'03 S - Two Mechanics say Yes & One says No - IMS

[thom4782]

+1 on listening to Jake and JFP.

Make sure you get a through PPI to rule out any other problems. While it isn't possible to inspect the IMSB directly without removing it, there are some possible warnings signs - magnetic metal pieces in the oil filter, leaking oil in the area of the transmission / engine juncture, wobbly cam deviation angles. A through inspection out to look at these items.

If the inspection gives the car a clean bill of health, then taking proactive preventative action depends on your risk tolerance. If you're going to worry all the time, then change the bearing and be done with it. If the car is low mileage and the oil hasn't been changed frequently (once per year or every 5000 miles). then replace the bearing because the seals may be degraded. If the car has been a daily driver with frequent oil changes, the change the bearing when you replace the clutch.

Nothing is completely risk free. It all a matter of what you're willing to live with.

[southernstar]

Coreseller, the Metzger engine is completely different and has no IMS bearings to worry about.

Brad

[Kirk]

There can be warning signs... or your engine can just pop.

I don't give people a "doom and gloom" story on the IMS bearing, but if you have an appointment scheduled in 2 weeks, then just get it done. If the optimistic mechanic is wrong and your engine pops without warning is he going to buy you a new one?

Kirk

[recycledsixtie]

Originally Posted by Kirk

There can be warning signs... or your engine can just pop.

I don't give people a "doom and gloom" story on the IMS bearing, but if you have an appointment scheduled in 2 weeks, then just get it done. If the optimistic mechanic is wrong and your engine pops without warning is he going to buy you a new one?

Kirk

Kirk makes a lot of sense. I would add that if you are concerned it will give you peace of mind to have it done.

Secondly I would say if you are well heeled financially and can afford to take a hit financially then don't bother. If you cannot afford the grenading get it done.....

[Last930]

I have the same quandry - 95K miles, due for new clutch soon. Mechanic pulled sump pan out and inspected for debris along with oil filter - they were both spotless. Suggests keeping IMSB as is, in the theory that if it has worked this long it should continue to work. Feels that regular oil changes along with inspection filter will detect pending failure in time to avoid disaster.

[recycledsixtie]

Originally Posted by Last930

I have the same quandry - 95K miles, due for new clutch soon. Mechanic pulled sump pan out and inspected for debris along with oil filter - they were both spotless. Suggests keeping IMSB as is, in the theory that if it has worked this long it should continue to work. Feels that regular oil changes along with inspection filter will detect pending failure in time to avoid disaster.

If it was mine then I would replace imsb at the same time as having the clutch done
....while I am in there basis.

My base 2001 Box has no clutch issues, has 40k miles so will wait till it needs a clutch. I have however the IMS Guardian installed.

[RaisedOnPorsches]

I my situation I bought my Boxster 5 years ago with 25k miles. Being the fourth owner, I knew it had been sitting for sometime and probably hadn't been driven that hard.

I bought my Boxster as a primary car and I didn't have a lot remaining in savings to cover purchasing a new vehicle or factory motor if the current one grenaded on me. Here's what I did:

1) Accepted the fact that I *should* replace my IMSB sooner than later (for peace of mind, reliability of use, and insurance against a more expensive replacement purchase).
2) Started saving up what I could towards that $3000 estimate (IMSB, clutch, & RMS).
3) As soon as I could safely afford it, I had the bearing replaced.

In the time it took me to go through all three steps I probably doubled the mileage on my Boxster through enjoying it and commuting with it. Don't be afraid to use it as is, but be intentional about whether or not you're going to take the plunge and replace the IMSB.

$3000 later, I have no regrets (other than there was probably lots of life left in my prior clutch).

If your boxster is just a weekend hobby car and you can afford to buy another one at the drop of a hat, then I'd hold off on the IMSB until you get accustomed with and attached to this specific car.

[coreseller]

Originally Posted by southernstar

Coreseller, the Metzger engine is completely different and has no IMS bearings to worry about.

Brad

Correct, which is why I listed the Metzger name since many think that the 996TT motor is simply a forced induction variant of the M96 motors used in 986 and 996's. The engine used in the 996 Turbo is a derivative of the Metzger engine found in the Le Mans winning GT1 race car, it also has none of the supposed weaknesses associated with the standard 996 Carrera engine.......

[Topless]

Originally Posted by coreseller

Correct, which is why I listed the Metzger name since many think that the 996TT motor is simply a forced induction variant of the M96 motors used in 986 and 996's. The engine used in the 996 Turbo is a derivative of the Metzger engine found in the Le Mans winning GT1 race car, it also has none of the supposed weaknesses associated with the standard 996 Carrera engine.......

The 996TT and GT3 Metzger does have other more expensive car-killing weaknesses that must be addressed for reliability and peace of mind. All cars have warts and a 996TT is no different.

[coreseller]

Originally Posted by Topless

The 996TT and GT3 Metzger does have other more expensive car-killing weaknesses that must be addressed for reliability and peace of mind. All cars have warts and a 996TT is no different.

Good Lord......If everyone took to heart what you guy a spouse regarding these cars we'd all be riding rickshaws. On behalf of Ferry Porsche et all I apologize, yes we have intentionally gone out of our way to sabotage our cars for 2nd and 3rd owners who expect nothing short of infinitesimal longevity. I give, don't buy anything, drive it till it dies and when it does please be surprised.................



Jake Raby, I have NO IDEA how you put up with it....................... Drama Over lol.

[woodsman]

Originally Posted by coreseller

Good Lord......If everyone took to heart what you guy a spouse regarding these cars we'd all be riding rickshaws. On behalf of Ferry Porsche et all I apologize, yes we have intentionally gone out of our way to sabotage our cars for 2nd and 3rd owners who expect nothing short of infinitesimal longevity. I give, don't buy anything, drive it till it dies and when it does please be surprised.................



Jake Raby, I have NO IDEA how you put up with it....................... Drama Over lol.

Didn't you say, in a thread about 993's, that you were amazed at how many different ways Jake Raby has found the M96 can (and often will) grenade itself ( 21 and counting, I've heard)?

[coreseller]

Originally Posted by woodsman

Didn't you say, in a thread about 993's, that you were amazed at how many different ways Jake Raby has found the M96 can (and often will) grenade itself ( 21 and counting, I've heard)?

I think it was 23 or maybe more, not sure but Jake will likely correct. The 993 is without a doubt a more robust motor, BUT, the main modes of failure on the M96 motors from what I've read are: IMS, Water Pump, RMS and AOS which I alluded to replacing earlier.

I then stated that replacing these known issues / wear items would likely result in a reliable / fun car for the money. Try buying a nice example of a 993 for what a 996 coupe could be had for.

My prior post was to let the OP'er know things can indeed be addressed, if he wants to or not is his call.

[RawleyD]

Originally Posted by coreseller

Jake Raby, I have NO IDEA how you put up with it....................... Drama Over lol.

It's what he does for what I assume is a "very good" living.

He gets paid very well for "putting up with it". lol :ah:

[Jake Raby]

Originally Posted by RawleyD

It's what he does for what I assume is a "very good" living.

He gets paid very well for "putting up with it". lol :ah:

This is a labor of love, nothing more.

For what they say, or the drama, well its like water off a duck's back. I learned a long time ago that if you aren't pissing people off, you really aren't getting anywhere.

[Perfectlap]

Originally Posted by Topless

The 996TT and GT3 Metzger does have other more expensive car-killing weaknesses that must be addressed for reliability and peace of mind. All cars have warts and a 996TT is no different.

the biggest for me is that once that rear end steps out/slides, it cuts power to the rear producing yet even more understeer on top of what you've already have to contend with. Solution: 996 GT2 Or get the commando version

In a perfect world you'd have a NA GT3 engine, in RWD, mid enigne platform...with the cooling pipes all nice and sorted.
This is the car Porsche should have been building long ago instead of making 29 variants of the street-engined Carrera.