Oil Change, Transmission & Clutch

[dsnow]

I have a 2002 C4S with 37,000 miles on it. I purchased it with 32,000 miles in August. Upon delivery I had it taken in for a 30,000 major service. This car will not be tracked. It is my semi-daily driver. This car is the funnest thing I have ever driven. My brother said it felt like his Ducati in the acceleration department.

Anyway, the manual says to change the oil every 15,000 miles or 1 year. I am from the old school of 3000 or 3 months. I know Porsche is one of the most highly engineered automobiles out there and there must be a reason why they recomend this. Am I safe to stay with what the manual says.

Same thing on the Tranny it says to change the oil every 60,000 miles.

On the Clutch when should I replace it. Is there a mileage interval or just when I start to feel it slipping.

Thanks for any help out there.

sotucfs

[geza]

Oil capacity in the late model 996 is approximately 10 quarts with a filter change. The recommended oil types are synthetic (Mobil1 0w40 is just one Porsche approved oil) - oils and engines have come a long way since the 3 months/3000 miles adage of years ago.

If you want to be particular, change the engine oil and filter every 6 months/7500 miles.

As for the gearbox - you could do the changes at 30k miles just for your own peace of mind.

The clutch life is almost completely dependent on how you drive........slippage is the most practical indicator.

Enjoy!

[viper501]

I just had the transaxle fluid changed along with oil, mount and balance of new tires and wheels, and an alignment. I replaced the transaxle with a full synthetic 75-90 product made by BG. Helped the slight notchiness when going from 1 to 2. All the shifts feels smoother too. Highly recommend the transaxle fluid change. Its an easy do it yourself too.

Also, I'd recommend getting the alignment done by someone you know has a good reputation (not necessarily your dealer). The difference a good alignment will make in handling will amaze you.

As far as oil goes, most of the major manufacturers bumped their service intervals a few years back. It was not the 'technology' of the fluids or the cars that caused the change. Instead, it was the JD Powers, et al. service cost numbers. By extending the service interval, the manufacturers decreased the paper cost of ownership, boosting their rankings. It also seemed to coincide with the included maintenance push that many of the majors (BMW, Mercedes, etc.) started. Hmmmm. Wonder why that was? :rolleyes:

Edited December 11, 2005 by viper501

[ledson]

I just bought mine with 55K miles, & had to replace the clutch at 56K! :( After some smooth driving as well! Darn it! Merry Christmas to me.