997 Gen I Engine

299TKO · Feb 11, 2009

Hi all,

I've seen a few high mileage (100K+) 997s for sale lately and they all seem to have had the engine replaced. My question is how reliable is the 997 engine?

Thanks

berty987 · Feb 12, 2009

No straight answer to this. There have been some cars with intermediate shaft issues , typically units produced before 2006 with the smaller fixing nut. If the intermediate shaft fails there is no warning and often a total loss of the engine. Not all cars with high mileages and the M96 engines suffer intermediate shaft failure , it tends to occur randomly and usually before 40 K miles. Porsche will cover repairs if the car is under warranty , and often contribute partially as a good will gesture if its not under warranty. The only 997's not to suffer intermediate shaft failures are the turbo and Gt2/ 3 as these have a different design of engine.

Mark Elder · Feb 12, 2009

ORIGINAL: berty987 .... Not all cars with high mileages and the M96 engines suffer intermediate shaft failure ,....

"Not all" implies "most" - but that's not the case if this forum is anything to go by. Indeed almost all you ever hear of engine failure on 997 is speculation about it. I may have missed them but I don't remember seeing a posting about a single 997 engine failure (and I suspect a forum user with an engine failure would be sure to tell us all about it). I do remember the occasional 996/986 failure getting a mention. No doubt someone will be along with a string of posts I've missed. (I assume 997 drivers are not replying in case it tempts fate![&:])

299TKO · Feb 12, 2009

Thanks for the replies, I plan on buying a 997 (57) 207 and keeping it for a while, I was concerned as to the engines durability but as it's a 2007 57 it sounds like I should be ok....I hope.

tscaptain · Feb 13, 2009

Just wondering where you saw these 100k+ 997's? Can't be very many that have done 25k/year. If you get a 57 plate, and there are many to choose from (far too many!) you'll probably find plenty under 10k miles. As with all things there will be the occasional duff unit but I think in general they are very solid and reliable lumps. Interesting to find out if anyone on the Forum has done anywhere near 100k miles with their 997.

berty987 · Feb 13, 2009

When I wrote "Not all" I did not intend to imply most..not sure where you interpreted that from. "Not all" in my mind means that it is not a certainty that high mileage equates to an engine failure.The fact that a number of cars with high mileages have had new engines does not imply that its a certainty. Since the intermediate shaft failure tends to occur at relatively low mileages (below 40K) you are actually less likely to have an intermediate shaft failure after the engine has passed 40K. The main issues for 997 and modern porsches is lack of use , where they are kept as second cars or summer toys. In these cases the oil deteriorates before the 20K service interval and the seals can dry out , causing leaks. Better to buy a car thats been regularly driven and sympathetically serviced than a garage queen or abused company car. I've seen a few high mileage examples which have obviously been lease hire or company execs , the interiors look battered and the wheels curbed. If you plan to by any porsche , my advice is to take a specialist or someone that knows that model with you. For added security get a waranty from either Porsche or Warranty Direct. The porsche warranty can only be taken out if the car has a full Porsche service history.