Need help with VIN - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

husker boxster · 08-30-2016, 04:13 AM

The build date is in the driver's door jamb. But it's only MM/YY.

Supposedly, rumor has it, don't quote me on this, I won't swear on a stack of Bibles, (I think that covers the disclaimer), Porsche had a supply of smaller bearing engines already built for the 2005 model yrs. Porsche ran their supply dry of smaller IMS engines somewhere in March 2005 and at that point started using the larger bearing IMS engines after that time. There are no records of when the change-over occurred so that's why it's speculation. I would hazard a guess if the In-Service date is late March, you would have the smaller bearing since the car had to be built, shipped, and in the dealer's inventory before the Mar 2005 cut-over.

fullthrottle52 · 08-30-2016, 04:43 AM

Husker, I had the same thoughts that this car was more than likely a early 2005 model. The person selling the car has no idea about the IMS issues and is asking a premium price for it. I will probably pass because you can never educate these owners on replacing the bearing and the costs associated with it. He will end up selling it to another unknowing person, who will probably drive it for 100,000 service free miles. ��
Why is it that we knowledgable folks can't bring ourselves to pay a premium price for a beautiful car that has the potential to explode?

Thanks for the help

Giller · 08-30-2016, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fullthrottle52

Husker, I had the same thoughts that this car was more than likely a early 2005 model. The person selling the car has no idea about the IMS issues and is asking a premium price for it. I will probably pass because you can never educate these owners on replacing the bearing and the costs associated with it. He will end up selling it to another unknowing person, who will probably drive it for 100,000 service free miles. ��
Why is it that we knowledgable folks can't bring ourselves to pay a premium price for a beautiful car that has the potential to explode?

Thanks for the help

And then there are many owners fully aware of the IMS issue - but chose to ignore it as it impacts only a small percentage.

Sometimes it's nothing to do with education, but owners who don't see the value in spending thousands when odds are greater then 90% that your IMS will be fine.

fullthrottle52 · 08-30-2016, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Giller

And then there are many owners fully aware of the IMS issue - but chose to ignore it as it impacts only a small percentage.

Sometimes it's nothing to do with education, but owners who don't see the value in spending thousands when odds are greater then 90% that your IMS will be fine.

When you are paying $10,000 for a 5 year old Camry that is a good risk. If you are paying $25,000 for an 11 year old car with known (small percent agreed) issues, you are playing in a different league. My only issue in starting this thread was to see if the bearing in the car I was looking at is replaceable or not. I have to justify if paying a premium price and another $2,500 to replace this garage queen's bearing so I can drive with peace of mind. I have owned 2 early year water cooled Porshes and replaced both with L&N bearings for peace of mind. Others can ignore the issue if the want.

husker boxster · 08-30-2016, 05:38 PM

Based on the spec sheet Steve ran, it looks like it has great options and colors.

Assuming no mechanical issues, I've never minded paying a bit extra to get something I want. The enjoyment far outlasts the extra money spent.

Giller · 08-30-2016, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fullthrottle52

When you are paying $10,000 for a 5 year old Camry that is a good risk. If you are paying $25,000 for an 11 year old car with known (small percent agreed) issues, you are playing in a different league. My only issue in starting this thread was to see if the bearing in the car I was looking at is replaceable or not. I have to justify if paying a premium price and another $2,500 to replace this garage queen's bearing so I can drive with peace of mind. I have owned 2 early year water cooled Porshes and replaced both with L&N bearings for peace of mind. Others can ignore the issue if the want.

And if you are that worried, why not spend that money on a newer model year where the IMS doesn't come into play? The price diff between model years is not all that much.

You can get a 2009 Boxster with 60,000km's for $40K Canadian through a Porsche dealership with CPO warranty. That's about $30,000 USD.....only $5000 more than what you are paying at $25....with no IMS worries.

fullthrottle52 · 08-30-2016, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Giller

And if you are that worried, why not spend that money on a newer model year where the IMS doesn't come into play? The price diff between model years is not all that much.

You can get a 2009 Boxster with 60,000km's for $40K Canadian through a Porsche dealership with CPO warranty. That's about $30,000 USD.....only $5000 more than what you are paying at $25....with no IMS worries.

I have been looking at newer models also and I agree that is an option.

Thanks for the input.