A Porsche used-car inspection differs fundamentally from a standard car inspection — not because Porsche is inherently unreliable, but because the typical weak points of these vehicles are expensive, highly specialised and almost invisible to a layperson. checkdenwagen.de is an independent, Germany-wide provider of on-site used-car inspections, based in Berlin with a network of inspectors across Germany. Our inspector comes directly to the vehicle location — no towing, no workshop appointment, no sales pressure — and assesses your chosen Porsche for around 1.5 hours against an inspection catalogue of more than 100 checkpoints. Particular attention is paid to the weak points that are decisive when buying a used Porsche: the intermediate shaft bearing (IMS bearing) in the M96 and M97 flat-six engine of the 996 and 997.1 series as well as the Boxster/Cayman 986/987, bore scoring (bore-surface wear) in these engines, the condition of the PDK or Tiptronic transmission, the service history and evidence of track-day use. The result is a digital photo report with all findings — within 24 hours by email, as a clear basis for your purchase decision or price negotiation. Our USP: independent of the seller, transparent on price, on-site across Germany. Phone: 030 301 32 327.
Have a used Porsche inspected: on-site used-car inspection, from €289
A Porsche 911 showing 60,000 km on the odometer may have a ticking problem in the flat-six engine: a worn IMS bearing on its way to engine failure. A Cayman 987 with a perfect listing may hide bore scoring in the cylinder bores — invisible without a prior endoscopy. Our inspector comes directly to the vehicle: 100+ checkpoints, OBD diagnostics, paint-thickness measurement, digital report within 24 h. From €289 incl. VAT and travel.
The Porsche inspection at a glance
More than 100 checkpoints
Systematic inspection following our own Porsche-specific catalogue — engine, transmission, suspension, body, electronics and documents.
Report within 24 hours
Digital photo report by email within 24 hours of the on-site inspection — annotated findings, paint thicknesses, OBD read-out.
From €289 incl. VAT
Fixed price from €289 (Standard) or €339 (Premium), each incl. VAT and travel. Transparent cost statement before booking.
Independent of the seller
No interest in closing the sale. Our inspector works exclusively for you — no commissions, no ties to a dealer or private seller.
IMS and bore scoring in focus
The most expensive Porsche weak points are specifically inspected: the intermediate shaft bearing (IMS) and bore-surface wear (bore scoring) on M96/M97 engines.
Money back if it falls through
If the viewing does not take place because the seller cancels or the vehicle is unavailable, we refund the full amount.
Porsche-typical weak points: what our inspection specifically looks for
IMS bearing (intermediate shaft bearing) — 996 / 997.1 / 986 / 987
The intermediate shaft bearing (IMS) of the M96 and M97 flat-six engines is the best-known and most expensive weak point on the used Porsche market. A worn IMS bearing can fail without warning and almost always leads to a total loss of the engine — repair costs often in the five-figure range. Affected are the 911 (996 and 997.1, model years 1997–2008) as well as the Boxster and Cayman of the 986 and 987 generations. Our inspector checks the engine oil for metallic wear, reads out the fault memory and assesses, based on mileage and service history, whether the IMS bearing has been replaced or a preventive upgrade kit was recommended.
Bore scoring — bore-surface wear in the flat-six engine
Bore scoring refers to the wear of the cylinder bore surfaces in the Porsche flat-six — a problem that can occur above all on M96/M97 engines due to oil-supply gaps during cornering with a low oil level. The symptoms are subtle: slightly increased oil consumption, occasional rattling, rough running on cold start. An endoscopic visual inspection is the gold standard — the inspector assesses whether signs are present and whether an endoscopy makes sense as the next step. Engine damage caused by bore scoring costs anywhere from several thousand up to a five-figure sum, depending on the case.
Front radiators — corrosion and blockage
On the Porsche 911 and Boxster/Cayman, the two front coolant radiators are a common weak point: leaves, dirt and insects collect in the radiator fin mesh and over time lead to corrosion and reduced cooling performance. If the cooling system is in poor condition, the engine can run into its thermal protection during sporty driving or in hot city traffic. Our inspector visually checks the condition of the radiator front faces, monitors coolant level and quality and watches for overheating signs in the OBD history.
Air suspension and PASM — Cayenne and Panamera
Porsche models with air suspension (Cayenne from 2002, Panamera) and the active PASM chassis system are especially repair-intensive when the compressor, air springs or valve unit wear out. Typical symptoms: the vehicle sinks after standing, a PASM warning in the display, uneven ride height. A defective air-suspension compressor costs several thousand euros depending on the model, an air spring per axle a mid-to-high three-figure sum. Our inspector systematically checks the system pressure and all visible components.
PDK and Tiptronic — transmission oil and mechatronics
Porsche PDK (dual clutch) and Tiptronic (torque-converter automatic) are highly developed transmissions that rely on regular oil changes — a service many owners neglect because the manufacturer's 'lifetime fill' recommendation does not hold up in practice under sporty use. A missed PDK oil change shows up in jerky shifting, transmission heat and premature wear of the dual-clutch unit. On the test drive our inspector checks all gear ranges and reads out the transmission control unit via OBD.
Clutch on the manual — wear and costs
Porsches with a manual transmission — 911, Cayman, Boxster — have a clutch whose replacement costs several thousand euros depending on the model. Vehicles driven hard or on the track wear the clutch out considerably faster. Our inspector checks the clutch take-up point, the slip behaviour under load and any acoustic abnormalities when engaging gears — and documents whether the last clutch replacement is evidenced in the service records.
Brakes and PCCB — wear and track-use detection
Porsche models with carbon-ceramic composite brakes (PCCB) are technically impressive but extremely expensive when worn: a complete set of PCCB discs frequently costs a five-figure sum. Ceramic discs that are already visibly glazed or cracked are a replacement case. Steel brakes on vehicles driven hard also show heat patterns, scoring and uneven pad wear as evidence of track use. Our inspector documents the condition of the brake discs and pads photographically at all four wheel arches.
Service history, originality and track-day evidence
On a Porsche, the service history is not an afterthought but a value factor and a safety indicator. Gaps in the service booklet, missing workshop invoices or stamps from non-authorised garages are warning signs. Equally important: signs of track-day use — asymmetric tyre wear, heat-stressed brake discs, traces of harness mountings or roll-cage remnants. Our inspector cross-checks mileage, service intervals and vehicle age for plausibility and documents every abnormality in the report.
Soft top and air conditioning — Boxster Cabrio and 911 Targa
On the Porsche Boxster and 911 Cabriolet, the soft-top mechanism and air conditioning are two further cost traps. A defective soft top — leaking, sticking, worn hydraulic cylinder — costs several thousand euros depending on the model. Air-conditioning compressors on sports cars that are rarely driven day to day can develop sealing problems faster due to infrequent use. Our inspector checks the soft-top mechanism and its seal, and the air conditioning for cooling performance and compressor operation.
Macan and Cayenne SUVs — drivetrain and oil supply
The Porsche Macan and Cayenne combine premium ambition with everyday SUV use — and have their own weak points: on the Macan it's the dual-clutch transmissions of the early model years (2014–2018) and the all-wheel-drive transfer case; on the Cayenne (diesel, 2010–2018) the condition of the engine and transmission oil as well as the air suspension. Our inspector is set up for all Porsche model lines and inspects in a series-specific way.
Know the weak spots — ready to get your Porsche inspected?
Fixed price from 289 €, on-site appointment within a few days. We coordinate everything with the seller.
Porsche 911, Cayman, Boxster, Cayenne, Macan, Panamera: which model do I inspect, and how?
Porsche offers six model lines that differ significantly in their risk profile. Porsche 911 (996, 997, 991, 992): The 911 is the icon — and in the 996 and 997.1 generations with the M96/M97 engine it is also the biggest risk on the used market because of the IMS bearing and bore scoring. From the 997.2 (from 2008) and especially from the 991 (from 2012), the risk profile is significantly lower. Even so, service history, clutch, brakes and proof of track-day use are mandatory on every 911. Porsche Boxster and Cayman (986, 987, 981, 718): The Boxster 986 and Cayman/Boxster 987 share the M96/M97 engine with the 996/997.1 — and thus the IMS and bore-scoring issues. From the 981 (M97 successor, 2012) the engine is technically redesigned; the risk drops markedly. The 718 (from 2016, four-cylinder turbo) has a completely different weak-point profile. Porsche Cayenne (I: 2002–2010, II: 2010–2018, III: from 2018): Cayenne I with V8 engine and air suspension — radiators, cylinder-head gasket, air-suspension compressor. Cayenne II (especially diesel variants) with transmission oil and particulate filter. Cayenne III more modern and robust, but expensive to repair. Porsche Macan (from 2014): Early model years with PDK issues and oil consumption on the 2.0T. More stable from around 2018. Air suspension optional. Porsche Panamera (I: 2009–2016, II: from 2016): The Panamera I has technically demanding V8 and V6 engines, PDK and air suspension — all maintenance-intensive systems. The Panamera II is technically more mature, but repairs are expensive. For all of the model lines mentioned, the same applies: anyone buying a used Porsche is buying a vehicle that, when something goes wrong, is significantly more expensive to repair than a comparable mainstream car. An independent inspection before purchase is therefore not optional but necessary. Tip: Are you looking for a specialised inspection for a Porsche as a performance vehicle with suspected track use or a track-day history? Then our sports-car inspection at /en/vehicle-types/sports-car-check is tailored to that situation — with extended track-use detection, in-depth clutch analysis and an individual scope.
Porsche models inspected in detail
Porsche 911
Model-specific weak spots & inspection for the Porsche 911.
Learn morePorsche Cayenne
Model-specific weak spots & inspection for the Porsche Cayenne.
Learn morePorsche Macan
Model-specific weak spots & inspection for the Porsche Macan.
Learn morePorsche Panamera
Model-specific weak spots & inspection for the Porsche Panamera.
Learn morePorsche Boxster
Model-specific weak spots & inspection for the Porsche Boxster.
Learn morePorsche Cayman
Model-specific weak spots & inspection for the Porsche Cayman.
Learn moreHow your Porsche inspection works
Book online — in five minutes
Tell us the vehicle location (postcode) and the listing link. Travel is included in the fixed price — no hidden costs. No phone call needed.
Inspector travels to the Porsche — approx. 1.5 hours
An experienced automotive expert from our Germany-wide network arranges the appointment directly with the seller. They inspect your chosen Porsche on-site for around 1.5 hours: OBD read-out, paint-thickness measurement, engine inspection, suspension, documents. You don't have to be present.
Digital report within 24 hours
You receive the full inspection report by email: paint-thickness heatmap, OBD findings, photos of every defect and an overall assessment per inspection category. Clearly structured, easy to understand — ready to use directly in your price negotiation.
Which package suits your Porsche purchase?
Standard Check
Travel included
- Certified experts
- Engine check
- Transmission check
- OBD fault readout
- Brake inspection
- Paint thickness measurement
- Accident check
- Visual bodywork inspection
- Tire tread check
- Visual interior inspection
- Electronics function test
- Vehicle document check
- Photo documentation
- Seller rating
- Market price assessment
- Vehicle price comparison
- Repair cost estimate
- VIN lookup
Premium Check
Travel included
- Certified experts
- Engine check
- Transmission check
- OBD fault readout
- Brake inspection
- Paint thickness measurement
- Accident check
- Visual bodywork inspection
- Tire tread check
- Visual interior inspection
- Electronics function test
- Vehicle document check
- Photo documentation
- Seller rating
- Market price assessment
- Vehicle price comparison
- Repair cost estimate
- VIN lookup
- Everything in Standard plus market value, repair cost estimate, seller rating & VIN lookup.
Not sure which package suits your Porsche? Call us — we advise free of charge: 030 301 32 327.
What our customers say
“I had my 5 Series inspected before buying — the report was very detailed and made my purchase decision so much easier.”
Emre E.
Berlin
“When the vehicle wasn't available for the viewing after all, the refund was completely hassle-free. Very fair and transparent.”
Bartosz K.
Hamburg
“The Premium package gave me a clear overview of the expected repair and maintenance costs. Exactly what I needed.”
Amir O.
Munich
“Excellent knowledge of the German car market, the dealer landscape and price ranges. Highly recommended.”
Denis B.
Cologne
Porsche check in your city
Berlin
On-site used-car inspection in Berlin.
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On-site used-car inspection in Hamburg.
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On-site used-car inspection in München.
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On-site used-car inspection in Köln.
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On-site used-car inspection in Frankfurt am Main.
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On-site used-car inspection in Stuttgart.
Learn moreFrequently asked questions about the Porsche inspection
The IMS bearing (intermediate shaft bearing) is a rolling-element bearing in the flat-six engine of the M96 and M97 series — fitted in the 911 (996, 997.1), Boxster (986, 987) and Cayman (987) from roughly 1997 to 2008. A worn IMS bearing can fail without warning and introduce metal particles into the oil circuit, which can lead to engine failure within a short time. Such engine damage is usually a total economic loss. Our inspector assesses the engine oil for metal wear, checks the service history for an IMS replacement and provides a risk evaluation. Important: the risk depends on the series and the mileage — a 997.1 is not blanketly 'dangerous', but an untreated IMS at 80,000 km with a patchy service booklet is a serious warning sign.
Buy your Porsche on facts, not gut feeling.
IMS bearing failure, bore scoring, undisclosed track use — the most expensive mistakes when buying a Porsche are invisible. Our inspection gives you the facts. From €289 incl. VAT and travel.