IMS Bearing advice
 

Put a deposit on 2003 Base today, under 30,000 miles. Now waiting on PPI results to finalize the deal.

Think I might have the the infamous IMS bearing replaced without delay. Thoughts from the crowd?

BTW, have really enjoyed all the opinions on the blog. Cannot say enough (good things) about all the information and entertainment.

Might as well start a poll......

[popcorn]

2003 Base model... Low mileage... I wonder if it's a single row bearing??

If you plan on keeping it more than a few years and if the clutch has not already been done, I would change it.

My 03 had 18,000 when I bought it and took it straight to my Porsche Mechanicmand had it done. Had them do aos and a couple other things as preventative as well. Mine was the single row...

There is little doubt that it is a single row. I would follow in trimer's footsteps. The piece of mind will be worth it. Keep us posted.

Replacing it has been known to prevent nausea when clicking on IMS bearing related threads :-)...

Personally I think its a smart move for any low mileage 2001-2004 car. If get bored with the car you can push the fact that you addressed the issue. As a buyer I would always opt for a 986 on a refreshed IMS bearing. And informed buyers are the ones who aren't coming around with terrible low ball offers.

If its a 3.2 it is a single row 3 chain engine. Likely a single row even if it is not a 3.2 but I've not personally checked. It is an accidental maintenance item like a Honda timing belt. Replacing it makes sense because it can become downright annoying if it is ignored.

If its a base it is the 2.7 and yes, by 2003 it would be the smaller single-row IMS bearing (unless the engine has bee replaced by Porsche, in which case it could be the larger, non-replaceable single-row). If you don't mind the expense, I would say go for it.