I am currently an owner of a 2001 bolster 2.7 (for 3 1/2 years)and finally decided to get my first 911.
Never had IMS/RMS issue in my ride but always at the back of my head worrying. Pardon my ignorance but does the 996 has the same rate of failure?
If so? Is it prevalent in the entire 996 range? Any info will be much appreciated>
Cheers

 

Like the 911, the Boxster is based on the M96 engine. Same design, same problems. Since no 'official' stats have been released, it's pretty much impossible to compare the rate of failure, but my suspicion would be that they are similar.

I wouldn't worry that much. IMS Guardian, or retrofit will ease your mind.

 

Ok this is what I know. The IMS bearing failure is not as prevelant as one would think given the number on 996's out there, but yes it can occur and yes it was an issue though the entire line. The RMS was also an issue, but mostly on cars that weren't driven a lot ie garage queens, but if you do have a RMS failure not to worry, just check the oil prior to every drive and keep something under the car, you won't need to change it until your spouse get's tired of the oil leak, which in most cases is minor.
When I got mine it was 9 yeasr old and hardly ever driven,4K per year and it had just a small oil at the seal, but I wanted peace of mind so I had the RMS and IMS changed, but that's just me.
Before you buy have a full PPI done and have them check the oil for metal.
Hope this helps. Jim