You might want to double check whether you'd save anything by doing the IMS now while he's in there. Just an idea....

 

i already posted this in another IMS failure thread, but since i also have a 996 and just found this thread, i thought i'd post it here, too.

i received a letter from porsche japan warning of the consequences of IMS bearing failure and to bring the car to [strike]them[/strike] any dealer immediately to have them check to see if it needs replacing. if it does, replacement will be no charge. my car is awaiting inspection by them at this time.

it might be a good idea to check with porsche in your country to see if they have issued a bulletin on this.

 

I suppose that's one way to get you into the shop. How exactly are they going to "check"? Be careful.

 

from talking to them they are going to disassemble the front of the engine to get to the bearing. as i said, all of this is no charge.

 

I am sure you will let us all know how that tuns out. Good luck.

 

IMS it at the rear of the engine. IE transmission side. They will have to pull the transmission or maybe just look at the car on the lift for oil at the trans/engine junction? Would love to have a copy of that letter to show to my dealer. Would you post it or PM it or Email it fkmcbaker@optonline.net?

 

Somebody mentioned the word "Secret" like this is NO secret. OK, so in the world of those in the know, there is a LOT of chatter to be found and it's no secret, but what about the real world? The world of people who only know Porsche from that ONE guy they know that has one and likely has not had an issue and for sure would not be telling them about our conversations about it. He is an outsider and this is not an interesting conversation to anybody who does not have a Porsche. Rest of knowledge come from Top Gear who mainly look at cars superficially. How it drives and looks. What about how it is to live with? For this person, the IMS issue IS secret. Porsche aint talking about. The dealers aint either. I'm not even sure how I found out, just that once I did it was like I entered into this different world where IMS bearings were a way of life.

It's like the Benz "secret". All people hear about is the "German Engineering", but it's in dark forums like this that people are talking about the "other side" of these cars. Just a thought.

 

 

I talked with Porsche Japan today. They did a cursory inspection and clarified the meaning of the letter. I am to keep the letter and in the event of an bearing failure, they will cover all costs to repair the engine. I know it sounds weird. I asked them several times to make sure I understood. I even asked wouldn't it just make more sense to preventatively replace the bearing, and they said they would cover ALL expenses in the event of a failure. I am somewhat skeptical, but we'll see.

Of course the letter is in Japanese, but I'll try to scan a copy and post it this weekend.

 

had the Intermediate Shaft Retro-fit Service done on their 996 by Flat6 Innovations in GA ? If so, can you tell me about the service, the quality of the work, etc. I'm considering having it done on my 03 C2, but would like to know what you guys think first. thanks.

 

Is this in fact from Porsche Corporate of Japan or an Individual Dealership disguising the letter to make it look like it was officially from Porsche?

Do you know if Japan has had or have any types of legal implications for the laws over there concerning these types of scenarios?

I can't help but be skeptical on this...

 

You are not alone! Even the guy didn't seem convinced.

 

Sorry I think he may be a troll. Anyway I asked another friend of mine who is a 996 owner in Japan - he laughed - he never got such a letter.

 

I recently had work completed at Flat 6 Innovations to include, IMSB upgrade, spin on oil filter, magnetic drain plug, clutch and some other maintenance items.

The service from Jake Raby and his team was nothing short of excellent. Their communication was top notch and the work was outstanding.

The biggest win for me was the honesty displayed by the Flat 6 team. I will not hesitate to send my car there in the future. Well worth the transportation cost.

 

Yes, it is from Porsche Japan. You can see a picture of the letter and my rough translation here.

Troll? Seriously?