Robert Coats

Sold my '81 C4 back in the bottom of the air cooled market (2006) but find myself now able to consider a newer 911.

(1) Was there a cut-off VIN (or model year) for IMS problems?

(2) If I find, for an example, a low-miles '05, how can I confirm it has (a) had the upgrade) or (b) won't need it?'

(3) Beyond IMS issues, anything of service / PPI note I should consider for an '02-'11 model (e.g., 2008 C4s had issues with XXXyyy)>

Hope to back behind 3 pedals soon!

Thanks as always folks!

I've got five kids, an Italian wife, and I write about lawnmowers. You think you have problems?

-Robert Coats
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DesmoSD

Hi Robert, you can check the engine number on left side of the oil pan. Depending on the where the car is located and condition of the vehicle, one thing to also have checked during a PPI is to scope the cylinders from the oil pan for possible bore scoring. Though not 100% proven, bore scored 997's have been have occurred in colder climate areas such as the East Coast.

1)Engine number is 68509790 and below, unfortunately it still has the smaller removable IMS bearing.
2)Engine number is 68509791 and above, it will have the new large single row IMS

example Edgy01's 997

NC3Pedal

All I can say is that I had an '06 Carrera Base as well as an '07 Boxster S with no problems whatsoever. I now have a 2012 Carrera GTS.

Hella-Buggin'

I would think of it like this...

Yes the smaller IMS bearing is a a bad design and the larger bearing is better. But, the smaller bearing is serviceable with better options than the OE larger bearing.
The larger OE bearing isn't. The smaller bearing isn't a deal breaker and could be considered a bonus but the cost of replacement should be considered.

Robert Coats

Any idea what model year ranges that covers? I seem to recall first-gen water-cooled models were the first to have IMS bearing issues. About what model year did the engine get the larger/improved bearing?

I've got five kids, an Italian wife, and I write about lawnmowers. You think you have problems?

-Robert Coats

DesmoSD

This is reference to 997.1, MY 05 to 08.

VEHICLE ENGINE TYPE MY ENGINE-NUMBERS TECHNICAL DATA
997 COUPE/CABRIO M96.05 2005 5 695 00501>20000 6ZYL/3,6L /239 KW
997 COUPE S/CABRIO S M97.01 2005 5 685 00501>60000 6ZYL/3,8L /261 KW
997 COUPE/CABRIO M96.05 2006 6 696 00501>20000 6ZYL/3,6L /239 KW
997 COUPE S/CABRIO S M97.01 2006 6 686 00501>60000 6ZYL/3,8L /261 KW
997 COUPE/CABRIO M96.05 2007 7 697 00501>20000 6ZYL/3,6L /239 KW
997 COUPE S/CABRIO S M97.01 2007 7 687 00501>40000 6ZYL/3,8L /261 KW
997 COUPE S/CABRIO S KIT X51 M97.01S 2007 7 687 40501>60000 6ZYL/3,8L /280 KW
997 COUPE/CABRIO M96.05 2008 8 698 00501>20000 6ZYL/3,6L /239 KW
997 COUPE S/CABRIO S M97.01 2008 8 688 00501>40000 6ZYL/3,8L /261 KW
997 COUPE S/CABRIO S KIT X51 M97.01S 2008 8 688 40501>60000 6ZYL/3,8L /280 KW

bliq00

the change over was mid-year 2005. If you're considering up to 2011, 2009+ 997.2 don't have IMS so that won't ever be an issue there. Just in case, 997 (and 996) turbos don't have an engine that's susceptible to IMS problems either.

sandwedge

The IMS was improved starting with the later -05 models through the -08's. It didn't entirely solve the problem but greatly reduced the failure rate. The downside of that is that when the improved larger bearing fails you're looking at engine replacement. If you don't want any IMS worries period you need to buy a 2009 or later where the IMS was finally eliminated altogether.

As for other issues, on my third 997 now and all three have been the most reliable cars I've owned. Water pumps seem to get a little fragile above 40K miles but is still a failure not often mentioned here. There's also a recall on the high pressure fuel pump. Not a mandatory replacement but if it fails it's replaced at no cost. Not sure what model years this applies to but it failed on my -11 GTS so I'm guessing it applies to all 997.2 cars (maybe even further back), at least to the NA variants.

Petza914

The engine # guide provided is a good guide, unfortunately, in 05 motors, there's no guarantee what size bearing is actually in the engine without removing the transmission and looking at the bearing flange nut - larger nut = newer larger bearing (left photo), smaller nut = smaller replaceable bearing of the weaker design (right photo)




Your best strategy if you find an 05 is to plan to replace the IMS bearing with The IMS Solution - this uses an oil bearing like that of the old air cooled and water cooled Mezger engines. As mentioned previously, the Turbo cars use the Mezger design, as do the GT cars, like the GT3. During the replacement procedure, once the trans is removed and you can see what size bearing you have, you either proceed as planned with the replacement or if it's already the larger one, remove the bearing flange cap, pull the grease seal off the IMS bearing and install a new seal (make sure it's the newer one with multiple sealing ribs). The splash lubrication with the larger bearing once the seal is removed should be enough to prolong it's life.

One of the best early 997s is the '05 launch car package. It has adaptive seats, PCCB brakes, Sport Chrono and some other goodies, but you need to like Black on Black as that was the only combination offered. Since it was a launch car, it's guaranteed to be an early 05 that will require the bearing replacement.

Anything 09 or newer - no IMS to worry about.

Good luck with your search.

Robert Coats

Many thanks to all who responded. My budget may allow for an '09 or '10, but more than likely, a '07 or '08.
I'm biased toward a C4 (my '91 C4 had absolutely magnetic traction) but they are rare, especially with an MT. I may have to 'settle' for a C2, but it must be a coupe with an MT.
What does the 'S' version get you anyway, compared to the base Carrera?

My dream would be a '09 or newer C4S coupe with an MT. Black over tan, if you please.
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I've got five kids, an Italian wife, and I write about lawnmowers. You think you have problems?

-Robert Coats

ManoTexas

Petza914

Essentially the same on .1. PASM standard and lower ride height to get rid if the 4x4 look. PASM gives you a starting g point for adding TPC's DSC suspension control which makes the PASM suspension fully dynamic and customizable.
Gets you more HP and Torque, with torque for around town driving being the bigger differentiator. Better brakes (Big Reds standard) and S cars usually have more options selected by those who ordered them, like sport chrono, PSE, full leather, heated seats, etc.