Excess Vibration from Engine?

[KJM3]

OK, let me qualify my question by saying that I'm not some guy that doesn't like the vibration or growl of an engine. I just want to know if the car I'm thinking of buying is "Normal" or if I should be concerned. I'm looking at a 2001 Porsche 911 Turbo with around 7,000 miles and during idle, the vibration from the engine can be felt in the seats very distinctly (in fact, you can see the seat vibrating at idle). I haven't experienced this on another car before, so I just wanted to know if this was "normal" or if I should be concerned that the engine has problems. It's not "Crazy Vibration" and the engine sounds healthy from what I can tell. As always, your input is appreciated!!! Thanks Guys, KJ

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[Turbo Ron]

Have it checked out. No vibration on mine.

[dmilzoff]

My 03 is dead calm at idle.

[khaiser]

I have an 01 turbo, and it has 5k miles, and has no vibrations either.

Khaiser

[KJM3]

Now I'm worried there is something wrong with the car. I might pull out of the deal then. After using the clutch on the 2001, I am very unhappy with it's feel. The vibration seems to be "strike 2".

It's a GREAT deal because the car was repo'ed off someone and my leasing company (with whom I am VERY connected with) is offering me an awesome deal.

I'm so torn now. =(

- KJ

[c2blk]

I have a 2002 C2, the vibration is very visible on the seats when at idle. Went to dealer and was told that this is very normal for the car... I thought it was weird too...

[h20tt]

Vibration is normal have had it since day one of my then new 02 turbo, the passenger seat vibrates , when sitting in drivers side upon cold idle

[KJM3]

Originally posted by h20tt
Vibration is normal have had it since day one of my then new 02 turbo, the passenger seat vibrates , when sitting in drivers side upon cold idle

The car I drove was probably sitting around for a bit before I drove it. I drove it for about 15 minutes "semi-hard" since there was heavy traffic on the road. So my question is this, if you drove the car as much as I did in the same fashion...would it still have that vibration? Or does your car ONLY do that when the engine is STONE cold?

Thanks,
KJ

P.S. Thanks to everyone for all the input. I know I got a million and one questions, but this is a big purchase and I just don't want a lemon!!! =)

[MKW]

Warm idle should show tach needle rock steady at 780 rpm or so. Shouldn't hunt. Compared to a Lexus LS430 , you feel some motion of course . Best to test drive another Turbo for comparison.

[ebaker]

I drove several Turbos before I bought mine, some seemed to vibrate with cold idle. I don't notice it in my car now. I wouldn't worry about it, unless it's an uneven vibration. A steady buzz is probably OK.

[skaria]

I have an '01 Turbo and the passenger seats vibrate at idle whether the engine is warm or cold. In any case, I would not buy/lease a car unless it has been checked out by a dealer and have full service records. Pay the couple of hundred bucks but be content with the purchase. Also, the car is under warrantly so that should lessen your apprehensions.

[KJM3]

Originally posted by skaria
I have an '01 Turbo and the passenger seats vibrate at idle whether the engine is warm or cold. In any case, I would not buy/lease a car unless it has been checked out by a dealer and have full service records. Pay the couple of hundred bucks but be content with the purchase. Also, the car is under warrantly so that should lessen your apprehensions.

The car is at Porsche for a "Pre-Purchase Inspection" as we speak, I ran a Carfax report (for FREE thanks to Gregy), and I've checked the service records from the dealer (and it's been fine).

So if all checks out OK with the "Pre-Purchase Inspection", I'll be here A LOT more! =)

- KJ

[Joe West]

DEFINITE passenger seat vibration at idle... I'm not entirely sure it isn't some harmonic of my fabspeed loud exhaust... ESPECIALLY at cold start.

OMG... what a sound... music for the ears... each morning when I crank it up and let it idle for the first 60 seconds or so.

But alas... I digress...

I do indeed see the passenger seat headrest vibrate at idle... cold or hot... and I GUARANTEE there is nothing wrong with my car. If anyone doubts... I'll take you for a ride <big grin>

Joe West

[cjv]

KA shakes for about one minute when cold then settles down into a little vibration.

[msindi]

vibration of seats is normal...more noticeable if you have sports seats too