Can an IMS be avoided?

[ian wilkinson]

Here is my experience.
2003 Boxster S, 20K miles, purchased 7 monrhs ago from OPC with Poesche Warranty.

One night leaving a car park, heard a light metallic tingling for about 4 seconds whilst idling. Noise disappeared; continued on no problem. One day later; drove car no problem. Next day drove car no problem. Evening of next day; drove car say 300 yards, just entering my drive; car stalls. Starts car; hears the unmistakable terrible sound of marble in coffee can. Noise dissapears, drive for a couple of yards all seems normal.

Next morning looks under car; massive; massive mother of all oil leaks on my drive. Puts some oil in and it runs out like water from a tap! (from the connection between the engine and the g box).

Phones OPC car taken away on transporter. OPC says its IMS failure, no way of knowing when it will happen; its not really milage dependant just bad luck.
OPC replaces engine under warranty; this would have cost £12,000.00 to fix.


What can I say!!!