35i to 2006 Cayman S - worth considering?

E

enzed4

Veteran
 New Zealand
As the title suggests, I am looking at trading in (or part ex I think you guys call it?) the 35i on a 2006 Cayman S. I really don't know much about Porsche at all, and haven't test driven it yet so it's early days yet. It doesn't have sport chrono package, so I'm not even sure if that means it doesn't have any 'sport' button/function at all? Lowish miles at 47,000Km / 29,000Mi, and supposedly been serviced for sale. Has a service history from new, but missing details for the last 23,000km (doesn't mean not done, but no record in the books from Japan).
I'm not too worried about that - it's a risk we have to take here as we don't usually have the luxury of any service history from imported vehicles, which make up 95% of stock in the country. The dealer seems to be quite reputable.
The Cayman is a tiptronic - manual gearboxes are like rocking horse sh*t here.
Anyway, I'm more interested in anyone's impressions of the differences between the two vehicles, coming from a 35i. I've read a few reviews, youtube vids etc, and they all speak highly of the Cayman S, without many problems noted.
Anything I should watch out for, or check to see if done?
Arctic silver looks nice, even though I'm not usually a fan of silver.

Thanks.
 
When I looked at Caymans (Caymens?) a while ago I seem to remember warranties attached great importance to the "over rev" factor.

Sounds like you're not too bothered about an extended warranty but it might be worth getting the key read if you can. It might tell you a whole lot more as well, including the missing 23,000 km - even if it's just to put your mind at rest.

This is of course assuming cars from 2006 had this feature?
 
I think 2006 models were a bit of a dog. The engine had 2 big issues issues with the IMS bearing and bore scoring. Also the tiptronic is a slushbox.

I think they did an LCI where they fixed the engine problems and gave it the proper dual clutch gearbox. Worth spending more for that.
 
R.E92 said:
I think 2006 models were a bit of a dog. The engine had 2 big issues issues with the IMS bearing and bore scoring. Also the tiptronic is a slushbox.

I think they did an LCI where they fixed the engine problems and gave it the proper dual clutch gearbox. Worth spending more for that.
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I don't want to argue with your because you're usually correct, especially when it comes to Z4 35i things. But - I have looked at this and have found very little actual evidence of bore scoring and IMS issues with the Cayman. I guess if you look hard enough you can find them, but statistically don't seem very high compared to reviews I've read that say it wasn't an issue. I suppose you could argue that not every 996 had IMS bearing failures either, but I wouldn't buy one without knowing it had been fixed on that car.
I've also read people asking about the tiptronic, and I'm a bit worried after coming from the DCT on the Z4, but the proof would be in the driving (which I haven't done yet). I guess I will find out if I drive it.
Of course, most of the positive stuff I've read disputing the two issues you raised have come from the owner's forums so (just like the z4 forum) they're not really full of people willing to criticize their own choices lol.
Thanks for your thoughts :thumbsup:
 
enzed4 said:
R.E92 said:
I think 2006 models were a bit of a dog. The engine had 2 big issues issues with the IMS bearing and bore scoring. Also the tiptronic is a slushbox.

I think they did an LCI where they fixed the engine problems and gave it the proper dual clutch gearbox. Worth spending more for that.
Click to expand...
I don't want to argue with your because you're usually correct, especially when it comes to Z4 35i things. But - I have looked at this and have found very little actual evidence of bore scoring and IMS issues with the Cayman. I guess if you look hard enough you can find them, but statistically don't seem very high compared to reviews I've read that say it wasn't an issue. I suppose you could argue that not every 996 had IMS bearing failures either, but I wouldn't buy one without knowing it had been fixed on that car.
I've also read people asking about the tiptronic, and I'm a bit worried after coming from the DCT on the Z4, but the proof would be in the driving (which I haven't done yet). I guess I will find out if I drive it.
Of course, most of the positive stuff I've read disputing the two issues you raised have come from the owner's forums so (just like the z4 forum) they're not really full of people willing to criticize their own choices lol.
Thanks for your thoughts :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

I'm no expert when it comes to the Cayman, honestly I'm just repeating things I remember when I was looking to buy one a long time ago. I realise the engine problems seem worse when reading forums and the chance of failure might be quite low but how much extra would you have to pay for a 2009 model that came with the revised engine?. I do distinctly remember people saying the bore scoring issue was much more prevalent on tiptronic cars due to the fact they typically spend more time at low revs whereas manual drivers hold gears longer.

At the time I was shopping between a 2006 Cayman S and a Z4 35i. I was very close to buying a Cayman. There's no doubt the chassis is better but even 8 years ago when I was test driving them they seemed dated and lacking tech. I think even the aux port was optional and Xenon lights were rare, not important for a car used purely as a toy but if you're using it daily then it's a different story.
 
I have driven both, the tiptronic box on the cayman is a dog. Honestly I wouldn't do it. The Cayman is a step down from the 35i in most ways.
 
nothing much to add other than, i'd love a 2006 cayman s, though it would be a manual. unfortunately bit too much for me, so going to start off with an older 986 boxster instead.

i saw a video that suggested IMS failure rates were something like 8% - which seems a lot, but then on the other hand, 92% of engines are ok. It also said that even if the seals do go, you can still get lubricating effects from the engine oil, but the car has to have regular oil changes, and be revved out when using it, which i plan to do anyways. Plus, the cars im looking at generally have over 100,000 miles on the clock, so if the IMS was going to go, it would have done so by now i figure.
 
I have had a E89 3.0i manual 59 plate and a Porsche Boxster 2.7 5 speed 2008 , I found the E89 a completely different car to the Boxster it was more refined and comforting but a bit floaty at speed . The Porsche was a lot more accurate and pointy in corners it glued itself to the road and felt a lot like a sports car , the Cayman will feel even better with its fixed roof .
While searching for a Boxster I tried several tiptronic cars and found them searching for gears in corners or just before so they are a required taste where as the PDK is a different box altogether and most people opt for it I would steer clear of a tiptronic . As for IMS I believe it was from 56 plate on they were back to being ok . As for bore scoring it is worth getting checked especially on a low mileage car as it gives you peace of mind and is rather costly if it has it .
Good luck ! dont buy the first one you find as there are lots of specs and most are classed as poverty spec models when you come to sell them .
 
IMS failures is more of an issue on the 3.2, which is in the Boxster and not the Cayman. IMS is not as scary as it sounds, lots of forum hype. Later post 06 cars have a stronger IMS anyway. If its leaking, you replace it at the same time of the clutch to get value for money.

On the 987.1 Caymans, bore scoring on the 3.4 is more scary, but hard to predict or prevent - some say low mileage cars driven hard from cold, others say tracked cars, etc etc. The general advice seems to be get any 3.4 inspected by a specialist withe a borescope and have a quick look. Same issue impacts 997s of that era. 2.7 is not affected but performance closer to a 3.0Si. The gen 2 facelift cars (post 2010) 987.2 have no IMS or bore score issues and are highly saught after. They also have the PDK option, which is infinitely better than Tiptronic. Heated seats, sports seats, extended leather and 19"s would be my must have options.

The handling on a Boxster/Cayman is leagues ahead of both E85/6 and E89. Very different car to drive.
 
I can’t give you any help you personally and I don’t know if you’ve already seen it but I remember reading this with interest about the possible issues with these cars and engines

https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=126449&hilit=IMS
 
Thanks again, I appreciate all of the replies. As RE.92 mentioned, might be better to wait and look at a 987.2 - no IMS at all (even though the 987.1 is not really known for it) and more modern. Prices would need to come down more though, and I'm not sure that will be happening anytime soon with imports slowed right down because of the virus.
 
I had a mint 22k manual Gen 2 Cayman S before my Z4M. I don't think a Gen 1 is an upgrade. The Gen 2 Cayman S is just a different prospect altogether. It will seem a backward step in terms of tech. If all you do is shoot off in straight lines then it's probably going to feel the same or a bit slower. However if you are constantly pushing limits and just want a license loser then the Cayman S is the daddy. I honestly found that once the grass started growing at the sides of our lovely Scottish roads that the constant need to push it was not as much fun as I thought. I can enjoy the Z4M at all speeds. As I'm sure you do in the 35. The Cayman S was more practical, better looking and way better handling. I wouldn't go back though.
 
I have a friend who has the 981 Boxster and previously had a 911/997 and a 986 Boxy. I spoke to him at length as was seriously considering getting a 987.2 Boxster (same as a Cayman essentially). The bore scoring issues are fairly common in all the Porker flat sixes from all accounts. The tiptronic is shocking (but it was current technology at the time), the PDK is awesome, as it also prevents overrevving.
There are some very good Cayman and Boxster forums where the people will give you (almost) unbiased advice. Porkers are great cars as long as you have very deep pockets if they go wrong IMO. Good luck and I hope you get what you want. :thumbsup:
 
I’ve recently bought a Cayman S, it’s a 2007 model and I love it, it’s much more reassuring to drive than either of the M’s i’ve had, my friends son is a Porsche Tech and came along with me and gave it the once over, the condensers and coolant pipes can leak so worth checking those, I had new condensers straight away as the AC wasn’t working very well, cold as ice now, ref bore scoring and IMS/RMS it isn’t a myth but only affects a small number of cars, google autohaushamilton.com.au they have a lot of info on their site, I’ve took a screen shot ref the IMS below, check the engine number and you should be ok, if you’re concerned then get it upgraded and have a clutch at the same time, it’s about £1200 over here from a specialist. Mines a manual didn’t fancy a tiptronic tbh, best of luck with your search :driving: :thumbsup:
 

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Darren Slone said:
I’ve recently bought a Cayman S, it’s a 2007 model and I love it, it’s much more reassuring to drive than either of the M’s i’ve had, my friends son is a Porsche Tech and came along with me and gave it the once over, the condensers and coolant pipes can leak so worth checking those, I had new condensers straight away as the AC wasn’t working very well, cold as ice now, ref bore scoring and IMS/RMS it isn’t a myth but only affects a small number of cars, google autohaushamilton.com.au they have a lot of info on their site, I’ve took a screen shot ref the IMS below, check the engine number and you should be ok, if you’re concerned then get it upgraded and have a clutch at the same time, it’s about £1200 over here from a specialist. Mines a manual didn’t fancy a tiptronic tbh, best of luck with your search :driving: :thumbsup:
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Thanks, that's very helpful :thumbsup: .
Manual's not really a choice here (around 95% or more of imports are auto) unfortunately, and I'm not sure I'll be able to tell how 'bad' the tiptronic is unless I drive it. I'm more concerned by what looks to be a lack of any 'sport' mode. I love to put the 35i into sport and enjoy the more responsive throttle, quicker shifts(?) and the exhaust burbles, and would want something similar with a new car
 
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