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Sure. The 1M has absolutely earned its reputation, IMO. Just a fantastic driver’s car. I was lucky to find what some call “a stripper” car (though not a “fully” true stripper...long, boring, BMW guy story) with manual seats, no nav etc.
The 1M is noted for its steering feel but I honesty say the 997 is as good (if not slightly better....gasp). The 1M was my second rare 1 series in a row as I had a 135is which is actually even more rare, and I grew tired of the looks at some angles to be honest.
Also, the 40k miles on mine left it in a weird spot for value with it not being a low mile car and not exactly a driver so I worried about mileage too much. I ended up making some money on it and got a car I loved looking at in the garage, at all angles. I also love the NA power on the 997 vs the turbo cars I’ve had lately.
Thanks for the quick comparo! I also came from a turbo car (built Audi TTRS) and was kinda relieved by the instant throttle response and linearity of the flat 6. Enjoy!
Quick question for you gentlemen, are all 2005 997 have IMSB that are replaceable? I'm in the market for a 997.1 and I sorta want one with a replacement IMSB so I can install the IMS Solution and be done with it. Logically thinking, wouldn't all bearings eventually fail ie 06-08? I recently found out there is an oil feed solution for the 06-08 while still using the original IMSB. Does anyone have any experience about this oil feed solution?
Quick question for you gentlemen, are all 2005 997 have IMSB that are replaceable? I'm in the market for a 997.1 and I sorta want one with a replacement IMSB so I can install the IMS Solution and be done with it. Logically thinking, wouldn't all bearings eventually fail ie 06-08? I recently found out there is an oil feed solution for the 06-08 while still using the original IMSB. Does anyone have any experience about this oil feed solution?
No. I believe all 3.6 engines have a replaceable/serviceable IMS. The 3.8 engines had a mid year change, I think 07ish, to a non issue, larger, non serviceable IMS. So the late 3.8 engines are not problematic. You can confirm this on the LN website.
^^^ the 3.8 has never really had statistically significant issues but the IMS change on the 3.8 was mid 2005. If you use google, you can get the serial numbers that are on either side of the change. mid 2005 and up 3.8 should have the larger non-servicable bearing that has the -1% failure rate. This means any 2006+ M97 should have the revised IMS.
just to stir the pot, ***FLAME SUIT ENGAGE*** ALL Porsche engines have IMS. From my understanding, since the beginning of time. This includes the holy Mezger motor. The difference is that the Mezger motor has a plain bearing instead of the problematic ball bearing from the M96. The more interesting question is to ask if the M97 3.8 has a plain bearing or a ball bearing? I know the bearing in the IMS is bigger in the revised 3.8 but I do not know what type of bearing it is. The LN solution is to replace IMS ball bearings with plain bearings in any case.
^^^ the 3.8 has never really had statistically significant issues but the IMS change on the 3.8 was mid 2005. If you use google, you can get the serial numbers that are on either side of the change. mid 2005 and up 3.8 should have the larger non-servicable bearing that has the -1% failure rate. This means any 2006+ M97 should have the revised IMS.
just to stir the pot, ***FLAME SUIT ENGAGE*** ALL Porsche engines have IMS. From my understanding, since the beginning of time. This includes the holy Mezger motor. The difference is that the Mezger motor has a plain bearing instead of the problematic ball bearing from the M96. The more interesting question is to ask if the M97 3.8 has a plain bearing or a ball bearing? I know the bearing in the IMS is bigger in the revised 3.8 but I do not know what type of bearing it is. The LN solution is to replace IMS ball bearings with plain bearings in any case.
Is there a debate in which it's argued that some flat-6 engines don't have ims bearings? Either way, 3.8s are good. ��
I think it is more that some have plain bearings (Mezgers) vs. ball bearing combos (M96, M97, and etc.) but I am not an engineer. This is just from researching prior to buying a 997.1 M97 C2S, and currently obsessing over details of the car.
In the older Air Cooled cars, they definitely had IMS with plain bearings because when they wear out, you just get a knocking noise and not a catastrophic engine failure.
Last edited by jamesinger; 12-15-2018 at 08:19 PM.
Reason: *plain
I think it is more that some have plain bearings (Mezgers) vs. ball bearing combos (M96, M97, and etc.) but I am not an engineer. This is just from researching prior to buying a 997.1 M97 C2S, and currently obsessing over details of the car.
In the older Air Cooled cars, they definitely had IMS with plain bearings because when they wear out, you just get a knocking noise and not a catastrophic engine failure.
All 99-08 M96 & M97 motors have ball bearings EXCEPT the GT and Turbo motors, which have plain oil-fed bearings.
Base on my research this is true. Have you heard of an oil feed system while still using the original ball bearing?
Yes, but I'm not sure that's the best idea. If using a pressure fed beating, yiu don't need the ball bearing - it will just ride on the oil film. Fewer moving parts and lower risk of failure and metal debris in the motor. I think it's offered by Vertex auto or ECS.
12-14-2018, 09:43 PM
Thanks for the quick comparo! I also came from a turbo car (built Audi TTRS) and was kinda relieved by the instant throttle response and linearity of the flat 6. Enjoy!
