I've been going through the exercise that I am sure many of you struggled with when buying a first 911 - I am debating a 993 v. a 996. I prefer the styling/sound of the 993, but it seems like I can get a much better deal on a 996. It would also be much easier to find the options I am looking for on a 996.

My major hesitation on a 996 is that every website seems to have horror stories of issues with the RMS and IMS. It is extremely difficult for me to figure out if these stories are the result of a frustrated/vocal few, or if it is a real concern. I found one seller of a 2002 996 cab4 who claims that the dealer updated the RMS and IMS in his car with the latest parts from a 997 in order to avoid the problem. In all of my reading about these issues, I was under the impression that the RMS issue could be avoided through a "fix" but that the IMS issue was a potential timebomb that owners had to live with - does this seller's story sound possible?

Setting aside this seller's story, is there anything I can do to avoid the IMS problem, or is it simple part of the cost/risk of owning a 996?

Thanks in advance.

 

The more mileage you find a 996, the less chances you'll have to have a IMS/RMS problem. Very low mileage, 10 year old cars are just a time bomb... Ask Jake Raby from Flat6Innovations. A car with more than 80K have less of a chance to have a IMS failure.

 

First of all, I love Porsches, even with issues, but there is a time to cut your losses or potential ones that may occur due to self-experience or experience of others in similar situation.

My 2003 C4S had 3 RMS seals replaced with upgraded seals and 3 IMS seals replaced at 60,000, 68,000 and 80,000, under CPO warranty. Bought the car with 11,000 miles.

It seems that the "timebomb" mentioned in previous posts is the IMS bearing that is not engineered for long durability.

There is a upgraded bearing from an independent engineering firm (LF Engineering) that beefs up the bearing and shaft bolts. It costs about $1,200 to make this upgrade with parts and labor at a P-Car dealer.

There still is no guarantee that it fixes the seals from tearing longterm or eliminates internal engine issues or damage from occurring.

Additionally, it seems that the shaft assembly, due to its poor engineering design goes off balance at times and creates the tears to the IMS and RMS seals and then the leaks occur.

The new 997.2 engine eliminates this troublesome IMS assembly entirely, which tells you that Porsche was using a "bandaid" for 10 years with upgraded seals, etc.....and lots of warranty claims.

I don't think the number of miles driven has anything to do with the probability of getting the leaks and issues.

Once my car was out of warranty, with the IMS and RMS fixed, I sold the car, as I had a low level of confidence in its durability, i.e. leaks happening again or worse, i.e. bearing failure, etc..

While this malady did not effect all 996s, there seems to be enough concern to skip buying a used one with this M96 engine design. Better off with a 911, 996 or 997 that avoids this engine entirely to be safe. I kept my 1995 993 as a result, which has its own issues, but not distinct possibility of total engine failure.

 

Thanks for the feedback. On a whole, it seems like a 993 might be the better bet for me. I don't mind having to deal with maintenance but having to replace the engine is something I really don't want to have to deal with...

 

I went for the 996 because I liked what it had to offer. I was also concerned about the horror stories. I just had the IMS upgrade done up front and built it into the cost of purchasing it. Personally, when the its time for a new clutch I will replace it again (with the LN design) as if it were a wear item which it clearly seems to be.

 

Most of the stuff you read on the internet regarding IMS/RMS issues are from owners that experience the issues. But there are a heck of a lot more owners that do not post on the internet that do not have any problems. So keep a open mind on what you read on the internet.

One response states that a 10 yr old low mileage car is a timebomb....I would be hesitant to agree 100% with this statement. When I buy used cars I look for well maintained, lower mileage examples not higher mileage cars.

996 vs 993 well I would say this is a personal choice. Which car do you prefer? They are quite different cars

finally if you want a creampuff 996 with lower miles No RMS or IMS issues ever, I will sell you mine...cause I am ready to buy a GT3 and my wife will kill me if the 996 is not sold first