I am sorry to advise but I strongly disagree with the members who think that the IMS issue is anything less than real. While is is true that the best information is that the risk of the actual occurrence is between 1 and 8%, the problem is that the consequences of the failure are total engine destruction. There is at least one member of my local club who lost an engine due to IMS failure.
I own a one owner 2004 Boxster S which is my first Porsche and was purchased three months ago. I knew about the IMS issue before I purchased and so I had a plan. I would buy a low mileage Boxster S around the 2003, 2004 age because I wanted the glass rear window and the glovebox, and then have the bearing replaced with a LN Engineering upgrade in time. However, having found and purchased the car my first problem was that I had underestimated how much the IMS risk would detract from my enjoyment of the car.
I am an engineer and I have been involved with cars since I was a youngster, having rebuilt various gearboxes and engines. Knowing what the IMS bearing is, how it works and it potential for destroying the engine without warning, the original bearing was just not something I could live with. Being located in Perth, Western Australia Boxsters hold their price better than in the US so a blown engine is not a good option here.
So after visiting the local Porsche dealer (only to be assured there was no IMS issue) I looked for a good shop specialising in water-cooled Porsche. With the help of the local Porsche club I located the only one who came recommended, but he has at least nine months work ahead and was not keen on doing the bearing change on my car, a tiptronic.
So what to do, I seemed to have only three options. Not drive the car for up to a year and hope the local specialist will eventually fix, ship the car to the East Coast for a specialist over there to fit the upgrade, or do it myself. None of these options were ideal but in the end I decided that doing the upgrade myself was the better option, even though I do not have a lift, although I do have a well-equipped workshop. This would get it done sooner and the car would remain under my control, albeit that by doing it myself there would be no warranty.
Further research revealed a permanent solution to the issue, in the form of the IMS Solution from LN Engineering. I like the idea of an oil fed plain bearing, being simple, reliable and even if worn should not destroy the engine. So all parts ordered ex Pelican Parts including the new bearing, fitting tool kit and supplementary tool kit. Now I have seen comment on various forums about the high price of the tool kits, but I was blown away by all aspects of the tool kits and the IMS Solution bearing kit. The quality of every component was first class, the packaging was superb and the instructions which came with the new bearing detailed and complete. I have no connection with Pelican Parts or any of the parts suppliers, except as a customer.
Working with the car as high as possible on axle stands I removed the sump plate, phew no metal at all and no plastic. Cut up filter, no particles at all and none in the filter bowl. I then set about removing the tiptronic transaxle (a pain working through the starter aperture) but doable with a hired transmission jack. I then followed the IMS Solution detailed instructions step by step and to the letter. Being both a very cautious person and terrified of losing the cam timing, I locked both cam banks just to be safe.
The installation went smoothly and after installing the new filter and adaptor, the connection pipe and a new RMS using a homemade installer, I reassembled everything carefully and, with thoughts of valves hitting pistons in my head, fired her up repeatedly to build oil pressure. SUCCESS! Very relieved and no leaks. Running absolutely brilliantly and so much more power, or maybe I am just so much happier to use all of the revs now I have a plain bearing instead of the hand grenade.
What of the original bearing. It had the seals intact but there was a lot of oil in the intermediate shaft and in the bearing. Seemed to spin smoothly though. However when the bearing was washed it was very loose, rough and rattled when spun. Examining the race surfaces after cutting the outer race showed a generally smooth surface but with noticeable “lateral stutter” makes across the bearing track. See pic. A timely
replacement I think.
I do not want to scare people but there is a risk, especially with the single row small bearing from around 2001 to 2005. And there is no known way to 100% guarantee avoiding a failure.