Vehicle Segment:
Luxury Sports Car / Grand Tourer
Key Competitors Era:
Ferrari 360 Modena, Aston Martin V8 Vantage, Lamborghini Gallardo, Chevrolet Corvette C6
Performance Focus:
Rear-engine, naturally aspirated flat-six engine, exceptional handling, driver engagement
Design Philosophy:
Evolutionary design from 996 generation, classic 911 silhouette, improved aerodynamics and interior ergonomics
Owner Guidance:
To inform owners about the safe and proper operation, maintenance, and features of their 2004 Porsche 911 Carrera (997).
Powertrain Systems:
Engine operation, lubrication, cooling, fuel, exhaust
Drivetrain Systems:
Transmission operation (manual & Tiptronic), clutch, drive axles
Chassis Systems:
Brakes (ABS, PSM), steering, suspension (PASM optional)
Electrical Systems:
Battery, lighting, instruments, infotainment, climate control, power accessories
Body And Interior:
Doors, windows, seats, airbags, interior features, convertible top operation (if applicable)
Basic Operation:
Starting and driving, parking, fuel filling, using controls and instruments
Maintenance Procedures:
Checking fluid levels, tire pressure, bulb replacement, wiper blade replacement
Safety Features Operation:
Airbag system explanation, seatbelt usage, child restraint installation
Infotainment Operation:
Audio system, navigation (if equipped), communication features
Troubleshooting Basic:
Warning lights interpretation, common minor issues
Depth Level:
Owner-level information, focusing on operation, safety, and basic maintenance. Does not cover in-depth diagnostic or repair procedures typically found in a service manual.
Engine Code:
M97.01 (for Carrera)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Flat-Six (Boxer)
Displacement:
3.6 Liters (3596 cc)
Horsepower:
325 PS (320 bhp / 239 kW) @ 6800 rpm
Torque:
370 Nm (273 lb-ft) @ 4250 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI - Multi-Point Injection)
Fuel Type Recommendation:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (98 RON / 93 AKI)
Bore X Stroke:
97.0 mm x 82.7 mm
Compression Ratio:
11.8:1
Valvetrain:
DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 4 valves per cylinder, VarioCam Plus
Standard Transmission Type:
6-Speed Manual Transaxle
Optional Transmission Type:
5-Speed Tiptronic Automatic with Steering Wheel Shift Buttons
Clutch Type:
Single Dry Plate Clutch (Manual)
Drive Layout:
Rear-Wheel Drive
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
Porsche Transaxle Fluid (PTX) or equivalent API GL-4/GL-5 SAE 75W-90
Tiptronic Transmission Fluid Type:
Mobil ATF LT 71141 or equivalent Dexron III H/J
NHTSA Ratings:
Not explicitly tested by NHTSA in the same way modern vehicles are, but Porsche's engineering emphasizes safety.
IIHS Ratings:
Not specifically rated.
Stability Control:
Porsche Stability Management (PSM)
Traction Control:
Part of PSM
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Optional Braking:
Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) - optional
Airbags:
Front airbags, side airbags, and head airbags (Curtain airbags)
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with belt tensioners and force limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
ISOFIX/LATCH compatible mounts
Body Structure:
High-strength steel body structure, integrated roll-over protection (especially for convertible)
Audio System:
Porsche Communication Management (PCM) with integrated CD player and radio. Bose High-End Surround Sound System optional.
Navigation:
Optional GPS navigation system integrated into PCM.
Parking Assistance:
Optional ParkAssist (parking sensors front and rear).
Suspension Technology:
Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) - adjustable damping, optional.
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth® hands-free system for mobile phones.
Lighting:
Bi-Xenon headlights, automatic headlight range adjustment, cornering lights (optional).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, or as indicated by the vehicle's onboard service computer.
Major Service Interval:
Often recommended around 30,000 miles or 3 years for spark plug replacement, coolant flush, and inspection of various components.
Engine Oil Specification:
Porsche A40 approved synthetic oil (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40 or 5W-40)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8.7 liters (9.2 US quarts) with filter change.
Coolant Specification:
Porsche Premium Coolant (G48 specification) or equivalent antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors (typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water).
Brake Fluid Specification:
Porsche Brake Fluid DOT 4 Plus (or equivalent DOT 4 HV)
Power Steering Fluid Specification:
Porsche Pentosin CHF 11 S or equivalent hydraulic fluid.
Common 997 Issues:
IMS bearing failure (more prevalent on earlier models, but still a concern), bore scoring (especially on later M97 engines), coolant pipe leaks, exhaust manifold cracks, starter motor issues.
Maintenance Recommendations Specific:
Regular inspection of coolant pipes, attention to early signs of IMS bearing noise, and monitoring for oil consumption are advisable.
Porsche Legacy:
Founded by Ferdinand Porsche, renowned for engineering excellence, motorsports dominance, and iconic sports cars.
911 Lineage:
The 911 is Porsche's longest-running and most iconic model, introduced in 1963. The 997 represents the fifth generation.
997 Generation Debut:
The 997 generation debuted in 2004 as a 2005 model year vehicle, replacing the 996 generation.
Manufacturing Location:
Zuffenhausen, Germany
Production Years 997:
2004-2012 (997.1: 2004-2008, 997.2: 2008-2012)
General Reputation:
The 997 generation of the Porsche 911 is widely acclaimed for its driving dynamics, build quality, and evolutionary refinement of a legendary sports car.
Car And Driver Ranking:
Consistently ranked in Car and Driver's '10Best' list during its production years.
Build Quality Certification:
Porsche's stringent manufacturing processes and commitment to quality are implicitly recognized across automotive reviews.