I'm looking to buy a 2006 911 s. I have intermediate shaft bearing failure with my current Porsche 2001. I have been told that the shaft and bearings were redesigned in
May of 2005 on the 3.8 and that this should greatly reduce the chance of the shaft or bearing failure. Does anyone know anything about this? Do I have to go to a 2009 to not have to worry about this problem? This is my 5th Porsche and I'm disappointed that the company would design such a flawed engine. Thanks for your feedback.

Blair

 

There's allways a chance you couild have this issue with a 997 but the later the production date the better as Porsche has made several running changes for the seal and the tool used to install them with the most recent being in CY 2006 if memory serves correctly.

 

Sorry to hear you had an IMS failure but you really are in a very small minority. You are correct that the IMS went through a redesign in 05.

You should do a search on here and look at some of the magazine articles written on the subject. The forums and laymen tend to refer to IMS failures as a huge problem when in reality the M96/7 is very reliable and should not deter you from a purchase. Besides, with a good CPO you are covered for a long long time....

Jason

 

Get a 997.2, the newly designed has no IMS nor cylinder liners, two weak points in the M96 engine.

 

Well, when I picked up my 2006 997s I got it from the dealership with a cpo warranty. Not too concerned with it given the engine changes and the warranty.