Newbee IMS Question for 2001 S

[mikefocke]

1. Look at the engine serial number to see if the engine is a factory replacement. If it is, see if you can trace when the engine was built and installed. That will give you a clue about the possibility of your having the third generation large single bearing in which case consider if you want to do anything now or wait till you have the trans off for some reason and just remove the seal.
2. Take the car to a LN approved mechanic and have them remove the transmission. Once they do, they will know what bearing you currently have. Then discuss which of several options you have within the LN line of bearings. There are several of varying cost and expected life.

[SilverSSS]

Originally Posted by mikefocke

1. Look at the engine serial number to see if the engine is a factory replacement. If it is, see if you can trace when the engine was built and installed. That will give you a clue about the possibility of your having the third generation large single bearing in which case consider if you want to do anything now or wait till you have the trans off for some reason and just remove the seal.
2. Take the car to a LN approved mechanic and have them remove the transmission. Once they do, they will know what bearing you currently have. Then discuss which of several options you have within the LN line of bearings. There are several of varying cost and expected life.

OK, the engine Number is> M96/2167103159 looks like an original factory engine. Very dry, great power. A shame i have to have it cracked open.

[kk2002s]

Originally Posted by SilverSSS

... Very dry, great power. A shame i have to have it cracked open.

You don't have to, you want to. I want to, I haven't.
I change oil every 6 months, checking the filter and drop the Sump plate periodically to check there as well
There are many that don't change out the bearing. Your in that transition year that you could have the more dependable dual row.

Enjoy the ride

[jb92563]

I have a 2001 S and I looked at the Class action lawsuit about the IMS to see what VINs are included in the suit.

If your VIN is included you likely have the single row bearing that had a 10% failure rate.

If not, then you have the dual row that had a failure rate of only 2%.

Even at 10% you have 9 out of 10 odds that you will NOT have any issues.

Many folks have had the IMS done and the old bearing was in perfect condition.

Some have had the IMS replaced only to have the new bearing fail, presumably due to improper installation or the existing bearing was already too far gone and metal particles ate up the new bearing.

It comes down to a personal decision about the amount of risk you can tolerate ($4k for a used engine replacement) or if something like this will keep you up at night with worry and affect your enjoyment of the car.

[SilverSSS]

Originally Posted by jb92563

I have a 2001 S and I looked at the Class action lawsuit about the IMS to see what VINs are included in the suit.

If your VIN is included you likely have the single row bearing that had a 10% failure rate.

If not, then you have the dual row that had a failure rate of only 2%.

Even at 10% you have 9 out of 10 odds that you will NOT have any issues.

Many folks have had the IMS done and the old bearing was in perfect condition.

Some have had the IMS replaced only to have the new bearing fail, presumably due to improper installation or the existing bearing was already too far gone and metal particles ate up the new bearing.

It comes down to a personal decision about the amount of risk you can tolerate ($4k for a used engine replacement) or if something like this will keep you up at night with worry and affect your enjoyment of the car.

Good Commentary and information. I checked my S, it's a very early build- Oct. 2000. 8 months before anyone in the Class at May 2001. But
vehicle still is included in class> WP0CB29802U660062 - WP0CB29892U664319 is in class mine is WP0CB29851U6611XX Wonder.

[mikefocke]

VIN is no guarantee, just a probability. Have you checked the motor number to see if the motor was ever replaced?

[SilverSSS]

Originally Posted by mikefocke

VIN is no guarantee, just a probability. Have you checked the motor number to see if the motor was ever replaced?

2001 mid serial number motor, - 03159 last 5. Probably original, even thogh the car was built in 2000. don't know at this point.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by jb92563

I have a 2001 S and I looked at the Class action lawsuit about the IMS to see what VINs are included in the suit.

If your VIN is included you likely have the single row bearing that had a 10% failure rate.

If not, then you have the dual row that had a failure rate of only 2%.

Don't bet on it. I personally own both a 2000 and a 2001 car which I purchased new (so I know their entire history); the 2000's VIN was excluded from the suit, and carried a single row bearing. The 2001 was included, and carried a dual row bearing. Both now carry the IMS Solution.

[SilverSSS]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

Don't bet on it. I personally own both a 2000 and a 2001 car which I purchased new (so I know their entire history); the 2000's VIN was excluded from the suit, and carried a single row bearing. The 2001 was included, and carried a dual row bearing. Both now carry the IMS Solution.

OK, thanks for this, a very good base line. What it tells me is that THERE IS NO WAY OF KNOWING W/O CRACKING OPEN THE PACK, AND LOOKING. thanks.