WHAT IS AN IMS BEARING AND WHY UPGRADE?
One of the weaknesses identified in recent years by Porsche has been the intermediate shaft bearing (IMS bearing), which supports the intermediate shaft on the flywheel end of the engine.
The IMS bearing is a sealed ball bearing which is pressed into the intermediate shaft and is designed to be used in dry conditions, so the area where Porsche designed the bearing to sit must be dry.
After years of use, it would appear that oil and contaminants from the engine seep past the bearing seal, wash out the original lubricant and become trapped inside. The result is that the bearing now operates in a less-than-ideal environment and begins to wear prematurely.
When the bearing wears out, the timing chains on the engine may disengage, causing major damage to the engine (in most cases, it’s usually terminal). Also as the bearing deteriorates, swarf debris from the bearing circulates throughout the engine, causing damage to other areas in the engine.
If you are concerned about an IMS failure, we are offering the intermediate bearing retrofit upgrade starting from £995.00 + vat.
WHAT CARS ARE SUSCEPTIBLE TO AN IMS FAILURE?
All model year 1997-2008 Boxster, Cayman, and 911 models can suffer from IMS failures, with exception of Turbo, GT2 and GT3 models.
HOW CAN I CHECK FOR AN IMS BEARING PROBLEM?
At every oil change, check the filter and magnetic drain plug for any debris (swarf) and/or small pieces of plastic (bearing seal). If sparkly metallic debris is present, you must stop driving your car immediately and install an IMS Retrofit upgrade. Even if there is only a small amount, it is probably a good indication that your bearing is starting to fail.
Other indicators that you may have an IMS issue include oil leaks at the rear of the engine. Oil leaks between the engine and gearbox or usually an indication that there is an RMS leak. However, if the IMS bearing is starting to fail, the IMS flange seal will start to leak oil and this will cause an oil leak between the engine and gearbox (same area as RMS).
WHICH IMS BEARING DOES MY CAR HAVE?
As long as the engine in your vehicle is original to the car, you can expect to find the following:
I HAVE A 911 997. IS MY BEARING LARGE DUAL ROW OR SMALL SINGLE ROW?
If you have a 3.6 engine the engine designation is the “M96”. This engine can have both smaller IMS or the revised larger bearing. Check your engine number in order to determine which bearing you have: –
3.6 engine numbers up to M96/05 69507475 have the smaller IMS bearing.
Engine numbers from M96/05 69507476 have the larger revised IMS bearing.
For 3.8 S models, these have the engine designation “M97”. This engine can have both smaller IMS or revised larger IMS bearing. Check your engine number in order to determine which bearing you have: –
3.8 engine numbers up to M97/01 68509790 have the smaller IMS bearing
Engine numbers from M97/01 68509791 have the larger revised IMS bearing.
You will find your engine number on the factory sticker at the front of your service book.
If your vehicle has a replacement engine, expect to find the prevailing bearing used by Porsche in those years. If the engine was made for MY06 or later, it will have the late revision, larger IMS bearing which is not serviceable without complete disassembly of the engine.
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MANUAL TRANSMISSION
£995
+VAT
1999-2004 PORSCHE 911 996 C2, C4, C4S
2004-2006 PORSCHE 911 997 C2, C4, C4S
1999-2004 PORSCHE BOXSTER (INC S) 986
2004-2006 PORSCHE BOXSTER (INC S, NOT 3.4S) 987
2005-2006 PORSCHE CAYMAN (INC S) 987
NOTE: OIL AND FILTER CHANGE INCLUDED IN PRICE OF UPGRADE
TIPTRONIC TRANSMISSION
£1295
+VAT
1999-2004 PORSCHE 911 996 C2, C4, C4S
2004-2006 PORSCHE 911 997 C2, C4, C4S
1999-2004 PORSCHE BOXSTER (INC S) 986
2004-2006 PORSCHE BOXSTER (INC S, NOT 3.4S) 987
2005-2006 PORSCHE CAYMAN (INC S) 987
NOTE: OIL AND FILTER CHANGE INCLUDED IN PRICE OF UPGRADE
