robingb

I wast hinking about buying a 997. I now am not because of the IMS issue that seems to exist in all but the latest edition.. I can deal with high maintenance costs. I can't deal with catastrophic engine failure. Am I overreacting? Thanks again, Gary

JasonKM

yes, definately over-reacting. IMS was an issue with 996 cars and it got an updated design in 2006. Stick with 2006 forward and you're good to go. Get a CPO car if it makes sleep better at night

cpbmd

Gary I was worried about the same IMS issue as you. I just purchased a 07 997. The problem engines were the first of the M96 engine type. They were updated for 1996 and beyond with a larger IMS bearing. These cars are very reliable and the IMS issue is over blown. That being said, I got my car with a CPO which is a $2,000 2 year insurance policy. Now is a great time to buy a used 911. There are a large number and variety of cars out there at very good prices. Cash is king in this economy. Go for it. You won't regret it!

aaks38

Like yourself, i too was very scared but as cpbmd stated, you have every reason to follow through.

I purchased a 07 to give myself the peace of mind and im so happy with my purchase.

dhud

Get an '09 or later 997.2 and there is no IMS. Problem solved. But agree with above, problem is overblown.

alexb76

RELAX buddy!

Get 06+, it's upgrade and almost bullet proof. If you are worried, buy a CPO (Certified Pre-Owned) from the dealer so you get that extra warranty for your peace of mind. 997.2 has its own issues (fuel pump failure, etc...), and not much track record to know if there are any long-term issues.

Note that Porsche is always voted as one of the most reliable cars in any segment, and 997.1 is included in that ranking.

cbzzoom

I've never heard of an IMS failure on an 06+ 997.

There are other known problems with the 997.1, but they're all relatively minor (and cheap) on the scale of Porsche problems (shifter cables break, serpentine belt pulleys wear, water pump failures, coolant reservoir cracks).

mobonic

my friend has a 05 C2S with thousands of TRACK miles, and not one issue, and the car is over 6 years old.

IMS is blown out of proportion on the forums

cbzzoom

Yeah and to be fair even if you buy one of the "problem" 996's , you can just do the LN engineering IMS upgrade for $1000 and have a very good car for a very cheap price. Would be a great way to get a cheap (*) track car.

(* = cheap compared to a 997 anyway !)

eric523

Sooo true. No reason not to buy a car.
If it worries you, get an 05 and put in the IMS update. Or get an 06+. Price will work out to be about the same.
I'd personally prefer an 05 with the L&N bearing, over the 06 that you can't update.

buckwheat987

I have. Rarer but it can happen.

When my 05 was getting a new engine, an 06 was in the shop for the same reason.

I would not let the iMS issues scare me off at all.

robingb

thanks for all of the replys. i suspect issue is overblown. however, as buckwheat confirms, there are reported problems with post 2005 cars. why else did Porsche contnue to upgrade and finally do away with IMS altogether in 2009. also, when you read LN engineering's own wrtie up about their upgrades, they themselves suggest they are not bullet proof. in re CPO's , my plan would be to own for longer than their warranties. there also will come a day that i will want to sell it and i would expect a IMS value hit then.
lastly, any chance that Porshce is covering IMS issues (ie, installing new engines) for cars out of warranty?

eric523

Porsche's have been recently rated to be one of the most reliable cars on the road. IMS problems affect MAYBE 2-5% of the M96 cars, even less of the 997 variants.

Porsche is not likely to cover any issue out of warranty unless
a) you bought the car at that dealership
b) you have bought numerous cars from that dealership.
Trying to get the IMS repair done on a car you bought second hand is nearly impossible.

Alstoy

I haven't seen a lot of complaints on this forum. Having said that, one would never have thought we would see run away toyotas a few years ago. The one advise I keep hearing is,"buy the newest Porsche you can afford."

Cheers

ADias

The M96/M97 RMS/IMS failure is intrinsic to those engines' architecture and it first reared its head in the first few months of the M96 introduction in 1999. It is true that statistically it is not that significant and that many engines will have a long life. The design was improved over the years, several times (not only in 2006). For my money, the more reliable M96/M97 engines are in the 2008 models.

The 997.2 9A1 engine HPFP mishap is not a common problem on 9A1 engines. It occurred on an early limited series, easily fixed permanently. The 9A1 has been out for over 2 years and no issues have been reported (other than that limited part failure). It is at this stage (and there are many cars on the field with 50k+ miles) one of the most reliable boxer engine produced by PAG.