First Porsche! 04 Boxster S

[Phat Hippy]

Tater. Nice car welcome to this forum. I don't know much about your model year concerning IMSB service intervals but, if it was my car... I would drop the sump plate and inspect for metal, send drained oil out for analyzing, cut open the oil filter and check that for particles of any type. Add a magnetic drain plug and spin on oil filter adapter. If everything comes back good. Then drive it and enjoy!
There is a lot of help here, and most are very knowledgeable. I don't know what year Porsche changed from a externally serviceable IMSB to the split the case type of larger bearing. Your 2004 may be one of the non serviceable type? If the car is new to you without documented reliable service records, (if that even exists!) then making sure all other routine maintenance items are up to date. I wish you all the best and enjoyment from your car.

[tater]

Thanks Phat Hippy,

I have the externally servicable single row bearing, I think they made the change a year into the 987 production, 06 I think but might be (probably) wrong. I changed the oil/filter and didnt find anything metallic in the filter but ordered a oil sample kit and mag drain plug already. I wasn't planning to drop the sump but from a lot of reading sounds like it can provide pretty good insight into engine health.
This car was dealer serviced it's whole life so I have pretty comprehensive service records! That said it's due for for a break fluid change

[paulofto]

Originally Posted by Phat Hippy

I don't know what year Porsche changed from a externally serviceable IMSB to the split the case type of larger bearing. Your 2004 may be one of the non serviceable type?

The change happened midway through MY 2005. 2004 have the single row replaceable single row bearing. Early 2005 as well, later 2005 need to open the engine.