Looking to do buy a 2001 Boxster S - Some questions for the experts

[Geof3]

Originally Posted by Wangta

I thought of that - would they freely share that information if I just give them the VIN? And are clutch/IMS as big of issue on tiptronic? I was also under impression the PPI could vet the mainseal.

Possibly, if they have the info. There is no clutch on the tiptronic. It is called a torque converter and is completely different. Tip trans makes no difference with th IMS. Upside is, if you decide to do the IMS, you only do the RMS and IMS and don’t need to spend the $$$ for a clutch system. So overall, it would be a bit cheaper. If there is a leak at the trans/engine it is most likely the RMS. It could be the IMS bearing cover, but that is not usually the case.

[Wangta]

Originally Posted by Geof3

Possibly, if they have the info. There is no clutch on the tiptronic. It is called a torque converter and is completely different. Tip trans makes no difference with th IMS. Upside is, if you decide to do the IMS, you only do the RMS and IMS and don’t need to spend the $$$ for a clutch system. So overall, it would be a bit cheaper. If there is a leak at the trans/engine it is most likely the RMS. It could be the IMS bearing cover, but that is not usually the case.

Thanks Geof. Can you check the RMS on a simple PPI? I'm wondering if the IMS is really an issue on a 120k mile car? It seems IMS pop up early if there is an issue.

[Geof3]

Originally Posted by Wangta

Thanks Geof. Can you check the RMS on a simple PPI? I'm wondering if the IMS is really an issue on a 120k mile car? It seems IMS pop up early if there is an issue.

Yes and no, you can certainly see if there is a leak, but can’t definitively diagnose as the trans needs to be removed to access. If there are signs of a leak then it is most likely the RMS. No way to tell on the IMS either. LN has a VIN lookup that might be worth while. Regarding whether or not to be concerned, the IMS is always a thought as it is a bearing. However, 1 in 10 are going to fail. If your RMS is showing a leak it is worthwhile to do the IMS at the same time.