chriswaxman

I was under the impression that TUV statistics were compiled based on defect claims, is it the case that an owner must take his car to a TUV office to be inspected? Even assuming that is true, why wouldn't an owner do that? In a similar vein, Edmunds gives the 1999 911 the highest reliability ratings in all areas, including Transmission and Driveline. Edmunds' results are claimed to be based on "Indentifix." "Reliability Ratings by Identifix is based from repair shop-reported issues." http://www.edmunds.c....html?sub=coupe More on Identifix from MSN Autos: http://editorial.aut...atingsinfo.aspx And similar results on MSN autos: http://autos.msn.com...911&trimid=3036 At any rate, the reason I post this is because there is the thirst for "numbers" on 996 reliability and here are some organizations that appear to have compiled information based on large sample sets. There may be some issues as to what is reported, but at worst its no worse than random samplings of internet forum posts. Again, I don't mean to suggest that "IMS failure or a D-chunk failure, or a scored cylinder, or an AOS failure, or a rod bolt failure, or a snapped shift linkage, or broken water pump, or cracked coolant expansion tank, or any of the other many failures" don't exist. Clearly they do. My car has experience the cracked coolant expansion tank and had a transmission bearing issue. And I do not mean in any way to undermine the legitimate bad feelings of those who have suffered failures, myself included. My point, rather, is that the 996 seems to get an unduly bad rap. The only objective statistics I can find show it being quite reliable overall. All cars have problems, including many other Porsche models. But it seems the 996 is singled out to a degree that may not be warranted.

Could the 996 be one of the most reliable cars on the roads today? (Or at least the German roads?) The TÜV says yes. This has been puzzling me for some time. . . It seems that according to the German TÜV (Technical Inspection Associations) M96 engined cars are amongst the most reliable cars, period. Compared to all cars. And this trend continues several years out from purchase -- not just initial quality.<br id="yui_3_2_0_4_130634284081990" class="yui-cursor"> See: http://www.autobild.de/artikel/auto-bild-tuev-report-2007_59351.html This site seems to have several years worth of data: http://www.anusedcar.com/ Take, for example, the 2005 report of cars 4-5 years old, which would seem to cover 1999-01 911 models http://www.anusedcar.com/index.php/tuv-model/porsche-911 The 996 comes in 8th overall, ahead of the Toyota Corolla. Other years it comes in around the same. And for the 2007 report on cars 4-5 years out the 996 comes in first. First overall, of ALL cars. The Boxster does really well for all years too, including several 1st place finishes. This one reads like a Porsche press release, but still: http://www.autoracingdaily.com/news/industry-news/porsche-offers-supreme-long-term-quality/ Is it simply that the cars are close to perfect except for the the occasional catastrophic engine or transmission failure? Am I missing something? Why have I not seen a single mention of the TÜV reports on the lengthy threads on 996 reliability on several very active 996 boards in the US and UK? Maybe I'm more tuned in to TÜV because I work for a German company (not a car company). Really though, I just took a flier and Googled "Porsche TÜV" and found this. I don't mean for a minute to diminish the pain suffered by those whose engines have gone south on them. Common or uncommon, that sucks. And it clearly happens. I'm just having trouble reconciling the reputation that these cars are building up on the internet with what appears to be actual reliability studies by an authoritative organization. Thoughts?

I had mine done by Safelite. I was impressed with the quality and workmanship. Installed it was under $500. The windshield was installed in less than 24 hours from my initial call to Safelite.

Most likely: Mike Tillson Motor Car Service 2097 N. 63rd St. Philadelphia, PA (215) 473-6400 I've never had my car there, though I did happen to drive by just a few days ago.

I picked up Porsche 996 - The Essential Companion, by Adrian Streather, from the Renntech.org store at Amazon: http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?a...amp;code=amazon It's not a workshop manual per se, like a Clymer or Haynes manual. But it has loads of useful information and DIY instructions for common projects. It's like the ultimate owner's manual with detailed diagnostic information, diagrams, pics and step-by-step procedures for basic maintenance and repair.

I have a 1999 C2. When I purchased the car it had 18" wheels. I currently use the car as a daily driver. I mounted a set of 17" C4 rims with snows in the winter. When spring came I decided to mount summer tires on the 17s. The difference in price between 17" and 18" tires is significant. And with 17" tires you can find some good ones that even come with a mileage warranty (at least here in the US). To respond to your question: The ride quality is quite nice on the 17s. It was definitely softer with the 17" snow tires. I tend to think its a bit more comfortable with the 17" summer tires as well, compared to the 18s. That said, there is a noticeable difference in handling between the 17" and 18" wheels. With the 18" wheels it felt like a racing car. With the 17" wheels it feels like a sports car. With the 18s it felt like there was zero body roll. Which is good. With the 17s the handling is a bit more "lively" and you can feel some roll. You can also pitch it around and feel like you're approaching the limits at lower speeds than the 18s, which isn't necessarily a bad thing! Regardless, I've really impressed with the ride quality of the 996 with 17s or 18s, even with snow tires. Handling is amazing and the car is comfortable. To me that's what makes a really good suspension. I just had an alignment done and the 17" tires are wearing well. (Falken Ziex) Overall I'm happy with them, and they suit my use of the car. And the thought of having to buy a set of 18s every 6-12 months was just too much too bear. I still have the 18" rims and may put them on if I plan to do a spirited driving trip or an autocross.

I hear you about synthetic being bad for certain transmissions. I had that happen to a Saab 900S. A mechanic crowed about how great it was that he put synthetic oil in the transmission. Bascially ruined the transmission. He later dumped the synthetic and put in dino but was never quite the same and eventually the transmission was replaced. Ironically the guy runs a Saab specialty shop and Saab says quite explicitly not to use synthetic gear oil. I don't know what gear oil is in my 996, but I'm guessing its what was put in at the factory as the car only has 44k on it.

The car is at a respected local independent as of this morning, awaiting diagnosis. The independent said, as Loren did, that parts are now available from Porsche for transmission repair. Apparently some specialists have been repairing 996 transmission for years before Porsche made parts available by going to the suppliers used by Porsche. Shopping around it seems a good rebuilt transmission can be bought for about $3000 w/core exchange. A huge hit, to be sure. :( But about 1/2 of a new motor, fwiw. Let's hope it doesn't come to that. If it does come to that, from what I've seen the US rebuilders of 996 transmissions make some nice upgrades for 1/2 the price of a Porsche-supplied replacement. But like I said. . . let's hope it doesn't come to that! Searching the web it seems like 996 transmission issues are rare and the ones that crop up usually relate to 2d gear. I was hoping my post would shake out some experiences with transmission bearings, thrust washers, main shaft, etc. But for the sake of all of us, maybe its better that the information isn't out there!

Hello all - I have a '99 C2 Coupe, 6-speed manual, US Model, 44k miles. Just today I noticed a new and disconcerting noise. When in third gear AND the gas pedal is pressed there is a quite noticeable rattling/whirring noise emanating from what I believe is the transmission. (Describing it as "grinding" would be going too far.) Again, it is only in third and only when the accelerator is pressed, not when coasting. There does not appear to be an issue when in any of the other gears. I'm the third owner of the car and I've put on nearly 1/3 of the 44k within the last year. In other words, it went from being a sunny Sunday garage queen with others to my daily driver. No other issues with the car at all. I have a few ideas but would appreciate hearing what anyone else has to say on the matter. Also, any recommendations for an independent Porsche shop in or around Philadelphia would be appreciated. Someone who could both diagnose and repair. I live in Philadelphia and work in the western suburbs. Finally, if the issue is something inside the transmission, is it common to have internal work done with discreet internal parts replaced, or are we talking rebuilt transmission, send the core in, etc.? Thanks

Does anyone know what part 41 in the above diagram is? What the the 1/2 cylindrical indentations for?