996.2
The facelift that fixed the complaints: 3.6 litres, Turbo headlights, a glovebox, and the volume 996.
- Years
- 2002–2005
- Trims
- 9
- Power
- 320–477 hp
- Known issues
- 7
- Lightest
- 3,000 lb
- Quickest 0–60
- 3.8 s
Overview
The 2002 facelift answered the two loudest objections to the 996. The headlights became the Turbo units, visually separating the 911 from the Boxster again, and the interior gained better materials and — genuinely a selling point at the time — a glovebox. The engine grew to 3.6 litres and 320 hp.
This is the 996 most people mean, and the one that carries the widest model range: Carrera 4S on the wide body, Targa, GT2, GT3, the 40th Anniversary, and the Turbo S. If you want a 996 that looks and feels like a modern 911 rather than a transitional one, it is this era.
The trade is engine risk. The 3.6 M96.03 carries the worse bore-scoring reputation of the two 996 engines, so the borescope inspection matters more here than on a 3.4. Consumables differ too — the halogen high beam is H9, not the H7 of the earlier cars, which is a mistake owners make constantly.
The range
9 Sorted by output| Trim | Years | Engine | Power | Torque | 0–60 | Weight | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coupe / Cabriolet | 2002–2005 | 3.6 L | 320 | 273 | 4.8 | 3,000 | RWD |
| Coupe / Cabriolet | 2002–2005 | 3.6 L | 320 | 273 | 4.9 | 3,120 | AWD |
| Coupe / Cabriolet | 2002–2005 | 3.6 L | 320 | 273 | 5.0 | 3,250 | AWD |
| Targa | 2002–2005 | 3.6 L | 320 | 273 | 5.0 | 3,115 | RWD |
| 40th Anniversary Manual only Coupe | 2004 | 3.6 L | 345 | 273 | 4.7 | 3,020 | RWD |
| Coupe | 2004–2005 | 3.6 L | 380 | 284 | 4.3 | 3,042 | RWD |
| Turbo Halo Coupe / Cabriolet | 2002–2005 | 3.6 L T | 415 | 415 | 4.0 | 3,390 | AWD |
| Turbo S Halo Coupe / Cabriolet | 2005 | 3.6 L T | 444 | 457 | 3.9 | 3,450 | AWD |
| Coupe | 2002–2005 | 3.6 L T | 477 | 457 | 3.8 | 3,175 | RWD |
Power in hp, torque in lb-ft, 0–60 in seconds, weight in pounds. Hover a badge for what it means.
Year by year
4- 2002
Major facelift: 3.6 L M96.03 with 320 hp, Turbo-style headlights, revised interior with a glovebox. Targa and Carrera 4S added.
- 2003
GT2 joins the US range with 477 hp and rear-wheel drive.
- 2004
GT3 finally sold in the US with 380 hp. Turbo Cabriolet added, and the 40th Anniversary Edition arrives with the X51 kit and 345 hp.
- 2005
Final 996 model year. Turbo S with the X50 pack standard at 444 hp.
Known issues
7- IMS bearing failure Critical
M96 engines, 1999–2005. Not the Turbo, GT2 or GT3 — those use the Mezger engine and have no IMS bearing of this design.
- Rear main seal leak Major
All M96 cars, most commonly early build years.
- Cylinder bore scoring Critical
Predominantly the 3.6 L M96.03 (2002–2005), typically cylinders 4 and 6.
-
All M96 cars.
- Glued coolant pipe separation Critical
996 Turbo, Turbo S and GT2.
- Ignition switch failure Minor
All 996 and early 986, subject of a service campaign.
-
All 996, worst in road-salt and leaf-litter regions.