[aprogressivone]

First I would like to say this forum is amazing. I was not a big poster but I always found helpful posts from other members. Onto my story.

Late last year, I totaled 09 335i coupe. Rather than jump right into a nice car, I decided to wait for a bit. At the time I didn't know how to drive manual, so I bought a 2001 Passat wagon manual trans as a daily driver. It was dirt cheap with lower mileage. I spent the next months reading up and researching everything Porsche while I got better at driving manual. Finally it was time to start my official search. I had to make a choice. Go with a 987.1(06-08) Cayman S or go with a 987.2(09-2012) base model for the same money. There are a few cosmetic differences between them, but the big deal is the updated engine platform. Porsche used the M97 engine from 05-08 in the 911, Boxster, and Cayman platform. They switched to the 9A1 engine starting in 2009. No more IMS, leaky RMS, scored cylinders, or AOS failure. While the old engines were still great, I knew I would toss and turn unless I got the updated platform. I chose less HP for higher reliability since the S model with the new engine was out of my range. I also realized I wouldn't miss the HP much from the 335i after doing a test drive locally.

Last month I did a nationwide search my car and I found a deal in Orlando for a 2009 model. Since I was buying it sight unseen, I had the dealership take the car to an independent Porsche specialist recommended on rennlist.com so they could look it over. It wasn't a car that was only driven when the sun shined, but mechanically it was babied. I flew down to Orlando a few days later and drove it back to Maryland. What a drive!!

I do have mods planned. Wheels and coils. Exhaust. Halo EFX truegloss or Autoflex dip. 911 GT3 style wing. Clear engine cover since it's mid engine.

Now for the pics and vid. For the pics tagged HNRY, shoutout to lecaf

Again this forum has been helpful. I miss the talkative nature of it. The Porsche forums I visit now don't seem to be as easy going as here. I know it sounds like I'm drinking the Porsche Kool-Aid LOL, but it just feels different when driving. The flat six in the higher rpm range is intoxicating. While I like the Cayman vastly over the e92, I miss BMW ownership. I plan on selling my Passat wagon and getting an e39 wagon as a daily. I thought it was just a myth but wagon life is the truth.

[Jozy]

congrats.... i would have taken an S model if i really had to choose, even if it was older/less reliable.

it is like choosing between a 328 and a 335, "reliability"? i would be quite unhappy to throw mods onto a 328/base model but that's your decision man

[aprogressivone]

Originally Posted by Jozy

congrats.... i would have taken an S model if i really had to choose, even if it was older/less reliable.

it is like choosing between a 328 and a 335, "reliability"? i would be quite unhappy to throw mods onto a 328/base model but that's your decision man

I didn't mind the upkeep of the 335i though. The n54 doesn't seem to suffer complete engine destroying failures nearly as often like the m96 and m97 Porsche engines do though. Two of the things I mentioned with engine improvements were fixes to engine blowing things. Removal of the IMS bearing and switching from open deck design to closed deck to prevent scored cylinders. IMS failure is rare on 06-08 but they still have aftermarket lubrication solutions for the bearing since it's still a possibility. The 05 and below isn't rare to fail and have aftermarket bearings as an option since it's able to be removed without splitting the engine case. Porsche had a class action lawsuit for the ims like the n54 did with the hpfp. The difference is one costs 12k-20k out of warranty if it fails. Scored cylinders is a real threat though. Scored cylinders has been swept under the rug by Porsche and there aren't fixes other then don't drive car when cold, get a low temp t-stat, or spend thousands on nikasil cylinder linings. The oiling system is way better for the 9A1 engine also. I felt as if the choice was not straight forward like with a 328 to 335i, its a totally different game. But like you said everyone makes their own decision. Thanks.