rpm's S2

A very thorough and direct overview of the 996 hysteria from the longtime UK Porsche journalist and broker.

"So, let’s get one thing clear right from the start. Porsche sold hundreds of thousands of Boxsters, 996s and 997s, and the vast majority have had trouble-free engines. The problem is that the internet and press grab hold of the rare engines that fail and blow the issue out of all proportion. I have done a lot of research on this subject and spoken to many engineers, and I have discovered nothing that would put me off owning one of these cars. I once wrote that I reckoned five percent of M96 and M97 are likely to suffer terminal failure, and was contacted by a Porsche specialist who congratulated me on my feature but suggested that I had over-estimated the problem – he believed it was less than five percent...

As I said, there is nothing there that would stop me from owning and enjoying a Porsche with one of these engines."

http://www.findaporsche.com/porsche-...nes-the-truth/

Possibly Jake's long-lost British relative?

Palmbeacher

Old article. Even 0,5% would be legitimate cause for concern given the catastrophic consequences and cost. The debate is not whether it should or should not put one off buying. The debate is whether or not to take some proactive measure to minimise one's financial risk. Extended warranty, LN retrofit...one or the other, both, or neither. The options are limited, clear, and well-hashed. Inasmuch as the financial risk is borne entirely by the owner, it would seem to follow that the decision to ignore or address the issue, and in the latter case how then to address it, ought likewise to be the choice of each owner, unfettered by taunts and cat-calls from those with different opinions.

MiamiC70

The question I have now is how long does the LN bearing last before it goes south?

rpm's S2

Old? He wrote it on September 12th.

Seemed like good information for a prospective owner, complete with concise descriptions and photos of the different issues. He pulls no punches.

I'm not sure your comment relates to his information. Did you actually read the article?

Quadcammer

all the speculation and conjecture on this subject is a waste of time
if you own a car on which the ims failed, its a collosal issue. if you have one on which the ims doesnt fail, then its no big deal. you simply have to determine whether you are gonna worry or not. if u are...get the imsb...if not, dont

ltusler

Why don't you contact LN?

Sue Esponte

Schmucklefutz

Actually, that IS the debate in my case, and the primary reason I signed on to this site.

After reading all I can get my cursor on concerning this issue, I still haven't got a clear idea of whether this is a reasonable DIY job for the mechanically proficient.

I am very interested in owning a 996 (due in large part to the reasonable buy-in), but the degree of difficulty in addressing such known issues as the IMS & RMS remains largely unclear, and until that is rectified I'm on the fence.

jdog

I am more worried that the cylinder wall will crack than I am about the IMS bearing. I can change out the IMS bearing if I am fearful for a couple thousand $$$, but I can't change out the cylinder wall for the same amount. Hence me purchasing a WP and making sure that this baby runs cool and is flushed out nicely.

MiamiC70

I want real world opinion on LN bearing life from independent sources. Calling LN is hardly going to give me that so I posed the question here.

fasteddie99

Seems like a cynical approach. Have you ever spoken with Charles or Jake?

I didn't think so.

Flat6 Innovations

The IMS Solution sure is going to change these conversations.... :-)

yoda888

Dumb question, but what is "IMS Solution" vs. the LN replacement?

Thx!

Flat6 Innovations

The IMS Solution is a collaboration of LN and Flat 6 Innovations. It is a complete design change for the bearing.
Look for a full feature on the technology in Excellence magazine over the coming winter.

rpm's S2

I am often disappointed, but not surprised. at how many people comment on a post without actually reading it first.

I posted a link to this UK blog post because the author provides a very good overview of all of the M96 issues - complete with photos. He mentions the IMS Guardian and has a link to a previous post that describes it in more detail.

Not that cousin Jake can't do his own 'splaining, but it is good to read about solutions from outside, unbiased sources as well.