Opinions are welcome on IMS issue. ...I know

[FauxDiablo]

Most IMS failures happened below 30K miles, probably due to bad batch of bearings. Porsche seemed perfectly content to replace the bearing with the exact same part number as when it was new. I would not worry about a car that has over 50k miles on it.

[Gelbster]

Originally Posted by FauxDiablo

Most IMS failures happened below 30K miles, probably due to bad batch of bearings. Porsche

Any sources for the "bad batch" idea ?
The usual explanation for failure at low mileage is lack of use/infrequent(time) oil changes/ the misalignment issue and the load rating of the single row bearing vs double row .

[mfm22]

I was thinking about this "check oil filter for metal " etc.. But wondering if it's a Sealed bearing from factory wouldn't the metal "flakes remain in the contained bearing ??

Metal from other areas in engine would show up , not so sure about the IMS bearing

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by mfm22

I was thinking about this "check oil filter for metal " etc.. But wondering if it's a Sealed bearing from factory wouldn't the metal "flakes remain in the contained bearing ??

Metal from other areas in engine would show up , not so sure about the IMS bearing

Having personally removed my share of factory bearings, I can tell you that I am yet to see one of these "sealed" bearings that didn't have the shaft behind the bearing full of oil; so if the oil can get to the shaft, the debris can get everywhere.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by FauxDiablo

Most IMS failures happened below 30K miles, probably due to bad batch of bearings. Porsche seemed perfectly content to replace the bearing with the exact same part number as when it was new. I would not worry about a car that has over 50k miles on it.

I would still worry. Of the bearings that we have seen fail, many were between 50-100K miles, and a couple over 100K. There is no "safe" mileage zone.

[Cbonilla]

Originally Posted by FauxDiablo

Most IMS failures happened below 30K miles, probably due to bad batch of bearings. Porsche seemed perfectly content to replace the bearing with the exact same part number as when it was new. I would not worry about a car that has over 50k miles on it.

My 2003 986S failed two months ago with 105k miles. Don't buy into the "good at 30k good for 230k" fallacy

[por356c]

Mfm22 has a great deal of input from the forum - so please tell us what you've decided to do!! Thanks.