Ims problems
 

Just purchased a 2003 with 25k miles. Like new all original.
Question is the IMS problem exclusive to the S model? Or common to the the base as well. I have tiptronic auto transmission.
Car seems right, no funny noises, it has been well maintained, and not abused.
Owner never drove it in rain.
Any advice for what to watch out for would be appreciated.:)

Search my friend. Search. There are hundreds of threads on here already talking about the 'dreaded' IMS. Just type in IMS and you will have all the reading and fear-mongering you can handle!

The best advice anyone can give you is to research this issue and learn the ins and outs of how to correctly address it. In simple terms, any M96/87 engine equipped car is at some level of risk of suffering a catastrophic engine failure as the direct result of the factory IMS bearing. Engine or transmission type do not matter, only which type of IMS bearing the car carries matters.

And your year ('03) probably (because the engine could have been replaced) has the worst design and the highest probability of failure based on Porsche admitted statistics but you can't tell for sure until the trans is removed and the exterior of the IMS mounting is viewed.

Wonderful cars. Owned one with the same bearing. But knew that expensive failure could happen.

Has anyone tried pulling out the CPS and trying to get a boroscope in there to see the IMS flange to determine bearing type??

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i1...psjdinh3zy.jpg

There is not enough room between the back of the flywheel and the flange to even get the smallest bore scope in there. Believe me, those of us that have to do this have tried every imaginable way to circumvent pulling the car apart; however, nothing else has worked.

If you ever have a chance to examine an installed IMS Solution, you will quickly see what the problem is.