I've seen quite a few 997's and Carrera S's for sale at the low $30k price range. More specifically, a 2005 Carrera S with 70k miles has caught my eye. Are there really that many issues with the 05 and the M97 Carrera S engine?

According to all the fear mongers on this site, these should be avoided at all costs. But what's the real (catastrophic) failure rate if these cars, 2-4%. Like many used cars on non p-car lots, this one has no service history, but overall the car is in nice shape. Scheduling PPI on Monday, what say you?

 

Lot's of fear surrounding this subject but not many actual documented failures. People tend to worry more than they actually enjoy these cars. Being on a forum like this one, with people always talking about IMS issues is actually pretty tiresome. Sometimes I wish I just had never read about it. I personally have not seen any 997 engine failures due to IMS. I have seen one or two engine failures although not related to IMS. Anyways, I don't think it would be enough to have me stay away from them. There are tons of members on here with 05's that have not had any issues. There will be some trying to sway you away from them.

Mark

 

If the car you're looking at has 70 k miles and has been well cared for there is a good chance you won't have issues going forward . This issue recieved a great deal of negative attention on this and other sites but very few documentable cases of IMS failures. The guys who made the most noise about the IMS issue were the guys who sold the replacment bearings . But with that said, there a no guarantees when you buy a used car and you will never get a definitive answer to your guestion so if you can't live with the uncertainty you won't enjoy the ownership experience.

 

Run the cars VIN through the class action lawsuit site. If is it affected, imsporschesettlement.com - budget $ and just go get it serviced immediately for piece of mind. Car is probably near time for a WPump at that age/mileage. GL with PPI.

You probably have a better chance of being rear ended by someone on a cellphone that you do with experiencing major issues.

 

If you think the fear mongers are bad on this forum don't wander over into 996 land. With 70k miles on the 2005 you're looking at a clutch is probably in your near future. Have the IMS bearing upgrading then and you're golden. In the mean time do your oil changes religiously(5k or less).

 

First find out if its an early or late 2005 build, I am not sure of the exact dates. The later ones have the same larger bearing that the 2006 and newer cars have. The early ones have the original smaller single row bearing that can easily be replaced with the LNE updated bearing. They also just came out with a tool that will allow install of the LNE dual row bearing in the single row cars. This bearing has no failures to date according to their website. You just need to find a shop that is certified to install it. Jake Raby of Flat 6 Innovations who invented this process is frequently on this forum so if you have any specific questions ask or call him. The 2005 is a good value and I would definitely consider it if that's what you are looking for.

 

Ignorance is bliss.

 

I agree on the early 2005 with the smaller bearing not being as bad an issue. It can be replaced with an upgraded bearing.

 

Avoid the cars with Tiptronic. The oil pressure runs off the RPM, and the tiptronic shifts to early to save fuel and therefore the Oil pressure stays in the 1-2bar range. This is not enough to provide lubrication for the bearings.
With a stick, most drivers shifts higher and run at higher RPM, 3-5000, which increases the oil pressure to 4-5bar range.
There are no scientific evidence for backing this opinion. :-)

 

It's an early build 997 that's falls within the IMS lawsuit. I've actually already purchased the car, but I have a clause written into the contract of "Pending Prepurchase Inspection". I'm having the PPI performed tomorrow morning at the local Porsche dealer. I would use my Indy, but I feel that the Porsche dealer would list all items including scheduled maintainence that should be performed.
My primary concern was the amount of dirt accumulation on the oil pan. I've driven the car probably 50 miles and have not see any drips on the garage floor. It's weird,as I've never seen that much of a dirty accumulation, but maybe all the other cars were better prepped before sale?

 

Looks like oil and dirt accumulation over time. FWIW, much more accumulation then my '08 C2S with 56K+ miles before I replaced my oil pan with an FVD aftermarket pan and baffle. Here's a pic for comparison. https://rennlist.com/forums/10245001-post3.html Difference may be environmental as my car spent it's life in SoCal and Austin. Check for oil seepage though as it looks like that pan has been scraped (potential sign of impact) so it may be time to replace the pan or at least have it resealed. A DIYable project if you're so inclined.

 

Don't be discouraged from purchasing an 05 model, the fear mongerers just make mechanics more $$$ by spreading their paranoia. Often times owners of 05 models replace their ims only to discover the original bearing was in perfect condition.

 

OP should read this full story on a 2005 low miles car.......

https://rennlist.com/forums/997-foru...-hold-out.html

https://rennlist.com/forums/997-foru...m-porsche.html

 

....gulp

 

....gulp!