won the porsche engine lottery

[bobbob57]

Just bought a 2001 Boxster S with 36k miles. The previous owner had only one key so I called the dealer to get a new key, gave him the VIN and he told me that the original engine had been replaced in 2004 by another dealer with one of 79 defective motors imported to the US. He told me that if the engine serial number matched that of the defective motor installed in 04 Porsche would replace this motor, free of charge, and give me a loaner to drive while the work was being done. I am brand new to Porsche ownership so any advice of what I should do or say or look for during this process would be helpful. The car looks and drives well but again, I have no previous Porsche experience to compare it to. It does seem faster than my 03 M5 however. Thanks

[spg356]

...he told me that the original engine had been replaced in 2004 by another dealer with one of 79 defective motors imported to the US. He told me that if the engine serial number matched that of the defective motor installed in 04 Porsche would replace this motor, free of charge, and give me a loaner to drive while the work was being done.

This is the first time I have ever seen someone claim that Porsche stated there were a certain number of "defective" engines. The smoking gun? I doubt it. I don't mean to be harsh, but do you have any documentation from the dealer that verifies what you say they told you about this issue and the specific number of "defective engines"?

The reason I ask this is that what you describe is quite the hot button for many owners, and there have been people that post such things on various forums looking for information for their class action law suits (that have no chance of winning).

Again, if this is not the case, then I do apologize, but a very first post regarding this issue often times means something is fishy, especially one that says a dealer stated a specific number of engines.

Regards,

Edited March 18, 2011 by spg356

[bobbob57]

I have kept the email from the service manager that has been working with me. I will know more tomorrow when I call him with the serial number off the engine.

Knowing only what I have read it sounds like Porsche had a separate vendor pour aluminum for the crank shaft assembly and there was a high failure rate early on. Maybe, a slick lawyer should by my car should I have an identified "defective" motor to use as evidence. Anyway, any advice about what to consider should they replace the motor would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[geoff]

If you have an '01 and Porsche is offering to replace your motor, it's a no-brainer to go for it. My wife's '05 Carrera just had the engine self-destruct almost 2 weeks ago and Porsche stepped up to goodwill the engine replacement with labor (exactly 2 years out of the original warranty, but always serviced at the dealer, and I've bought 3 Porsches there). The new motor has all the latest upgrades and beefed up parts, so the likelihood of another failure is greatly reduced.

My mechanic and service advisor at the dealer said don't expect it to happen for anything as old as my '01 Boxster. I'm taking the wake up call without hitting snooze and replacing the intermediate shaft bearing soon. If Porsche is replacing the motor in your '01 and you're not the original owner, you're doing extremely well. You should definitely go out and buy some lottery tickets!

The only downside is you will have to go through the new motor break-in procedure, so no high revving for the first 2K miles. Not sure if it's harder as a new owner or someone who's enjoyed the car all those miles, Congratulations

[mikefocke]

I have seen pictures of 2 recent replacement engines that have an amazing amount of junk in the oil pan, despite being remanufactured engines by Porsche (replacement engines) with oil in the sump put in at the factory. Gasket material and metal fragments none of which can be good for the engine's long term health.

So my suggestion is to have the dealer (even at your expense) pull the pan and inspect, then change the oil. Then change it again at 500 miles.

Doing a clutch while the engine is out is something to consider. Since it is an S, have them inspect the CV boots as 6 speeds are hard on this part due to the angle of the axle.

Front motor mount condition inspection.

And if you really want to go all out, water expansion tank and oil filler tanks are both plastic and 10 years old and so much easier to replace with the engine out.

Ask if a new AOS comes with the new engine...again a plastic part.

I know your parts are maybe only 6-7 years old but plastic does age.

[bobbob57]

Thanks to all who replied. I did not win. The service manager told me he had 4 engine numbers that could be in my car and if it were one of those I would get the replacement engine. Turns out it was none of those. He reported the number of the engine in my car to Porsche and I get bubkis. I did not buy the car thinking I would get an engine so I am not too upset. Had the oil changed at a local place who reported that the oil leak was the only issue the car has and this person suspect the leak is due to how often and how long this car sat in a garage without being started. So, I am driving the car and having a blast. Will likely have the seal replaced and stop the leak. Thanks again to all who replied. Hope to meet you all on the road one day.

[spg356]

Thanks to all who replied. I did not win. The service manager told me he had 4 engine numbers that could be in my car and if it were one of those I would get the replacement engine. Turns out it was none of those. He reported the number of the engine in my car to Porsche and I get bubkis. I did not buy the car thinking I would get an engine so I am not too upset. Had the oil changed at a local place who reported that the oil leak was the only issue the car has and this person suspect the leak is due to how often and how long this car sat in a garage without being started. So, I am driving the car and having a blast. Will likely have the seal replaced and stop the leak. Thanks again to all who replied. Hope to meet you all on the road one day.

And please do accept my apologies for being so cynical and skeptical in my reply. I stand corrected and welcome to Porsche ownership!!!

Regards,