4 stages of IMS failure.

[rexcramer]

PCA video discussing bearing failure with Jake Raby.

https://www.pca.org/news/2018-03-27/four-stages-ims-bearing-failure

[Blackcloud]

I just watched that too. My IMS failed on my 2004 at 52K miles. Porsche covered it just under the 10 year qualification for 90% of the repair. Since I had only purchased the car with 48K on it, my local mechanic that I had purchased the car from agreed to pay the 10% difference, and a clutch because the local Porsche dealer said I needed a new one. So I got a new engine, and a clutch at zero cost! 2 year unlimited warranty from PCNA with no mileage limitation. My mechanic had to fork out $3,270 bucks to cover the 10% difference. I posted that story on the forum, and Jack Raby said I should go out and buy a lottery ticket. A year after it was done I got a letter from the class action lawyers that said there was a mistake in the award. My stomach sank. 2 weeks later I got a second letter from the law firm that said they were mistaken and I was covered. Whew! Still purring like new now. I was lucky. Sorry for the long story, but I had to post this somewhat odd story. I know others have been less fortunate. Mitch

[linklaw]

Originally Posted by Blackcloud

I just watched that too. My IMS failed on my 2004 at 52K miles. Porsche covered it just under the 10 year qualification for 90% of the repair. Since I had only purchased the car with 48K on it, my local mechanic that I had purchased the car from agreed to pay the 10% difference, and a clutch because the local Porsche dealer said I needed a new one. So I got a new engine, and a clutch at zero cost! 2 year unlimited warranty from PCNA with no mileage limitation. My mechanic had to fork out $3,270 bucks to cover the 10% difference. I posted that story on the forum, and Jack Raby said I should go out and buy a lottery ticket. A year after it was done I got a letter from the class action lawyers that said there was a mistake in the award. My stomach sank. 2 weeks later I got a second letter from the law firm that said they were mistaken and I was covered. Whew! Still purring like new now. I was lucky. Sorry for the long story, but I had to post this somewhat odd story. I know others have been less fortunate. Mitch

So, if my math is correct, it cost around $32700 for the replacement engine, in a 10 ear old car? That's insane and great that you didn't have to pay, but for that money you should have been able to upgrade to a 987, with very little chance of bearing failure.

[10/10ths]

Nice. It’s great hearing about these things from folks like you.

I’m late to the Porsche party, bought my 2004 in 2015 with 25k miles. I shipped her off to Jake Raby at Flat 6 and had the “IMS Solution” installed. 20,000 miles later, and I just drove her four hours through huge thunderstorms to our vacation hotel for Easter.

I freaking LOVE this car!!

[Finnegan]

Grief, Anger, Denial, Bargaining?

[Bobiam]

Originally Posted by Finnegan

Grief, Anger, Denial, Bargaining?

You forgot crying!!!!!!

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by Bobiam

You forgot crying!!!!!!

And you forgot taking out a loan to get it fixed.......

[10/10ths]

I'm in the middle of a six day road trip in my '04, knowing that Jake's "Solution" is spinning behind me allows me to focus on my heel/toe technique and not let my mind wander, waiting for The Boom.

[Leebherron]

I am the second owner of a pristine 2003 S with 44k, original IMS bearing and all work records from Porsche of America. If my IMS bearing fails do I have a legal option ?

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by Leebherron

I am the second owner of a pristine 2003 S with 44k, original IMS bearing and all work records from Porsche of America. If my IMS bearing fails do I have a legal option ?

No..........

[Lew]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

No..........

You answered NO, I am wondering why? Thanks!

[husker boxster]

Originally Posted by Lew

You answered NO, I am wondering why? Thanks!

There was a class action suit 6-7 yrs ago but that ship has sailed. The date to be included is long past. That was the chance to be part of the suit so Porsche will say 'you had your chance' if you'd try to sue them now.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by Lew

You answered NO, I am wondering why? Thanks!

Porsche has settled the class legal action on the IMS, so that boat has left the pier for anyone that did not benefit from the settlement.

[DWBOX2000]

My clutch went at 50k. I agree clutches go at different times but don't some people go 250k with there original Ims bearing right? For those folks, bad value. Yeah, it's a better product (solution vs retro) and I would love to have one. At the time, based on my driving; the retro made more sense. Better value, depends on the person. I wouldn't state it's a definite. Don't know what the future holds not does anyone. If anyone knows that person, please have them contact me. I would love some stock tips. 😄. I guess we will disagree, either way thanks for all your contributions to the board.

[Smallblock454]

Interestingly no one is talking about the Porsche IMSB solution in this forum. Why is that?

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by Smallblock454

Interestingly no one is talking about the Porsche IMSB solution in this forum. Why is that?

Probably because many here seem to be vastly more price oriented than value oriented.

Customers that want the IMS Solution want it because it is the only permanent retrofit, one that will live as long as the rest of the engine, and even then can be extracted and reused. Others eye's seem to glaze over once they hear that it will cost more than $50. Interestingly, we sell way more Solutions to 996 drivers than other LN options, and they paid a lot more for their cars than the 986. As Jake once commented, one of the biggest 986 problems is that they are selling too cheaply in the used car market, and their owners try to treat them accordingly.

[dlud]

Originally Posted by Smallblock454

Interestingly no one is talking about the Porsche IMSB solution in this forum. Why is that?

What is the cost for the Porsche "solution?"

[Smallblock454]

Originally Posted by dlud

What is the cost for the Porsche "solution?"

I don't know the prices in the US. Please take the part numbers from the photos and ask your local Porsche dealer.

Over here in Germany the Porsche IMSB set is less than the comparable LN IMSB, which has to be imported – so there are customs fees, taxes and shipping that don't have to be paid for the Porsche IMSB solution.

Also we have other manucfacturers for IMSB solutions Made in Germany which are less than the LN products. So from a price point the LN products are not attractive.

[dlud]

Originally Posted by Smallblock454

I don't know the prices in the US. Please take the part numbers from the photos and ask your local Porsche dealer.

Over here in Germany the Porsche IMSB set is less than the comparable LN IMSB, which has to be imported – so there are customs fees, taxes and shipping that don't have to be paid for the Porsche IMSB solution.

Also we have other manucfacturers for IMSB solutions Made in Germany which are less than the LN products. So from a price point the LN products are not attractive.

It looks like the cost for those two Porsche part numbers (if I read them correctly) is around $600 +/- depending on where you source them (in the US).

[maytag]

Hey y'all:
so My new-to-me '03 986 S - has 140k+ miles on it. It arrived to me a couple of weeks ago, and I've only put about 30 miles on it so far, because I really want to go through it before I drive it around a lot. But I jumped in it this afternoon for a quick spin to the supply house. When I started it up, I heard a "chirp - chirp" which could also be a "squeal - squeal" that lasted about 15 seconds, repeating every 2 seconds-ish. Then quickly went away.
When I first heard it, it made me think throwout bearing. but when it went away.... I went "uhoh..."

Is this a typical IMS sound?

waddy'all think?