[bigel]

I recently purchased a 2003 C4S with 91k'ish miles. Very clean specimen and all mechanical aspects sorted and in great working order.

First, I absolutely love the car. I have really come to admire the 996 lines, especially the wide body examples. I had been coveting a 996 turbo and truth be told I still do. I still will likely own a 996 turbo at some point.

Anyway, back to the 4S

The previous owner addressed the IMS bearing in 2019 with a LN Engineering single row "retrofit" model 106-08.2.2 which is good for 6 years or 75,000 miles after which it is to be replaced...again.

Two questions. According to LN Engineering my bearing model has a finite lifespan and is technically due for replacement.

1. I would assume there is a minimum engineering factor built into the recommended replacement schedule (30% or more?). With this in mind, and given that the miles clocked since the retrofit are significantly less than 75,000, I'm guessing that I have a bit of time to figure out next steps. What are your thoughts?

2. Of the options for 'next steps' the LN Engineering oil-fed IMS "Solution" is marketed as the "only permanent solution for the IMS bearing. It is quite a bit more expensive, but given that I don't know how many years I'll own the vehicle, it might be the way to go. If I do choose to sell her (can't imagine that at the moment), it could also be a significant selling point. Have any of you fellow 996 owners made the choice of installing the oil-fed IMS solution?

One bonus question...hey, they're free right? That wasn't the bonus question.

How many have replaced the cartridge-type oil filter with a spin-on adapter, and what are the thoughts? (yes, I realize I combined two questions into my so-called bonus question.

Anyhow, I look forward to the surge of replies generated from the seemingly 2-3 members that monitor this sad and lonely thread.