1st 996 Porsche Advice
 

Considering purchase of 2003 996 Targa w/57k miles. No documented IMS replacement. 2nd owner had engine failure (IMS shaft broke near bearing) at 19k miles. Other than no IMS remedy, car is in close to excellent condition and well documented for that past 3 years with current owner. Blackstone oil analysis came back very positive. My question is what is reasonable discount from market value as relates to the IMS gap? Any advice/experience in former deals is appreciated.

Just my opinion. But i don't feel the gap should devalue the car in any way shape or form. The car isn't broke. When i purchased my car directly from a Porsche dealer i asked if they had any idea if it had been done since it was proven the car still had the original engine. The salesman responded that it had not been done but they were willing to split the cost of the repair. I did it for peace of mind.

Also to note.....depending on when the engine was swapped it may have the newest factory version of the IMS which cannot be serviced without complete engine tear down.

Find out if the engine was rebuilt or if a Porsche replacement engine (Engine Serial number starting with AT) was installed.

Current owner was told that Porsche warranty engine put back in car was an "05-M97". I talked to the service department at the dealer that did the replacement in 2005 and they could only verify that the replacement was an M96 engine. My impression from talking to 2 other independent Porsche specialists is that the bearing is probably the 2nd generation M96 one. I've offered the owner his asking price, which was a little high (maybe $1500) according to my market analysis less $3500 for me to have the IMS Solution done. He's thinking about it...given that his own INDY has previously recommended that he do the replacement. We'll see...

new number is #M96/03AT66566922

Current owner was told when he bought from another Porsche dealer in 2016 that the warranty replacement engine was an "05-M97". My followup recently with the dealership service department confirmed the replacement engine was an M96. Lease me to believe is was the 2nd generation IMSB. My offer was the sellers asking price, which was a little high (maybe $1500) based on my market analysis, less the cost of the IMS Solution ($3500). At first he said no, but he was going to consult with his INDY, who has previously recommended that the IMSB be replaced. We'll see...

That's a replacement motor - AT in the serial number indicates austauschmotor (probably spelled wrong). What year was it replaced (do you have the invoice)? The AT engines got all updates, so it may have the updated large bearing, in which case there is no need for an aftermarket bearing. Only way to know for sure is to pull the transmission and see which IMSB it has (large nut=large bearing). But the year it was installed is a good indicator... If it is a large IMSB engine, the only way to replace the IMS bearing (or do the LN Solution) is to split the case, and even LN Engineering says that's unnecessary. Ergo, there is no "IMS gap" and you should pay fair market value.

My 02 had its engine replaced under warranty (05 I think) and the new engine has the large IMS bearing. As recommended I removed the bearing seal when I was doing the clutch, and it is no longer something I worry about.

Here's my number and it has the non serviceable bearing.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...3f84c1b01c.jpg

What's the asking price of this Targa?

28k

The engine was replaced in 2005. No invoice. Only the screen shots of service order from Porsche dealer showing engine numbers and such. Not much detail. When he bought the car 3 years ago he was convinced the engine had an “upgraded” bearing design, which has influenced his decision not to proceed with any remedy. No way to tell for sure without dropping the transmission as you said. In the event that it actually is the large unserviceable bearing for the M96 what is the consensus on longevity?

Everything I read says longevity of the larger bearing is good. People that know a lot more than me say to remove the outer oil seal if you happen to be in there, but don't make a special service to do it.

“Not much detail” is what you say ? Be skeptical

Trying hard to get to the bottom of it...being skeptical...may cost me a chance at this one, but when I get one I will know what I am getting. Or I’ll have some reserve to pay for the unknown. Thank for your comments all.

That’s what I’ve heard too. Too bad someone didn’t validate or document the larger bearing way back then.