What is an IMS bearing? IMS stands for 'Intermediate Shaft', and the IMS bearing supports the intermediate shaft, on the flywheel end of the motor (See here). The purpose of the intermediate shaft is to drive the camshafts indirectly off the crankshaft.

How do you check IMS bearings?

A simple and reliable check can be made each time you change the oil and filter. If there is any metallic debris in the oil filter or used oil, it has almost certainly come from the balls within the bearing, while any fragments of black plastic may have come from the IMS bearing seal.

How much does it cost to replace IMS bearing?

The cost of a IMS Retrofit replacement bearing and labour for installation is usually more than $4,000 but can be done in conjunction with the clutch. This is a small investment compared to the cost of rebuilding or replacing the entire engine.

What year did Porsche stop using the IMS bearing?

Not to nitpick, but the difference is that in 2009 model year, Porsche eliminated the IMS bearing completely. However, the 2006-20008 (with the exception of some very early 2006 model years that still had the left over M96 motor) did not eliminate the IMS bearing, but basically eliminated the failure of the bearing.

What Porsches have IMS issues?

If you own or are considering buying a 911 Porsche model/year prior to 2009, you need to know about the issues with the IMS bearings in the 996 and 997 generations. It is well known that these cars had a problem in the intermediate shaft (IMS) that drove the engines' camshafts, resulting in engine failure.

The Cheapest Way To Fix A Porsche 996's IMS Bearing | NEW Wheeler Dealers

Should I replace my IMS bearing?

With model year 1997 through 2005 engines, the bearing is indeed accessible. Any IMS bearing replacement is intended to be installed as a pro-active measure in preventative and regular maintenance. Once an engine has suffered a failure, replacement of the intermediate shaft bearing is no longer an option.

How common is Porsche IMS failure?

Claims of which, especially those made by unqualified “experts” or ones found in the myriad forum threads about this topic, can vary drastically, however, reliable sources have reported the failure-rate of some of these original bearings to be estimated as high as an astonishing 10% after an average of just 90,000 ...

When did Porsche fix the IMS bearing problem?

However, starting with the 2006 model year, Porsche in its third revision of the intermediate shaft bearing, changed over to a design that is not serviceable, leaving later model years with no recourse for addressing this issue with preventative maintenance, which failures still frequent.

What are the bad years for Porsche 911?

Quick answer: Avoid Porsche 911 year models 1983 and 2009

Of over 50 years of year models, there are really only two Porsche 911 models you should truly avoid: the 1983 year model and the 2009 model. The 1983 Porsche 911 reportedly has issues with broken head bolts that may pop up under 40,000 miles.

What does a bad IMS bearing sound like?

A Later Diagnosis for Porsche IMS Bearing Failure

While we would hope that it wouldn't come to this, if the IMS bearing failure has progressed significantly, you will likely hear loud rattling noises when starting the engine or pressing the accelerator.

When should the IMS bearing be replaced?

Depending on which bearing is used, the recommended service interval varies by time and mileage, whichever comes first: Classic Single Row IMS Retrofit (which was superseded by the Single Row Pro) - 4 years or 50,000 miles. Single Row Pro and Classic Dual Row IMS Retrofit - 6 years or 75,000 miles.

What is RMS on a Porsche?

Porsche Rear Main Seal (RMS)

The rear main seal is located at the back of the engine where the crankshaft comes through the casing to meet the flywheel and clutch assembly. It is designed to stop engine oil leaking around the crankshaft.

What are the signs of IMS bearing failure?

The most obvious one would be knocking or grinding sounds coming from your motor. If you are experiencing this, your Porsche may be in IMS bearing failure. Other signs include oil leaks or oils with metallic shards in the oil filter, signs that something has broken off inside of your car.

How do I know if my IMS bearing is bad?

1. Metallic debris in the oil filter during an oil change.
2. Oil leak at the rear of the engine.
3. Knocking and metallic sounds coming from the back of the motor.

How do you tell if IMS bearing is failing?

When the bearing begins to fail you may hear banging, knocking, or rattling noises. When it completely fails you may hear a popping noise. If your Porsche makes this noise, turn your engine off immediately. Continuing to run your car will lead to further damage.

Why is the 996 Hated?

Following the very popular air-cooled type 993, the Porsche 996 was probably the most hated of all 911s. It divided Porsche purists as it was the first 911 to feature a water-cooled engine. This was reflected in its resale values. The 996 lacked the character of the 993 and the styling was criticised.

What does 997 mean for Porsche?

Porsche 997 is the internal designation for the Porsche 911 sports car manufactured and sold by German manufacturer Porsche between 2004 (as Model Year 2005) and 2013.

What is the fastest Porsche made?

The fastest Porsche currently in production is the Porsche 911 GT RS. With a top track speed of 211 mph, it currently edges out any other model in production.

How can IMS bearing failure be prevented?

The faster you spin the IMS bearing, the longer it will last less it will wear, and less lubrication it needs. With proper lubrication through use of an open bearing exposed to oil in the sump, more frequent oil changes, and spirited driving, longevity of your original IMS can be greatly extended.

Is a 996 A Good Investment?

The 996 offers the best value for money, provides good performance, gives the younger generation a chance to enter the 911 market, and it's a sports car that can be used everyday. Calling the 996 the best 911 won't go down well with many Porsche purists, but for some car enthusiasts this is exactly the way they see it.

What's the most sought after Porsche 911?

As the last of the air-cooled 911s, and a highly accomplished handler thanks to new multilink rear suspension, its appeal with owners and collectors will only keep climbing. Older 911s such as the Carrera 3.2 (1984-89) and Carrera 3.0 (1976-77) are highly sought-after, so are good investments.

What is a Mezger engine?

When Porsche fans talk about the 'Mezger engine', they're usually referring to the water-cooled flat-six developed for the 996 and 997-era 911 GT3, GT2 and Turbo. Though these cars came out years after Mezger retired, this engine can trace its roots right the way back to his race-winning flat-sixes of the Seventies.

Does 2006 Porsche 911 have IMS issues?

The incidence of IMS failures in 2006-2008 Porsche Boxster, Cayman, and 911 models with the M96 or M97 engine is very low. ... Owners of 2006 through 2008 Boxster, Cayman, and 911 (997) models don't need to rush out to have their engine disassembled to replace the IMS bearing.

What is a 996 Porsche?

The Porsche 996 is the internal designation for the 911 model manufactured from 1997 to 2006. It was replaced by the 997 in 2004 but the high performance Turbo S, GT2 and GT3 variants remained in production until 2006. ... This was done mainly to save development costs as Porsche was facing financial troubles at that time.