Autoweek Words on IMS

[thom4782]

The ballpark estimate puts Porsche's image problem in perspective to its business problem.

Imagine if Porsche paid up to fully compensate all those who suffered IMS failures and retrofitted all other Boxsters. The payout would be huge. At $10,000 a replacement and $1500 per retrofit. Porsche would have to shell out over $300 million. That about one-third of 2011 net profit available for distribution to shareholders.

[Trey T]

Isn't $300mil is like chump change for Porsche?

According to their annual report for 2011, they had 1.5 billion in net profit

Originally Posted by thom4782

The ballpark estimate puts Porsche's image problem in perspective to its business problem.

Imagine if Porsche paid up to fully compensate all those who suffered IMS failures and retrofitted all other Boxsters. The payout would be huge. At $10,000 a replacement and $1500 per retrofit. Porsche would have to shell out over $300 million. That about one-third of 2011 net profit available for distribution to shareholders.

...

[thom4782]

1.5 billion in profit with IIRC a bit less than half reinvested in the company and a bit more than half paid to shareholders. So it's not chump change as far as shareholders are concerned.

[Porsche9]

Does anyone have any real data on this IMS issue? How prevalent is the issue? I am looking to buy a S but frankly this issue has put me off somewhat.

[KRAM36]

Originally Posted by Porsche9

Does anyone have any real data on this IMS issue? How prevalent is the issue? I am looking to buy a S but frankly this issue has put me off somewhat.

Depends on the year of the car. Look 3 post up from your post, that's a chart from Porsche. I wouldn't buy one again. Nothing like knowing every time I start the motor I could have complete engine destruction with no warning.

[Perfectlap]

Originally Posted by KRAM36

Depends on the year of the car. Look 3 post up from your post, that's a chart from Porsche. I wouldn't buy one again. Nothing like knowing every time I start the motor I could have complete engine destruction with no warning.

If you are referring to the IMS, then I would say that this fear is real but can be put to rest in just one day at any reputable Porsche mecahnic's shop to do the LNE or Pelican retrofit or look into the DOF option. And if you want an early warning, the aftermarket has that covered to with the LNE's Guardian that goes on your dash. Worrying about is unecessary because this is one failure that you can actually do something about.

[Trey T]

I agree but I would NOT recommend people to use the LNE or Pelican retrofit. Those are just as good (or bad) as the OEM. Pelican nor LNE makes no guaranteed of performance, according to their websites; who would, right? Remember OEM IMSB have been reported with >100K miles by many.

I believe the DOF could be a very good solution.

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

If you are referring to the IMS, then I would say that this fear is real but can be put to rest in just one day at any reputable Porsche mecahnic's shop to do the LNE or Pelican retrofit or look into the DOF option. And if you want an early warning, the aftermarket has that covered to with the LNE's Guardian that goes on your dash. Worrying about is unecessary because this is one failure that you can actually do something about.

[fatmike]

Originally Posted by Porsche9

Does anyone have any real data on this IMS issue? How prevalent is the issue? I am looking to buy a S but frankly this issue has put me off somewhat.

There is a $2000 aftermarket solution to this problem. IF you think a 12 year old car won't need some mechanical work, then you aren't realistic.

IF you can't afford the $2K, then you shouldn't be buying this car in the first place.

IF you let this minor issue put you off from buying a Porsche, then you are making a mistake.



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[Trey T]

There are certain things that maintenance effort is acceptable, but regarding something that's an important component of the engine rotating assembly should not be acceptable. Look at the industry, who expect to directly maintain their rotating assembly? NOBODY!

Originally Posted by fatmike

...
IF you can't afford the $2K, then you shouldn't be buying this car in the first place.

...
/

[fatmike]

Originally Posted by Trey T

There are certain things that maintenance effort is acceptable, but regarding something that's an important component of the engine rotating assembly should not be acceptable. Look at the industry, who expect to directly maintain their rotating assembly? NOBODY!

I'm not saying it's acceptable, and I'm not defending Porsche.

But, it is what it is.

There is a $2K aftermarket fix for this. It's really not that big of a deal. If your worried about the bearing then change it out.

If your not worried about the bearing, then just drive the car.

But either way, $2K isn't material in the overall total cost of ownership over time.

Buy the car, replace the bearing (or don't) and drive the car.




/

[Trey T]

Ideally, these car is for hardcore enthusiast that do the repair themselves or for those that have deep pocket to have a shop work on it. If I were to buy another boxster/cayman (first or second gen), I would need to invest in a car lift before I commit. I would at least inspect the IMSB every other years to ensure that it's working properly.

Working on these car w/o a car lift, mid-engine or rear-engine (911), requires a lot of patience because everything is so compacted and the location of the engine makes it a challege to work on.

Originally Posted by Porsche9

Does anyone have any real data on this IMS issue? How prevalent is the issue? I am looking to buy a S but frankly this issue has put me off somewhat.