Posted on 4/30/2012
Today we know that the IMS (Intermediate Shaft Bearing) has been a major cause of concern for owners of 986/987 Boxster and 996/997 Carreras. It is generally accepted that far fewer problems are being experienced with the M97 engine, but that said, there have been IMS bearing failures in M97 engines also. Unfortunately, the IMS bearing in the later M97 engines cannot be easily replaced like in the M96; the later M97 requires complete disassembly of the engine for IMS replacement. One of the main concerns relative to these later M97 engines is how the factory’s larger IMS bearing will hold up over the long term when the miles driven get well beyond that of the 100,000 mile mark. The potential for serious engine issues is not something new for those of us that have owned 911’s over the years. For those who have, it is likely you are aware that there have been multiple problem areas with these engines. Oil leaks for all years. The cylinder head studs in the 1975-1989 911’s. The ... read more