1999 PORSCHE 911

Porsche 996 Carrera 4 manual, 1999, 93k miles

A well presented example of an absolutely superb driver’s car featuring a number of desirable options, combined with some clever OEM+ touches to brakes, powertrain mountings and induction system to further elevate the driving experience. Excellent service history and diligent maintenance mean it’s presenting very healthily, with fresh oil, coolant and recent tyres making it ready to roll.

I’ve owned this car for the past 9 years and would happily keep it forever - it’s been fantastically rewarding to own, drive and subtly improve. I do however, have a weakness for a convertible and I’m unfortunately not in a position to indulge that without making space in the garage – so here’s your chance to snap up a prime example of the pioneering Wassergekuhlt 911.

Under my ownership it’s only been driven spring~autumn when no salt is on the roads, and when expected to be dry (only driven in rain a handful of times). It’s always been garaged by myself and the previous owner – probably the owners before that. It is a lovely thing after all.

Kept below 3k rpm / low load until warmed up to at least 80 degrees and rarely used for short journeys.

996s are known to have IMS and bore score issues, but these primarily affect the M96.04, M96.03 and M96.05 engines. Being a 1999 C4 means it has the M96.02 engine with dual-row IMS bearing (vs. single row) and Ferrostan (iron) coated pistons (vs Ferroprint Plastic).

ULEZ registered with DVLA and TFL

Factory build spec/options

• Vesuvio Metallic Grey (L40X) paint

• Graphite Grey (CG) interior

• 030 – Sports suspension – 10mm ride height drop, stiffer springs and dampers

• 288 – Headlamp washer (note, not working)

• 375/376 – Hardback sports seats

• 454 – Cruise control

• 490 – HiFi sound system – Minidisc head unit, addition of door speakers, 6-channel amp, 6-disc CD changer and DSP

• 601 – Litronic (HID) headlights

• 650 – Sunroof

• 818 – Aluminium interior - Gearknob and lever surround, and Handbrake

Modifications/non-factory fit parts of note

• Exterior

◦ Porsche ‘Carrera II 5-spoke’ 18” wheels with Michelin PS5 tyres. Wheels previously refurbished but aren’t currently looking their best

◦ Zunsport radiator grills – prevents collection of road debris in the ducts, which can damage the radiators and AC condensers, and is a common reason for their failure

• Interior/Audio

◦ Pioneer SPH-DA160DAB 2-DIN headunit

▪ Touch screen

▪ DAB

▪ Google/Apple

◦ Hertz CK130 speaker set in the front

▪ 1” tweeters on the dash

▪ 5.25” woofers in the doors

▪ 2 way passive crossover, mounted in the frunk

◦ JL Audio TR400CXi speakers in the rear

◦ Focal iSub Active subwoofer mounted under the dash

◦ Original Amp and CD changer present but not connected

◦ Porsche alcantara headliner fitted, dark grey/black (original was vinyl)

◦ Metal bushes fitted to gear linkage (from plastic)

◦ Function First Aluminium gear knob

◦ Dash button, with lamp indicator, to operate the rear spoiler (still raises and lowers dependant on vehicle speed, this just provide an overide)

• Engine related

◦ Exhaust

▪ Equal length manifold

▪ Sports cats

▪ Top Gear boxes

◦ AOS modified in similar fashion to ‘UAOS’

▪ AOS port sealed, external diaphragm fitted that a) is more durable, b) cheaper to purchase and c) easier to replace

◦ 997.1 Carrera S Oil heat exchanger - larger capacity, so warms up oil faster when cold, and keeps it cooler when hot

◦ Intake

▪ 991.1 sound symposer installed, to enhance induction noise inside the vehicle

▪ Helmholtz chamber removed/sealed

◦ 964RS solid rubber engine mounts

◦ Powerflex Yellow Transmission mount insert

◦ Magnetic sump plug

• Brakes

◦ Custom ‘big brake’ setup on the front

▪ 997 Carrera S 330mm front brake disc (up from 318mm), Brembo

▪ Custom 2mm spacer for the disc and 6mm spacer for the caliper

▪ Longer Porsche caliper mounting bolts

◦ EBC Yellow pads front

Service history

• Full, via Porsche or specialist prior to my ownership

• Previous owner had the bores inspected for me as a condition of purchase in 2015, no issues found

• I have done the majority of the servicing and maintenance since owning the vehicle, with the following exceptions:

◦ March 2019 – Road & Sport Development Ltd (German car specialist, retired 2025)

▪ New rear Pirelli PZero tyres

◦ July 2024 – Road & Sport Development Ltd

▪ Front diff oil

▪ New Michelin PS5 tyres, front and rear

▪ Ramp inspection with undertrays removed – no issues found - I wanted a professional to overcheck the car in case I’ve missed any issues

◦ June 2026 – The Garage, Daventry

▪ AC regas, no leaks present

• At each oil change:

◦ Millers CFS NT+ 10W50 oil used, as commonly recommend by the UK Porsche community and Hartech

◦ Bosch or Mahle oil filter used

◦ Has had an Oil sample analysed by Millers at every oil change. Feedback, engine condition is OK.

Recent maintenance (by me)

• Oil heat exchanger (as above), new seals and bolts

• AOS (as above)

• Water pump, plastic impeller, made by Meyle

• Low temperature Thermostat – recommended to reduce risk of hot spots in the engine

• Coolant tank (preventative, common failure)

• Coolant – Millers Alpine Red Ready Mixed

• Fuel filter

• Service

◦ Oil and filter

◦ Air Filter

◦ Cabin Filter

Bad points

• Wheels could do with a refurb to look their best up close

• Notchy lower gears when gearbox is cold (common issue)

• Driver’s door has some chips on the edge

• Back of rear left wheel arch/bumper has some marks - a few marks on the clearcoat and one through the paint but not through to the metal. Just appeared one day so presumeably it was contacted by another vehicle in a car park. Not noticeable unless looking for it, I've included a couple of close up pictures.

• The rest of the bodywork obviously isn’t immaculate, it being a 26 year old car, but I had it machine polished in 2024 and always use wax or ceramic-like post-wash treatment, currently Carbon Collective Hybrid Coating

Items that can be included in the sale

• On Board Computer column stalk – never fitted

• GT3 centre console delete – fitted by previous own, due to his height. I refitted the original centre console for storage and enable fitment of 2-Din head unit.

• Original 818 Aluminium Interior gear knob

• Original Porsche Minidisk Headunit

• Various books

◦ Porsche 991 Carrera Service Manual, by Bentley Publishing

◦ 101 Projects for your Porsche 911, 996

◦ Porsche 996; The Essential Companion