Porsche 911 Carrera (Type 996) Service Manual:1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005: Carrera, Carrera 4, Carrera 4S

Grassroots Motorsports - February 2013

Speed Reading

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The 996 was the first completely new 911 from Porsche in more than three decades. As such, it was met with some suspicion and concern over how serviceable it would be for the average enthusiast. Robert Bentley Publishers has long been an advocate of DIY repairs, and its latest service manual covers all years of the 996-chassis Porsche, from 1999 to 2005.

With more than 1000 pages and nearly 1500 full-color images, the book covers just about every task the owner will ever need to perform, from regular maintenance to complete engine overhauls.

At first, we were skeptical of the value of color photography in a factory-style service manual. However, the color images really do help the reader understand how the guts are arranged inside the car. Even steel and aluminum parts appear distinct; in black and white, the shades of gray would have been indistinguishable. This Bentley reference guide is a must-have if you own a 996.

Article from and courtesy of Grassroots Motorsports - February 2013

Loren, Renntech.org admin - October 31, 2012

Bentley Porsche 911 Carrera Service Manual (996) - Book Review

I bought the Porsche factory manuals (all 17 volumes in 3-ring binders) in 2000 for about $600. I then spend about $100/year each for the next 6 years to get updates. My factory manuals ended up about costing $1200. Porsche stopped printing manuals a few years ago and the set was well over $1200 at that time.

That does not really cover everything - you also need the OBD II manuals for DME 5.2.2. DME 7.2, and DME 7.8 depending on your model year. When I bought my OBD II manuals (again in 2000) they were about $200 each. So to cover all models it cost me about $600. Porsche also stopped printing these manuals a few years ago and at the time each was over $800.

So all totaled I likely spent over $2000 for the factory service and OBD II manuals for the 996.

For $138 (on Amazon) you get the Bentley Porsche 911 Carrera Service Manual (996) hardbound manual with photos that the factory manuals don't have - and from I can see so far 99% of the information that is in the factory manuals. BOTH service manuals and OBD II manuals.

The manual layout is excellent logically each section from General Information and Maintenance to Wiring Diagrams and OBD II. Roughly 11 sections with great detail and photos the factory manuals never had. 1024 pages (and over 7.6 pounds) the manual is well composed and covers even some of the more tricky tasks. The photos are certainly worth a thousand words many times over.

Clear, concise, detailed and from what I can see complete - this IS the service manual to have if you own or work on the 996 series cars. I highly recommend it.

Post from and courtesy of http://www.renntech.org/forums/topic/42866-bentley-porsche-911-carrera-service-manual-996-book-review/ - October 31, 2012

Jacks911, Forums.Rennlist.com member - October 19, 2012

Bentley Pubs 996 Service Manual

The finished product is a quality book with good use of color photos of parts and detailed steps to repair tasks. Full wiring diagrams look easy to work with. And they speak to the now known maintenance issues and fixes.

I may not tackle the big stuff (Hope I have no need to) on my C4 but this manual gives me confidence that I can do much more DIY service and repair.

Post from and courtesy of http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/9932544-post1.html - October 19, 2012

mattdillon, Pelican Parts Technical BBS member - October 18, 2012

New 996 manual from Bentley Publishers

I've been out of pocket for about a week or so but I just wanted to let ya'll know my book arrived wed. 17th just like it was suppose to. And I've got to tell you (haven't went all the way thru it yet) but from what I've read so far, its AWESOME! Maurice, this is JUST what I was looking for & to me its got to be the best one available for the 996 other than if you want to pay 2k or more for the workshop manual! jmo

Post from and courtesy of http://forums.pelicanparts.com/7039647-post22.html - October 18, 2012