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-   -   IMS question (http://986forum.com/forums/boxster-general-discussions/36641-ims-question.html)

tanque55 08-03-2012 09:47 AM

IMS question
 
I'm new to the forum and just bought a 2002 S. I've been reading about the IMS failure in the forums. This seems to be a hit or miss problem or am I missing something here. How can you tell if you are one of the unlucky ones, or what is the root cause for failure. Is this just a design flaw or what? Any information on this would help me sleep better. Sorry if it's be done to death but from what I've read so far I haven't seen any clear cut answers to this.

Uller God 08-03-2012 10:03 AM

Everyone is on the lucky list until the bearing fails, then your name gets scratched off. Use the search, there's a slew of IMS topics. Congrats on your new purchase!

tonycarreon 08-03-2012 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uller God (Post 300202)
Everyone is on the lucky list until the bearing fails, then your name gets scratched off.

perfect summation!

thstone 08-03-2012 01:17 PM

To answer your question, there is no way to tell if or when your IMS bearing will fail. Everyone is at some level of risk. The problem is that no one has figured out how to calculate or determine the risk. You will read of cars that blew up at 10K miles and cars that have 200,000 miles and are still running fine - and everything (and a bit more) in between. Thus, at the end of the day it is entirely up to you to decide for yourself what you are comfortable with and if you want to spend any money to try and reduce your risk (to a level that is also indeterminate).

What do most people do? Most do nothing and hope for the best. You will read some who say that the car needs to be driven hard and others will talk about oil and change intervals but nothing is proven. Many people have either replaced the stock bearing with an upgraded bearing (search IMS bearing replacement) or installed a warning device (search IMS Guardian). In these cases, it is wise to talk to the manufacturers about their warranties and long term recommendations so you know where you stand if you decide to spend some money. Last, a select few can't take the worry and sell the car.

I tried to be neutral and not make anyone upset. Apologies if I did.

tanque55 08-03-2012 01:35 PM

Thanks, that's what I thought. I went on forums for my truck, my wifes ML350, my bikes and it's true that if you read all the problem areas you wouldn't buy any of them. As for not using the car because I'm afraid, NOT going to happen. It's way too much fun to hear that great sound starting at about 3000 rpm!

986Porsche986 08-07-2012 08:09 AM

I was just curious, if the rate of IMS bearing fails happens more often on a car that is driven right after starting and not allowing a "proper" engine warm up. I always try to let mine get up to normal temp before I pull out of the driveway.

BerneseMtnDog 08-07-2012 08:24 AM

I'd always been told that warming up in the driveway to normal temp is not a good idea. Much better to warm up driving gently until normal temp is reached. Someone here might be able to explain why but that's what I'd always heard. I personally drive without going above 3k rpm until I hit temp and then try to stay at or above 3k for the rest of the drive.

Steve

986Porsche986 08-08-2012 05:45 AM

Hmmmmm..... never heard that one before, but I would love to hear why. Maybe a new thread?


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