Did you stick all that up to a magnet and see if it sticks??? A lot of that looks like plastic?

Yeah if there are a lot of fragments from the IMS, that means the bearing is about to fail at any momment. It is very rare/extremely lucky for someone to catch the failure at that exact time just from inspecting the oil and filter.

It sounds like your engine has other problems from possibly bad maintenance. Although that's not certain.

Haz you need to cut the ends off the filter & open the paper out flat so you can see everything in the filter. Drag a magnet across it to see what sticks. It doesn't look to bad, most of what we see looks like silicone sealant. You should have the shop remove the oil sump pan to see what is there & clean the oil pickup tube screen.
Post pictures with a small object so we can reference the size of the particles.

Hi Haz,

Check this worshop nearby, Porsche | SS Performance

So, without taking the car apart to visually see, how is someone going to know if they have one or two rows?

As long as you are certain that the engine is original to the car, all model year 1997 to 1999 Boxsters have a dual row bearing.

If you go further and remove the transmission, you can identify a dual row bearing by a narrow IMS flange.

Model years 2000 and 2001 are a tossup as to which IMS bearing is in there. You can only be certain there by at least removing the transmission. If you find a wider, more offset IMS flange, then there is a single row bearing installed.

Regards, Maurice.

^^ This is the next step before panic sets in. So far I am seeing dirty filter with metallic flakes but not dead motor.

Is it metal? Is it ferrous? Maybe part of it is plastic?

I'd guess chain, chain guides, or paddles wear based on the picture.

Note your IMS rests in a plastic cradle as well as a shoulder/hip type socket
on the far end -- so if its going but somehow hasn't completely failed it
can wear against these surfaces -- but I can't imagine it would be long for life
under those conditions.

There are several points where chains ride against plastic paddles
and there is metal behind some of the paddles.

I'd try to figure out what it is -- but either way that level of debris does not bode well.

Mike

..........................

You're logic is terrible. I sold off half of my Pinball collection to get this car, and no way in hell will I be able to afford another When/If this car's engine goes.
I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

As far as the IMS scare.. After driving this car for a while, That's the last thing on my mind.
I'm a gambler by nature.. I can only do what I can do.. so I studied up, paid up, rolled the dice.. And now I'm living the dream with no regrets.

*fingers crossed*

...............................

Calm your tits down, I´m cutting the oilfilter as we speak, I´ll report back soon :p

I just cut the filter in its ends to be able to release it and stretch it out.. not a lot of new info, only that there is a lot of metal shavings as the mechanic said.. I´m going out right now to pick up a magnet. Will respond all of your responses asap, I really appreciate any help here :)

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/4264/s433.jpg

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/4642/5h8a.jpg

http://img837.imageshack.us/img837/2466/nhzd.jpg

http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/5179/31mr.jpg

................................

Wow...........:rolleyes:

Sorry to hear of your circumstances. I am following along. If local regulations permit you to return this unit to the dealer/seller, cut it loose, and get another regardless of the severity of this problem.

Here are my replies to you guys.. I will send the particles to a Porsche specialist for an analsys on monday..Looks like I have to save up some serious $$$$ :rolleyes:

Looks like it sticks to a magnet, so it´s not aluminium..

http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/7837/tevj.jpg

They quoted me 20.000 NOK / $3300 for a IMS replacement... NOT inc the part itself.. I got that quote a few weeks ago as I was curious on that cost if it were to ever happen to me....

I did that, see pics below. I already picked the car up, and the mechanic said there were metal particles in the pan as well...

It has a proper servicehistory. Same mechanic for 7 years.

Went out to pick up some magnets now.. and yes it sticks :(

Why does this not look like IMS to you?

I don´t think so. I bought the car july 4.th from a private seller.

Here is a pic from my door. Is this the engine number? e1398/140020

This should help: http://986forum.com/forums/general-discussions/44248-understanding-vin-codes-engine-numbers.html

Also, see the chart in this article: http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Boxster_Tech/14-ENGINE-Intermediate_Shaft_Bearing/14-ENGINE-Intermediate_Shaft_Bearing.htm

I have a 2000S and it has the dual row bearing. The engine number is stamped on the bottom of the block near the sump plate. Good luck!

Man I am hoping for the best for you? Remember, just fixing IMS may not be the best option. If there is that much material in your filter, most of that was running through your engine and might have scored the other internal parts. Good luck on this...

Haz, sorry this has happened to your Boxster, but 1 oil change in 27 months is NOT proper maintenance. When you get this sorted out, and you will, stick around here and learn about a better oil change interval (yearly, or every 5-7,000 miles, whichever comes first).

Take care.:)