AndyK

I bought a 2000 with 17k on it. The beauty of a low-miles car - it feels like a new car, smells like a new car, the seats aren't worn, the interior looks new, etc. So you are getting an almost new car, with an almost new engine.

Seems like a no-brainer to me, assuming the motor checks out!

Gonzo911

The IMS issue tends to get overblown on these forums. Have a good PPI done. Chances are good that something else (water pump, AOS, etc) will fail way before the IMS goes. Good luck!

rpm's S2

Respectfully, I must disagree with your advice. You are correct to note that IMS failure gets probably far too much discussion on these forums. The 996 is in general a very reliable and well-built high performance automobile.

But there is a reason we do tend to drone on about the potential for IMS bearing failure... It can effectively "total" your car without the usual benefit of insurance coverage. AOS or water pump failure are fixable if you don't drive off down the road with warning lights blinking at you. IMS failure is announced by the check engine light. Bang, and you are probably done.

Repair costs for this avoidable malady run from $12-18,0000. And these failures do happen. There is no way to know how often, but I know two cars that had it happen... More than enough for me to spend the money to make sure that does not happen to my car.

In my opinion, any 996 owner who has not invested in either the LN upgraded bearing or the IMS Guardian is taking an unnecessary chance. If I were buying another 996 I would immediately install the Guardian, and/or if the car had an RMS leak or needed a clutch I would update the bearing. This is simply part of the cost to own and enjoy these awesome cars.

Gonzo911

The OP was posting about concerns over the IMS since his reman engine has low miles. I was only pointing out that an AOS or water pump failure is far more likely and still expensive to repair.

I also didn't mention intermix due to a cracked head or broken drive chain, or totaling the car as a result of texting while driving.

jblz

Thanks for the dialog guys. I am waiting on a return call from the dealer so I can start getting some specifics on the motor and car history.

targa996

Depends how many miles per year on the new motor ...if 5K in 1 year - then probably no issues - if 5K in 5 years - then I would be more concerned. The 3.4 motor not only can fail due to IMS but there are a number of other failure modes (read flat 6 site) - but yes - probability of issue is low - it just seems to be higher if annual miles are low - the car sits for a long time - seals dry out - oil is not changed frequently etc. etc.

My indie showed me 4 IMS bearings he had removed from 996's to upgrade - 3 were on high mileage cars - no issues - the 4th was showing lots of wear - low mileage - infrequent oil changes. Agree this sample is too small to be statistically significant - but if you read these boards enough - low mileage (including "winter storage") does seem to be one of the factors that increases probability of the issue.

I'd build in cost of IMS upgrade to price of car - and if it still makes sense - go for it ....