Porsche 997.2 Carrera 4S – Full Guide

Here’s the adapted content for the Porsche 997.2 Carrera 4S in English:

The Porsche 997.2 Carrera 4S is the facelifted version of the 997 generation, produced from 2008 to 2012. It represents the sweet spot between modern usability and analogue driver involvement. With a 3.8-litre DFI engine, optional PDK transmission and iconic widebody design, the 4S blends performance, reliability and all-wheel-drive stability.

Specifications

AttributeSpecification
Production Period2008–2012
Engine Type3.8L flat-six, DFI, MA1.01
Displacement3,800 cm³
Bore x Stroke102.0 mm × 77.5 mm
Compression Ratio12.5:1
ValvetrainDOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, VarioCam Plus
Power385 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Torque420 Nm @ 4,400 rpm
Redline7,500 rpm
Top Speed (manual)297 km/h
Top Speed (PDK)295 km/h
0–100 km/h4.7 s (manual) / 4.5 s (PDK)
Quarter Mile~12.6 s
DrivetrainAll-wheel drive (AWD)
Transmission6-speed manual or 7-speed PDK
Final Drive Ratio3.44 (PDK)
Suspension (front)MacPherson struts, PASM, anti-roll bar
Suspension (rear)Multi-link, PASM, anti-roll bar
Brakes330 mm vented discs front & rear
SteeringHydraulic power-assisted rack and pinion
Wheels19-inch alloy wheels
Tyres235/35 ZR19 (F) / 305/30 ZR19 (R)
Length4,443 mm
Width (excl. mirrors)1,852 mm
Height1,310 mm
Wheelbase2,350 mm
Kerb Weight1,525 kg (manual) / 1,545 kg (PDK)
Fuel Tank67 litres
Luggage Capacity~135 litres (front trunk)
Cd (drag coefficient)0.30
Fuel TypeSuper Plus / 98 RON
Fuel Consumption (combined)10.3–10.7 l/100 km
CO₂ Emissions~240 g/km
Emissions StandardEuro 5

Highlights

The 997.2 generation introduced the MA1 engine, eliminating previous IMS bearing issues. Other improvements include the PCM 3.0 infotainment system, updated electronics, PDK transmission, and LED taillights. The 4S model features the widebody design and AWD for increased grip and a more muscular appearance.

Common Issues

  • Early PDK software versions can feel jerky
  • Battery drain if parked without a trickle charger
  • Condensation in taillights due to faulty seals
  • PCM 3.0 may freeze or respond slowly
  • Front coolant pipes prone to corrosion
  • Front lift system (if equipped) may leak

Maintenance

TaskInterval
Oil ChangeYearly or every 15,000–20,000 km
Spark PlugsEvery 4 years
Brake FluidEvery 2 years
PDK ServiceEvery 60,000 km
CoolantEvery 6 years
AWD System CheckDuring regular service intervals

Market Analysis (as of 2025)

  • High mileage (>130,000 km): CHF 45,000–52,000
  • Good condition (90,000–120,000 km): CHF 55,000–65,000
  • Low mileage (<80,000 km): CHF 68,000–78,000
  • Collector condition (<50,000 km): CHF 80,000+

Manuals and rare colours fetch a premium.

Buying Considerations

  • Full service history with invoices
  • Check for accident damage, especially front-end
  • Test PCM functionality (incl. nav & Bluetooth)
  • Inspect exhaust for rust
  • Listen for knocking from suspension
  • Test AWD engagement in different conditions
  • PDK service record (if applicable)

FAQ

Does the 997.2 suffer from IMS failure?
No. The MA1 engine fully resolves this issue.

Is the 997.2 Carrera 4S reliable?
Yes. It’s considered one of the most reliable modern 911s.

Manual or PDK?
Personal preference. PDK is quicker and easier to live with. Manuals offer more involvement. Both retain value well.

Good investment?
The 997.2 is a rising modern classic, especially in good condition with desirable options.

Driving Experience

Excellent steering feedback, linear power delivery, and secure traction thanks to AWD. Whether manual or PDK, it drives precisely and emotionally. PASM allows a switch between comfort and sport. The driving feel is raw yet refined – ideal for both spirited and daily driving.

Optional Equipment & Desirability Factors

  • Sport Chrono Plus (Launch Control, sharper throttle)
  • PASM Sport (lower ride height, stiffer dampers)
  • X51 Powerkit (408 hp, upgraded intake and exhaust)
  • LSD limited-slip diff (rare, highly desirable)
  • Sports exhaust (PSE)
  • Adaptive sport seats
  • Full leather interior
  • Paint to Sample (PTS) colours

Option Codes Explained

Popular option codes for the 997.2 Carrera 4S include:

  • 025 – Black-faced stopwatch
  • 026 – Silver-faced stopwatch
  • 030 – Sports suspension (-20 mm)
  • 040 – Without front license plate bracket
  • 070 – European emission standard
  • 140 – PADM – dynamic engine mounts
  • 220 – Locking rear differential (mechanical)
  • 250 – PDK dual-clutch gearbox
  • 267 – Auto dimming mirrors
  • 268 – Rain sensor
  • 342 – Seat heating (front)
  • 375 – Left sport seat
  • 376 – Right sport seat
  • 407 – 19″ Turbo wheels
  • 408 – 19″ SportDesign wheels
  • 446 – Wheel caps with colored crest
  • 454 – Cruise control
  • 476 – PSM Porsche Stability Management
  • 480 – 6-speed manual transmission
  • 490 – Sound Package Plus
  • 567 – Top-tinted windscreen
  • 573 – Automatic air conditioning
  • 603 – PDLS (dynamic lights)
  • 605 – LED daytime running lights
  • 610 – Navigation system Europe
  • 635 – ParkAssist (rear)
  • 640 – Sport Chrono Package Plus
  • 650 – Sunroof
  • 666 – Telephone module
  • 670 – Universal audio interface (AUX/USB/iPod)
  • 680 – Bose sound system
  • 810 – Floor mats
  • 870 – Universal multimedia interface
  • 951 – Leather dashboard and door panels
  • 981 – Leather dashboard and centre console
  • X71 – Aluminium-look instrument dials
  • X73 – PASM Sport suspension
  • X51 – Porsche Exclusive Powerkit (+23 hp)
  • X54 – Stainless steel tailpipes
  • X70 – Stainless steel door entry guards
  • X97 – Aluminium gear lever
  • X98 – Aluminium handbrake lever

Full option list decoding services available via VinAnalytics.com.

Colour & Trim Guide

Popular exterior colours: Basalt Black, Meteor Grey, Aqua Blue, Carrera White.
Rare PTS colours: Riviera Blue, Speed Yellow, Oak Green Metallic.
Interiors: Black, Sand Beige, Cocoa, Terracotta – often with trim in aluminium, carbon or wood.

Production Numbers & Rarity

Approx. 14,000 Carrera 4S Coupés produced globally. Manuals are rarer than PDKs. Cars with Powerkit, LSD, or PTS are especially rare and fetch a premium.

Ownership Experience

Very daily-drivable – reliable cold starts, ergonomic interior, reasonable fuel consumption. Comfortable for long journeys yet thrilling in the mountains. Mechanical connection to the road is more visceral than in newer generations.

What to Look For When Buying

  • Complete maintenance records
  • Inspect for oil leaks, clutch wear (manual), underbody condition
  • Check tire DOT codes (age vs. tread)
  • Test drive with full lock and load changes
  • Verify function of all electronics
  • Test AWD engagement and tire wear patterns
  • Wear on seats, switches, shifter – clues for care

Insurance & Running Costs

Cheaper to insure than GT models.
Annual maintenance costs: CHF 1,200–1,500.
Tires: CHF 1,200–1,600.
PDK service: CHF 800–1,000.
Taxes vary by region.

Comparison vs. Other 997.2 Models

  • 997.2 Carrera 2S: lighter but RWD
  • 997.2 Carrera 4: narrower, less power
  • 997.2 GTS: more power, PSE standard, rare in manual
  • 997.2 Targa 4S: glass roof, heavier
  • 997.2 GT3: more focused but less practical

The 4S is seen as the perfect all-rounder – emotional, secure and practical.

Widebody Advantage

The 4S features the iconic 911 widebody design shared with the Turbo models. The flared rear wheel arches house wider 305mm rear tires, providing increased grip and a more aggressive, purposeful stance. This widebody design also improves high-speed stability and gives the 4S a distinctive, muscular appearance that sets it apart from narrow-body variants.

All-Wheel Drive Benefits

  • Enhanced traction in all weather conditions
  • Improved launch performance and acceleration
  • Increased confidence in wet or slippery conditions
  • Better high-speed stability
  • Year-round usability

Standard Equipment Highlights

  • PASM adaptive suspension (standard on 4S)
  • 19″ alloy wheels with wider tires
  • Larger brakes (330mm front and rear)
  • Widebody design with flared arches
  • All-wheel drive with automatic torque distribution
  • Bi-xenon headlights with dynamic range adjustment

The key characteristics of the Carrera 4S:

1. All-wheel drive: Enhanced traction and stability in all conditions
2. Widebody design: Flared arches and wider stance shared with Turbo models
3. 3.8L engine: 385 hp providing strong performance with AWD confidence
4. PASM standard: Adaptive suspension comes standard (optional on other models)
5. 19″ wheels: Standard equipment with wider 305mm rear tires
6. Production: Mid-volume model with good availability
7. Market position: Premium over RWD models for AWD capability
8. Driving character: Perfect all-rounder combining performance, security, and practicality
9. Visual impact: Muscular widebody presence distinguishes it from narrow-body variants
10. Year-round capability: AWD makes it usable in all weather conditions

The 4S represents the ideal balance of performance, practicality, and visual presence in the 997.2 lineup, offering the security of AWD with the dramatic widebody styling that many consider the definitive 911 look.