I'm very close to pulling the trigger on an immaculate 2003 Carrera with 56K miles. Spending some time on various forums has educated me (confused me) on the all the concerns with IMS. The car I'm looking at has already received a replacement engine# M96/03AT66566575. I'm under the impression that this engine was installed in 2005. I'm looking for information that would tell me if this engine has the non-serviceable IMS as I suspect? If so, what is the procedure/typical cost to replace the bearing if I start to suspect something is amiss?

 

The 996 isn't for the ones that worry a lot. It simply isn't worth it.

Some people come on here looking for guarantees or high probability that they're cars are ok.

History has shown us that there is none and there are wide possibilities of failures from various variables.

On the grand scheme of things, there's been over 130k produced with only a very minor percentage that have actually failed from the IMS itself. It's futile to debate the amount of percentage.

It's up yo you based on your risk tolerance. Low mileage and general car condition doesn't make anyone exempt or give them a lower chance of something happening.

There is also no definite on if you have the smaller or larger IMS without pulling the tranny and looking.

 

May I also add this, from what I've heard the failure rate is less then 3% . The biggest problem with these cars, or any exotic for that matter, is them not being driven or not being driven the way they were meant to be driven. Garage Queens have the most failures and problems. Just my opinion.

 

One more point - in *most* cases it is easily avoidable if it keeps you up at night. I took care of it on mine when the clutch came due.

 

Buy it and start fresh with a new bearing and really really enjoy the car!!

 

Buy a Camry

 

buy a Audi! i have Audi A4 and its speed could reach to 200km/h withou vibrate!