early (2006) Cayman S 3.4 engines
Discussion
Hi.
I'm very near to buying an 2006 Cayman S, but there is just one thing - I've read a couple of comments on forums like this:
>> What? Another failed engine in a 2006 Cayman S? Say it isn't so!
Which kind of knocks my confidence! So,... can someone please explain if there is an issue with the early S 3.4 engines? Or put my mind at rest?
(Or in a very worse case scenario, what would be the cost of a replacement from someone like Hartech?)
Thanks in advance.
I'm very near to buying an 2006 Cayman S, but there is just one thing - I've read a couple of comments on forums like this:
>> What? Another failed engine in a 2006 Cayman S? Say it isn't so!
Which kind of knocks my confidence! So,... can someone please explain if there is an issue with the early S 3.4 engines? Or put my mind at rest?
(Or in a very worse case scenario, what would be the cost of a replacement from someone like Hartech?)
Thanks in advance.
I've ran two different Caymans for over 5 years and frequented forums for as long. There are issues with the Generation 1 motors and the early ones in particular. The problem is finding out how predominant the issues are.
i've found the best source of information is on Planet-9.com. Good luck !
i've found the best source of information is on Planet-9.com. Good luck !
Owned a Boxster S and then a Cayman S both using the same 3.4 lump - total ownership time about 28 months now, and neither have had any issues at all, nor even used a drop of oil. I did, however, opt to buy from an OPC to get the warranty as there is a small, but significant enough, minority of people who have had problems with that engine.
I had a 3.4 Cayman S had it for three years (ten months old when i bought it) and did 22,000 miles in that time, it did need a new RMS at the four year service point £1117 but that was paid for by Porsche GB as it was low mileage and full Porsche service history. It is to date the best car I have ever owned, fantastic cars you won't be disappointed.
I've had my 2006 Cayman S for 2 years and have done about 27k miles in that time (car has done 54k total). Have had no problems with IMS, RMS, or oil usage (or other signs of bore scoring) in that time. Barely uses any oil, and just last week Porsche Hatfield commented how good it all looks under the engine with no signs of any fluids leaking.
I did opt to have a Porsche warranty put on mine last December for peace of mind, but IMO all of the internet talk of problems with these cars gives the impression that the problems are far more common than they actually are. There are definitely potential weaknesses with the engines, as the experts have identified, but the actual number affected is most likely a very small percentage.
As long as you buy sensibly I wouldn't worry about it. Go for it, it's a great car.
I did opt to have a Porsche warranty put on mine last December for peace of mind, but IMO all of the internet talk of problems with these cars gives the impression that the problems are far more common than they actually are. There are definitely potential weaknesses with the engines, as the experts have identified, but the actual number affected is most likely a very small percentage.
As long as you buy sensibly I wouldn't worry about it. Go for it, it's a great car.
Edited by ChipsAndCheese on Tuesday 15th May 17:42
I'm not entirely sure the fact about the March 2006 onwards cars having better IMS is true. Mine was a September 2005 car and had the new IMS. I don't think it's an issue with the Cayman engine of any age.
As for scoring, at about 60,000 miles and 4 years I had my bores scoped to see what condition they were in. There was some very very fine marks in a couple of the bores. I kept the car another year and had the bores checked again. There was no further wear.
I then sold the car to my best mate at a price that made it attractive enough for him should the bores need fixing at some point.
However after another year and now 78,000 miles the bores are still in exactly the same condition as they were 2 years ago. Who knows when the marks occurred. Could have been as I drove it off the forecourt back in 2005.
My car was and is used several times a year on track, if that means anything.
As for scoring, at about 60,000 miles and 4 years I had my bores scoped to see what condition they were in. There was some very very fine marks in a couple of the bores. I kept the car another year and had the bores checked again. There was no further wear.
I then sold the car to my best mate at a price that made it attractive enough for him should the bores need fixing at some point.
However after another year and now 78,000 miles the bores are still in exactly the same condition as they were 2 years ago. Who knows when the marks occurred. Could have been as I drove it off the forecourt back in 2005.
My car was and is used several times a year on track, if that means anything.
jackwood said:
I'm not entirely sure the fact about the March 2006 onwards cars having better IMS is true. Mine was a September 2005 car and had the new IMS.
Porsche model years begin in September so your 09/2005 car is infact a MY06.ETA - Actually, i need to clarify that this was indeed the case up until the newer 981/991 models. Now the MY's follow VAG and are from December. ie: close enough to be calendar year now.
Edited by Popolou on Wednesday 16th May 10:14
porsche upgraded the ims many times and the last time was march 2006 although this may only apply to the 911/boxster as the 3.4 cayman lump may have been upgraded earlier as a new engine in the 2006 model year although the 3.2s boxster 2006 model year still had the old ims up until march 2006?
as i said before no confirmed cases although someone on planet9 was told his 2007 cayman ims failed and engine replaced although as hartech has pointed out unless an engine is stripped the failure could have been something else.its been proven on the planet9 forum that some of the engines do fail for some reason or another and that the dfi engine/car has proven more reliable especially when it comes to tracking.i am a big fan of the cayman gen1 and a buyer could have many miles of trouble free motoring has many do but should be aware that they could have if they are unlucky or have no warranty(hartech or opc) a big bill!even buying wisely cannot prevent this ie bought my boxster s new properly looked after etc ims let go at 12900miles!could have sold it at 12800miles me and the new buyer non the wiser until 100miles later.
as i said before no confirmed cases although someone on planet9 was told his 2007 cayman ims failed and engine replaced although as hartech has pointed out unless an engine is stripped the failure could have been something else.its been proven on the planet9 forum that some of the engines do fail for some reason or another and that the dfi engine/car has proven more reliable especially when it comes to tracking.i am a big fan of the cayman gen1 and a buyer could have many miles of trouble free motoring has many do but should be aware that they could have if they are unlucky or have no warranty(hartech or opc) a big bill!even buying wisely cannot prevent this ie bought my boxster s new properly looked after etc ims let go at 12900miles!could have sold it at 12800miles me and the new buyer non the wiser until 100miles later.
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