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Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCH10k mile c4s ims
Leading reported evidence
Inspect filter as part of the process
Suggestion or failed attempt
No successful repair reported for this finding.
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Read evidence and context
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Suggestion
I would have them change the oil and inspect the filter as part of the process.
Leading evidence: 'Inspect filter as part of the process' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Inspect filter as part of the process' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
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Suggestion
At the very least have them drop the oil pan and inspect for metallic bits.
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Suggestion
Just change oil regularly, inspect oil filter and enjoy the car.
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Suggestion
Change the oil, cut open and inspect the oil filter, and all will probably be fine.
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Suggestion
He doesn't recommend I do a IMS solution without reason.
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Suggestion
That said, unless the motor was replaced by Porsche at some point that motor should have the small version of the single row and it's known to have the highest percentage of failures.
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Looking to purchase one owner 03 c4s. 10k miles. this may be subjective, but should I be doing IMS regardless of miles? Getting PPI. Seller says low percentage failure. thoughts.....
You're about to see answers ranging from "Oh Noes, have the PPI shop replace that grenade before you turn a wheel!1!!" to "Pllllt, just keep the revs up and replace the thingie when you're in for the clutch." They're all right, for the risk tolerance and assessment of the individuals expressing them.
BTW, what oil are you planning to use?
I suggest you drive it enough to decide how long you plan to keep it and, if you think you will hang on to it for a while, do the IMSB for peace of mind and future resale.
One of the biggest factors is if they changed the oil every 6 months. If not, then definitely. Is so then probably. Low mileage cars are in a higher risk bracket.
Yes and no. Overall yes there is a low percentage of failures. Even worse the numbers are skewed because the first internal thing seen when diagnosing an engine failure is the IMSB and most failures will take out the IMSB while they are at it. Few people want to pay to keep digging once they find a destroyed IMSB and just blame it. So what the real percentage is continues to be a mystery with lots of theories and guesses.
That said, unless the motor was replaced by Porsche at some point that motor should have the small version of the single row and it's known to have the highest percentage of failures.
On the upside with it not done yet it means you get to make the choice of what to do and if you do replace it you get to know for sure what the state of the motor is. There have unfortunately been cases of people slapping new bearings in already failing motors and pawning it off on the next poor soul that gets to have a dead motor in a few thousand miles.
Normally I'm in this camp, but the low milage gives me pause since there is a correlation between low miles and failures once it starts to get driven.
If it were me I'd get a deep PPI (scope the top and bottom of the bores) and then if it looked good I'd have the Solution installed after I took ownership. That way you're done with it and if the install follows the certification process you can be pretty sure the motor has a lot of life ahead of it for you.
My C4S also has low miles. Regular oil changes, PCA concours condition, etc.... .
My Local Porsche mechanic is very respected and has worked on my 911's for 25 years. He doesn't recommend I do a IMS solution without reason. Just change oil regularly, inspect oil filter and enjoy the car. He works on a lot of Porsche and has only seen one abused Boxster with a failed IMS.
10k is a new Porsche and its value reflects that so the IMS solution isn't a bad idea for a car that is so new. I am thinking about it when my warranty is off but only cause I think it's good insurance. I would rather do it when it needs a clutch but that's a long way off.
At the very least have them drop the oil pan and inspect for metallic bits. With a C4S and only 10k miles I'm guessing you're paying over $30k so IMO your car would be an excellent candidate for the IMS Solution.
Definitely do the IMS Solution now because 1) only 10k miles; 2) 2003 model year is right in the IMS bearing failure wheelhouse. If you wait to replace it and it starts shedding metal, even if you catch it before a complete failure, you're still looking at a complete rebuild to cleanse the engine of debris.
To be clear, I'm normally in the "wait til it needs a clutch" group, or even the "it's a dual row, so just leave it alone because the failure rate is so low" group. But, in this case, if you buy the car, get the IMS Solution done right away.
You obviously have the discretionary money to buy a 10k mile 911. Why are you debating spending a fraction of the money you are spending on the car on a preventive procedure that could save you ~20k on an engine replacement? Do the IMs solution. The 5k obviously isn't a problem for you.
Sounds like a great car. Get the PPI done by a good indy and ask them. I would have them change the oil and inspect the filter as part of the process. Mine was done at 70k with the clutch. My indy said the problems they have seen are with rarely driven or abused cars.
Post an update as you go through the process. I'm quite fond of my 04 C4S. Would love to see some pics
