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Hey guys I am looking at but my first Porsche and looking at an 2005 C2S but the only thing that concerns me is the ims bearing failure. I have read that in 2005 after a certain build month Porsche fixed the problem. The vehicles build date is 6/05. Does anyone have more info regarding this?
I have asked my salesman if he can if he can look into the history of the vehicle to see if it did/does have the problem and if its been fixed.
This has been discussed quiet a bit and based on what I've read, I've yet to see someone come up with a dependable method as to how determine which -05 models have the larger improved bearing based on build date. And I say "improved" bearing since there are documented failures of the improved bearing too including -06, -07 and -08 cars. The IMS issue wasn't resolved until the bearing was eliminated altogether starting with the 2009 cars.
Spend 2 grand for the LN Engineering IMS retrofit or don't worry about it. I am of the opinion after doing extensive reading on the subject that if it hasn't failed yet, at this point you're *probably* O.K. Avoid short trips that won't get the engine up to operating temp, excessive idling (don't warm your car by letting it idle for more than say a minute), change your oil every 5k or 1yr, and get out and drive the thing as it was intended! These things will help prevent the other issue which the M96/M97 engines are potentially subject to, which is cylinder bore scoring. Am I right, 6speed?
Oh and please lose the chrome wheels if you get it... yuck!
Last edited by CoreyC2S; Apr 17, 2019 at 09:24 PM.
How many owners?
Clean CarFax?
Service history?
PPI?
Does dealer offer a warranty?
About IMS, IMO it's all depends on how the car is being driven, maintained, and treated. I change the oil in my 07 C2S every April, been averaging 800 - 1200 miles / year...too many wheels lol!
I had my original IMS bearing replaced on my 996.2 C4S after 15 years of use. The mechanic said it was in perfect condition and showed me the new one going in and the old one pulled out. I still have my original IMs bearing in my garage.
I would say if yours hasnt imploded years ago your probably good. Just do regular oil changes and enjoy.
I also ran two other 996.1s C2s with zero IMS issues. $2k is a cheap piece of mine for my C4S because the value was a little more then my C2s and worth doing the IMA at the time.
