Dennis "N" SC

http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-cult...a-porsche-996/

gnat

So they want to address and "clear up" the IMSB issue, but then get it completely backwards by saying the early cars have the weak bearing?

JayG

"Luckily, most qualified Porsche shops can perform a pre-purchase inspection and identify bearings that have been upgraded or may need to be replaced."

That must be one expensive PPI

Buyer: I want to check and see if the IMSB has been replaced and need to have my mechanic drop the trans to inspect it, OK?

Seller: sure you can take my car apart, no problem

DTMiller

The may need to be replaced part is awesome.

gnat

Wow. I gave up as soon as they basically said the double row bearing was crap. I'm glad I stopped as my head might have exploded if I had gotten to that gem...

Why stop there? Why not pull the whole motor apart for a PPI?

FRUNKenstein

Man, if that author is making "the case for the 996," remind me not to hire him as a defense attorney if I ever get brought up on criminal charges.

JimmyChooToo

There is no statistical proof the replacement IMS bearings work better than the factory original. None. I think it's just placebo and may actually be worst. We will see in 5 to 10 years.

Paul Gavazzi

So I get there is a real problem here with a small percentage of the 996 population.... but I just could not resist an pristine 2000 C4 with 36k miles! Reportedly has had the IMSB replaced, yet no documentation. Enter the IMS gaurdian jr. -- inexpensive and makes logical sense. If there is metal in the oil shut it down. Beats a $$$ tranny drop just to look.

AndyK

Annoying how EVERY article about how great a deal the 996's are winds up mentioning IMS, mass produced interior, water cooling, how "real" Porsche snobs hate it, etc, etc.

EVERY new Porsche 911 is water cooled now, get over that! Mass production? Same, that's how the world has evolved. Ugly headlights? Not as ugly as BMW or Audi headlights! IMS - I read a 1-5% risk.

All other older 911's had their expensive issues. The 996 is faster than all of 'em!

Rant off. Merry Christmas!

Barn996

I still really enjoy driving my bland, water-cooled,shoddy interior,evil headlights,engine blowing 996 each and every time I drive it.

5CHN3LL

So the author incorrectly indicates that the earlier bearings are most trouble prone, incorrectly suggests that a PPI will reveal whether the bearing has been updated, and then goes on to explain how the extensive aftermarket ecosystem provides dirt cheap replacement parts that make repairs and PM cheaper and easier than working "on a modern Honda."

Nailed it.

Dinicod

+1 AndyK! These articles mention the same stupid crap every time. Having said that, I'm assuming the photos posted in the article are Porsche file shots, and they do the 996 no favours. The shots do nothing to flatter the look of the car at all! Much better in person!

Vancouver996

Right , it's cam chain, d chunk and other cylinder wall issues on those cars .

Atrox

Wait so the 996 has ims bearing issues, thank god this article shined a light on the subject.

wildbilly32

Barn: You got it right! Only thing I would add is When I drive it I get the silly grin that I can't wipe off!