2003 Boxster S - IMS

[leandrog]

Hello!
Bought my car in Nov.2022 with 53k miles. As I live in Minnesota it has been winterized.
Looking to upgrade my IMS bearing.
I know the most reputable definitive solution available is from LN Engineering with DOF. Very expensive - $1,900.

I am in between two alternatives:

a) Universal single row ball bearing (steel) from Pelican at $190.
Similar to the original but with upgraded seals.
Pelican recommends replacing it at every clutch change, approx. 40k miles.

b) Double row, ceramics ball bearings (European Width) from LN Engineering at $949.
Holds higher loads and offers better wear resistance due to ceramics balls.
LNE recommends replacing it at every 75k miles or 6 years.

Talking to experienced Porsche technicians from independent shops, they favor the ceramics. I've read about a fellow Boxster owner who had the ceramic bearing failing after 30k miles of being replaced. The ceramics balls worn out the inner and outer races (steel)

Pls share your experience.