Porsche Carrera RS
The M64.03 is the carefully prepared RS boxer of the 964: same 3.6-litre displacement, but with hand-matched piston-cylinder pairings, re-tuned Bosch Motronic (98 octane), solid rubber engine mounts instead of hydraulic, and a 7 kg lighter single-mass flywheel. 191 kW vs. 184 kW — but more importantly: rev willingness increases noticeably, the engine feels more direct and alive. Dry sump lubrication as standard. Sonically closer to the raw 930.20 character than the standard 964 — less refined, more expressive. Only around 2,282 Tourings and roughly 100 Sport variants built. Most RS cars were well maintained but also stressed through racing — engine history is decisive. Spare parts scarce and expensive.
Lightweight absolutism — no compromises
The 964 Carrera RS is pure Porsche philosophy: remove what is unnecessary, optimise what remains. Thinner glass, no rear seats, 7 kg lighter flywheel, hand-matched engine internals. The engine revs more freely, the car responds more directly, every input comes unfiltered. Compared to the standard Carrera 2 the RS feels like a different car — sharper, more focused, more honest. One of the rarest driving machines of the air-cooled era. Anyone who finds one must scrutinise the engine history carefully.
Engine Weaknesses 7
Age, thermal stress and Loctite bonding make the studs brittle. When they break, hot exhaust gases escape and permanently damage the cylinder head and liner. Engine overhaul costs €8,000–15,000.
Symptoms: Power loss in individual cylinders; compression loss; exhaust smell during operation; often only visible when removing the valve cover.
The high-pressure lines from the thermostat housing to the oil filter housing become brittle and corroded with age. If they burst while driving, the oil pump drains the sump in seconds — engine failure. Preventive replacement strongly recommended.
Symptoms: Oil spots in the right wheel arch; visible corrosion on hose crimp fittings; sudden oil pressure warning during driving.
At high mileage, the chain tensioners rattle on cold start until oil pressure builds up. Worn tensioners can be pushed in with two fingers. Timing chain replacement requires complete engine disassembly.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling for 2–5 seconds on cold start; noise fades once at operating temperature. With heavy wear also present when warm.
Forged RS pistons are more durable, but piston rings still wear at high mileage. RS engines were generally better maintained — problem less common than on the standard M64.
Symptoms: Blue smoke under load; elevated oil consumption; compression loss.
The O-ring seals at the cylinder bases harden with age and start leaking. Oil collects on the aluminium blower housing below the cylinders. Early 964 units (up to approx. 1991) have no groove system — a labour-intensive retrofit solution is required.
Symptoms: Oil spots under the vehicle at the centre-rear; oil visible on aluminium duct parts below the cylinders; oil smell after driving.
The two relays in the DME control unit (fuel pump + Motronic) are permanently energised and fail from heat stress. The number one breakdown cause on the 964. Cheap to fix, but inconvenient when it happens on the road.
Symptoms: Engine cranks but won't start; no fuel pump priming noise after switching on the ignition.
Identical problem to the M64.01 — magnesium coating on the lower valve covers flakes off.
Symptoms: Oil drops after standing; oil film on underside of engine.
Vehicle Weaknesses 8
Especially on Cabriolet and Targa: weld seams at the windscreen-to-frame transition rust due to chassis flex. Repair requires windscreen removal.
ABS control unit located in the trunk. Connector pins corrode due to moisture ingress. Replacement costs up to €4,000. Preventive cleaning of the connectors is recommended.
The engine bay wiring harness of the 964 has become brittle with age. Insulation cracks on contact. Repairs by previous owners using unsuitable connections increase the risk of short circuits and fire.
Rubber bushings in the front control arms wear after approximately 80,000 km. Full control arm replacement necessary — bushings cannot be pressed in separately.
The 964 steering rack (the 911's first power steering) leaks at shaft seals and O-rings. Replacing the rack costs €1,000–3,000 depending on parts quality.
Synchro rings in the G50 gearbox wear with aggressive shifting. Typical symptom: grinding when engaging cold gears. Otherwise the G50 is considered low-maintenance with correct oil level.
Leaking battery acid attacks the battery tray in the trunk. Corrosion spreads beneath the trim and can penetrate structural areas.
Mechanical flaps at the heat exchanger outlets seize up over time. Broken cables lead to one-sided loss of warm air. Exhaust smell when heat exchangers are leaking.
Reports & Tests
5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (1989–1994). Most reported: Body Structure (3), Engine (1), Brakes (1).