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Can anyone tell me what year is IMS "SAFE" for a 911 Imminent 911 buyer..!

Thanks...

2004996 wrote: ↑Sun Apr 22, 2018 3:42 pm Can anyone tell me what year is IMS "SAFE" for a 911 Imminent 911 buyer..!

Thanks...

Which generation of "911" are you talking about? Since your username is "2004996" then I assume you're considering a 996.

As you may have heard, the 996 is cursed by the IMS failure stigma which is overhyped to a planetary degree; however, it's a serious issue that should not be overlooked when purchasing these cars. Porsche made three versions of the OEM IMS bearings from the 996.1 until 997.2. Obviously, that's their way of saying they screwed up. They could have easily designed a plain oil fed bearing similar to the Mezger engine 996 cars (i.e. Turbo, GT3, etc.), but instead, designed a bearing that has been known to fail over time. It's not about *if it will fail*, but when! However, with the right preventive maintanence, the problem can be total avoided.

During the 996 generation, there were two versions of the bearing - the dual row and single row bearing. The dual row bearing is been known to be the most durable between the two bearing designs. Unfortunately, that bearing was used on cars - 98 model until mid-year 2000. It's hard to hard to find 1998 model 996 in the US since those who manufactured for Europe. Therefore, your best bet is to locate a 1999 model if that is of concern. But by now, the 1999 models will more than likely have many owners on average... and so how would you know if the original bearing is still in the car? Without solid proof from the seller, you don't know. Also, since the dual row IMS bearing was fazed out in 2000, it's best to look for early cars (before mid year). Some would say research the serial number to find out or the VIN tag on the door, but still, there's always a chance it's not a OEM dual row IMS bearing AND it still possible one of the owners had it swapped out.

In mid-year 2006, Porsche introduced the third version of the IMS bearing which uses a larger single row ceramic type bearing. According to LN, this bearing is more robust, can handle more load, and has a lower than 1% failure rate, BUT they still can fail and are MORE costly to replace because the engine must be removed, split, and rebuilt. On the 996 model, replacing the bearing is much easier and less costly, because the IMS bearing can be removed without dropping the engine.

Overall, if you don't want to fool with the IMS bearing issue, then look to purchase a 996 Turbo, GT2, or GT3. If you prefer the Carrera and would rather avoid the IMS craziness all together, then look for 2009 or later model. In the 997.2 model, the IMS bearing is eliminated with the newer engine design. Cheers!

1965 - 2018*

*some conditions apply

Thank you so much for all this valuable info. My current Porsche is a 2004 996 cabriolet VIN: WP0CA299X4S651220 it has around 118000 miles..! and works perfect..!

I'm just always worried about the IMS problem ! So i'm looking to sell it and get a 2006 or 07 997.

So my question is: How would I distinguish a 997 between larger bering and double row, and with one would be the best choice.???

Thanks, Philip

No 997 has the old dual row bearing. They all have the larger 2nd gen single row.

2004996 wrote: ↑Mon Apr 23, 2018 9:25 am Thank you so much for all this valuable info. My current Porsche is a 2004 996 cabriolet VIN: WP0CA299X4S651220 it has around 118000 miles..! and works perfect..!

I'm just always worried about the IMS problem ! So i'm looking to sell it and get a 2006 or 07 997.

So my question is: How would I distinguish a 997 between larger bering and double row, and with one would be the best choice.???

Thanks, Philip

Philip,

The 997 never came from the factory with a dual row bearing. If you want to guarantee yourself that you have the larger ceramic type bearing in the 997, then stick with a 2007 or 2008 model. There is always a chance that the 2006 model will have the older single row bearing since that was the year that Porsche fazed out the old bearing found in the 996 model. Make sense? Again, if don't want to worry with it at all, then go with 2009 model 997.

Cheers!

Make sure you PPI ANY 997 you purchase and have them bore scope the cylinders - There have been issues with bore scoring which increases oil consumption dramatically and will result in throwing CEL light to the pint of having to rebuild - Read up on it.

I've got a 99 C2(build date 4/98) with the dual row design, so I don't worry about it.

I too am in search of an early 98 build...Have 2 on my radar!

Be careful thinking the early 98 build cars are the holy grail of the 996. I got an ear full from Raby on the subject. (more like takin' to the wood shed) Lots of people have taken only part of his advice on the early 996 cars and didn't listen to the whole story. Watch the recent PCA IMS videos on YouTube and you'll get a sense of what he's talking about.