Porsche 911 997 (2005–2012)

Year by year

Telling a 2005 996 from a 2005 997 by VIN

Both generations were sold as 2005 models. Read VIN position 12: a 6 means 996 and a 7 means 997. Porsche codes the model type in positions 7, 8 and 12, so a 2005 997 reads 9, 9 and 7. Do not rely on positions 4 and 5, because the same letters were used on both generations. Source: static.nhtsa.gov, stuttcars.com, vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov, porscheclubgb.com, en.wikipedia.org.

997.1 year by year

2005: Carrera and Carrera S coupes, with the Cabriolet following in spring 2005. 2006: Carrera 4 and 4S arrive, and the X51 Powerkit becomes available on S models. 2007: Targa 4 and 4S arrive (plus the Turbo and GT3). 2008: the last 997.1 Carreras. Source: porscheclubgb.com, fcpeuro.com, en.wikipedia.org.

997.1 engines: 3.6 (325 hp) and 3.8 (355 hp)

Carrera, Carrera 4 and Targa 4 use a 3.6-liter flat-six with 325 hp and 273 lb-ft. Carrera S, 4S and Targa 4S use a 3.8-liter with 355 hp and 295 lb-ft. Both are port-injected with an integrated dry sump and a 7,300 rpm redline. The optional X51 Powerkit raised the 3.8 to 381 PS (376 hp). Source: fcpeuro.com, en.wikipedia.org, porscheclubgb.com, pcaclubracing.org, imsretrofit.com.

Key options: PASM, Sport Chrono, X51, sport suspension and LSD

PASM adaptive dampers were standard on S models and optional on base cars. Sport Chrono adds a Sport Plus mode, a dash timer and, with PDK, launch control. The 997.1 sport suspension package included a mechanical limited-slip differential but could not be combined with PASM. Most road cars left the factory with an open differential. Source: en.wikipedia.org, rennlist.com, renndriver.com, 911uk.com, rpmtechnik.co.uk.

Special editions

Club Coupe (2005, PCA 50th anniversary, 50 cars), Sport Classic (2010, 250 cars, 408 hp), Speedster (2011, 356 cars, PDK only) and the Black Edition 3.6 Carrera (2011). The rare ones trade far above normal Carreras. Source: en.wikipedia.org, porscheclubgb.com, renndriver.com.

Recalls

Recall 20E091: Ohlins front struts (aftermarket)

Ohlins recalled front struts from its POZ MN05 coilover kit for 2005-2012 Carrera 4 and 4S because the strut pin can break at full steering lock. It applies only to cars fitted with that kit. Years: 2005-2012 (C4 and C4S with aftermarket Ohlins kit). Source: api.nhtsa.gov.

Recall 11V409: seat belt anchor plates (2012)

About 235 vehicles across Porsche's range, including MY2012 911 Carrera, S, GTS, 4, 4S, 4 GTS and Targa 4 and 4S built May 31 to June 10, 2011, may have anchor plate holes that are too small. Dealers inspect the anchors and replace belts if needed. Years: 2012. Source: api.nhtsa.gov.

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

What the full Porsche 911 997 report covers

• Start here: Verdict: score dashboard and best and worst years; Generation DNA: year-by-year changes and what the VIN tells you
• Buying: Failure atlas: known issues ranked by cost and likelihood, each with a walk away, negotiate or ignore verdict; Rust map; Printable pre-purchase inspection, about 45 minutes
• Owning: First 90 days: what to fix first; Real-world maintenance schedule; DIY job cards
• Modding: Mod-readiness scorecard; Build paths with budgets; Swaps, interchange and wheel and tire fitment
• Tracking: What breaks on track; Safety and tech inspection; Prep by level and setup baseline

Everything in a MettaCar report

All Porsche 911 generations

• Porsche 911 9961999–2005
• Porsche 911 9972005–2012 (this page)

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