KNOWN FAULTS · Porsche

Known faults for the Porsche 911 (997).

2004–2012 · Petrol

Sources are not verified in real time and no entry confirms that your car is affected.

2 known faults with sources

Engines: Carrera 3.6 / 3.8 (Petrol)

IMS intermediate shaft bearingEngine (intermediate shaft bearing)

Engine / equipment: M96 and M97 in the 911 996 and 997 (Carrera, not Turbo or GT3), Boxster 986 and 987 and Cayman 987
Period mentioned: 1997–2008 (highest risk 2000–2005)
Symptoms: Often none before it breaks. Sometimes noise or knocking and metal particles in the oil filter. When it fails it usually destroys the engine.
Possible cause described: The sealed intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing breaks. The single-row bearing, used mostly in 2000–2005, had warranty failure rates of up to 8–10%, against about 1% for the dual-row bearing. From late 2005 a larger bearing is used that cannot be changed without opening the engine. Turbo and GT3 models use a different engine without this problem.
Check for the garage: Identify the bearing type by year and engine, check the oil filter for metal particles and confirm whether a replacement bearing has already been fitted.
Cost cited in the source: Preventive replacement bearing (engines up to 2005): far cheaper than an engine; if it fails, the engine usually has to be replaced or rebuiltA rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Engines: Turbo / GT3 (3.6 / 3.8) (Petrol)

Glued coolant pipes that come apart on the Mezger engine (911 Turbo and GT3)Cooling

Engine / equipment: Mezger engine in the 911 996 and 997 Turbo, GT2 and GT3
Period mentioned: 1999–2012
Symptoms: Sudden coolant loss over the rear wheels; corroded front pipes that drip; plastic oil-cooler elbows that crack.
Possible cause described: Owners and specialists on the 911UK forum explain that Porsche glued the coolant-pipe fittings instead of welding them, and that they can separate and empty the system; the fix is to weld or pin them, ideally with the engine out. The Mezger does not have the IMS-bearing problem of the Carreras.
Check for the garage: Ask whether the pipes have been welded or pinned; look for coolant residue in the engine bay and under the car.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.