Don Smethers

Thanks JFP and Judgejon - I'll  put a fork in this one and keep shopping.  thx

Yes, very familiar with IMS conversation. This is early 2000. Part of this process would be to inspect and confirm the old double-row IMS as seller claims, or do the upgrade, in addition to the other issues. But the question is can/should the DME be reset, considering engine would be freshened and maybe rebuilt. Wouldn't do that (or buy it) it that is unethical. thx 

After freshening the engine, maybe a rebuild (don't know yet), the DME 'ignitions' which indicate over-revs would no longer be the correct information. Is it possible and appropriate to reset the DME history, to restart a clean record of the engine readouts.  thx

Considering purchase of a 996 with PPI showing revs, some cam deviation. Looking into cost of repair. Once legit repairs are done, can the DME be ethically reset? Repairs would be done by top shop in area, but not an authorized Porsche Dealer/Service. thanks

Looking at a 2000 C4, don't have a particular need for AWD but this is a pretty cool car. Is the AWD considered a value added or deterrent at 20 years?  How is the reliability, failure rate, repair cost, etc? thanks

OK. thanks for the help.

Thanks. I'll see if I can get the door sticker pic today. Seller says build date 4/2000. Does the information provided thus far get you to the IMS information?

Thank you for your reply and the engine number chart. Agreed, the number provided by the seller is incorrect, and the photo provided is not a clear shot. The 'J' could well  be a '0'. The first setp in a PPI would be to clairify this. Let's assume for the moment that the correct number is M96/0466Y14721. How does this relate to known information on the IMS? Again, thank you for your time.

Thanks DBJoe996 for the offer to dissect the engine #.

Here's the engine # M96/J466Y14721.  Seller says build date 4/2000.

If this comes out to be the double row IMS, then I would really appreciate getting documentation to keep with the records. I don't know where this doc exists, if we can pay for such records, etc. 

Thank you for your replies. Agreed, on this specifiec car, if there are no records of an engine replacement or an IMS upgrade, then the safe assumption for a 2000 is that the small single row bearing is in the engine. Of course, since the factory didn't know of the failure rate until later, there may not be an engine-by-engine record kept or being accessible at this time. Does this sound right? So, I'm still shopping for my next Porsche.

Thank you. That is what I have learned as well. I'm really trying to give the 996 seller the benefit of extra research, to prove (or ?)  his statement that this has a factory big bearing IMS, 'according to the engine serial number'. Really hoping to find some reliable factory records that would confirm that, cause it's very cool ride, otherwise not.

Have owned many Porshes since mid 60's, none at this time but shopping. Considering a specific early 2000 996 Carerra C4. Is there a way to determine for certain from the engine serial number whether it has the dual-row IMS bearing (from the factory), or the single-row IMS prone to failure?  Thank you.