GC996

Service records are critical and will tell you alot. But you can test the oil to see what's in it. You can also drop the sump and see whats in it as well as look thru the oil filter for debris. Assuming the IMSB is in one piece and hasn't started to go, you them need to make sure the bores are in good shape by scoping them when the sump is off. Who knows, the engine may be in great shape with plenty of oil changes and all the right things replaced and done when they should have been. However, if there are no service records, I seriously doubt the car was properly services and you will have alot of work to do to bullet proof it.

No services records, no deal imho.

Pat Edwards MA

Fair enough... the PO must have replaced it prior to my purchase years ago. Either way I remain... if the issue is one that is of high enough concern , then simply REPLACE IT! But be aware that the IMS is not the only thing to be so strongly weighted as the AOS, waterpump, and cam deviation can be the catalysts of equally as disastrous issues for the M96 enigine.

I have owed ,and enjoyed, three-996's over my years of Porsche ownership (two 993s and four 928's prior to them) none of my 996's were ever in the pig-pen for the IMS but I have had AOS and waterpump matters crap the bed on me in all of them (again just my experience and as I said YMMV).

Again also these (or no Porsche of any model) should be purchased if the buyer is not prepared to do some semblance of diligent upkeep and maintenance to continue enjoying it. Just don't let one issue that affected than 5% of all 996's suffered from cloud your desire to own one if you want one.

996C438

I went in a different direction . I bought a 99 C4 with a dead engine for 4k . Then had a 3.8 FSI engine built with every known upgrade and solution to all known issues . No guarantee in life other than death and taxes but my engine is as " mistake proofed " as humanly possible . I sleep well at night and smile every time I drive her 😁

Charles Navarro

Yup. That's a very old classic single row IMS Retrofit. It has no date codes on the flange, so that's why I know it is very old. The earliest kits did not have serial number stickers which I assume the car does not have since the poster did not know it had been changed out already.

Needless to say, it's way past its service life.

168glhs1986

There is NO SUCH THING as a cheap 911. Do you want to pay now (included in purchase price) or pay soon (cheap 911).

I buy 911's based on original paint and accident history. Knowing that every 911 I buy is going to need immediate servicing and $$ thrown at it to get it my standard of what a 911 should be.

When all else fails go with you gut and buy the seller.

barbancourt

My 2001 C2's dual row IMSB was in excellent condition when it was replaced in 2021. But, at least the new owner will have peace of mind that it was done.

DoubleNutz

EXACTLY!

Buying and driving is gonna cost you one way or the other. Either the seller did all the work and sells it for a premium or, you're buying it low and will do the work the 911 (996) needs... like replacing the IMS.👍🏾

pdxmotorhead

I asked a very high priced call girl once why they were so expensive.... "Because we are worth it"
I took it on faith... I was young and she was far above my pay grade..