Saved another engine from IMS failure

[harryrcb]

Originally Posted by telly888

Very informative post! Thanks!

Just wondering whether replacing the engine will fix the IMS problem? Will that problem happen again?

I'm looking at a 2004 manufactured 997 which an engine changed by Porsche couple years ago. Should we avoid buying such kind of car?

Many thanks!

I would not stay away from them, the prices are low enough to make it worth while. there have not been many reports on the 997 mostly 996 and 986. having said that, you are not immune from the problem until 09 cars

[mikefocke]

Telly

the IMS problem is around a 1% per car/year problem, doesn't happen to all by a long shot.

The IMS design was changed 3 times. Lots depends on what build-year engine the car was updated with. It could be the same design as the original or the third design which is perhaps (we don't really know any stats but this is the online conjecture) somewhat less likely to fail but a preventative maintenance update to the better LN bearing costs about 3x as much in labor and about 2x in parts for the 3rd design of the Intermediate Shaft as the engine must be removed and the case split.

There are stories of cars with 2 failures. No idea why they defy the odds. And yes 986s and 987s engines do fail too.