Eyelise

I was doing a little reasearch and it looked like both engines were used. Maybe the earlier construction dates were the M96. Can anyone confirm this?

mjdavis

As far as I know, M97 is the designation for the S engines.

RWPinNC

M97 is the designation for the engines with the "improved, big" IMS bearing. M96 engines had the single row "small" bearing that is consider the most fragile and likely to fail (e.g. 10% or more failure rate). The M97 IMS is not removable without engine disassembly and is considered reliable with frequent oil changes. I'm not an expert, or even knowledgeable, but supposedly all Caymans were equipped with M97 engines, as these were phased out in late 2004 and very early 2005 (March, i believe). My 2006 Cayman S has an M97 motor.

Eyelise

OK, I thought the M96 made it into early model Caymans. What was your build date? I would expect the earliest 2006 Caymans would have been built in June or July of 2005. As long as the engine was phased out prior to that all Caymans should be M97. BTW, since the IMS has a sealed bearing, I was told oil changes on matter once the seal has been removed during a clutch replacement.

RWPinNC

Not sure how to respond. My CS will get 5,000 mile oil changes unless I have a reason to do it sooner. Have maintained that interval through several vintage BMWs with good luck.