I just bought a 2002 996. With 63k miles on it. Took it to a local shop for a oil change and found the exact same thing. Little pieces of plastic in the oil sump. They are telling me I need new tighteners and timing rails. All in all its going to be like $7000.
I would love to hear your resolution.
Thanks
Clayton

 

When I researched this in 2010, timing rails was one of the theories.

I have driven over 20K miles since my mechanic found the black plastic pieces (in 2010). Since then, I have had 4 oil changes. Each time, I have cut the filter apart to look for any debris. No debris since that oil change in 2010. I also have sent my oil in to the lab for inspection, just to be safe. Nothing strange found. And my mechanic listens to the engine with a stethescope each time I bring it in for a minor service (about 2 times per year).

So, this is an uneventful response but I have nothing to report other than I am a bit OCD with the maintenance. No problems with this car. Turning 73K miles this week. Original engine, original clutch.

I would get a second opinion before I paid for a $7K repair, even at the risk of offending a mechanic that I trust.

I am sorry I don't have anything more specific for you.

 

I bought my car with 25000 miles. I just hit 60000. No issues. I did several upgrades. Replace the ims like I did. All of the nice cars with dead motors that I've seen are all ims failures. The oem ims is a complete joke. The entire rotational force of the engine is riding on a shaft that is about an 1/8 of an inch thick. The piece from flat six innovations makes sense. They mill the collar which is the unstressed piece and leave the shaft of the ims alone. Their ims is much better piece. Most of my upgrades are meant for longevity.

 

The debris you're seeing may have been in there from the beginning. Bits and pieces from is initial sealing from the factory. I also change my oil about every 3500 miles. Oil is cheap why not change it more often.?