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YOUR RESEARCHAdvice on used 911s
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Replace ims
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I had the IMS replaced with an IMS Solution on my 996 (was done at the same time as clutch so it made sense for me).
Leading evidence: 'Replace ims' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Recommend doing the ims in either one' (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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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
I use my car year round and love driving in the snow with it as do many others here.
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12 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
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Hi, new member, first post. Love the site!
I am looking at 2002 C4S with 96,000 km, asking $32K.
Also looking at a 2006 C4 with 86,000 km, asking $40K.
Both have complete service history, and are clean. The 997 has had RMS and clutch done. 996 had a recent PPI by local Porsche dealer and needed nothing major.
Would you recommend doing the IMS in either one? I thought the IMS was not replaceable in the 997, but it appears it is but requires the engine to be ripped apart?
I like the exterior of both, and the interior of the 997. AWD is important as I'm in Canada and plan to use it year round.
I'd appreciate any thoughts you guys might have as to choosing one over the other. Also do the asking prices seem reasonable? The 996 price is firm, I think the 997 seller is willing to move a bit.
Thanks?
Rob
I have pondered this question at length. I would get the 2002 and get the IMS solution and be done with it forever. The 06 probably has the bigger bearing and can't be serviced. Failure rate is low but not 0. I also think the c4s will not take the depreciation hit the 06 will in the next few years.
That being said the 997 is more "modern" if that's your thing
I'd go with the 997. The IMS issue with the 997 is about the same as with the early 3.4 motors...1%. The 2002 is in the group with the middle generation bearing and the highest failure rate...somewhere between 5% and 8%. Which means you could do nothing and enjoy what 92% to 95% of the other owners enjoy.
The 997 may depreciate more...and maybe not that much. The 02, in my opinion is over priced for the miles. The 997 seems nicely priced. If you plan on a second set of wheels for winter tires, the 02S might look a little funny in winter since it pays to have narrower wheels in snow and slush. But on the 997 narrow body the smaller tires wouldn't look so...shrunken.
But I think the real test is that you drive both and go with your heart.
Buy the newest, best car you can afford. The post '05 failure rate is much lower, and the car is (to many people) much better looking. Interior is much better. I love my 996 but if it had been only 20% more to upgrade to a 997 I would have probably gone that route. As someone else said the 997 seems like it is priced well, the 996 not so much so the difference is smaller than I would have expected.
BTW, the AWD is nice but not imperative. I use my car year round and love driving in the snow with it as do many others here. Once you have 5 or so inches of snow on the road in front of your driveway you aren't going anywhere even with AWD in these cars. It'll just float on the bellypan and be stuck. My C2 with Blizzaks is way better in the snow than our GL450 on all seasons and about on par with our old Outback with all seasons as well. Put Blizzaks on those two the equation changes but still, not hesitant about driving a C2 in the snow.
Lets not forget this car is in canada where the P-car is more expensive than in the U.S so the price is not bad considering this.The mileage is also in kilometers so the is only about a 6,000 mile difference. I would probably negotiate the 997 as I hear the 996-4 is not that good in the snow compared to the two wheel drive.As one said a bit to much snow and it won't move as it is to low and does not make a good plow.Good luck. Both are nice cars
I drove a '02 4S year round for about 3 years, including winters, in Edmonton (before my engine went) and didn't have too much difficulty getting around with winter tires. So if you're not in a rural area I think you would be ok getting around.
The new clutch is a nice bonus as those can be pricy if you're not doing your own work.
For pricing, compared to my neck of the woods, they both seem pretty fair. Though the 997 seems to be on the low end already.
I had the IMS replaced with an IMS Solution on my 996 (was done at the same time as clutch so it made sense for me). For me it was a peace of mind thing, but it didn't really help in the end sadly as something else failed.
Something else to look into if you're driving year round is some time of sump oil pan heater if you do not have a heated garage and potentially a low temp thermostat.
IMO, I agree that the interior of the 997 is more modern and probably would go with a 997 if had to choose between the two cars.
Best of luck!
That's a real bummer. You are the first person I heard with an engine failure despite fitting the ims solution. Care to share what caused the failure? We already know 996.2 are suseptible to bore scoring, loose rod bolts, and bad timing chains and I wonder if it's one of those.
