joes c4 cab

In my search for a 997, I have come across this document which surprises me and clears up an issue recently discussed here.

I remember a thread here recently that was debating whether or not
1) the 997's have IMS failure, and
2) the dealers tear the engines down in house or send them to Porsche.

I borrowed this receipt from an e-bay auction (and I cleared the owner's name and VIN #) for a 997 that has had it's motor replaced. The new motor is under warranty for 2 years, but clearly shows Intermediate Shaft failure as the cause of the problem, and describes the engine being torn down at the dealership to look for further damage.

I realize I have not posted to this section (I have been in the 996 section mostly), but I am currently shopping for a 997 and this really disappoints me because my 996 had an engine failure that cost me close to $10K.

My question is this: is this a car I should consider or run?

ClaylG

I would say a new engine is a plus.

IslandS52

As I understand it, the IMS bearing was revised for m.y. 2006 and not eliminated until 2009. 2005s are subject to the same or similar failure rate as a 996.

Domer911

confused...is that an 05? Not a 997 then, right?

IslandS52

2005 C2s were 997s.

McCulla

I believe I read somewhere that the newer, updated IMS bearing appeared in later '05 builds (but I don't know when...), so the build date may be important.

CarGuy21

Regardless of the build date, it has a new engine which would have the upgraded IMS bearing design.

joes c4 cab

Uggh. That is what I am trying to avoid. I was *hoping* the "S" would be different, but I guess not.

CarGuy21

Many have posted here that the failure rate of the new design is significantly lower than that of an engine that has the original IMS bearing design. Additionally, I've also read that the car needs to be driven. Those cars that are not driven regularly are more prone to failure. YMMV

Spiffyjiff

MY05 997 bearings are more prone to failure than MY06-08. and by "more prone", i simply mean from a mechanical standpoint, not from a statistical one: smaller means weaker regarding this particular engine part, it seems. the bearing was revised in 06 and is larger and non-serviceable without engine teardown.

and no, it does not matter base vs S. the GT cars are the only ones that escaped this malady.

McCulla

CarGuy21, re-reading my post I realize it was vague, it was intended more as a question about the point at which the IMS bearings were upgraded. I try not to worry about this issue, but my 05 is a pretty early build and I'd love to just beam this new motor into my car!!

CarGuy21

Thanks for the clarification. No problem. Ride on!!

mrzoop

to answer the op's question, yes i would consider this car. base and 'S' model 997 cars (05-08) did have some known issues with IMS/RMS failures. this seemed to occur more frequently with early production models, which this one certainly is. it is my understanding that the engineers continued to updated these components as technology changed through the production years. it is also my understanding and it would seem logical that any replacement porsche engine core will feature the latest version of the IMS/RMS design. this would mean that the engine in this model would have been replaced with the 2008 version IMS/RMS. i have heard that the 2008 version is nearly bulletproof in this area and should no longer be an issue. it's also good to know that this car has only been driven approximately 5700 miles per year. if it has the right colors and options and can be acquired for the right price, i'd say - go for it.

fpb111

$131 for 6 flywheel bolts?? Ouch!