Yet another IMS bearing question

In talking with our local Porsche dealership's service manager (about, in general) the IMS issue with 996's and some 997's, he told me that in order to property replace the IMS bearing you have to take the engine apart. Otherwise, he said, the repair is not "Porsche sanctioned". He said, in other words, unless it is done by a dealer, one could expect to have to replace the IMS bearing every (45k, 60k, 90k) miles. Anyone care to comment on this. It would appear that, for example, buying not only the replacement bearing and seal, but a kit I've seen advertised on this site that converts the bearing into a pressurized oil fed set up, would be an "inadequate" repair.

FIND AN INDY!

Someone here recently posted that Porsche only sells the whole shaft, not just the factory bearing, so he may be correct in telling you what a Porsche dealership will or won't do. If you are replacing the whole shaft the engine has to be opened up. But that doesn't mean it is the right thing or the only solution if you want to put a new bearing in. The 996's from around mid 2005 and newer need the engine opened up regardless though due to the design. Earlier models have a couple options that don't require splitting the engine open....just drop the tranny. But the change needs to be preventative. Once the bearing fails it is almost guaranteed the chains skip a tooth and Pistons and valves try to occupy the same space each one arriving with much force. Read the sticky thread at the top of the forum. I'm a rookie just working off of limited knowledge so look there to get the details.

Who cares? They are the ones that caused the problem in the first place. Porsche has NEVEr offered an IMS Bearing, not even a part number- just a shaft.

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+1 It is my understanding that a Porsche dealer will only be buying parts that Porsche sells at any given time, and the only IMS replacement part that has been available for awhile now from Porsche is the new larger bearing and the shaft that the assembly is comprised of. Replacing the IMSB with this new bearing is one of several bearing replacement options on the market, however the most common replacement options are probably LN Engineering's products as these are believed to be superior to any of the Porsche designs. IMO, there are pros and cons associated with using a Porsche dealer or an independent shop. If you've found a competent mechanic whether it is the dealer or not, you've found a good thing.

The 2005+ (approximately) large single bearing does not come out of the engine without taking it apart. Prior to that version IMS bearings are replaceable with the engine in one piece.

Some dealers will install aftermarket bearings like the LN and some will not. Mine will, but it is not a "Porsche sanctioned" repair. But they still charge twice as much as an indy. Also, depending on the bearing - some are for life - like the solution - and some have mileage replacement recommendations. I think it is 40K for the singe and 75K for the dual row. Not sure about the new single/double bearing from LN. I think the pelican bearing is also something like 40K.

What I take away from these comments, (thank you all!) is that the IMS bearing, its propensity to leak and then cause (ultimately) an engine "event" (not good!) means if we do purchase a 996 we should add the cost of an IMS bearing replacement to our "recommended preventative maintenance list. Just like spark plug replacements, an AOS replacement, oil/filter changes, etc. Of all the air cooled 911's we've owned (7!), we used a rough figure of $1500/year for annual upkeep. Sounds like for a 996 we should adjust that figure upwards. (perhaps $2500/year?) The Porsche dealer's service manager did say at the end of our conversation: "It's not a Honda!" I think that might be the most honest yet revealing thing I've ever been told by a service rep.

I've had mine for 20 months and have spent about $1,800 on maintenance, which includes a failed fuel pump and an oil change by my indy, an oil change, brake pads, motor mounts by me and a set of tires. If you are the type who doesn't work on your own car and believes the best place to take a 15 year old car for service is the dealer, then I would adjust your annual number to at least $3,000. Moral of the story is that to keep your maintenance costs down, do as much of your own work as you can and find a good indie to only perform the tough stuff. I'm not anti-dealer, it's just that you are probably setting yourself up for disappointment if you are a dealership Koolaid drinker on a car this old. If that is the case, I would limit my search to 997.2 and newer.

Some Porsche dealers are more progressive than others. My local dealer will install an aftermarket IMS bearing if requested.

There is another option that is interesting (if it works) for the cars with the large(gota-dismantle-the whole-dang-engine too replace it) bearing cars. I am not advocating it. Just mentioning it because it is simple and inexpensive.Note I did not say effective because there is insufficient useage data and some expert rejection of the concept.It has been discussed elsewhere at length by many of the characters on Rennlist. The DOF http://www.pedrosgarage.com/Site_2/TechnoFix_DOF.html

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The IMS does not leak. It disintegrates. The RMS, which is near it, is the leaker. By now most 996's have later RMS's that aren't leaking. Your annual service costs are affected by how much you drive the car. Lot's of 996's go 10k a year with less than $1500 of maintenance. It is common for a new owner to sink $4k into preventative maintenance and then have little maintenance cost for a few years other than fluid changes. Happy hunting.

It is interesting to rigorously separate maintenance expenses from repairs. I have no problem with high maintenance because it is planned and all cars need it. For me the issue is repairs. Particularly sudden /unexpected/bad design/very expensive parts/labor repairs. Worst are the expensive repairs of parts that seem reliable/absent in mundane cars.

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I agree with this. 996s that are current on maintenance, with records to prove it, are more valuable. In the 2 years I've owned mine, I have mostly performed maintenance related to time, mileage and wear, with the total being about $2K. There have been a few cosmetic replacements such as the convertible top, some tired looking trim pieces, etc. for another $2K.

^^^ I agree with this as well. Many will shutter at the fact that I have spent more in the past two years on my 996 than what I bought the car for (about 30K in repairs/upgrades). Compounding failures and preventative service (as well as upgrades) have the car at a point that I would consider reliable. If my wife wouldn't have bought this car for me for my 40th birthday present, I would have sold it and bought a 996/997TT. That said, unless something happened in my life the necessitated a sale, this will be the car that my children will continue to foster fond memories in and one day, likely make their own memories with their own children. Monetary amount aside, the smile this car generates for me when I'm behind the wheel is priceless.