First 911

[BRS]

Ok I've had BM's for 10 years and an e46 M3 for the last 5 years just got badly burnt on an 07 M5 I had for a week only to discover I'd not done my homework 80% had been painted (very badly). I just didnt want it after I realized even if it was just cosmetic rather than a serious accident.

I fired it back to the non BMW dealer and battled a deal out obviously I lost money but got most of my cash back (also lost my mint M3 doh I'd traded in)...

So I just had baby and idea of the M5 was a fast dad mobile also have a son of 11. After having the M5 for a week it became apparent it was the wrong car anyway. What we need is a nice 5 door for the mrs and I could look at something more nimble and not just as stupidly juicy on fuel when enjoying a spirited drive...

A light bulb went on in my head and I started looking at the prospect of a Porsche (never even been in a Porsche before) ... After reading up some I'm leaning towards a 997 C2S

So can you tell me can people/kids really sit in the back for short journeys?

Can you fit baby seats in the back that face rearwards and sit someone in the front?

What is a C2S like in the snow my lane gets filled in, my M3 wouldn't move off the spot. I presume the C4S is better but I'm favoring the idea of a more pure driving experience of the 2S?

I really want the PSE that really appeals but not sure if the Chrono Sport is that needed (it will be a manual car) is it just a different throttle map like the M button on the e46 M3 was and that timer/lap computer stuck in the middle of the dash?

I've seen a car that is close by me advertised in Nelson (north UK) by a dealer. Hes not a Porsche specialist and after getting burnt for the first time ever on the M5 whos the best people to use inspection wise, AA?
The car is:
2006, 20,000 miles. Arctic Sillver Metallic with Full Black Leather & Alcantara Headlining, 19" Carerra S Alloy Wheels with Crested Centres, Satellite Navigation, Electric Sunroof, Rear Parking Sensors, CD/Radio with Multichanger and Bose Sound System, ABS, Heated Electric Seats, Electric Memory Seats, Multiple Airbags, Climate Control, Electric Windows, Heated Front Seats, Sports Suspension, PCM System, Trip Computer, Front Armrest, Xenon Headlights, Switchable Sports Exhaust, Rear Wash/Wiper, Heat Absorbent Glass, Driver Information System, Tracker, Smooth Leather Sports Steering Wheel, Driver Information System, Immobiliser, Power Assisted Steering, Remote Central Locking, Traction Control, Dials in Arctic Silver, Fold Down Rear Seat, Porsche Embossed Headrests, Short Shift Manual Gearbox, Full Porsche Service History with Recent Major Service, Balance of Warranty until 28th Nov 2010, 12 Months MOT, Taxed until 28th Feb 2011, Excellent Condition. £39,985
All seems just what I want apart from the lack of Chrono Sport, bit vague at the end thereon warranty tax etc. Wonder how much movement there might be on price... Also a touch concerned that the short shift will be on the heavy side for not much gain?

Sorry for the long slavering first post but try as I might with the search button I couldnt get the answers I wanted.
btw after reading here for a few days it seems like this forum enjoys a much more pleasant breed than the bmw forums I used to be reading :floor:[/b]

 

[chrisu]

I too live in the boonies.

a cheap 4x4 for the winter is very cost effective and has some actual ground clearance on those muddy/snowy country lanes.

My merc also sat on the drive for 3 weeks last winter...............

 

[Maxie]

Hi BRS, welcome to the forum :thumbs: . We have quite a few ex E46 M3 drivers on here, the majority of whom now drive a C2S - the model you are looking at. We also have a couple of ex-E60 M5 drivers who both drive 997 and 996 Turbos and each has commented on the Turbo's remarkable fuel economy compared to the M5!

Yes, you can fit forward facing child seats in the back of the 997 (quite a few on the forum have done this). Let's analyse this car you are looking at and see what's standard and what's not. You don't put the model year on it so I am guessing it's either a 2006 or a 2007? The spec is:

Carrera 2 S
20,000 miles
Arctic Sillver Metallic
Full Porsche Service History with Recent Major Service
Balance of Warranty until 28th Nov 2010,
12 Months MOT
Taxed until 28th Feb 2011
Excellent Condition. £39,985


Standard equipment:
Full Black Leather
Alcantara Headlining
19" Carerra S Alloy Wheels
Crested Centres
ABS,
Multiple Airbags
Climate Control,
Electric Windows
PCM System
Trip Computer
Front Armrest
Xenon Headlights
Heat Absorbent Glass ???
Driver Information System
Smooth Leather Sports Steering Wheel
Immobiliser,
Power Assisted Steering
Remote Central Locking
Traction Control
Dials in Arctic Silver
Fold Down Rear Seat,

Optional extras:
Satellite Navigation
Electric Sunroof
Rear Parking Sensors,
CD/Radio with Multichanger
Bose Sound System,
Heated Electric Seats,
Electric Memory Seats,
Sports Suspension
Switchable Sports Exhaust,- PSE
Rear Wash/Wiper
Tracker
Porsche Embossed Headrests
Short Shift Manual Gearbox

Quite a comprehensive list of options so you won't be disappointed even though you wanted the Sport Chrono. For inspection Peter Morgan is one of the best Porsche Specialists around. Phil Raby of Total 911 magazine is another. PSE is considered to be one of the best options on a 911. The short shift is a bit notchy but those who have seem to like it as it cuts the throw by about 35%?

The C2S is the most popular 997 on the roads in the UK as it's a great all-rounder. test drive a few and see what you think. In the snow I don't think it'll be much better than what you had previously tbh.

Happy hunting!

~ Maxie

 

[stokie1]

2 kids in the back - aged 8 & 10 - VV easy - snug as bugs

Snow - Forjet it

Do it you wont regret it my friend - Ive only owned since March - chuffed chuffed 8)

 

[Ocean]

DO IT!!!!

I am 1 month into ownership and I am loving it.

I plumped for a C4S basically as the reviews I read, said it was marginally faster in wet or dry and was a little more confidence inspiring. Also mentioned that it had less front end 'bob' than a 2WD. I'm not sure this is true but I do think it is probably better for a driver (me) who uses it every day in all weathers. If it was a weekend car then probably C2S for me as more to choose from.

Will it be good in the snow? Dunno. I had an Audi S6 before and it was surprisingly good last winter. Suspect its lack of ground clearance will be the major factor.

I've got a 57 plate with pretty much the same spec inc PSE but also inc Sport Chrono pack.

Maybe it's me but I wouldn't waste my money on it unless I'm missing something. I don't need a stopwatch to time my 'laps', I don't want a sharper throttle and I certainly don't want harder suspension. It is hard enough in standard. Also, and again I'm sure it's just me, I can barely detect a difference when I press it!!!!!! My PSE is always on so there is no volume or noise change.

I must admit to being a little disappointed with build quality and materials when compared to my S6. The lack of tech is slowly sinking in and the fact that I should 'expect' squeaks and rattles does irk me somewhat.

Having said that, my S6 was a 5.2 V10 with 430bhp and was a fabulous car in everyway but..........it did everything perfectly. It was ultra reliable and just great but because of that I could never truly fall in love with it.

The 911 just has some weird kind of 'thing' that infects you. It is the first and only car that I forgive its foibles because as a total package it is amazing.

I would probably have another fast Audi.

I would absolutely certainly have another 911.

Ocean

 

[Racing District]

Standard equipment:
Alcantara Headlining

i thought this was extra?

 

[Maxie]

Standard equipment:
Alcantara Headlining

i thought this was extra?

Checking the standard list, it's listed for all Coupes.

~ Maxie

 

[Ha66is]

DO IT!!!

I am a real NOOB (3weeks) and can only comment form that regard.

2 kids (5 and 2.5) in back nae problems. I have 'bottom of range' C2 PDK and its farking funtastic. Had BM's for years and this is the best car I've owned.

Snow? I just about remember what that is, but not much here in Sydney, so cant comment. Did drive a Cerbera 4.5 through 2 scottish winters; cant imagine a C2s being worse; just takes commitment and care.

DO IT!!!

 

[BRS]

Thanks for the replies ... 8)

So if I can get an expert in my area to inspect this car what kind of money do they charge for the service and do they do it on a mobile basis or does it need to go somewhere they can lift it etc?

Whats this RMS thing I've read about and should it have been done on a car this age (06 reg) whats the price of having it done if it hasnt?

The snow thing is a bit odd I know but the car will be a daily runner and last year the roads were clear but my lane had a couple of inch of snow on it for about 2 months. The M3 would get stuck on 2mm of slush it was that bad, thought with that engine over the wheels in the 911 it might move enough to get out if it happened again.

cheers

 

[BRS]

DO IT!!!!

I've got a 57 plate with pretty much the same spec inc PSE but also inc Sport Chrono pack.

Maybe it's me but I wouldn't waste my money on it unless I'm missing something. I don't need a stopwatch to time my 'laps', I don't want a sharper throttle and I certainly don't want harder suspension. It is hard enough in standard. Also, and again I'm sure it's just me, I can barely detect a difference when I press it!!!!!! My PSE is always on so there is no volume or noise change.


Ocean

I just found porscheinspectionsdotcom Peter Morgans (£345 std fee) place and after reading his bit on the 997 I guess arctic silver isnt a desirable colour for future re-sale.
He also states
"We would advise you also check out the ride quality on the 19-inch wheels, where the Sport Chrono package isn't fitted, as it may not be to your taste (or comfort)."
Maybe thats the real point to Chrono?

 

[freddie44]

DO IT!!!!

I've got a 57 plate with pretty much the same spec inc PSE but also inc Sport Chrono pack.

Maybe it's me but I wouldn't waste my money on it unless I'm missing something. I don't need a stopwatch to time my 'laps', I don't want a sharper throttle and I certainly don't want harder suspension. It is hard enough in standard. Also, and again I'm sure it's just me, I can barely detect a difference when I press it!!!!!! My PSE is always on so there is no volume or noise change.


Ocean

I just found porscheinspectionsdotcom Peter Morgans (£345 std fee) place and after reading his bit on the 997 I guess arctic silver isnt a desirable colour for future re-sale.
He also states
"We would advise you also check out the ride quality on the 19-inch wheels, where the Sport Chrono package isn't fitted, as it may not be to your taste (or comfort)."
Maybe thats the real point to Chrono?

I'm not sure why this would make any difference to the ride? All S models have 19 inchers as standard. Maybe they mean PASM?

I've owned my 997C2S for two years now. I dont have Sports Chrono but did try it when testing and dont really see the point in it. If its on the car then great but it's def not a deal breaker.
Would recommend the PSE though.. think this really adds to the car. Also for me the plain old rear wheel drive but I'm sure the C4S is brilliant too :thumb:

Randomly I drove mine a lot in the snow last winter and found her really good. All the weight over the back wheels is good for traction obv.. just dont loose it :nooo:

 

[Jester911]

BRS, welcome, and forgive a lowly 996 owner from throwing in my twopence.
Do it you will not regret it there is something really special about these cars loving mine to the extent i have just upgraded to a 996tt.

re inspections there was a fair old discussion on the 996 pages about using a respected local indi specialist as they can put it on ramps and really have a proper look about compared with the likes of these road side once overs also you will find they are much better value than £300-400.

not sure where you are but ask for a good local to you or the car and get it given a proper once over.
Good luck :thumbs:

 

[Maxie]

I'm not sure why this would make any difference to the ride? All S models have 19 inchers as standard. Maybe they mean PASM?

That's what I thought too. If the car doesn't have PASM (it's not on the OP's list anyway) then the Sports Suspension (which is listed) accounts for it instead. This is a 20mm drop in ride height over the C2 owing to stiffer dampers and springs. For sure, the ride will not be to everyone's taste but on the track it's a supposedly marked improvement.

~ Maxie

 

[freddie44]

I'm not sure why this would make any difference to the ride? All S models have 19 inchers as standard. Maybe they mean PASM?

That's what I thought too. If the car doesn't have PASM (it's not on the OP's list anyway) then the Sports Suspension (which is listed) accounts for it instead. This is a 20mm drop in ride height over the C2 owing to stiffer dampers and springs. For sure, the ride will not be to everyone's taste but on the track it's a supposedly marked improvement.

~ Maxie

Out of interest Maxie - do you know how one can go about getting these added after market? Is it as simple as fitting lowering springs (for PASM cars)

Would like 20mm lower and some added trackday brilliance :thumb:

 

[Maxie]

Not sure Freddie.....I think it's a case of contacting your local OPC and enquiring directly. I don't think it's a complex swap but the wiring that controls the oil feed to the dampers (in a PASM system) would have to be disconnected of course. Plus, what happens to the oil reservoir? Really don't know enough about it tbh.

~ Maxie