IMS

Hello, I had the IMS and RMS replaced a couple of years ago and the car has only covered 4.5k miles since the install, so obviously a miffed that an oil leak has started. So the question is, should these be failing having doing so little mileage? Also having been told by the installer that due to the car being park up and doing minimal mileage, that’s the primary reason why the issue has happened. Obviously the garage said there’s no warranty due to the time period, but it’s left me with a sick taste, knowing the cost was several thousand.

Hello Jandejong001, Firstly, I'm very sorry to read your post as I'm sure other members are who read it. It's not a myth that these bearings can wear prematurely on 996s but I think the issue is thought to be vastly overstated in general terms; it's a very small fraction of these cars that succumb to the problem. Mine is a 2003 car that, admittedly. is low mileage at circa 40k miles that doesn't get daily use and is still going strong; a friend has the same model year with 110k history also with no problem. Both cars have ALWAYS been 'looked after' well with regular oil/filter changes alongside other sensible maintenance protocols. My example doesn't portray your garage's theory about lack of use, and my friend's example doesn't fall into the gloom and doom merchants' pit. I simply wonder whether the issue is synonymous with 996s that are not maintained as well as they should, and are worked to extremes. Yes these are sports cars but, by the very fact that they are, need nurturing along their way. No mechanical system (whatever the make, model, and type of vehicle) is designed and engineered to undergo constant hard motoring without proper consideration of the effects. This is where a car's history is so important of course. If one is able to buy brand new then its history is obvious to the owner; if buying used then catalogued history is absolutely paramount. Unfortunately, none of the above narrative helps you in your situation and I truly feel for your predicament. These are my thoughts which I believe carry some gravitas with regard to the bearing issue on 996s. Might it be worthwhile for Porsche GB to organise and hold a straw poll amongst 996 owners with regard to who's had IMS/RMS issues, who hasn't, at what mileage, maintenance, use etc etc? I think this might help more than just perpetuate the discussion. Of course, the fact that even a small percentage of these bearing issues plays on the minds of owners carries some weight; I am not advocating ignorance is bliss, just painting a picture that without due consideration ALL moving parts wear faster. In my case, I am willing to trust my judgement, trust my independent Porsche man, and trust Porsche engineering. PS Where did you take your car for this work? I'm assuming it wasn't a Porsche main dealer, but was it a Porsche independent? This may have had a bearing (no pun intended) on the work carried out. Perhaps there are others on this forum that could advise regarding your legal position with the garage vis a vis guarantees in relation to this sort of work by these sort of people? Perhaps you may wish to name the garage too, for the sake of other Porsche owners who may think of taking their pride and joy there. Best wishes for your future motoring, Phil Stockford Region 14

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First, you must establish the source of the oil leak. Is it actually from the bottom of the engine, under the flywheel/clutch housing? If it is from under the engine sump or higher up, it will be unrelated to the work done. If it is from the bottom of the clutch housing, it could just be the RMS which has failed again. If the work was done by a reputable Porsche specialist, ask them to confirm the leak source and that they have registered the IMS replacement. It is likely that the IMS bearing was replaced with an aftermarket kit. These typically come with an extended warranty, if they are registered with the supplier at the time of fitting (kits have a serial number). You say replacement was a couple of years ago, you need to be specific on how long ago and check the garage invoice to see what they claim was done, and the source of the IMS bearing repair kit. It is very unlikely that a properly fitted kit will have failed after so few miles. Did the 'garage' actually replace the RMS or decide (wrongly) that the seal was OK? It is unlikely that a new RMS would fail so soon due to being laid up. If replaced, it is more likely that the RMS was either not properly seated or the seal edge was damaged during fitment, but difficult to prove. Yes, it will be hard to get the 'garage' to replace the seal, but if it is just the seal that is faulty, the cost of replacement will be much less than the original work. Hope this is helpful.

Hello Phil Thanks for your response it’s greatly valued, however at the moment I don’t want to name and shame the garage, but I am a north west member. With regards to the service history, the car has been routinely maintained every 6k, to the point that the service book is full. I believe the car has been looked after by previous owners, but im well aware, it’s nearly 30yrs old, so things will go wrong with it from time to time. The only reason I was made aware of the situation was a couple of weeks ago when I had to get an exhaust tail pipe replaced at unique Porsche, and that when the engineer made me aware of the situation, Obviously, the IMS and RMS in my mind had been sorted, so never even thought they could prematurely fail, bearing in mind it’s not nearly driven to its full potential Any assistance/guidance with this matter would be welcomed

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Hello ianthow Thanks for getting back to me At the time of Purchase I was looking for an early 996 tiptronic auto, which I could spend a bit of time on as a little project. So knowing the the issues with the IMS and RMS, they were the first jobs to be done (13th April 23), with the intention of spending a bit of time on the interior last year and getting the bodywork done this year. But taking on board your comment about the registering the IMS, I can see it cost £545 ex Vat for the bearing, but there’s no supporting documentation to support the new component, should this have been provided with the invoice? Regards

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I would say yes, especially if the repairer is a recognised Porsche specialist. Ask them to give you details of the manufacturer of the IMS kit, ideally with a copy of the suppliers invoice, prices redacted of course, and the manufacturer's warranty.

I wouldn't accept being told it was due to the car being parked up and having completed very few miles. I've had a 996 since new in 2004 and only occasionally use it, it has done 13,000 miles in total and I have never had any problems with it.