USNA1970

I think dealer only replaces bearing with a original Porsche bearing.

TonyTwoBags

Here in SLC I was offered a quote on an LNE retrofit from a Porsche Dealership ($2700), but went with a certified IMS solution shop in Colorado for my 996. Good thing as the tech did some good work to refresh peripherals, and that dealership missed an oil cooler leak during my PPI. Now +6k miles since the servicing and all is well

jhbrennan

***

jhbrennan

My Porsche dealer suggested I install an aftermarket IMS bearing - they just won't warranty it. I don't believe there is a Porsche part for replacement...at least none that my dealer suggested. I ended up getting a certified installer to do the IMS Solution for me - couldn't be more pleased.

Anestheticg

how much roughly was the IMS solution? I've looked at the website and the closest installer they have on the site is around 450 miles from me (Maine) I'm in CT so that's kind of a deterrent. Driving the car Monday and will check out the manufacture date... hopefully it's early 2000 and as I've read on this forum models in early 2000 possibly has the dual row bearing... fingers crossed. If I end up buying the car, which is highly likely, I'm going to drive it for a while and eventually I'll probably have a ceramic replacement fitted. The car is priced right so I feel like that is a good solution to get peace of mine for a while before having to do it again or selling for car in the future.

jhbrennan

About $1,800 for the parts + 13 hours of labor (slightly more for a tip). Most folks have other work done at the same time and save on labor for RMS, clutch and AOS.

Esfoad

Yup my Porsche dealer offered to do an IMS replacement with an LN ceramic bearing but they were quite a lot higher for labor than my local shop. I ended up spending less including a few other upgrades going with the local shop who has an impeccable record. BTW I'm in Northern NJ.

human911

2002 C4S 85,000k Original IMSB.

RMS and Clutch replaced at 50k - Porsche of Colorado

USNA1970

Lots of oil reports. Been using magnetic oil drain also.

USNA1970

Not sure if I posted in the wrong forum before, as I am on my phone. I did 16k in last 7 months. Car is at 63k now. Original ims bearing.

TonyTwoBags

nice, there's a UOA thread that some helpful people comment on. Feel free to post there for feedback:

https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...l#post13810498

dspcole

2001 C4 71000 miles. The car is new to me and no service records are available. Believed to have the original IMSB. Scheduled for replacement in April when it comes out of winter storage.

Esfoad

Good plan for peace of mind, though your car may have the dual bearing original IMS which has proven to be quite durable. Which replacement bearing are you planning? IMS replacement or The Solution?

dspcole

You are way ahead of me on this. I haven't really researched the options yet. I was largely planning to rely on the advice of my mechanic at European auto sport in Gardiner Maine. They have a very good reputation and I'll probably use whatever they are most comfortable with. Being without any service record, I wonder, too, if they may get in there and find the bearing has already been replaced. Is there a consensus on the forum?

lomax

Look on the door jambs and the trunk lid to see if there happens to be a "LN" sticker. This would indicate that it has already been replaced, well if they used an LN bearing and put the sticker on anyway.

As you can see there are many opinions on this thread and they are all valid. On mine I did the LN double row ceramic bearing and clutch when I got it just for piece of mind. I would have done the "Solution" but no one in my area did them and I did not feel like shipping the car off to get it done. If you have that option I would recommend it but really have the feeling the whole IMS issue is a crap shoot at best. Yes your odds are good but are not guaranteed.