Everything 996.
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News, DIY guides, events and market values for the 996 911, gathered from across the enthusiast world so you don't have to hunt for them.
Latest news
The best 996 stories from around the web, in one place. We summarize each one and link straight to the original.
Two 2003 Carrera 4S coupes are finalists in Porsche's Classic Restoration Challenge
Porsche Mechanicsburg entered a long-time Pennsylvania daily driver in Preservation, and Porsche San Francisco a long-dormant car restored by two first-year technicians. The national final was held in Fayetteville, Georgia.
Read at Porsche NewsroomVideo: a manual 996 Turbo X50 flat out on the Autobahn
A 450 hp X50 with uprated turbos, intercoolers and ECU tune, reviewed at speed.
Read at StuttcarsHow the 996 went from least-loved 911 to must-buy
Why the first water-cooled 911 now appeals to enthusiasts, and why the IMS bearing still matters to buyers.
Read at AutoblogSources we follow include Porsche Newsroom, Stuttcars, Autoblog, Rennlist, PCA, Bring a Trailer and enthusiast forums. Headlines and summaries are written by 996 World; all rights in the original articles belong to their publishers.
DIY guides
Each guide brings together the best write-ups we can find into one complete, sourced procedure, with the exact parts and tools you need.
Air-oil separator replacement
Symptoms, the vacuum test, parts by year with part numbers, and every step from ten sources.
Read the guideCoolant expansion tank
Spotting a cracked tank and replacing it, with hoses and clamps to do at the same time.
Ignition coils and spark plugs
Diagnosing a misfire, and replacing coils and plugs on both banks.
Oil and filter change
The basic service, done right, plus what to look for in the old filter.
Know a great 996 write-up we should include? Send it in and we'll credit you.
Suggest a guideUpcoming events
Porsche gatherings across the US, organized by region. Pick yours to see what's on near you. Every 996 welcome. International listings are coming next.
No listings in this region yet
We're adding more regions every week. Know an event? Send it in and we'll list it.
Listings gathered from pcarfolk.com and Porsche Club of America regions; regions follow Porsche Club of America's groupings. Always confirm details with the organizer before you go.
What 996s sell for
Completed sales only, never asking prices. Collected daily from auction results.
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Know the car
The essentials every 996 owner and buyer should have: the lineup, the IMS question, common issues and a pre-purchase checklist.
Carrera (996.1)
1998–20013.4 M96The entry point, with the original "fried egg" headlamps. Early cars may have the dual-row IMS bearing.
Carrera (996.2)
2002–20053.6 M96Facelift with Turbo-style headlamps, more power and a revised cabin. Single-row IMS bearing.
Targa
2002–20053.6 M96Sliding glass roof and opening rear glass hatch. Check the mechanism, seals and drains.
Carrera 4S
2002–20053.6 M96Turbo body, brakes and suspension without the Turbo price.
Turbo / Turbo S
2001–20053.6 Mezger TTNo IMS concern. Huge tuning headroom. Values have firmed.
GT3
1999–20053.6 MezgerNaturally aspirated and track-bred. Only the 2004–05 car was sold in the US.
GT2
2001–20053.6 Mezger TTRear-drive, rare and the most collectible of the generation.
Years vary by market; US model years usually run a year behind Europe. Confirm with the VIN and build date.
What it is
The intermediate shaft bearing supports the shaft that drives the camshafts. If it fails, it can destroy the engine. Turbo, GT2 and GT3 use the Mezger engine, which doesn't have this bearing problem.
The changeovers overlap, so the model year alone doesn't prove which bearing a car has. Ask for evidence of the bearing type or an upgrade, usually done with a clutch and rear main seal.
- ~1997–2000Dual-row bearing. Commonly cited failure rate of about 1%.
- ~2000–2005Single-row bearing, the highest-risk version, at about 8% during the warranty period.
- Late 2005 onLarger bearing that fails less often, but can't be replaced without splitting the engine case.
Bore scoring
Scored cylinder walls cause oil consumption. Only a borescope inspection shows it.
Rear main seal
A slow seep where engine meets gearbox is common. Usually replaced with the clutch or IMS work.
Cooling
Front radiators trap debris; coolant expansion tanks can crack.
Ignition coils
Coils can crack and misfire. Inexpensive; many owners replace all six.
Roofs
Cabriolet hydraulics and motors; Targa glass mechanism, seals and drains.
General information, not a substitute for an inspection by a qualified specialist.
Paperwork
Engine
Body & chassis
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New DIY guides, the best stories, notable sales and upcoming events, in one short email.