Porsche 996 911 Buyer's Guide - 1999-2005 (Models, Engines, Suspension, Brakes, Options, & More)

[@georgem5589]

1999 996 is one of the nicest motor vehicle designs ever penned. Dual row bearing was strong. Only 300hp sub 3k lb. 911 ever made.

[@fcpeuro]

We certainly like it!

[@paulbellas8797]

Agree/. 996.2 headlights always looked forced to me. Also, taco area kit really suited the style of the car.

[@mgmoore2]

Great video! I absolutely love my '99 996.1 C2. Great, pure driving experience. 300 HP, less than 3K lbs, and no electronic nannies to get in the way of your fun. Mine has just over 100K miles, still runs like a champ, and pulls hard all day long!

[@fcpeuro]

Right on!

[@edd2184]

Don't let the IMS issue scare you, I truly believe, the cars that were affected have already sorted themselves out of existence (almost 20 years has went by). I truly believe IMS failure is more prone to happen in the cars that were casually driven and did not go through the entire rev range. Cars that basically spent their entire lives and chilling at 3K RPM, going back and forth to the office. So if you do find a well-maintained higher mileage 996 you're probably safe. That being said the early models do have a dual row IMS and prices are a little hot right now so I would let the market cool down a little bit.

[@pattyjay9999]

Dude, the most detailed and comprehensive review I’ve ever seen thank you👍🏾

[@fcpeuro]

Glad you approve Patty jay!

[@pattyjay9999]

@@fcpeuro Now I just have to find a Porsche that I can afford 😜

[@amauri_dleon7726]

True

[@asimpleton2.0]

This kid was conceived born and raised by Porsche cars !!! 🤯 Kudos to you guy 🙌🔥🙌

[@fsb6406]

Love my factory original 2001 996 C4. Artic silver, full boxster red interior, sunroof and 18"wheels. 190.000kms and still drives like back in 2001. I am the second owner, the previous owner was my dad. Never had any problems. Normal maintenance (oil , filters and brakepads... basically) plus some repairs (headlight washers, headlight switch, sunroof motor, ignition switch and one clutch). All repairs and 80% of the maintenance done at Porsche. Hopefully my son will enjoy it as well. Of course I expect some things to be replaced or repaired in a 20+ years old car but so far it's been a extremely reliable car.

[@yongkim777]

Just bought a 2001 Carerra 4 with 38k miles. Its been garaged its whole life and in like new condition. I did tune it up & put new tires on it as the date code on the tires were early 2013. The IMS bearing is next and I'm loving it. Had a 1977 911S that I just loved but was offered a deal I couldn't refuse. Never thought I would own another😁

[@leonlipinski583]

I love my 996 4S. I think it is the best looking 996

[@alessandrogetilli2831]

dopo la turbo

[@fredvandevelde4576]

Good review, owned a 2003 Carrera for 15 years, had the IMS after market bearing upgraded at 100,000km 8 years ago - original was in perfect condition, used as a daily driver. Reliable easy to drive and my wife loves driving it.

[@fcpeuro]

Thanks for sharing!

[@richardclegg5853]

Bought my very clean, 70k 996 a couple months ago, even though I had to replace water pump almost immediately, couldn't be happier... what a car

[@MiamiViceStyle]

the 996 is so underrated

[@karlberneli4602]

I'm in the market for a 996.2 so this was an excellent review. Found one with the IMS-bearing and RMS-seal just fixed. Other than that it seems that the 996 is a pretty solid car.

[@kdao1007]

Outstanding definition to the line up for this era. Enjoyed it. I had 2002 911Turbo - Manual. Was a fun 911.

[@henryatkinson1479]

Love my 1999 996. Fantastic car. M030, sport seats LSD, and hollow spokes are great options. Really tempted to retrofit the X51 package if I ever need the motor rebuilt.

[@fcpeuro]

That sounds like a great spec!

[@paulbellas8797]

Nice to have an lsd. Lucky!

[@LetsDIYIt]

My 996.2 is a C4 Cab with factory X51 package. It really pulls well in the higher rpm range (like all Porsches). That little extra power though is nice for sure. Funny thing, when I bought the car, I didn't know it was an X51 car. Was a nice surprise when pulled the build sheet and realized the intake manifold was aluminum. In my dark garage when I looked at first it actually looked black to me.

[@cabbys]

This is a great video and review of the 996 line. Thanks. I enjoyed it very much. What’s the reason reviewers always leave out the X50 and X51 spec cars? These are rare and special performance Porsches. Their production and performance numbers and overall values are rarely discussed. I own a 2004 C4S with the X51 package and it sits in a very sweet spot between the C4S and GT3. It’s a great performer on the street and on the track. Great everyday driver. It looks and sounds great and pulls all day long. It’s a fun car to drive without the track focused harshness of the terrific GT3. Subbed and looking forward to more great videos.

[@johnhamill8687]

I have one of these, and an E39 M5 - the two best drivers cars of the early 2000's. I share the seat criticism. Updating to 997 seats is a big improvement. My M5 seats aren't all that comfortable on long trips either. I don't share the notion that the chassis isn't rigid on the 996, my example feels tight and handles great, I've also dialed in a little more camber with GT3 control arms and switched to the M030 sport suspension. These changes make for a tight ride with excellent turn in. Its an excellent car well worth chasing after for a weekend toy.

[@FarseSpludeheim]

Best vid on the 996 yet. Thanks for doing this!

[@fcpeuro]

Glad we can do the chassis justice!

[@the_canyon_carver]

Unfortunately, you've really got it backwards. 996.2s are a lot more prone to bore scoring and IMS issues. As others have said vehicles produced in early 1998 were far superior to later Carreras for a lot of reasons. Dual row ims, throttle cable, lightest weight, better interior plastics, etc.

[@Joey856721]

This only applies to Carreras though right?

[@gregs8685]

Far superior? 996.1 single row IMSB cars are just as vulnerable to failure as 996.2 and also have D chunk issues. Yes 996.1 cars are marginally lighter but the 3.6L power and torque make them just as great to to drive plus they are significantly quicker and faster. The 996.2 got improved interior materials so not sure where you’re coming up with the interior comment.

[@JR_harlow]

I think the fail rate for those bearings was something like 5% very low. The big scare no one is really talking about is COLD WEATHER conditions and whatever it does to the cheaper engine blocks that porsche was using during this era, less nickel in the cast and something to do with cold weather has made for a horrendous combination.. any 996 or 997 as far as I'm concerned that has came from northern America is a no go. Bore scoring is almost inevitable.. and the scoring will lead to combustion/piston failure

[@the_canyon_carver]

@@JR_harlow you're spot on. I have a 5/98 build date 996.1. I believe this motor is less prone to bore scoring (socal car) but who really knows.

[@steverush8362]

Evan yes less than 1% FOR 98 & 99..half way thru 2000...and onwards...8% fail

[@alexanderkho1482]

missing the 996.1 GT3 and the 996.2 GT3RS, nicely detailed video.

[@michalgondolewski8709]

I noticed that as well. I think it’s because this is an American review, and those two cars were not available in the US. Still would have been nice to mention them.

[@igglybiggly6951]

Love my 2000 996.1 tiptronic.....105,000 miles with original IMS....been a great coupe

[@gregs8685]

Great video, although I would not track any 996 or 997.1 (excluding Mezger engined GT3, GT2 and turbos) unless it has an aftermarket deep oil pan with baffle. Even with this mod the M96/M97 engines are fragile compared to previous 911 engines. *The 2001 turbo is actually a 996.1 car. X51 power kit was an option for all 996.2 Carreras (and standard on the 49th Anniversary Editions) and made 345 hp. The x50 was an optional power kit for the turbo and made around 450 hp, same engine was standard on the 2005 996.2 Turbo S. Manual x50 and Turbo S cars also came with a steel gears synchros instead of brass for the first 2 gears IIRC.

[@captaincoyote1792]

Excwllent review, young man…..well done! I’m in my late 60s….retired Navy, retired Federal LEO. I’m obviously in my “swan years” phase….I’m a happy owner I of a pristine 944s2 cabriolet. It gets looks and comments EVERYWHERE we go. Tail of the Dragon….up and down the Outer Banks….the Kancamangus Highway up through the Whites, the Green Mountains and back down through the Appalachians. She was my “gift to me” the year I turned 50 and promoted to O6 Captain. But I’ve always had a “green eye” on a 911. Excellent review on the 996 series…..but now I’m on the lookout for an appropriately priced 997 targa or cabriolet. I’ve got to first sell the 944: sell my Tacoma truck…….maybe restore my Jeep TJ (for crappy weather)….then I’ll pull the trigger! Again, Bravo-Zulu, well done!

[@genuineapbt6690]

I loved the video. Good attention to detail. But you missed the 911 Turbo S for 2005. In my opinion, definitely worth including.

[@RayMelville]

Missing the 40 Jahre in the review is like missing the M model in a BMW review

[@Bebopin-69]

Yes, 345hp and limited slip. This one is the most desirable in the 996 range IMO.

[@RayMelville]

@@Bebopin-69 Yes, but it seems that most of those not familiar with the specifics and details of the 996 models are more attracted by the wide rear end of the C4S despite it having 25 hp less, 200 lbs heavier and lacking the driving characteristics of a narrow body RWD that gave 911 its unique driving experience.

[@adampeirce3297]

I kept waiting for them to talk about it. There was a 40 Jahre in the video that they never even mentioned. It is the hidden secret of the 996 range and I guess that FCP Euro is trying to keep it that way.

[@dardog7734]

It’s not really is it

[@yurgleshmurgle]

As a someone who is something i can honestly say that someday, something else will be somewhere

[@randallbutler2736]

Very well done sir. I’m in the process of buying my first Porsche and one that I can afford without my wife moving all of my clothes to the barn. It’s a ‘99 convertible.

[@carrelatedshorts]

Very informative & useful. Thank you. All the best!

[@fcpeuro]

Our pleasure !

[@JoshColon264]

Great job Christian 🙌

[@tu_alum5619]

Nice video and a great job of making a scripted presentation really interesting to listen to - kept the subject focused and maintained a momentum to the delivery.

[@mry82]

Well done, I like the candid moment left in at the end.

[@techdada]

Great comprehensive review! Also want to mention the Aerokit package and some had the very low take rate sunroof delete option.

[@tr7tr755]

Many thanks for this perfect revue, really clear and helpful. I got a 996.I coupe and had already 2 996 4S Cabrio….fantastic cars and never a problem with IMS etc. Cheers from Switzerland 🇨🇭

[@lagerace227]

Great review. Defiantly on my radar. oooh that flat 6 sound. Been driving a friends '02 Boxster S a few times. Love my Golf R and what it can do but there's nothing like getting into a true dedicated sports car. Especially a Porsche.

[@996Revival]

Nicely done!

[@bcut]

This was fantastic! I appreciate this so much. thank you!! :)

[@cheeeses]

thanx for this great video! would love to see the same of the 997 line-up. greetings from europe, switzerland ;-)

[@fcpeuro]

997 Buyer's Guide is coming next! We filmed it the same day as this one. Stay tuned and thanks for watching!

[@paulbellas8797]

The 996.2 actuAlly is more prone to bore scoring and ISM issues than the 996.1. This has is because the 996.2 had a single row IMS and the larger bore put more heat and pressure the cylinder walls. Bank two more prone to scoring because of how oil flows through the motor.

[@Indian-313]

Very nicely done 👍👍

[@12345rpm]

The GT3 started with the 996.1 and not 996.2.

[@antonyweisstock7167]

I enjoyed your video, but I was waiting to hear about the 996 turbo S. I have a 2005 996 turbo S and I wanted to hear about how this car compared to the others in your lineup. I am slowly discovering some of the unique features of this car, but I would like to learn more! Any more info would be appreciated! Thank you! :) Tony

[@henryw5762]

Great descriptions and info. Ty

[@hugohugo2832]

I had a 1997 996.1 back in the day two years earlier than your stated start date. Great car too. I bought an 03 c4s 996.2 which was not as good to replace it

[@luissantamarina7579]

Outstanding review. Thank you

[@thromeas1]

Great video!

[@nicogarbella]

Love the videos! Can u go over the 996 charging cable, alternator, and starter service? A lot of 996 have bad starts which is related to this cable. Thanks :)

[@fcpeuro]

Thank you, we will add it to our list!

[@knightrida6829]

Awsome job bro

[@pulehushortribs157]

Enjoyable and Informative, Thank You✌❤🤗

[@rafgomez333]

Great video. Thanks so much!

[@seniorscientist590]

That was a lot of info, great job!

[@fcpeuro]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bluezklewz8351]

Definitely need a 997 version

[@fcpeuro]

It's being edited as we type this 🙂

[@9jfd1]

Just cover up the headlights to make them round and upgrade the tail lights, my porsche mechanic thought my 996 was a 997 first time he saw it, lol.....

[@robinoconnor1203]

If you are going to buy a 997 get a gen2, the gen1 had similar engine issues to the 996, in some cases they were even worse.

[@larshenssen335]

@@robinoconnor1203 Yeah. Among many other issues, mine had a failed cylinder coating after just 90k km. Needed a new block. The 3.8l S-version is beyond reasonable wall sizes. Worst piece of German engineering ever made (and I am a German engineer...).

[@robinoconnor1203]

Good video, it may have been worth mentioning, the gen1 996 shared many parts with the Boxster, part of Porsche cost cutting.

[@alexritchie-c8e]

Very well explained :)

[@drivinivan]

A nice buyer's guide, very informative. Here's the 996 I chose, and my full buyer's guide and driving review as well: kzbin.info/www/bejne/laCUe5-Gg56qadk

[@jahblessin3996]

Great video. Always loved the 996 turbo. I learned how to drive a stick on an old 911 (g series) and was in love since. Looks like I slept too long as pricing is wild but it will be mine. Oh yes it will be mine.

[@fcpeuro]

What a great vehicle to learn in!

[@bombardierboerboels]

Fantastic video thank you

[@corychecketts]

I have a friend who owns 20 Porsches and he told me that he really thinks the MY1999 911s will go down as one of the greatest models of the 911 lineup. Basically, he views the 911 in three distinct eras: air-cooled, water-cooled, and hybird/electric. Similar to how SWB cars are crazy desireable for being the first of the line, he views the early water-cooled cars in the same way, especially since Porsche very well could be moving 911s to hybrid and electric with the upcoming 994 and 998 platforms. Anyway, just buy a 996 while they're still affordable.

[@suzukitaka4470]

i bought 1999 996.1 carrera couple with 28000 miles. Polar silver metallic and metro blue interior. Love the car and can't wait to hit 100,000 miles! It is my first porsche and hope he is right!

[@edventures9884]

Woah this video is perfect

[@stoss-11]

You guys should do this for BMW M's F8x Generation and E46 Generation!!!

[@thewheelieguy]

I quite love the exterior of the narrow body 996, especially the .1; But no mention of the interior features/deficiencies of the 996 versions? I was a bit shocked to learn the .1 has no glove box or cup holders.

[@unenmaths]

Very nice video.

[@fcpeuro]

Thank you very much!

[@garage19builds]

They made a 996.1 GT3 due to the 25 year rule those will be able to import, rare expendive for sure but definitely worthy or mentioning, the early year produced 996.1s don't have amber turn signals in the headlights lights. They were clear.

[@ryanpatterson9526]

I wish we still had those prices!

[@ahemgee9542]

Love my 2002 C4S Manual.

[@essexdrainageltd5910]

Very detailed video just one point I thought the early 996 had the dual role bearing being stronger than the later Single bearing which had all the problems

[@RicknWRX]

Ims is a non issue though with all the upgraded and replacement bearing options.

[@RayMelville]

Issue has to do with lack of lubrication of the sealed bearing after seal gets compromised not strength. That’s why both are subject to the issue

[@adampeirce3297]

Good video, shame you didn't talk about the 40 Jahre that you show in the video. X51, M030 and mechanical limited slip in a narrow body that weighs under 3,000lbs.

[@john7643]

Correction ! 2001 models of the carrera 4 can be a mix of either gen 1 or gen 2 ! I’ve found this out because my car might have one of either ims bearings, they it depends on the month it was built !

[@MrAnasEk]

Is the 996.2 turbo in manual transmission valuable?? I am thinking of buying one for 65K dollars, and as i have been searching, it's rare because its manual. I am glad to hear your opinion Thank you

[@fcpeuro]

Buy it.

[@RichardSiegel-yj8hn]

What about the 40 year anniversary model. The best of all 996s

[@RSADYNAMICS]

How does the chassis compare on the turbo model I know the rear quarter panels are 65 mm wider what other differences are there ? Or where can I find a full list of all changes and modifications

[@koolkat969]

I enjoyed the buyers guide but how come there's no mention of the gt3rs?

[@ThePhilfriend]

thanks

[@unenmaths]

996.1 exist in GT3 and turbo. All 996.1 did not have turn signals ambrer...some latest version were transparent...

[@philippesimoen8472]

This is a great review but can anyone tell me how rebuild a 996 to a competition car for racing ?

[@icetroll734]

Nice guys! But how can you say the interior doesn't last, have you not seen cracked 993 964v interiors? 996 was a massive leap forward in interior longevity (and cheap as chips to replace if ever needed)

[@JR_harlow]

2001 there was targa, turbo, GT2 and GT3..options. That is a 996.1 car so that makes 1.carrera 2 2.carrera 4 3.GT2 4.GT3 5.turbo 6.targa also the 2 and for both available in convertible as well..... The 996.2 had the 4S that's the only model i know of that's a gen 2 specific difference in model range.

[@JR_harlow]

There is so much wrong in this video and so much left out... the whole bit about the interior didn't mention the missing glove box on the early models the difference in the headlights between 99 to 01 the difference steering wheels in the first gen the different performance packages like the x50 option, wild video indeed to sound and have all the cars there yet so much (typo) I dare say information?!?!

[@thomasdiederich7781]

There was never a Targa 4 for the 996 - sadly :-( The Targa was only available with 2 wheel drive.

[@JR_harlow]

No targa 4 was offered in 996.. neither first gen or second gen 996.. targa 4 or (all wheel drive) wasn't offered until 997. In fact targa is my favorite model personally and in 2004 specifically it had a super low production number, something like less than 1800 made total. It is the only 911 model with the rear glass that opens like a hatchback..

[@MrLambo234]

No mention of turbo S?

[@cabbys]

Was there an official Turbo S version? I think the 996 Turbo with X50 package is considered the Turbo S of the 996 line? Not sure about this.

[@golf1diesel]

@@cabbys Turbo S was made in 2005,had the X50 spec on it.

[@nickplaks1]

Fcp euro, what suspension package is on the silver 3.4 that you feature in this clip? Looks lower than stock. Thanks

[@fcpeuro]

Hi Nick, that one is sitting on Öhlins Road and Track coilovers. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHvMgq2Kqc13ebc

[@nickplaks1]

When are you guys going to start selling fcp euro t shirts again?

[@cayman9873]

Looking for a base coupe w manual. Sport suspension if possible. My budget is 40 k. Any chance I can find a base 997 in my budget ?? Hope to see a similar video on the early 2005 997 porsche when you can. Thanks

[@fcpeuro]

We are working on a 997 buyers guide as we type!

[@Pedropereira-eb3mk]

The targa is 2wd… the last targa with rear wheel drive made by Porsche

[@workingguy-OU812]

Failing to go over the major engine issues that someone will have to address when buying one of these is criminal.

[@wanderingandroid]

996.1 911's are also called 911 boxster

[@fcpeuro]

👀

[@richardgraham1167]

Hans Mezger designed the turbo engine. Not Metzger.

[@mgr207]

I‘m missing the 996 GT3 MK1

[@Sandiegocruiser]

U didn’t mention which engine is used in 996.2 targa

[@jackleonard2088]

Did I miss the years for each model?

[@fcpeuro]

👀

[@cgoldens]

Also a turbo S in 2005

[@jason22spurs]

What about 98 car ???

[@Garfang_]

There was a MK1 GT3 though...

[@alex329]

Where's the 996.1 GT3 ?

[@fcpeuro]

Sadly in Europe and not here with us in NA.

[@andraynapolez3593]

40th Anniversary, Millennium Edition,,,,?

[@edanielk2]

I have a 2003 4S. An information card that appears to have originally come with the car says the HP on the 4S is 345 but in every video I watch it is stated as 315 or 320. I have never been able to find a clear answer on if its 345 or 320. I do not an X51. Can anyone shed light on this?

[@johnconnor818]

US spec 4S has 320bhp, euro spec I believe has 315bhp. It's the exact same motor as the Carrera 2 unless optioned otherwise.

[@cabbys]

The X51 package provides 345 HP. In the U. S. standard C4S was 320 HP.

[@edanielk2]

@@cabbys So the S has the same HP as the 3.6 .2Carrera and the S (in this generation) is just an appearance and equipment package?

[@pedoloverfortheages]

@@edanielk2 c4s uses the turbo wide body (with the excel of the engine lid and rear bumper - unique to the c4s), suspension, 4wd and brakes.

[@user-ee1te8ty8p]

What about the cabriolet?

[@fcpeuro]

They were too cold to come out and play that day!

[@xliu37]

Why not mention x50 and turbo S

[@jason22spurs]

1997-2005 not 99 Not late 98 !!!

[@steverush8362]

Fun opinion...but some glossed over holes...so complete, correct...ah, no

[@PapaG603]

Miss my 4s..wish i never sold it

[@deltabravoyalfa1027]

🏁911 GT1 >>> Porsche 996🏁🇩🇪

[@mikaelolofson7700]

The first version came 1997, not 1999…

[@henryatkinson1479]

There were 14 996s built in 1997, all prototypes. There were a few really early cars (3/98 and before) sold in Europe as 1998 model years (less than 1200 cars), and the rest were all sold as 1999s or later.