How many of us have not changed the IMS

[Chuck W.]

Originally Posted by 98Sixer

I am currently in the market for a '97-'01 986 and won't even consider a car if the IMS has not been replaced. Definitely less cars to choose from, but this way I don't have the expense or the worry if a PO has it already taken care of.

Call me crazy, but not willing to take the 1%-8% chance on an original IMS car. I have spoken with 3 sellers already with new IMS that had them replaced along with their motors when the original bearings went out.

I understand your position, but what if the PO had the IMS bearing replaced without the proper pre-check to ensure it qualified for the aftermarket IMS bearing? There are stories out there about IMS bearing being replaced then the engine blowing due to another issue. IMHO, you would be better off finding the right Boxster, getting a PPI done then, if the IMS bearing hasn't been replaced, have it done.

[98Sixer]

Originally Posted by Chuck W.

I understand your position, but what if the PO had the IMS bearing replaced without the proper pre-check to ensure it qualified for the aftermarket IMS bearing? There are stories out there about IMS bearing being replaced then the engine blowing due to another issue. IMHO, you would be better off finding the right Boxster, getting a PPI done then, if the IMS bearing hasn't been replaced, have it done.

Agreed and that's the plan. I am presently evaluating a 986 owned by my Indie shop (have another P-Car as well) that just had the clutch, flywheel and an LN Engineering bearing installed. They are currently in the process of going through the entire car for me right now so I will know where it stands mechanically prior to making an offer to purchase.

[That986]

Originally Posted by Chuck W.

I understand your position, but what if the PO had the IMS bearing replaced without the proper pre-check to ensure it qualified for the aftermarket IMS bearing? There are stories out there about IMS bearing being replaced then the engine blowing due to another issue. IMHO, you would be better off finding the right Boxster, getting a PPI done then, if the IMS bearing hasn't been replaced, have it done.

Well as it happens one of the guys has just had something let go in his engine which had everything replaced. Just because an IMS has been replaced doesn't mean the rest will be bulletproof.

The paranoia is real with you guys.

[Nine8Six]

Originally Posted by That986

The paranoia is real with you guys.

(edit: wt... talking like that about my friends online. Censured)

Live the moments!!! its just mechanics

Engine reliability - top 10 brands according to Warranty Direct

1. Honda (failure rate: 1 in 344)
2. Toyota (failure rate: 1 in 171)
3. Mercedes-Benz (failure rate: 1 in 119)
4. Volvo (failure rate: 1 in 111)
5. Jaguar (failure rate: 1 in 103)
6. Lexus (failure rate: 1 in 101)
7. Fiat (failure rate: 1 in 85)
8. Ford (failure rate: 1 in 80)
9. Nissan (failure rate: 1 in 76)
10. Land Rover (failure rate: 1 in 72)

Engine reliability - bottom 10 brands according to Warranty Direct

1. MG Rover (failure rate: 1 in 13)
2. Audi (failure rate: 1 in 27)
3. Mini (failure rate: 1 in 40)
4. Saab (failure rate: 1 in 40)
5. Vauxhall (failure rate: 1 in 41)
6. Peugeot (failure rate: 1 in 44)
7. BMW (failure rate: 1 in 45)
8. Renault (failure rate: 1 in 46)
9. Volkswagen (failure rate: 1 in 52)
10. Mitsubishi (failure rate: 1 in 59)

[jb92563]

Originally Posted by Nine8Six

Engine reliability - top 10 brands according to Warranty Direct

1. Honda (failure rate: 1 in 344)
2. Toyota (failure rate: 1 in 171)
3. Mercedes-Benz (failure rate: 1 in 119)
4. Volvo (failure rate: 1 in 111)
5. Jaguar (failure rate: 1 in 103)
6. Lexus (failure rate: 1 in 101)
7. Fiat (failure rate: 1 in 85)
8. Ford (failure rate: 1 in 80)
9. Nissan (failure rate: 1 in 76)
10. Land Rover (failure rate: 1 in 72)

Engine reliability - bottom 10 brands according to Warranty Direct

1. MG Rover (failure rate: 1 in 13)
2. Audi (failure rate: 1 in 27)
3. Mini (failure rate: 1 in 40)
4. Saab (failure rate: 1 in 40)
5. Vauxhall (failure rate: 1 in 41)
6. Peugeot (failure rate: 1 in 44)
7. BMW (failure rate: 1 in 45)
8. Renault (failure rate: 1 in 46)
9. Volkswagen (failure rate: 1 in 52)
10. Mitsubishi (failure rate: 1 in 59)

Since the above covers entire brand model lines it does not reflect our particular model concerns but it does show that Porsche does not have systemic issues with their motors, which is what you would expect.

I have my original IMS on my 01 S with 82k Miles, but I looked up the class action suit for VINs with likely IMS issues and mine is not in those batches and is also a Dual Row IMS which reduces the odds of failure even more.

I decided not to worry about it and if something does happen I'll consider it an upgrade opportunity . A custom rebuilt drowned engine would be a good bet.

Every time a Hurricane hits the East Coast we get a new supply of used engines from drowned cars and it looks like 2 or 3 are on the way now.

I can't even imagine why anyone would leave their Boxster in harms way...unless it has a failing IMS

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by jb92563

I have my original IMS on my 01 S with 82k Miles, but I looked up the class action suit for VINs with likely IMS issues and mine is not in those batches and is also a Dual Row IMS which reduces the odds of failure even more.

Exactly how do you know yours is a dual row?

[jb92563]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

Exactly how do you know yours is a dual row?

When I did my clutch job I visually checked it like in my post: http://986forum.com/forums/507440-post28.html

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by jb92563

When I did my clutch job I visually checked it like in my post: http://986forum.com/forums/507440-post28.html

Fine. We see a lot of people that claim they know which IMS style is in a 2000-2001 from VIN numbers, build dates, or phases of the moon; none of which work.

[Franco]

Nope and not worried.