described as exceptional inside and out.

I wish I had taken pictures.

And speaking of pics can someone direct me to a pic of the cup holders in the 2002 and up 996's? I have yet to see one in the open position.

Thanks for any help in advance.

[FPB111]

Head light washer nozzle + trim cap. ~$60
Pelican Parts - Product Information: 996-628-143-00-OEM

The chipping is not "normal" however Porsche's "Soft Touch" paint is not very robust.

[barlowdo]

Thanks for the info on the trim cap and the paint.
Now I just have to find out about the cup holder.


Some additional 996 questions:

1. Does the AWD 2001 come with a Space saver spare?
2. In car fax for 996 I keep seeing electrical related checks such as "Battery/charging system/starter checked Airbag system checked", "Body electrical system checked Airbag system checked", "Engine/powertrain computer/module checked", also electric Key lock issues. Are these checks, part of a maintenance test or are the 996's prone to electrical gremlins?
3. One confusing question. Some 2001 cars have the fragile cup holders while others have a third electronic panel which may be the Nav system. If you order the Nav do the cupholders get deleted?

Thanks in advance.

[barlowdo]

1. I'll answer my own question since no one else replied. I found out the AWD 2001 has a collapsible spare. And it goes under a tray in the front trunk leaving a very clean look.
2. Seems like this is typical electrical tests and not a major issue.
3. Still do not know the answer to the cup holder and frankly I am pretty confused how the factory Nav fits in the top two dins when there is a division between the two.

[syncroid]

Originally Posted by barlowdo

And speaking of pics can someone direct me to a pic of the cup holders in the 2002 and up 996's? I have yet to see one in the open position.

Thanks for any help in advance.

We have an 02 in the shop right now. Will check the cup holders in that Monday and get back to you. Wish I saw this earlier. I was there today. (normally my day off )

[barlowdo]

Thanks I appreciate that.

[syncroid]

Here are the pictures of the one we have in the shop.

[barlowdo]

Wow thanks a lot for the pics. That sure answers my question.

[syncroid]

No Problemo. Glad to help out.

[hemeoncdoc]

You just identified my greatest need: something to hold my coffee in the morning. Any idea what parts i would need to retrofit this to a 1999 996? Thanks in advance.

[syncroid]

This. http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-used-parts-sale-wanted/673276-f-s-cup-holder-porsche-oem.html

[barlowdo]

I don't think there is a location for this swing out style in the 99 to 2001 996 models. It would be nice if there was as it appears to not take up a radio "din" slot. A 1999 wil only accept the pop out style cup holders that only came in some 2001 cars. Unfortunately my 2001 did not come with one.

The 2001 cup holders are about $100.00 on EBay.

The trouble is they take up one "din" slot. And it appears that the only "din" slot it will fit in is the very top slot under the center vents.

A "din" slot is the same height as the factory radio.

The cup holder may fit in one of the lower slots but if so I have not yet seen a pic of one.

[spyduh]

There are a few possibilities for a cup holder in the early 996's 99-01's

1. Buy the Retrofit kit from Pelican. 000-044-801-91-OEM
Cupholder Retrofit Kit, Side-by-Side Style (Not for cars with PCM - climate control unit must be relocated to lower section of console) (1 per car, sold individually), 996 Carrera 2/4 (1999 - 7/01)

If you buy the retrofit kit, you will need to move your AC control to the bottom deck. While your at switching stuff around. Buy the Console Storage Shelf (996-552-253-01-01C-OEM) and throw away the outdated CD Console Holder!!!!

2. Or buy the Center Console cup holder from Suncoast.

3. Or buy the Boxster Cup Holder (vent clip on which i think is UGLY). This can be bought from eagleday

[barlowdo]

Spyduh, what is the deal with the Suncoast cup holder pricing? They are less for two as a set than purchased separately. Is the double one some after market design or am I missing something?

[DaveBerry]

I use the "Cup Pilot" in my 2000 996.
While not as clean as the OEM solution, it does work.
I hang mine from the passenger center vent.

Cup-Pilot Hook Diagram : Cup-Pilot

[barlowdo]

DAVEBERRY, Does the Cup Pilot get in the way of your displays and controls or is it not that big a deal since the Java is close at hand?

[DaveBerry]

It is a minor annoyance. Beats the hell out of not having a cup holder!