Living with a 146,000-mile Porsche 911 (996 Carrera)

[@---vj9kc]

I have the same 996,(albeit a 99'), in the same color (arctic silver) with a tiptronic, 102k and purchased it in 2010 with 80k -- It has been running like a charm all along and it never had the IMS (Intermediate Shaft Bearing) upgrade and I don't worry about it now that it has so many miles on it -- The SINGLE row bearing used in the 2000 - 2005 996's had a high failure rate of 8% according to the Eisen class action lawsuit compared to the 99's DUAL row bearings 1% failure rate ! I've had the car serviced at the local Porsche dealer since I purchased it and the head mechanic basically explained that if you change the oil and filter once a year then you shouldn't have any concerns with the IMS as what it really needs is enough lubrication with clean oil to keep from failing - Aside from that, the car has been a total joy to own and drive. Haven't had to replace anything major all along and I drive it year round, rain or shine (or snow) : ) And I love the Pilot Sport A/S 3 tires which are perfect for year round use, (living here in Boston, USA) - The 996 is meant to be drivin', and not living as a garage queen, like alot of ferraris, for instance ! : ) I don't stress or worry about the car and the IMS, as life is TOO short. Just enjoy the Porsche ownership experience, and drive it like you stole it ! : )

[@benbarrycars7628]

Yep, following the same logic with oil changes once a year, maybe 2500 miles. Thanks for the comment

[@ericbeer7389]

Just replaced my IMS on a 2001 C4 and it was a dual row surprised me and my mechanic.

[@Chris.Davies]

I'm looking at a 996 X50 Turbo with 285,000 km on it. It's only two owners with a full service history and all receipts - about a suitcase full. I think it's worth a punt.

[@derrickgreen9020]

Be proud of the headlamps Ben...they are on the Le Mans GT1, 1998 machine...what more would anyone want😉

[@joelsmith9311]

I agree - and whenever somebody talks about fried egg headlights on the 996, I correct them and say “you mean the GT1 headlights? That replaced the old Beetle headlights?” 😆

[@stefanpool1986]

I like these headlights. Even thinking of replacing them back from the unicolor to the amber headlights.

[@じゅんじゅん-n2f]

@@joelsmith9311 👍👍👍

[@scott90fzr]

I’ve had my 99 996 C2 for about three years. It has 159,500mi. Love it.

[@iaindoole4060]

Hi, I have a 2002 with 175,000 on clock. One previous owner FSH . Have owned for 8 years . It’s on original engine - Mobil 1 from new every year. I use it 12 months a year with 4-5k per annum. Suspension steering and brakes all renewed , drives well and apart from a 10 Sec puff of smoke on start Up all is good. Was thinking of having engine refurb, as body and interior is excellent , but now after speaking to Hartech Will continue with regular oil changes and servicing, and enjoy . Brilliant car, which always puts a smile on my face !

[@benbarrycars7628]

That's good to hear, it'll take me years to get to that mileage, thanks for watching

[@user-gz8fk9eo6u]

Mines a Carrera 4 1999, similar miles, honest miles. Love it , I’m living the dream whenever I take it out🏁👌

[@timskelton2125]

Agree on the headlamps from the GT1. The 996 looks really sleek with those headlamps. Best shape and the most distinctive. Values are going up and soon be hard to find a good one for less than £20k.

[@glenns2801]

Love my 996.2 C4S. Some don’t like the 996 series but I love mine...Great vid...

[@GT380man]

The wide body 996s are particularly good looking cars.

[@2702simmo]

Quality motors I bought a 98 Carrera 2 in July that had not long had a Hartech 3.7 rebuild. It’s my daily and other than it being slightly too low with the Aero kit it’s lived up to the task of 300 miles a week very well

[@duncanbennett8539]

I have a 98 C2 with M030. Black metallic pearl with black full leather interior. I agree they are lovely and agile. Need to get that PCCM system to loose the 1990’s functionality.

[@997GURU]

Great !! My 2005 997.1 carerra S now passed 105000 miles on the clock, uopened engine, OCI at 6000 miles, no problems what so ever, and i use my Porsche HARD on track

[@SQLTalk]

A beautiful 996. That dark blue interior looks fantastic. I can't wait to get one. I love the silver exterior.

[@maxalwaysgoesbyboat7715]

Great video...I just bought a 2000 996 C2 with a 193k...the maintenance is known from 17k and has had regular consistent maintenance from this time until today...right before i purchased her, and after watching videos like these I landed on a carrera white w savannah full leather wrap, 18" black turbo rims and almost every option available the sticker on the inside of the hood looks like a short novel...the car lived its entire life in Burbank CA and had two prior owners who were perfect when it came to Porsche ownership...The last owner came from a family of P owners and was no different...his last service he asked his mechanic what do we do to bring this engine right as rain... diagnosis...no bore scoring, IMS would have gone, but its dual row. He changed out all of the guides, chain etc... 9k was the last service and now she runs like a mouse with slippers...I paid 15k for the car and she looks drives like brand new Good luck, happy hunting and enjoy this much looked over car!!! (P.S. its nice to park a white Porsche anywhere and it doesnt leave track marks underneath)

[@AllBikesGreatAndSmall]

I bought one very similar last year. My son and I go out in it for a drive on a weekend and hopefully one day I'll pass it on to him. I absolutely love this car.

[@dannsmcshane1233]

Nice mate I have just taken on a wee 997 C4 with bore score . And plan to make it grate again .

[@gcboulton]

Nice review Ben! The green disc is the German Umweltsplakette (Environmental Badge). The number refers to the emissions compliance - EU4 and higher. It's used to restrict entry to pollution zones. The '4' badge gets you anywhere. For now...

[@benbarrycars7628]

Exceptional knowledge, thanks

[@jonscoupe]

Sounds awesome on tick over 👍. Lovely car. Looks like a keeper.

[@jason22spurs]

Spot on great cars love my 98 996

[@fairfaxa]

A fantastic video Ben, so much so that now we're at the qtr century mark, and all the haters are slimming out a bit, with the fabulous EV future we all have to so eagerly look forward to, I've just last weekend purchased a 10/97 built 996 3.4 Carrera, RHD, with 124,000 kilometres ... It's a silver manual car, so like you, I plan to have a great time tinkering and playing with it .... thanks for the great and impartial view of your lovely car.

[@pezzodicento]

Nice video. Regarding the brake pad warning light. You can try bypassing this. If you stll have the old pads, you can cut the plug off them, solder the two wires together, then plug this into the car again. And that should work. I don't think you need to reset anything, it should just switch off. (Never tried on a 996 though)

[@Retrobeemer]

Many thanks. I’ve had my 996.2 for just over a week now and absolutely love it. Also a higher mileage, non sunroof, manual car but with boxster red leather interior. Mine has a 3.6 that was replaced at about 68k with a later unit and it’s a terrific engine. Plan is to use this summer and spend the winter doing some subtle mods and overhaul suspension as a DIY project. Hopefully anyway!

[@Carrera-gp9od]

This is identical to mine Great cars

[@richharr]

Ive got 154k on my 03 996, Not my daily driver but its close

[@Chris-mv5zc]

I have exactly the same model but a tiptronic, I love it%!

[@smacdiesel]

That is the perfect 911 to drive and enjoy. I have a turbo 996, I love it but sometimes I wish I had a less sophisticated daily like yours.

[@joeseale9986]

Great video. I remember reading about you buying that car.

[@sidewayssam]

Love mine, a 98 , everything done, m030 suspension and LSD and just had it repainted. It is pretty much perfect.

[@stefanpool1986]

Have got the same config and also an 98’. Did you do anything about the suspension? An OEM replacement kit for m030 is about 3,5k in the Netherlands.

[@sidewayssam]

@@stefanpool1986 left standard, just fresh coffin arms ect

[@timkelly2265]

@@stefanpool1986 just the coffin arms and tca,'s , biggest improvement was semi solid engine mounts and new gearbox mount, transforms it and highly recommended

[@johnbarry731]

You should take it to the Alps for a tour there. I have a modified MX5 that I’ve taken there about four times now. I’d recommend Austria and Italy. It’s driving heaven. I’m sure you’d love it.

[@user-ij6xs4ut7j]

She’s tip top mate!

[@Theocurrie]

Love the spec of your 911, that’s the exact spec I’m looking for just now. Thanks for the video 👍

[@MP_pov]

You have the right spec. I still remember the launch pics of the 996, same colour and wheels but think those had the orange side indicators. I personally hate the look of the facelift headlights, don't care about the improvements, I wouldn't own a car that I didn't enjoy looking at.

[@tserzz]

Great style The Le Mans design awesome. Just imagine these cars racing lights on in rough weather best of the old and new there. A tough yet beautiful all weather everyday icon.

[@kevinsims5226]

My 996 Carrera 4 has 128,000 on the clock. I did the IMS, RMS, Clutch, AOS, and front brakes at 106,000. I still need to do at the water pump and Alternator. Also, my strut and suspension bushing are starting to need attention. What are good coil springs to use? I want a close to stock ride height and ride.

[@drewmorg.]

Wow the factory PCCM is the first I've heard of it being done! That's awesome. We replaced our double din in our 987 Boxster with a newer Alpine touch screen and ... it's not that great. OEM just always feels better than any aftermarket head unit and they seem to feel more integrated to the car.

[@INTERNA9]

I have 2003. I drive it like I stole it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No problems

[@SacksThriftAve]

I have same car 132,000 miles

[@maxalwaysgoesbyboat7715]

I need that pccm now!!! finish off my interior(new ricarro seats otw) and yea..i'm set! and a word of advice to current and future 996 owners...you will do yourself the biggest service bvy paying attention to your fuel injectors, fuel delivery and quality of fuel... you can minimize bore scoring if you pay attention to your fuel system...good luck and have fun...

[@j.j.911]

Great video. Thanks.

[@philnelson2607]

Nice car buddy. I have a 99 C2 and had a top end rebuild and all the usual engine issues sorted. I like the PCCM, may have to invest so interested in a vid on that. You on stock suspension? That’ll be my next update, and full refresh. Edging to PSS10’s, what are people running? 🤔

[@benbarrycars7628]

Thanks Phil, yes it's stock suspension

[@donavanheidinger9619]

Nice car!

[@jacekliberak5463]

Knowing from Car that you are a BMW man through and through I am not surprised that you also had mixed feelings about the 996’s braking or rather the feel of it. I moved from E93 to 996 and felt as if it’s got drum brakes like my 1st car. Some people install master cylinder from GT3 to improve the feel but my friend who’s a Porsche specialist and racing driver says that the only way is to get used to the feel. (I wonder if the weird mass distribution of 911 with light front doesn’t add to this spongy feel of braking). Oh and you’ve got the Sports seats option, mind ;)

[@2702simmo]

Was it the E93 M3 you moved from? I did that in July

[@benbarrycars7628]

Thanks Jacek - always like the feel on GT3 models, and this is better now

[@philiprodney7884]

Great video. I bought a facelift C4 a number of years ago. I made the mistake of getting one that was modded. Should have bought the standard C2 that was offered to me for the same price. Looking forward to P2.

[@Ti-sq8jm]

Why was modified a mistake?

[@philiprodney7884]

@@Ti-sq8jm Mine had lowered suspension. Porsche had spent €millions on getting the ride/handling balance right which had been compromised by the modification. It looked ace, was great on the one trackway I did, but far too harsh for the road.

[@philiprodney7884]

trackday, not trackway!

[@oliverbrookwell]

Love it.

[@inaj27]

Just got my 996 at 135k Miles but love it ssssooo much

[@JimSlaughterOC]

Thanks, very interesting. Looks a lot like my 997.1. I've had mine about a year now and I really love it. I wish I had the sport seats like you. Looking forward to a video about the Porsche classic stereo.

[@MrBatwa]

More videos on the 996

[@benbarrycars7628]

That's the plan. Thanks for interest. Will try to find time to upload

[@richardwilson57]

“Sharpened up the alignment “ - love to know a bit more?! Please

[@benbarrycars7628]

Values after alignment are front left -0.52 camber and 0.04

[@benbarrycars7628]

...Toe. Front total toe 0.08. Front right -0.54 camber, 0.04 toe. Rear left -1.36 camber, 0.17 toe. Rear right -1.37 camber. 0.18 toe. Total rear toe 0.35

[@markufoto]

You need to set up a race or comparison with Mat Watson’s 996 (Car Wow) 😎

[@rasputian2010]

Please do a video on pccm

[@kriskalpa]

nice video!

[@cmaadiv]

What's the price to replace the multimedia screen?

[@shughes911]

I might have miss it but can I ask what you paid for your 996?

[@benbarrycars7628]

Classified info sorry

[@anthonyprior9859]

How do you find the Egas throttle - everyone raves about then cable throttle earlier versions but can you notice the difference

[@benbarrycars7628]

E gas is fine. I’ve driven both, no big deal, nice to have stability control for other drivers in household!

[@EDKsurly]

How's the leg room? You seem pretty tall, like me.

[@benbarrycars7628]

All good, I’d like a lower seat but plenty of room. I’m 6’ 1”

[@Retrobeemer]

I’m 6.2 and only change I might eventually make is centre console delete. It’s not crucial though and doesn’t spoil the car in any way.

[@malvinashimanov1700]

It sounds: - all this mumble is just about the guy. Not one point how it is to own a car (The Porsche) and how it performs or what a pleasure it is to drive marvelous piece of engineering. I hope the next owner can really appreciate the everlasting beauty of 911. What a waist of 12 minutes of someone's valuable time.

[@benbarrycars7628]

Then my ‘why I love driving my 996 Carrera’ video is for you! 😘

[@0jiHxx]

😱😱😱

[@grantatkinson1202]

Love your words.... but not a fan of the wide angle lens, the distortion on those beautiful lines is hideous.

[@benbarrycars7628]

Thanks Grant, I'm working on that for future content, this is more a toe in the water

[@grantatkinson1202]

@@benbarrycars7628 Sorry if I came across a little harsh, I was a career cameraman for 40+ years and I struggle to watch images that do no favours to the subject matter. The interior shots are great, and illustrate your chat nicely. I'm just in the process of hunting out a 996.1 here in NZ, so I appreciate your input as an owner. Never thought I would desire a 996 but I'm totally smitten by them now. It will be my 4th Porsche.... 3.2 Carerra, 944 S2 & a 928 S4 I currently still own after 15 years ownership. Cheers.

[@dtna]

IMS bearing...gulp. Around $2.5K.

[@sambaresi67]

sorry ben love the car but was starting to get motion sickness by the end

[@benbarrycars7628]

Have got better kit now, sorry, was an early experiment for me

[@sambaresi67]

@@benbarrycars7628 no it’s just me I just get dizzy far too easy. As I said , love the car and subscriber to Car Magazine too so read your written word too. 🙏

[@RobertAltmeyer-vb3jr]

Junge. Mein Fabia TDI hat 830-000 km- runter !!!!!!! 1- Machine ...... Und jetzt ??????