I noticed a "damp" spot right by the tranny when my '98 996 was doing wheel alignment. I have never seen any oil on the floor of my garage. The damp area in the picture seemed to build up over a long period of time. Touched like a crust made of oil and dust. The local dealer (who told me IMS is not an issue) told me this is normal "sweating", don't worry.
Is it a problem?

 

BTW the gear switching is smooth, both in auto or tip mode. No noise, no vibration at all.

 

I guess it is the final drive oozing out oil. Maybe the plug? Anyway will ask dealer to service the final drive at the next oil service in 3,000 km.

 

I had the same issue, did the transmission service and all seems well now for the last 5 months.

 

Hi Jayi836, thanks for your information. When you did the tranny service did you also check and top up the final drive? Any gasket replaced? At what mileage you serviced the tranny? Mine currently at 104,000 km.

 

Porsche says lifetime fluid,kind of a joke like the 20k oil changes. Your due at ±65K. i am the second owner.
It was done at 54K (past owner)and in March 2013 at 79K. yes gasket,Filter and replaced the Diff fluid. (all US miles not KM)

These cars are very easy to work on it took a while to overcome the fear.