I did search but couldn't find a definite answer.

Popular opinion is that MY 06 has upgraded IMS bearings. I'll be most likely getting C2S to replace my CS shortly and I'm looking at '06-'07 cars.
I was just browsing older issue of Excellence (May 2009) and in the tech notes on m96/97 engine they state that new IMS designed was introduced in mid-2006.

What is it then? I've located few '06 that interest me but this got me worried. I could stretch and get '07 if needed, but rather save some money and go for '06 if it has the newer design.

Please don't tell me to just get CPO and not worry about it. I'll be keeping this car for a while (at least 5 years) and there is a chance I'll be moving to Europe next year - US warranty is not honored there.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

My understanding is that MY06 cars have the upgraded bearing. The new IMS was introduced mid MY05... But like many have said before, the only way to know for sure is to actually look at the bearing.

Jason

 

From LN Engineering... one of the companies Excellence pulls data from. They have done the majority of IMS testing conducted.

"Engines replaced or vehicles purchased in or after MY2006 should have the revised, larger single-row IMS bearing, identifiable by a larger 22mm nut in the center of the IMS hub flange. This uses a very large 6305 single-row bearing with a load rating similar to the dual row 6204 bearing compared to the earlier single row 6204 bearing which has about 2/3rds the load rating of the 6305"

Jason

 

Any 997.1 ownership has risks with IMS...not matter what year. But the chance of IMS problems is less with 06's cars and newer.

IMO I would get an 06 and drive and not worry and enjoy.

And while CPO won't help over 5 years...it will help over the first two years And thats when my engine was replaced.

 

I know, unfortunately it's an expensive route and I can't possibly inspect every car I'm interested in.
Trying to get some more data as Excellence mag created confusion. I wonder if that was a typo as all other sources claim MY 06 to be improved.

Still looking for more answers, maybe somebody has the info?

 

If I'll to move to Europe next year I won't get those two years anyway. That's the whole point and it makes me a little uneasy.

 

I spend alot of time talking with the manager of my dealer and master mechanic when my car was getting its new engine.

Both told me the new reinforced IMS came in mid year 05 and that they saw a greatly reduced number of IMS issues since it was introduced.

You will be OK with an 06.

 

Does the orignal warranty transfer to europe?

If yes then you need to check the price differences you are finding between an 06 and 07 and see if is worth the extra money for extra piece of mind for all potential issues.

 

Good info here!

I wish there was a way to see all the updates in the model line. Renntech has all the 997.1 TSB's but that does not include any updates just corrected issues.

Jason

 

Thanks, good info

 

No, unfortunately it doesn't, otherwise it would be a no brainer

 

then the choice is easy...go for the 06, save some cash and drive and enjoy

 

Is there a s/n or vin # that defines old IMS versus new? I have a 2005 but no idea if it's < or > mid-year.

 

not that i have heard

 

Does anyone know if there is a way to retrofit the latest IMS bearing easily?

What's the required process? Is it as simple as dropping the engine and replacing (similar to a clutch or RMS)?