90K so far and no RMS problems...(touch wood)

I am curious, my 996 C2 Tiptronic just tripped over 90K miles at the weekend - as far as I know the RMS has not been a problem or replaced on this car. Someone mentioned in passing to me that once you get over 75K miles the RMS is less likely to fail - can't think why that would be but as usual if there's some inside knowledge on the subject I would appreciate hearing. Also, I wonder, is the RMS less likely to fail on a tiptronic or does this have absolutely no bearing on the matter at all? Any thoughts from the forum appreciated. J

My old 996 Tip had done over 130,000 on the original RMS last time I heard. I think you might be confusing RMS and IMS (as in Intermediate Shaft bearing). I think IMS failure is less likely on a high mileage car, but there are no statistics. The theory is that the bearing seals deteriorate over time, and it reaches a point where the bearing becomes (properly) lubricated by engine oil. As for RMS leaks, it does appear that Tips are less susceptible, but again no stats available to my knowledge.

Sorry here's the Spanner for the works. My Tip had several before it had done 7k!. But since then all good[ ] touch wood.[ ]

Thanks for that - to my mind I could think of no reason the RMS was less susceptible because of the high mileage, but the IMS issue does make some sense. What I am learning is that quirky is the name of the game with a 996 - some do, some don't - in just about all categories of maintenance I have investigated so far - I have already thrown away the Rule (of thumb) Book! Your comments much appreciated as always. J

Correct me if I wrong chaps, and I'm sure you will(!), but if the RMS leaks all you get is a messy garage floor and if the IMS bearing fails you get a very messy engine. Does anyone have a good and correct percentage for the number of bearing failures per 996/986 manufactured? I see from as low as 1% (Porsche figure) upwards. Does the lack of regular and proper maintenance contribute? If Tips are less prone to failure my guess would be that they see the red line less often than a manual car!

Hello tsaptain, Yep messy garage floor equals RMS and yes IMS gives a messy engine LOL and automatically empties your savings account. I don't know any percentages, I do know a lot of Indies made a lot of money. If there were one word I would pick out of IMS, Percentage, Catastrophic, money and failure I would pick money.

I have read a few articles on the subject and think this one is quite objective (albeit they are in the business of re-engineering!) http://www.autofarm.co.uk/pdf/911PW_Apr06.pdf Across all I have read It seems common consensus is about 5% engine failure rate is possible - so here's hoping I got one of the other 95! Best. J

I used to read various boards and wonder why some people would moan every time an IMS thread started up. Well after years and years of them I now know. Even if there where actual official stats, all it would show is that the percentage of failures to total amount of Engines Manufactured is very low . And those figures would easily put them within the top five Manufactures. So you got yourself's a good car, switch off to all the whiners and companies that are trying to cash in and go out and enjoy your Beast. Life's too short.[ ]