I currently own a boxster 2001 2.7 with 113k kilometres . I owned it for 3 years and drive it to work 4 x/week. Recently decided to pursue my childhood dream to own a 911. Initially wanted a 964 so I can experience the wonder of an air cooled engine but my reasoning prevailed and now have decided to get a gen 2 996. I have read a lot about RMS/IMS failure about the M96 engine. Are the gen 2 3.6L engine more reliable than the earlier 3.4 or just about the same? any thoughts wil be appreciated. Cheers

 

There have been IMSB issues with the 3.4 and the 3.6 engines. However, the numbers are low. I believe that Boxster 2.7 engines have had even more trouble. If you didn't worry about it with the Boxster, then I wouldn't worry about it with the 996. I believe that the MK II cars had fewer failures, but they aren't exempt. Get a good PPI and make sure to get a car with good, complete maintenance records.

 

I posted this in the Early Model 996's Frequent Engine Replacement?fourm. Pick one with service records showing oil changes at 5K.
The main issue is that the Porsche service interval was 15K . If you track you car change the oil. once a year or every 5K change the oil. examine the filter see the you tube Vid. no metal no IMS issue. skip ahead to around 6:45. These cars are fine and have been on the road forever.Bottom line the 15K service is way to long for the filter and the oil.

 

Thanks for the reply. I am having a PPI on Monday. Lets see what the verdict is. Cheers

 

I bought a 2003 996 and for peace of mind I had the LNE bearing installed and new RMS after the PPI, that's just me though. What I would look into is the LNE spin on filter adapter, this makes changing the oil much easier and you can use the NAPA Gold filters, only down side is you have to change the oil every 5k or 6 months, but you do get full oil filtration.

 

Well done. Good year. Good choice just to have the bearing replaced right away so that's not a source of concern.

I would treat the LNE spin on filter as a convenience item rather than something that creates better filtration. It does allow you to get filters at the local parts store.

 

Yes true, and I would suggest the filters are a little better as well since they are not paper. Plus you can use a filtermag.

 

I would treat the LNE spin on filter as a convenience item that creates better filtration. Since it is a fact.

 

The MkII 996's are much better cars especially the redesigned engines with thicker cylinder walls. The IMSB is the same risk as any 996.

 

Yea, I totally agree with that statement - Take good car of the 996 and she will take good care of you!

 

Pardon my ignorance, What is the LNE bearing and how much does it cost to install?

 

Its the IMS or Intermediate Shaft bearing....ironically, I have my 996 in the shop in Washington have the LN ceramic bearing upgrade being done while I am vacationing here in Sydney....your backyard. There is tons of discussion on this forum about this...you can do a search. However, LN has a great write up that you should read and view the video if you are buying a 996. As the guys here say, the failures are low but are catastrophic so many of us proactively upgrade to LN bearings. Here is the LN link.
http://www.lnengineering.com/ims.html

 

Hey, this is what the forum is for, to share information! Anyway, as the other poster stated it's the upgrade bearing from LN Engineering. I had mine doe at the stealership when the PPI was done, I think the cost for just that was about $1800.00 or so, but....much better than 15K-20K for a new engine! Keep in mind you have to remove the engine to do this so the real cost is labor, oh while your there have a new Rear Main Seal put in and have the clutch inspected. May as well since the engines already out.

 

You mean since the tranny is already out.

Also, conversely, if you are replacing your clutch, you should do the bearing upgrade since there would be little labor...the bearing is about $700 I think.

 

Thank you gentlemen for the replies. It is quite informative.
Just received the PPI report. Leak down and compression test was ok. No oil leaks. Generally good report aside from the need to have the 2 rear tire replaced and the engine oil sump has a minor dent.
The car has done 88k kilometres and his suggestion is to replace the bearing at 100k as a preventative,meanwhile drive the car as it is. That a fair assumption?