View Poll Results: did YOUR car suffer an IMS failure
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IMS failure for your 997 car, Y or N? tell us (yr, 997.1, .2, m96, m97, failure mode)
03-03-2016, 05:34 AM
#646
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2008 C4S, 48,000 miles. No failure. My Porsche tech friend said this when looking at 997's, "if you get a 05, 06 or early 07, drive it straight to the dealer and Ill replace the bearing. Late 07 and beyond.....dont worry about it. I dont see later cars with IMS issues enough to get worried about it."
Your Porsche tech friend should be sent to classes to upgrade his knowledge to the same level as the upgraded bearing from spring 2005.
These posts destroy the knowledgebase.
03-10-2016, 01:03 AM
#648
03-14-2016, 11:32 PM
#649
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997 IMS failure is very very rare. when the 997 first came out Porsche did use the so called " flawed design" from the 996 only for a very short time to very early 997 builds, which were primarily "S" model 997's. Anything 2006+ the dealer network with inside information deems to be safe. The entire Intermediate shaft was improved, i've seen the difference in person.
03-27-2016, 10:18 PM
#652
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I took the opportunity to replace the IMSB when the RMS and clutch were being replaced recently on my MY05 997.1 C2 at 74,000km. The old IMSB looked fine - link:
[url]https://rennlist.com/forums/attachments/997-forum/1032067d1458352945-what-did-you-do-to-your-997-today-imsb-1.jpg
https://rennlist.com/forums/attachments/997-forum/1032073d1458353165-what-did-you-do-to-your-997-today-imsb-4.jpg
Although the seals were intact, the bearing appears to have been kept lubricated by engine oil.
[url]https://rennlist.com/forums/attachments/997-forum/1032067d1458352945-what-did-you-do-to-your-997-today-imsb-1.jpg
https://rennlist.com/forums/attachments/997-forum/1032073d1458353165-what-did-you-do-to-your-997-today-imsb-4.jpg
Although the seals were intact, the bearing appears to have been kept lubricated by engine oil.
Last edited by Sydneysixer; 03-30-2016 at 06:54 AM. Reason: added correct pic
03-29-2016, 03:46 PM
#653
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Chose my 2007 C4S based on no IMS problems. Had PPI performed, everything good just said rear main seal sweating. Bought car and parked for 5 weeks until nice weather to take to my buddies shop to get seal replaced and fluids etc. This is the pic my buddy sent me ....
03-30-2016, 03:06 PM
#655
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As a 996 C4S owner, I have been keeping an eye on this thread since I have a factory "exchange" engine in my car. The coding on the engine indicates it is a 2005 motor. When I bought the car 4 years ago, it came with no records and the current owner was the 4th and did not have any info or knowledge. My indy Porsche shop noted that it was an exchange engine, but could not determine if it was a removable or none removable IMSB. Last year it was time for a new clutch, so while the trans and flywheel were out they were able to confirm that it has a none removable -"big bearing" engine.
So, I am happy to see that everyone on this forum has been doing such a thorough job of determining the facts regarding failed bearings and eliminating some false reports of big bearing engine failures. Great job and great factual information here, helping to eliminate all the false reports and paranoia surrounding this subject.
Happy motoring.
So, I am happy to see that everyone on this forum has been doing such a thorough job of determining the facts regarding failed bearings and eliminating some false reports of big bearing engine failures. Great job and great factual information here, helping to eliminate all the false reports and paranoia surrounding this subject.
Happy motoring.
03-30-2016, 04:02 PM
#656
RMS seepage is very common with the 997.1 cars, seals dry up and seeps when it's not driven. I had the same problem with my 997.1 C4S, no big deal, was fixed under CPO warranty. PPI revealed the seepage.
03-30-2016, 05:48 PM
#657
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But during PPI they assumed it was from rear main seal because you can't see until you have tranny disconnected. That's why I pooped my pants to see the picture showing the leak from the IMS bearing which on the earlier models was a sign your bearing was going because the play would cause the leak. None the less, thank god my bearing is OK.....
On my 2003 C4S I did the IMS update a couple years ago and when they pulled the old IMS it was still like new and the car has 88 000 km on it.
On my 2003 C4S I did the IMS update a couple years ago and when they pulled the old IMS it was still like new and the car has 88 000 km on it.
03-31-2016, 11:32 PM
#658
Reading all of these is making me nervous, especially since mine was manufactured 11/2004. 
It sounds like Porsche NA might replace it if it was never done? How do I even ask?
It sounds like Porsche NA might replace it if it was never done? How do I even ask?
04-01-2016, 06:37 AM
#659
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My C2 was also manufactured in 11/2004 - see a few posts above. The IMSB was replaced as preventative maintenance at 74,000km but looked fine. If I had not been replacing the RMS and clutch, I would have left the original there longer.
04-01-2016, 07:41 PM
#660
Rennlist Member
I have had discussions with factory Porsche mechanics and indies. None have seen a failure of '06-'08 IMS bearing. I'm not saying it doesn't happen , but at least they haven't seen it.