Question on IMS and high mileage

[lada03]

Hello
I’m looking at a 99’ 911 with 140k miles.
The car has never had the IMS bearing replaced.

Given the fact that it’s an early 996 with a double row bearing, if the IMS has not been changed by this time, is it a good probability that it’s ok?

Guess my question is on the IMS failing on low mileage cars vs high mileage cars

Any insight would be appreciated

Thanks,
Artur

[REVerend]

Is it still on the original clutch? If so it’s hard to imagine that it wouldn’t need to be done at some point before long. And would you resist the urge to go ahead and do the IMS while it’s apart?

I say this as someone who just bought a low miles single row original IMS car. I had the IMS done as it seemed like a big concern. The bearing looks decent in the pic I got but the previous owner had apparently been heavy on the clutch and that turned out to be the real issue. Funny how that worked out.

[lada03]

Found a car fax. Clutch was replaced way back in 2009

Last serviced in 2022. Oil pump replaced, water pump gasket

I had a 99’ about 5 years ago, never had the IMS done, it hit 102k miles before I sold her during covid

I don’t know if it was a ticking time bomb or normal for a 99’ to not change the IMS bearing since it’s better then the later 996 cars

[Alansdavid]

I've been told by several certifiedtechs that the dual row bearing can be very solid for a lifetime if the steps are taken to preserve you know: warm up right, drive often, change oil etc.I just bought a 99 with 101k on it.Will get the oil changed after I bring it home.

[REVerend]

Curious if the water pump gasket was replaced but not the water pump? As a newcomer to the 996 it sounds like the water pumps often only last 65-70k miles. If that wasn’t done it’s something I would keep an eye on. I preemptively had mine replaced when I was getting a bunch of other stuff done last week at 37k miles.

[lada03]

Water pump also replaced

[Alansdavid]

water pump and alternator done on mine by the po

[oorhett]

Pull the Trans and inspect its not a hard job