This is for responding to a single message. Simply select the quote option on the bottom right corner of the post. I cannot help with responding with multiple quotes in one response. That one still alludes me.

Tap the quote icon that has the "+" on it (to the right of the "quote" icon) on all of the posts that you want to quote, then hit "quote" on the last one ;)

http://www.reactiongifs.com/r/2011/09/mind_blown.gif

I just bought a 99 a few weeks ago, it has 78k miles on it now, IMS never serviced as far as I know. Is this something I should be concerned about? Were the bearings different in the 96-99 models?

Previous owner did it at 45k...now has 64k. I'm not gonna think about it for at least another 25k miles! I don't sleep well but it has nothing to do with IMSB!!

Yes, at 71K. OEM unit was fine at removal. This is my daily so I could not take any chances with catastrophic engine failure.

Those were dual row bearing units. Its design suffers from the same root problem as single row bearings but since there are two rows the durability is significantly better in the short and medium term. But given enough time, mileage and improper maintenance and driving practices and it can also fail except that a dual row failure creates much more damage since its payload has twice the shrapnel. Best practice for an engine with a murky multiple owner history is to replace the bearing when you take down the transmission to replace the clutch. With a special tool the old bearing can be removed without pulling the engine. Single row bearing cars that decide to wait for clutch replacement to service the IMS bearing are taking a much bigger risk. The class action legal settlement specifically excluded dual row bearings and 2005-2008 Boxsrers that incorporated a non-serviceable bearing albeit a much more robust unit.

Yes, I have replaced the bearing in the Jӓgermobile twice... Do I get to vote two times? :)

Looking at a 1999 911. I know they IMS issues as well. Did the 96-99 911s come with the dual row bearing?

The first year for the 996 was 1999 (there are no 1996-1998 996's). All 1999 996's have the dual row bearing (as far as I am aware).

The single row was bearing was introduced to the 996 part way through the 2000 model year so a 2000 996 might have either single or dual row bearing depending on when it was manufactured.

Here is my relevant IMSB experience;

Engine 1: Original IMSB. Engine failed at 142K miles due to lifter failure
Engine 2: Original IMSB. Engine failed at 204K miles due to timing chain failure
Engine 3: Original IMSB. Engine still running strong at 95K miles.

Your experience may vary.

Recently installed the EPS "eternal solution". Had the car apart for other reasons and took the opportunity to change the bearing. I like the idea of the oil feed. My old bearing appears perfect after removal.

Yes, LN IMSB dual row on 99 Tip, 57K miles showing cam deviation 3.