Odysseus

Hi Everyone I own a used 2005 Boxster Base model. I have been doing some research, and found that the original engine suffered a catastrophic break down in 2007 with only 28,000 miles due to IMS Bearing failure. The car was given a new engine under the warranty that year. It now has around 70,000 on the new engine. I know Porsche upgraded its engines that year in attempt to deal with the issue, but I'm wondering if I still need to look at an upgrade, or if it is even possible on this engine. Thanks

danschy

I would think Porsche replaced your engine with another M96 engine, not the improved M97 engine they started shipping in 2006. If it really is an M97 engine then your are OK - IMS bearing failures are much talked about but rare. If it is an M96 engine I don't know - maybe by 2007 they had an improved bearing also. I'm sure someone will know.

wizee

The IMS bearing change from the small to the large size is not as easy and clear cut as the M96 to M97 change. Some late M96 motors had the large (better) bearing, and some early M97 motors had the smaller weaker bearing. From what I've read, it appears that the change in bearing design happened around the end of calendar year 2005, though the exact point of the change is not clear.

As for what bearing your motor has - I have no idea. The only way to know for certain would be to open it up and look, but that would be a very expensive and time consuming way to check...

BlueNorther

I would check with your local P-dealer. Since it was a major warrantee repair, I would think with the VIN they should be able to tell what was done to your car, which bearing was used, and then you go from there.