How many have NOT changed IMS bearing on their 1997-2000 Boxster?

[EssexPorsche]

I was just like JD. This issue plagued me. I bought the car without any knowledge of and IMSB, searched the internet for a totally unrelated question and stumbled across 'the issue'. From that moment on the seeds of doubt were sown and every drive felt like a roulette wheel spinning behind me rther than a sweet engine. No i am one of life natural worriers, if there is something to worry about.... i'll worry about it good and proper.
So sleepless nights were had, i truely mean that! I lost weight thinking that if it grenaded i would have an expensive lawn ornament but not knowing whether or not i could justify the cost for a 5% failure rate. Over and over - really put alot of pressure on my wife as well. sad times for a toy that was meant to make me happy.
Anyway - i decide, bang for buck, i totally love my 3.2s so two wwek ago i pulled the trigger. LN upgrade, new clutch, and RMS.

Guess what a 75k single row bearing looked like??? that's right....like new!!!
Clutch less than half worn.
So did i need to do it - well no in reality but in my mind i am at peace. I'm not being dramatic. I have slept so well since doing it and everytime time i drive the car i truely feel happy. I know other things can go wrong and will. But i expect that. So for me it was money well spent - and if i had to i'd do it again.
That just because of the way i am - its not the right path for everyone.

2002 3.2 S 75K (full history)

[McDuff]

I get that! enjoy the ride.

[mnc-i]

Hello,

I have a 1999 Boxster with the automatic.

As far as I can tell, it has the original IMS Bearing.

I purchased it with 104,000 miles in Sep 09. It now has 183,000 miles.

I change the oil and filter every 10,000 miles.

Only issue I have is with the recommendations to change out water pumps every 60,000 miles, per Excellence Magazine.

I believe I am correct in stating this: Concerning most used Porsche automobiles, Excellence Magazine recommends purchasing the best condition lowest mileage Porsche you can afford. This applies to 928s, 924s, 944s, 914s, air-cooled 911s, Porsche SUVs and 968s. But Excellence recommends you stay away from low mileage 986s and 996s because the IMS Bearing may fail and since it is already out of warranty Porsche will not give you a new engine.

Just my two cents.

MNC-I

[McDuff]

Thanks MNC,

So help me with this, does a 99 Boxter have a 986? I am new to the game.

[EssexPorsche]

McD,

Your 99 box doesn't so much 'have' a 986, it IS a 986. In the same way as you have a 911 etc etc. What you car DOES have is an IMSB (an IMS Bearing) - the topic on this thread.

Yes it has one - they all do!

No such thing a silly question - you are among friends.

[jotoole]

2000 2.7L base
96,500 mi.
original imsb.
3x water pumps

[McDuff]

Thanks essexPorche, I had muscle cars in the 60's but the P 986 is a new animal, and I am learning. Appreciate the kind words. They are a great little car, and fun. The thread is very helpful.

Have heard two answers regarding whether the IMS is an issue for a tip tranny, i guess I'll call my mechanic and get his input.

Thanks McDuff