997 Gen1 MY05 or e92 M3 Comp LCI

[Joe5y]

As the title suggests; out of the above cars which would you go for?

Have an option on both - would love to know thoughts.

[Jamescrs]

My heart tells me the 997 but having looked into these myself I can't get over the bore scoring issue personally so that would be my main issue.

[nuttywobbler]

As above - there's too much 'luck' involved in a gen 1 997 purchase - you might be fine re: bore scoring, or you might not - and if not, it's a really expensive job to fix. E92's have their problems too, but much easier and cheaper to sort. Either stretch to a gen 2 997, or go M3 IMHO.

[acme]

I've got an E92 M3 LCI manual I've had since last July, and a 993 911 - not quite a 997 I appreciate.

However, and as obvious as this is they're very different - the M3 feels massive in comparison to the 993, and I don't think the 997's that much bigger, least not based on a mates one.

The M3 is totally dominated by the engine, it is a thing of wonder. But, as you'll know it does have its problems, and in order to mitigate them you'll need to allow the very thick 10W-60 oil to properly warm up - ignore the rev counter gauge it's total nonsense, use the engine temp and it'll be 10-15 miles til it reaches 100 degrees and you can properly use it - this can cause frustration! Of course it's doubtful previous owners have been this careful......

If you've not done the 911 thing I'd go 997, but I couldn't risk a 997.1, unless you can get a Hartech rebuild.

As ever just my opinion!

[SiT]

If you go E9x M3 factor in £2k on top of purchase for rod bearings and actuators, as states though much cheaper than remedying 997 issues. If you could find a 997 with a rebuild already then I think it would provide a better driving experience, the M3 needs its neck wrung to get high up in the rev range.

Obviously M3 offers slightly more practicality (boot and rear seats) keep us posted what you do?

Si

[Joe5y]

So, what I didn’t allude to was that I had, in the past already had a e92 MY08. So the Comp Pack was to be the best of that however the buying experience was less than favourable with numerous issues popping up.

Because of this and a personality clash with the seller I found the C2S and yesterday I picked this up...

[Joe5y]

[Joe5y]

Absolutely over the moon and genuinely couldn’t be happier. I’ve had Boxsters in the past and I can’t believe how different this feels, such an analog car that needs focus when pressing on.

When compared to my old e92 M3 this feels, hard, raw and focused - I can’t imagine what a GT3 etc feels like as the C2S is very soft in comparison I am sure.

For those interested this has the following;

IMS and RMS upgrades 20k ago with clutch
Borescope last week with a glowing report
New brakes all rounds
New gearbox
PASM
Short shift from factory
Chrono
FSH
66k
New exhaust
Many interior options including wing back seats, BOSE, suede headlining, red seat belts, colour coded dash inserts and extended leather.

[Jamescrs]

Its a stunning looking car and I must admit I'm slightly jealous, despite my comments earlier in the thread about bore scoring I did find myself looking at 997's again myself last night.

Good luck with the purchase, sure you will love it.

[culpz]

Joe5y said:

Absolutely over the moon and genuinely couldn’t be happier. I’ve had Boxsters in the past and I can’t believe how different this feels, such an analog car that needs focus when pressing on.

When compared to my old e92 M3 this feels, hard, raw and focused - I can’t imagine what a GT3 etc feels like as the C2S is very soft in comparison I am sure.

For those interested this has the following;

IMS and RMS upgrades 20k ago with clutch
Borescope last week with a glowing report
New brakes all rounds
New gearbox
PASM
Short shift from factory
Chrono
FSH
66k
New exhaust
Many interior options including wing back seats, BOSE, suede headlining, red seat belts, colour coded dash inserts and extended leather.

Congrats on the purchase! Looks like a lovely example.

I did my first ever track day in one of these, which was my dads at the time. Had some kind of sports exhaust but with the tip-tronic automatic ‘box, which was pretty woeful, but great for focusing on my line and what-not. The grip was phenomenal and It definitely inspired a lot of confidence! Sounded great too.

Speaking of gearboxes, you state yours had a rebuild. Didn’t realise the manuals were prone to issues? Do you think it was a remedial thing that was done? Good to hear about one with a healthy engine, but just make sure to keep an eye on it. I believe this is a when and not an if, but I could be wrong.

Hope it serves you well!

[dunc69]

Love it. Great choice. More photos please OP!

[ZX10R NIN]

Nice purchase OP.

[Ed T]

I’ve had both, much preferred the 997.1 (I kept it)

[Joe5y]

culpz said:

Congrats on the purchase! Looks like a lovely example.

I did my first ever track day in one of these, which was my dads at the time. Had some kind of sports exhaust but with the tip-tronic automatic ‘box, which was pretty woeful, but great for focusing on my line and what-not. The grip was phenomenal and It definitely inspired a lot of confidence! Sounded great too.

Speaking of gearboxes, you state yours had a rebuild. Didn’t realise the manuals were prone to issues? Do you think it was a remedial thing that was done? Good to hear about one with a healthy engine, but just make sure to keep an eye on it. I believe this is a when and not an if, but I could be wrong.

Hope it serves you well!

Thank you.

I genuinely can’t understand the requirement for a sports exhaust as this is plenty loud enough - so much so the neighbours have already commented on its volume on cold start.

The gearbox had a crunch between 1st and 2nd, or so the report states. A rebuild wasn’t done, a new box was supplied at great cost (all receipts present). I can confirm the box is perfect.

[Joe5y]

dunc69 said:

Love it. Great choice. More photos please OP!

This all I have to hand but give a great example of its condition- mostly the sellers pictures.



















My son already thinks it his!

[dunc69]

Wow, it looks really well cared-for. Lovely car OP.