2003 3.6 Reliability

[AnthonyZ]

I've been reading many horror stories regarding the reliability of the 996 3.6 engine. Can someone please clarify what year / years are least reliable. And what I need to be aware of specifically with the 2003.

Thank you.

[phillipj]

I've been reading many horror stories regarding the reliability of the 996 3.6 engine. Can someone please clarify what year / years are least reliable. And what I need to be aware of specifically with the 2003.

Thank you.

From what I have heard 2005 was the worst engine build year for Porsche for the 3.6. This is according to RFM (one of the moderators here.)

I wouldn't get too caught up in what you have read. This is coming from someone who's 3.4 failed at 68k miles.

Make sure you check out the car thoroughly that you are considering. Get a PPI from Porsche or a reputable shop. If the car has been driven regularly that is a plus. These engines do not like to sit for long periods of time.

You can avoid the common 3.6 and 3.4 issues with a Turbo or a GT3. They have a different engine (casing and oil supply system.)

I'm sure others here will be able to shed further light on this subject. You can also do a search here on this topic.

[Benjamin Choi]

I've been reading many horror stories regarding the reliability of the 996 3.6 engine. Can someone please clarify what year / years are least reliable. And what I need to be aware of specifically with the 2003.

Thank you.

From what I have heard 2005 was the worst engine build year for Porsche for the 3.6. This is according to RFM (one of the moderators here.)

I wouldn't get too caught up in what you have read. This is coming from someone who's 3.4 failed at 68k miles.

Make sure you check out the car thoroughly that you are considering. Get a PPI from Porsche or a reputable shop. If the car has been driven regularly that is a plus. These engines do not like to sit for long periods of time.

You can avoid the common 3.6 and 3.4 issues with a Turbo or a GT3. They have a different engine (casing and oil supply system.)

I'm sure others here will be able to shed further light on this subject. You can also do a search here on this topic.

The TT has its own set of catastrophic issues so let's not make it sound like it's immune.

The GT3 997 ... RMS is common.

[phillipj]

I did not know that.. Thanks Benjamin.... I can't believe that even in the 997 GT3 Porsche hasn't fixed that RMS problem. :huh:

I guess my point was the TT and GT3 don't have some of the common issues of the 3.4 and 3.6 996.

I always learn something here....

:cheers:

Edited January 21, 2009 by phillipj

[Loren]

996 and 997 use the same engine - the 996 GT3 and 996 GT3 use an entirely different engine. There is little to compare.

[phillipj]

Thanks Loren, again I learn something :D

[Benjamin Choi]

I did not know that.. Thanks Benjamin.... I can't believe that even in the 997 GT3 Porsche hasn't fixed that RMS problem. :huh:

I guess my point was the TT and GT3 don't have some of the common issues of the 3.4 and 3.6 996.

I always learn something here....

:cheers:

yea it's not nearly as common on the 996 GT3, but then i rarely browse that forum because i am interested in the 997 gt3. it's pretty annoying to think porsche still hasn't gotten it right esp in their flagship 911 models.

the 996TT has a transmission issue where the gear pops out. as i understand it it'snot a simple fix and pretty much involves a full replacement. they have other nit picky items and calling that car bulletproof is a misnomer. actually, what performance cars are truly bulletproof? when you own one you learn about its quirks.

certainly our m96s have its own fair share via the intermediate shaft failure and RMS stories... but i think the general advice i give to others around purchasing a 996 carrera is to find one that has a remanfactured engine replaced under factory warranty at a porsche dealership #1 if you really want to have your bases covered. i have never once heard of a reman engine failing. i'm assuming also that once someone goes thru an engine replacement, they're more mindful of maintaining the car with the right oil and properly checking the oil level.

it's a great mystery that'll never be solved. all we can do is be happy, live healthy and completely enjoy the ownershp experience.

Edited January 22, 2009 by Benjamin Choi