Porsche 911 996 (1999–2005)

Year by year

1999-2001 (996.1): the 3.4 cars

Carrera coupe and Cabriolet (hardtop standard) with the 3.4, Carrera 4 with PSM from 1999, smoked indicators and side-impact protection. Cabriolets have a plastic rear window. The 2001 model year added electric front and rear lid releases. Source: porscheclubgb.com, en.wikipedia.org.

Transmissions: 6-speed manual or 5-speed Tiptronic S

Every 996 Carrera came with a 6-speed manual (Getrag-designed G96 family) or an optional 5-speed Tiptronic S automatic (ZF 5HP19). The 3.6 cars got a reworked Tiptronic with closer ratios. Source: en.wikipedia.org, elferspot.com.

Weight and dimensions

Wheelbase 92.6 in, length 174.5 in, width 69.5 in (1999-2001) or 69.7 in (2002-on), 72.0 in for the C4S. Curb weight about 2,904 lb for a Carrera coupe; Carrera 4 adds about 60 kg and the C4S about 125 kg. Drag coefficient 0.30. Source: en.wikipedia.org, renndriver.com, elferspot.com.

The first water-cooled 911: 996 overview

The 996 was the first water-cooled 911, built from 1997 to 2005 with 175,262 cars of all types. It shares its front end, headlights and some interior parts with the 986 Boxster. Source: en.wikipedia.org, renndriver.com.

Not covered here: Turbo, GT2 and GT3 use a different engine (Mezger)

The 996 Turbo, GT2 and GT3 use the race-derived Mezger flat six, not the M96. The M96 engine issues in this report do not apply to them. They need their own report. Source: en.wikipedia.org, porscheclubgb.com.

2002 facelift (996.2): 3.6, Turbo-style headlights, glovebox, glass cab window, Targa and C4S

For 2002 the Carrera got the 3.6 with VarioCam Plus, Turbo-style headlights, a glovebox, a sports steering wheel, PCM2, and a glass rear window on the Cabriolet. The Targa and the wide-body Carrera 4S arrived, and in the US the C4S replaced the Carrera 4 coupe. Source: porscheclubgb.com, cars.com, elferspot.com.

Carrera 4S: Turbo body and brakes, Carrera engine

The C4S uses the Turbo's wide body with a full-width rear reflector, the Turbo's big red brakes and wider 18-inch tires, with the standard 320 hp 3.6 and all-wheel drive. Coupe from 2002, Cabriolet from 2004, PCCB optional from 2003. Source: porscheclubgb.com, elferspot.com, cars.com, en.wikipedia.org.

Targa: sliding glass roof on the coupe body

The 2002-on Targa is rear-drive with a large glass roof panel that slides back under the rear window. Unlike earlier Targas it is built on the coupe body. Source: cars.com, porscheclubgb.com, renndriver.com.

2004 40th Anniversary 911: X51 power, GT Silver, 1,963 cars

The 2004 40 Years 911 was a Carrera 2 coupe with the X51 Powerkit (345 PS), sports exhaust and GT Silver paint, limited to 1,963 cars worldwide. Source: en.wikipedia.org, porscheclubgb.com, elferspot.com.

Recalls

Recall 00V109000: fuel gauge can read wrong (1999-2000)

Instrument cluster software could show the wrong fuel level and range, so the car could run out of fuel. Dealers updated the cluster software. 2,734 cars. Years: 1999-2000. Source: api.nhtsa.gov.

Recall 20E091000: Ohlins aftermarket front struts (C4 and C4S kits)

Ohlins front struts POS 5N20 in kit POZ MN02 for 1999-2005 Carrera 4 and 4S can have a failing pin that lets the strut separate. Ohlins replaces the struts. Applies only to cars fitted with that kit. Years: 1999-2005 (C4, C4S with aftermarket Ohlins kit). Source: api.nhtsa.gov.

Recall 04V070000: front seat backs may not meet strength standard (2003)

Some 2003 911 front seat backs did not meet Porsche's strength standard and could twist in a crash. Dealers replaced both front seats. 1,805 cars across Carrera, Cabriolet, C4 Cabriolet, C4S, Targa, Turbo and GT2. Years: 2003. Source: api.nhtsa.gov.

Check a specific car with our VIN decoder or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.