It could happen to you......

[Robert993TT]

I'm sorry to hear about the engine failure.

I bought my 986 550SE less than 1,5 years ago and have been drivning it 20000 km. It's been perfectly reliable. I was a bit worried about all the IMS tales at first. It even got me thinking never to buy a Boxster or 911 once.

Now that the 986 are priced the way they are. I could not pass the opportunity.

I won't change the IMS. Not even thinking about it until the day the clutch go or I get indication that I may save the engine in time. Life is to short to worry. That way you can never enjoy the car. I will be keeping my 550 SE long term. I drove a 987 and to be honest. It was a bit dull with bigger wheels. More Audi like interior. The 986 are still a simple roadster. The newer versions are more grown up and mature.

[sfkjeld]

Agreed. The IMS replacement should be seen as part of the clutch replacement. That said, I would worry about an early 986 with an original bearing. I wouldn’t risk a single row IMS bearing for long.