Interesting that it only mentions 2001-2005 models neglecting the '99-00 models. I know part way through '01 models, they switched from dual to single row XXX bearings. I wonder if this has any correlation?

Also, the bottom of the letter was chopped off. Was there any signature or someone listed on the bottom of the letter?

Do you know of any others in Japan that has gotten this letter as well?

If there could be a cruel prank, this could be one of them.

 

the bottom of the letter isn't chopped off. the letter is in the standard format for a japanese business letter. japanese do not use signatures.

i know one other 996 owner and he didn't get the letter. but i gave him a copy of mine and he is going to go to the dealer as well. my car was brought to the dealer by my mechanic (as part of a regular oil change) and the dealer confirmed the contents. all i have to do is keep the letter in my car in case of emergency.

 

does anyone know how the "flat6" early warning system works?

 

Essentially, a magnet picks up ferrous metals and sends an electronic signal to a light and/or audible signal in the cabin. If the alarm goes off, it's time to do some inspections.

 

Pretty much sums it up. I have a brand new one for sale if interested. Dunno if they are still on backorder...

 

How much is the warning system?

 

$390 directly from Flat 6

http://www.flat6innovations.com/ims-guardian-home

 

Another casualty... 05 997S, 41K miles. No engine noise but pulled into a gas station to fuel up. Coming out of the store, noticed a large puddle of oil and oil streaming down from the forward part of the engine. Pushed it off into the parking lot, called the flatbed service and had it transported to the nearest dealership. I was waiting to hear about RMS replacement. What I got instead was, engine replacement and a quote of "around $19K" for a Porsche reman'd Engine. Currently waiting to hear how good the CNA extended warranty really is. Also got "the good news is, I'm showing 2 remanufactured engines in Atlanta.
This has to be a bigger issue than they telling.

 

Damn GoFast, so sorry to hear about your loss. Thankfully you have a warranty and hopefully they will cover the reman motor. Keep us updated and fingers crossed!

 

Did they tell you for sure that it was the IMS? When mine died there was most definitely noises to go along with it.

And, if it was the IMS, is this the first report of a 997's bearing failing?

 

I pressed them on it b/c they hadn't had it long enough to get approval to drop the motor but seemed definitive. They pulled the filter housing an found metal shavings. They concluded IMS but said even if it wasn't, the metal shavings indicated a new engine.

 

Also, the 05 997's are included in the lot for those with potential IMS failure. I haven't officially read a post of a 997 failure but they are included in the list of those with potential problems.

 

My IMS blew up last year and I went the $17k new engine from the dealer route. It's a 2004 model engine and I was feeling all warm and fuzzy about it until I read your post. :/
Lots of luck.

 

Alpine003, are you looking to move your guardian?

 

I have an 03 carrera with 19K miles on it. I absolutely love the car and treat it like Cameron's dad treated his Ferrari in Feris Bueller's Day Off. That being said, I plan on keeping the car for the long haul and hope to pass it down to my son one day when it becomes a classic. I think getting an IMS retro fit is a no brainer. I plan on having it done in January by ROCS in NJ (LN preferred installer). I see the expense purely as a maintenance item for these vehicles, why wouldn't you pay ~$2K and give yourself the piece of mind that you are pro-actively avoiding a potential catastrophe ?

Has anyone had their car done at ROCS in New Jersey ? Would love to know what you thought about the shop, the service, etc.

http://www.rocsauto.com/porsche_ims_retrofits