That is the question. Or really, when to IMS. Read on.

I have a 2001 C4 Cabriolet, 6 speed, 55k miles. I am the 3rd owner.
Since I bought the car a few years ago, I have done Blackstone reports every oil change, and also have done a bore scope of the engine (right after I bought it).
I decided to wait on the IMS since the failure rate is low, and at some point it would need a clutch, so I might as well wait. All good logic for a long term owner (IMO).
The clutch is fine but getting heavier (no slipping) and will need to be done in the next 10-15k miles I suspect.

Since I bought my 2022 Model 3 Performance, I have barely touched the 911. I told myself it would never happen, but well, there it is.
I also don't have a garage anymore, so doing work myself is a lot more difficult.
So I'm thinking about selling the 996. The smart thing to do is get the IMS and AOS done, clutch change, spark plugs, etc which will run about 5k.
Or, sell it as is, to someone who knows that work is pending and understands why it's not done yet.

Opinions?

 

I would sell as is. Personally I would rather buy a 996 and have the IMS done myself, rather than have a (possibly questionable) replacement done by the seller. Not every IMS replacement is equal and it also matters if it is done right. (Ask me how I know.)

 

If you're comfortable taking the hit on the selling price then sell as is. It will probably be the first thing that you will be asked for. Depends on labor rates in your area the whole job may or may not be about $5k. I paid around $4ish about 2 years ago for IMS, clutch and flywheel. This did not include the other things you mentioned so I suspect $5k is very optimistic. I will just say that you will have a much easier time selling the car with those things addressed. It will prevent potential buyers from searching for more things that need work and further knocking down the price. If it was me looking at the car, and I saw that you didn't do the IMS, AOS, clutch, spark plugs and coils I'd be asking myself....ok, how much more will this cost me on top of the car.

 

Also, good point. It will depend a lot on the level of documentation you have. Some people have next to nothing while others keep a binder with every receipt + a google drive with photos. <- that's me.

 

I'll bite. How do you know?

 

When I bought my 996, I had the IMS done by the selling shop. 1.5 years later, this replacement grenaded... According to my current shop, the selling shop most likely didn't install it correctly and/or it was a crappy bearing. The takeaway: not all replacement bearings and installing shops are created equal.

 

If you spend $5k doing the work it's not like you can just magically tack $5k on to your asking price, though of course you could get lucky. My advice would be to sell as-is and answer the question honestly if it comes up.

 

Skip the IMS itself and just do the bearing prior to selling.
GLWS!

 

Of course, I'm referring to the IMS bearing. If I had to replace the IMS I'd be screwed.

 

Yup, my experience was similar. Seller had the ims replaced, with ln, but his mechanic botched the install and tore the seal or something, causing oil leak. My Indy put it right. It was not cheap.

 

fwiw hagerty valuation tool knocks off 15% for cars that haven't had IMS bearing remediation and I think a lot of buyers would do about the same. But a good used oil report and honest seller, to me, might be more valuable than an invoice for IMS bearing at an anonymous shop. Reputable shop and LN engi bearing with stickers/documentation might change that.

I think it might come out in the wash.

 

I went thru a similar situation. I bought an '05 997.1. Did not know if or when the IMS was replaced so I took it in for replacement. IMS had been changed but installed improper. I had the engine rebuilt and now everything is great. Cost me a chunk of money but all good. Live and learn!

 

as is

let buyer do fear factor IMS upgrade or drive it like you stole it and take the risk. Hell 90% chance it will go long time without the BS fear replacement parts train

his/hers/its choice

New owner will know it was done and done right. Solution or ________ their choice

Good luck

 

Sell it “as is”.
Doing any work on your car now is like throwing money away.
You’ll only get a small fraction of your money back

My condolences on the Tesla

 

One of the reasons why I bought mine was it had The IMS Solution installed.
I’d pay extra for The IMS Solution.