I'm in the market for an S and trying to decide to go for an '04 and have the bearing retrofit or go with an '08 and cross my fingers.

 

Any M97/97, regardless of model year, that has an IMS can (and do) suffer failures. The newer model years are fewer in number and you hear less about them, most likely because they have fewer miles on them and the ones that do fail are still under warranty; but they do fail, just like the earlier models.........

 

Porsche upgraded the IMS in 2007 and again in 2008 and the net result is significantly reduced engine failures. Porsche totaly redesigned their engines for 2009 and eliminated the IMS completely.

I would think an 08 will be as good as any retrofitted 04.

 

Before buying my 987 I talked to two service advisors at two different dealerships and both told me a later 06 was good, an 07 was an improvement on that, and to be safe the 08 was bulletproof in their opinion. Neither of them was aware of an 07 or 08 failure. I looked at a few 07's but settled on an 08. That was a year ago so I would suggest you make similar visits if this board doesn't provide anymore info than what you have so far. From this board I have read frequent oil changes are advised which was something I do anyway. I don't think anyone can tie the failures to the oil issue but I don't think its bad advice.

 

The cars I've generally heard of with IMS failures have been from 06 or earlier. As others mentioned several upgrades were made over the years.
I also have to say that for all the about IMS discussions we see on the boards, I still see a ton of old 986 and 996 Porsches on the road (and I'm doubtful they've all undergone upgrades or engine swaps).

Personally, based on performance and then the overall design of both the exterior and the interior, I'd choose an 08 987 over an 04 986.

Good luck and best regards,
Dino

 

The MY06s are suffering failures now. Given time, the 07 and 08 years will suffer the same as there is no difference between the model years when it comes to the intermediate shaft. I would recommend a low mileage model pre-dating the change to the latest revision IMS and put an IMS Retrofit on the engine and now worry about it. I get a lot of phone calls in regards to individuals looking to purchase a MY97-08 Porsche with an M96/M97 engine and my recommendation is the same. Purchase a MY09 car, buy an extended warranty or CPO car, or get as low mileage as possible MY97-05 car that the IMS retrofit can be applied and couple that with a low temperature thermostat and water pump as preventative measures as well. Or buy a Turbo or GT3 and don't worry about any of the above :-) We have a great buyer's guide for M96/M97 based cars on our website for those interested.

 

Charles are you saying that Porsche did not make any changes to the 07 - 08 engines on the 987S?

I have read that many changes were made over those two years to prevent IMS failure.

 

We've owned, since new, a 2000 S and a 2001 S. They each have over 130,000 miles on them, with no update.

 

Charles, thanks for the informative advice. Your buyers guide was a good read as well. Based on what I've heard from you and Jake it appears that going for a solid low mileage 04S and putting aside cash for the upgrades is the way to go as 09 inventories are low and prices are very high. Thanks to everyone for weighing in.

 

pbkirby, have you driven an 04? I drove a 03 and found that my head hit the rollbar. I am 6'1" and was just a little too tall. I found a 2005, and couldn't be happier.

 

The intermediate shaft was last updated in 06 and that revision of the intermediate shaft is the same that is used today on reman engines and what is sent to you if you order a replacement shaft from Porsche (which I got one from Suncoast a few days ago).

 

I have, I'm 5'10 so leg room, head room not an issue. Would prefer the newer version but not comfortable based on what I've heard and not willing to spend 50k for an 2009 for weekend car.

 

I was under the impression that the bearings and related items were also changed mid year of 2006 production.

 

Charles: Does LNE have an effective retor-fit solution for the later model M96's w/ Porsches larger bearing /cradle design? If not, are you working on something for us?

 

Sure do. We have two solutions.

One we do in house where we modify the shaft, pin the sprocket, plug the tube, etc. Typically if the bearing has failed, this is the better approach as we certify the shaft hasn't been compromised.

The other is an upgrade kit and there is an accompanying supplemental tool kit to allow you to pull the bearing and install the new bearing while the shaft is on the bench.