IMS Anxiety - First Purchase
09-01-2015, 03:14 PM
#17
Race Director
Cars get old, stuff breaks sometimes. At least we now have a list of suspects to keep in mind - so as long as you have a good mechanic you can trust*, you should be fine.
*Trusting a mechanic: While mechanics are in business to make money, it behooves you to find one you believe to be honest. My indie shop, Black Forest in San Diego, does an exceptional job of categorizing things they find with my car. Since they know I DIY many things, the service writer will list things he knows I can take care of. Any remaining work they will categorize as "do immediately" and "do someday." Finding a good, honest indie will make your 996 ownership even better.
09-01-2015, 05:08 PM
#19
Instructions unclear: took a risk and caught gonorrhea!
Also, got an IMS bearing failure. Called unrelated shop that I haven't done business with, but couldn't leave a message. Writing my next rant, now!
Also, got an IMS bearing failure. Called unrelated shop that I haven't done business with, but couldn't leave a message. Writing my next rant, now!
09-01-2015, 05:19 PM
#20
Race Director
Take a chance and enjoy yourself...buy the 911, turn off your computer and be prepared to have trouble wiping off the smile on your face every time you take a ride.
09-01-2015, 05:49 PM
#21
Three Wheelin'
09-02-2015, 08:29 PM
#25
Drifting
M96 engined Porsches -anxieties
John,
Suggest you search for "Modes of Failure" in the relevant Forums. You'll find the IMSB is just one of many issues for the M96. Cumulatively not a reason to avoid buying imho.But a perfect justification for:
1. a very thorough PPI by a competent, local Indie Specialist.
2. a car for a full service history
Suggest you search for "Modes of Failure" in the relevant Forums. You'll find the IMSB is just one of many issues for the M96. Cumulatively not a reason to avoid buying imho.But a perfect justification for:
1. a very thorough PPI by a competent, local Indie Specialist.
2. a car for a full service history
09-03-2015, 10:53 AM
#27
09-03-2015, 12:54 PM
#28
Burning Brakes
Try to ignore all the fear and paranoia of the forum. Rarely do people post up that they had a great uneventful trip to the grocery store and back. What gets posted and generates a long thread are the people seeking help for something that is broken or complaining about the catastrophic failure they've experienced (which happens with all types of cars). Owning these cars is more expensive than a Corolla. It's also more fun than owning a Corolla.
The infamous bearing in my car is still the one installed in Germany. I manage to sleep like a baby.
Drive it, take care of it, don't be scared to work on it, and enjoy it!
The infamous bearing in my car is still the one installed in Germany. I manage to sleep like a baby.
Drive it, take care of it, don't be scared to work on it, and enjoy it!
09-03-2015, 06:48 PM
#29
Racer
Locally we recommend to anyone buying a lower mileage 996, 997.1, 986, 987.1 to change the IMSB. The day you buy the car make an appointment with your local indy and have them replace the IMSB. I recommend going to the eternal/permanent fix. It’s a onetime maintenance item and once installed you can concentrate on enjoying your Porsche. This is what 964, Carrera and earlier 911’s owners do with their valve guides, head studs, chain tensioners, head gasket seals, and valve cover and timing cover gaskets problems. Those are manufacturing design defects that have plagued a much higher percentage of 911's than the IMSB has with the 996. regarding the costs of those repairs in comparison to the IMSB upgrade for example, a non-upgraded 2.7 engine can accrue a $15,000 bill on valve guides and heads studs alone. A 964 with a repair of the head gaskets, flywheel, and acceleration sensor can add up to $11K+. They repair or upgrade the defective part when they purchase their cars and move on. It’s really that simple. Imagine if the internet would have been around when the 2.7 engines or the 964 engines began having its problems.
09-03-2015, 07:08 PM
#30
Burning Brakes
I bought a '99 C2 with 38K miles on it 6 or 7 years ago. It had an engine replacement back in 2003. I take it to the track for 2 DEs every year, and do exactly what was advised by some of the RLers here. It has been the most reliable car I own, and it has 77K miles on it. I couldn't be happier, and that's despite reading everything I could about the IMS issue.
If anything does happen, I decided before I bought it that I would replace the engine. That gives me the confidence to drive it when and where I want.
Congratulations! Enjoy!
Bob
If anything does happen, I decided before I bought it that I would replace the engine. That gives me the confidence to drive it when and where I want.
Congratulations! Enjoy!
Bob