996 Previous model naturally aspirated Porsche 911 community. Discuss C2, C2s, C4, C4s, Targa and Cabriolets.

My new 2003 C4

Old Dec 27, 2013 | 03:52 PM
  #1  
arash2428's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 14
Rep Power: 0
arash2428 is infamous around these parts
My new 2003 C4

I am a proud owner of a 2003 C4 with only 10 k miles on it.

I know this issue has been discussed in details so many times but I was wondering what's your take in changing the IMS in my car with such low mileage ?

I just had an oil change and inspection done at the local Porsche dealership and I was told that the clutch feels like a factory clutch and the brake are almost brand new . Porsche dealer suggested I change it within next 10 k miles if I am too concerned . It will cost upward of 3000 cdn to do so.

What do you guys think? Should I wait longer until the clutch needs to be changed or take te bullet and do it now ?

Thanks
 
Old Dec 27, 2013 | 10:23 PM
  #2  
996_911C2_Dhru's Avatar
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 247
From: Huntington Beach, CA
Rep Power: 25
996_911C2_Dhru is infamous around these parts
Depends how much you worry. I bought an 02 with 16k on it. Mine was driven every week but just short distances. (This is better than a car that sat in long storage as the seals get lubricated.) I decided to always change the oil every 5k and always tear apart the filter and inspect. You could also consider the IMS warning system. Congrats on the new car.
 
Old Dec 27, 2013 | 11:26 PM
  #3  
arash2428's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 14
Rep Power: 0
arash2428 is infamous around these parts
How do I get the warning system installed ? This is gonna be my everyday car as well. I live in a cold area. Do I need to change the oil more often? I was an Audi owner for many years ( s4, and an s5) and so far love the handling and feel of the Porsche over any car that I have ever driven Click image for larger version

Name:	image-1676178539.jpg
Views:	157
Size:	253.7 KB
ID:	315465

Click image for larger version

Name:	image-2333765784.jpg
Views:	155
Size:	522.6 KB
ID:	315467



Click image for larger version

Name:	image-2823718324.jpg
Views:	132
Size:	533.9 KB
ID:	315466
 

Last edited by arash2428; Dec 27, 2013 at 11:33 PM.
Old Dec 27, 2013 | 11:38 PM
  #4  
Dennis C's Avatar
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,269
From: Evergreen, Colorado
Rep Power: 117
Dennis C is a splendid one to beholdDennis C is a splendid one to beholdDennis C is a splendid one to beholdDennis C is a splendid one to beholdDennis C is a splendid one to beholdDennis C is a splendid one to beholdDennis C is a splendid one to beholdDennis C is a splendid one to behold
Congrats on your new purchase! Enjoy!
 
Old Dec 28, 2013 | 12:26 AM
  #5  
denversteve's Avatar
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,962
From: Colorado / L.A.
Rep Power: 116
denversteve has a reputation beyond reputedenversteve has a reputation beyond reputedenversteve has a reputation beyond reputedenversteve has a reputation beyond reputedenversteve has a reputation beyond reputedenversteve has a reputation beyond reputedenversteve has a reputation beyond reputedenversteve has a reputation beyond reputedenversteve has a reputation beyond reputedenversteve has a reputation beyond reputedenversteve has a reputation beyond repute
Congrats on your purchase. All you can do in the end is: drive it and enjoy; fret about something that happens far less than many make it seem; change it with no guarantee you still won't have an issue or (as I do) get an extended maintenance policy and drive it as you please. You won't have to change the oil more frequently because it gets cold there.
 
Old Dec 28, 2013 | 01:05 PM
  #6  
jacabean's Avatar
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 121
From: mass
Rep Power: 21
jacabean is infamous around these parts
congrats on your purchase , nice looking car . your car is a single row bearing with very very low mileage . I would consider this car high risk . i would recommend doing the bearing on this car .
 
Old Dec 28, 2013 | 01:14 PM
  #7  
arash2428's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 14
Rep Power: 0
arash2428 is infamous around these parts
Should I do it now or wait a bit longer ? I was told by the dealership to do the clutch at the sane time but if there is nothing wrong with the clutch why would I do that?

Also what's the exact failure rate?

Thanks
 
Old Dec 28, 2013 | 01:24 PM
  #8  
denversteve's Avatar
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,962
From: Colorado / L.A.
Rep Power: 116
denversteve has a reputation beyond reputedenversteve has a reputation beyond reputedenversteve has a reputation beyond reputedenversteve has a reputation beyond reputedenversteve has a reputation beyond reputedenversteve has a reputation beyond reputedenversteve has a reputation beyond reputedenversteve has a reputation beyond reputedenversteve has a reputation beyond reputedenversteve has a reputation beyond reputedenversteve has a reputation beyond repute
Originally Posted by arash2428
Also what's the exact failure rate?
Thanks
There isn't one. After years of reading and querying dealerships, I still don't know but recon it is well below 2%. My dealership, the largest in Colorado, has never seen one. There does seem to be anecdotal suggestion that older and low mileage may contribute but.......? Many of us have raced and thrashed them with no failure. Some who drive otherwise have had issues. I honestly don't think there is any way to predict. But, as I have previously stated, you can get an extended maintenance plan that covers it for far less than a profylactic replacement would cost - and it would cover the other bits and parts as well. Replacing the bearing only "possibly" protects against future possible problem and doesn't address anything else on the car.
 

Last edited by denversteve; Dec 28, 2013 at 01:28 PM.
Old Dec 28, 2013 | 01:28 PM
  #9  
jacabean's Avatar
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 121
From: mass
Rep Power: 21
jacabean is infamous around these parts
[QUOTE=arash2428;4011205]Should I do it now or wait a bit longer ? I was told by the dealership to do the clutch at the sane time but if there is nothing wrong with the clutch why would I do that?

Also what's the exact failure rate?

Thanks[/QUOTE
Ideally it should be done in conjunction with the clutch . your car was most likely a garage queen , sat for long periods , only had annual oil changes. and was not revved properly. I am sure you paid 30k north for this car also . I would do the bearing on this particular car . if you choose not too , make sure you change your oil frequently and check the filter.
 
Old Dec 28, 2013 | 01:40 PM
  #10  
arash2428's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 14
Rep Power: 0
arash2428 is infamous around these parts
Any suggestions on extended warranty companies in Canada ?

I don't think I have that many options this side of the border
 
Old Dec 28, 2013 | 06:35 PM
  #11  
911C4S's Avatar
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 774
From: Pasadena, Ca
Rep Power: 51
911C4S has a spectacular aura about911C4S has a spectacular aura about911C4S has a spectacular aura about
congrats on your new ride! Enjoy it because with only 10K miles, looks like the prior owner was saving the good times for you!!!!
 
Old Dec 28, 2013 | 06:57 PM
  #12  
denversteve's Avatar
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,962
From: Colorado / L.A.
Rep Power: 116
denversteve has a reputation beyond reputedenversteve has a reputation beyond reputedenversteve has a reputation beyond reputedenversteve has a reputation beyond reputedenversteve has a reputation beyond reputedenversteve has a reputation beyond reputedenversteve has a reputation beyond reputedenversteve has a reputation beyond reputedenversteve has a reputation beyond reputedenversteve has a reputation beyond reputedenversteve has a reputation beyond repute
Originally Posted by arash2428
Any suggestions on extended warranty companies in Canada ? I don't think I have that many options this side of the border
I'm sure there are options. Check - Google, your Porsche dealer (many sell policies and may know of some) many small used-car dealers sell policies or can tell you about companies.
 
Old Dec 28, 2013 | 08:47 PM
  #13  
arash2428's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 14
Rep Power: 0
arash2428 is infamous around these parts
I'll look in to it.

So with LN engineering upgrade there is is still no guaranteed against the IMS failure ?
 
Old Dec 29, 2013 | 11:43 AM
  #14  
carrera4slakem's Avatar
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 309
From: Bellevue
Rep Power: 25
carrera4slakem is infamous around these parts
nice buy, just enjoy the ride now.
 
Old Dec 29, 2013 | 01:40 PM
  #15  
bernard.barbour's Avatar
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 243
From: St Petersburg, Florida
Rep Power: 23
bernard.barbour is infamous around these partsbernard.barbour is infamous around these parts
No, and nice purchase. There is way to much negative information about this IMS etc. Has anyone here had a failure? My car has 106,000. It's an 04 C4S Cab and has had no issues. The rate of failure is very very small to spend that kind of money right of the bat and nothing is wrong with your 10,000 mile car! Enjoy it and welcome.
 

Thread Tools
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:
You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 02:52 PM.