NoobJoe

I have read the IMS post... twice - and I think I mostly get it, hope I'm not breaking the rules here - but I have my eye on a 2004 911 cabriolet - the OWNER says there were no IMS problems with that year - or it was less so...

IF (big IF) I read the whole IMS string right, it is in fact a problem and I should still be very concerned.

I hope I'm not breaking any rules here or opening a can of worms, I'd buy the car on the spot if the IMS was done.. but it hasn't been.

Oddly, the owner knows about the RMS and that has been done.

Advice one and all??? I sooooo want to join this club!!

silotwo

Then buy it and have the IMS done. No rhyme or reason to the failures. Sometimes they don't (2004 C2 with 90k miles on the clock and IMS replaced at 75k miles while replacing the clutch and original bearing was fine)

2004 C4S and engine failed at 37k miles. Both cars purchased by me with 23k miles on the clock, same driver, same service routines, so go figure.

You are correct in that this topic has been beaten to death (well not really cause it just won't die)

ejdoherty911

The 2004 model year does in fact have an IMSB. Intermediate Shaft Bearing. So the bottom line is this, spend $1800 and replace it. Done. Or move up to a 2009 or newer Porsche that does not have an IMSB.

You are the buyer and you're in the superior position when it comes to purchasing a 996. Either negotiate a lower price to replace the IMSB or walk away. Buy the 996 that meets ALL of your requirements or walk away. There are so many for sale it's crazy. I will say a 996 is probably the best sports car deal on planet earth right now.

Personally I would rather purchase a car I knew for a fact was never opened up, then I can inspect the original bearing during replacement and know exactly what I'm dealing with. Expect 100 different opinions on this topic from this board. The vast majority of people who have replaced their IMSB discovered the original bearing was in perfect condition.

5CHN3LL

I agree. Unless a car has impeccably detailed maintenance records, I prefer to err on the side of an unmolested car rather than one with poorly documented upgrades/updates.

An urgent trip to the Indie to retrofit a bearing the moment you get the car isn't necessary - unless that's what you need to make yourself comfortable with the purchase.

If you're OK with the fact that a 996 might be more risky than, say, a used Camry, good luck and enjoy the heck out of your "new" 911. If you're very risk-averse or you tend to obsess on possible negative outcomes, you may want to keep looking. As everyone repeats almost constantly, the 996 is the car deal of the century - but it's only a good deal if you're happy with what you've purchased.

Personally, I LOVE my 996 and I am happy to accept that the 996 may or may not give me trouble in the future. The very existence of (often overblown) issues is what makes it possible for many 996 owners to become 911 owners sooner than they thought possible...

NoobJoe

Thank you all SO much.
If I buy - Id likely have it done for peace of mind.
While I have it done - other recommendations? Assume clutch, other?

satwiz

When I purchased my 2003 996 Cabriolet, I got the IMS, Clutch, AOS, RMS and Flywheel replaced - all for piece of mind. Good luck.

Triple Black

^^^

Same for me - right after I bought my 2004 996 three years ago I had the IMSB, RMS, clutch and flywheel replaced. I knew the RMS was leaking when I made the purchase, so it was a good chance to do the other items.

I also love my 996 and think it's an awesome sports car - puts a big smile on my face every time I take it out!

Good luck. If you go ahead with the purchase I'd suggest looking into the IMS Solution as opposed to just the bearing replacement.

Atrox

The right car will find you, enjoy the search and take the time to test drive several. You don't have to back yourself into a corner with these cars, there's literally a few hundred (didn't fact check) and obsessively searching for one is a pleasure.