986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners - View Single Post - Hello! Please help me decide whether to pull the trigger...

Low Flight · 07-16-2020, 06:16 AM

Haven't had a P-car since the late '70s. Then I saw a beautiful '04 Special Edition with 25K miles, for what seems a reasonable price. But it was a garage queen for 10 years, before being brought out and driven regularly this past year.

When I asked about the IMS bearing, the owner became concerned, and consulted with his mechanic, apparently a European Car specialist. The mechanic convinced him to do what amounts to a PPI, including dropping the sump. This is scheduled for next week.

There have been several reports of bearing failure on the SE cars, and 2004s generally, sometimes at very low miles. Looks like a preemptive replacement is called for. I'm not crazy about doing it myself, but could. Otherwise, I guess I'm looking at an almost immediate $3K outlay on a new purchase. Perhaps not the best way to introduce my wife to Porsche ownership!

Suggestions? Or should I even ask 986 enthusiasts?! It is a beautiful machine.

07-16-2020, 06:16 AM	#1
Low Flight Registered User Join Date: Jul 2020 Location: Seattle Posts: 3	Hello! Please help me decide whether to pull the trigger... Haven't had a P-car since the late '70s. Then I saw a beautiful '04 Special Edition with 25K miles, for what seems a reasonable price. But it was a garage queen for 10 years, before being brought out and driven regularly this past year. When I asked about the IMS bearing, the owner became concerned, and consulted with his mechanic, apparently a European Car specialist. The mechanic convinced him to do what amounts to a PPI, including dropping the sump. This is scheduled for next week. There have been several reports of bearing failure on the SE cars, and 2004s generally, sometimes at very low miles. Looks like a preemptive replacement is called for. I'm not crazy about doing it myself, but could. Otherwise, I guess I'm looking at an almost immediate $3K outlay on a new purchase. Perhaps not the best way to introduce my wife to Porsche ownership! Suggestions? Or should I even ask 986 enthusiasts?! It is a beautiful machine.