Ims
 

Is the 2008 boxster immune from the IMS issue or did it restart in 2009.

not restart - but did it start after 2008.

"if i might just clarify a little based on model year:

97-99: dual row
00-01: dual row or single row, requires inspection
02-04: single row
05: single row or a non-servicable dual row "larger" bearing requiring disassembly
06-08: non-servicable dual row requires disassembly
09+: no IMS

i can see someone just starting to investigate wondering what happens for model year 01 since the timeline shows 97-00, mid-year 00, after 01"

http://986forum.com/forums/general-discussions/34221-ims-chronology-prospective-buyers.html

thanks for the info. I am considering getting back into a boxster. used to frequesnt the site a lot. I am looking at a 2005 base and a 2001 S with very very low miles. Just wondering if the higher the year the better or less failure prone they are?

I'm not sure there is data to answer that question. Maybe one of the shop owners that frequent this site might give perspective on the answer. If I had to choose between those two cars, think I would lean towards 2005 987 model, though I personally like the looks of the 986 better.

Any M96/97 engine with an intermediate shaft can suffer and IMS failure, regardless of the model year. The only real difference is how hard is it to update the engine to prevent it from happening.

What years are the harder ones to update?

The non-serviceable dual row bearings that were installed between 2005 and 2008 because you must open the case to service them.

Serviceable single row and dual row bearings from 1997 to 2005 use the same service procedure as each other and are less difficult than non-serviceable ones

The non-serviceable bearings are not double row. They are a single row with more balls in that row.

Skoot

I just got a 2003 Boxster S with 46000 miles on it for 13900 from a private seller. The car has an IMS failure history. Apparently it failed at 30k, and the dealer replaced the engine. The question the owner did not know was if the dealership replaced the IMS with the upgrade or not. Otherwise, the car is in showroom condition.

Is there any way to see the IMS with a scope? thx in advance.

Have you tried calling the dealer directly? Worth a shot...or ask the po to call them.

When was the engine replaced? If in 2006 or later it will have the new, larger bearing. Either way, it is still subject to failure, albeit less frequently with the later bearing.

Brad

What's ims? :p