New Guy Checking In

[BruceH]

Depends on who you ask, but the low milage cars with infrequent oil changes seem to be most susceptible. The oil gets behind the "sealed" bearing, sits, becomes acidic and then eats away at the bearing, causing it to fail. Frequent oil changes, frequent, enthusiastic, driving will push new oil behind the bearing and thus not become acidic. That's my basic understanding. Since your car is low milage and you are not sure how often the oil was changed, you are a prime candidate to have the bearing replaced. There are tons of threads and opinions not only on this forum but every Porsche forum. Do some reading, and then make an informed decision. I have not replaced the bearing on my 2001 S which has just over 75,000 miles. I plan to replace it when it is time to replace the clutch. Until then, I have a magnetic drain plug, the LN spin on oil adapter, and have my oil analysed when I do my oil changes. I also check the filter for any tell tale signs. It's just something you should be aware of.

Welcome to the forum and thanks for the pic

[jb92563]

Nice car and welcome!

The IMS bearing is a decision you should think about, decide on your plan to deal with it and then forget about it and just enjoy driving the car hard and often.

I have an 01 S as well and with respect to the IMS Bearing, your model may have the dual row bearings as mine does (No IMS replacement needed).
That reduces your odds from ~5% chance of a failure to about 1% chance of a failure which is about the same or better than every other car out on the road.

If you can financially afford a second hand engine replacement for about $6k or a new engine for $15K, you could play the 5% odds (Single row bearing) you'll never have this problem.

If not then a $2000 replacement soon would be the best course of action as you are right in the danger zone with a lightly driven car with low miles.

You can look up your VIN in the Court case with Porsche and if your VIN range is excluded from the class action then its because you have the dual row bearings.

You'll have to do some digging on the forums to find that post.

In the mean time the car likes to be driven hard so don't be afraid to put the hammer down in the twisties.

I also highly recommend a Porsche Performance Driving School as you will be a safer driver and learn to drive that Porsche like it was meant to be.
You'll also be amazed at what your car can do and have so much fun that you may take the course more than once like some folks do.

PS: Don't fret over the IMS too much, just make your decision and enjoy the driving.