The Porsche aisle

Porsche 996

The misjudged one on the rise (1997 — 2006)

1997the water-cooled revolution

≈175 000units built

300→420bhp depending on version

Porsche 996 — Photo: Lewis Collard — CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

The story

First water-cooled 911, first all-new platform since 1963: the 996 took every risk — and every criticism, starting with the "fried egg" headlamps it shared with the Boxster.

Twenty years on, the market is revising its verdict: legendary GT3s, a 420 bhp Turbo with the indestructible "Mezger" engine, and Carreras that have become the most affordable 911s. Values are climbing, and so is demand for parts.

At ER Auto, the 996 is the "modern" Porsche of the stock: lights, interiors, bonnets — the parts that suffer first are exactly the ones we keep.

Spec sheet — 996

Production: 1997 — 2006
Engine: Flat-six 3.4 → 3.6 L, water-cooled
Power: 300 → 420 bhp (Turbo S)
Transmission: Rear- or four-wheel drive, 6-speed or Tiptronic
Of note: First liquid-cooled 911
Worth knowing: Turbo & GT3: the "Mezger" engine, the most reliable of the modern era

Find a 996 part 04 225 11 12

Period technical manuals and documentation available to consult at the workshop. Independent specialist, not connected with Porsche AG.

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