IMS again

[Subman]

I just had the LN IMS Retrofit done on my 02 Boxster S at 115,000 miles. When it came out the original IMS bearing was, in a word, perfect; it was in like-new condition. Still happy I had it done.

I intend to do the same thing in the spring on my 00' Carrera with only 34,000 miles. There are zero signs the car needs it; oil change at purchase showed (when the old filter was cut open) zero particulate inside, and the car's been dealer serviced regularly. Nonetheless it'll get done.

It's a really simple equation.

1. There's a (low) failure rate of some number with these bearings, and there's no accurate data on what percentage will fail. There's also no accurate predictor as to which cars are going to fail (high miles vs. low miles, single row vs. double row, oil changes at X miles vs. Y miles, etc.)
2. The vast majority of IMS bearings won't fail (as evidenced by mine, which was a single row in great shape after 115K).
3. Resale value of cars with IMS bearing replacement is higher.
4. Having the bearing work done eliminates "not knowing" how your bearing looks. That in a nutshell is why I did mine and why the 911 will also get the work done. Simple peace of mind.

There's a lot of subjectivity, and there's no right or wrong answer. If someone decides not to replace their bearing based on the low failure rate, clean oil filters etc., that's a pretty good plan with a high chance of success. And if someone (like me) decides to go ahead with replacement based on the certainty a new bearing provides, well that's OK too. Do what works for you and enjoy the car.