Dealer says to change the intermediate shaft bearing at my 60,000 mile service on my 2005 boxter. He says they are having a lot of problems with them and should be changed. Wants 1600.00 to change the bearing plus 1100.00 for belt change, flush brakes and plugs. I am not sure about the bearing. Need some advice

 

Is this a Porsche dealer? Is it offering to replace the bearing (I call BS on this), or replace the RMS seal and possibly the IMS end plate/bolts?

Or install an aftermarket IMSB from IIRC LN Engineering? Some have gone this route. Whether it is the right thing for you I can't say.

The IMS bearing is not a servicable item and AFAIK Porsche does not offer the bearing separate from the IMS and to get the IMS out and a new one back in the engine requires the engine be removed from the car and the cases split. $1600 would cover about a 3rd of the cost...

If the belt is original, and the brake fluid 2 years old or older, and if the plugs are original, the belt, brake fluid and plugs are due on time or miles.

$1100 for a belt change and brake flush and plugs is about right.

I've done the belt on my 02 Boxster a couple of times. I've done a brake fluid flush a couple of times and had it done a couple of times at a dealer. The dealer has done the plugs several times. (My 02 Boxster has over 250K miles on it, so alot of services have been several times...)

Oh, as for the failure rate of the IMS bearing I have no idea. All I know is my 02 Boxster has covered 250K miles and is on its original engine and IMSB and even its original clutch. But of course others have not been so blessed with this kind of longevity from their cars.

Sincerely,

Macster.

 

The garage that does a lot of Porsche work is Musante Motorsports in Connecticut. They recommended the bearing and not just a seal. The company that makes the replacement is www.lnengineering.com/ims.html. They they will check clutch wear at the time and replace it for $600,00 additional if needed. This company does a lot of track cars. Your opinion would be appreciated. Thanks in advance

 

I have a 2005 Boxster S, build date 03/2005. At 62K miles I had the tranny out for a IMS bearing replacement by Flintworks in San Jose CA, only to find I have the M97 type bearing, accessible only by splitting the case. Had the clutch done and a LWFW installed. Plenty of life, 1/2 clutch friction left. Hope this helps, check your build date!

 

Thank you for the info. I have to find the build date on my boxter to see if we can replace the bearing. That is something i did not hear from anyone.

 

Build date is posted on a sticker by the driver's side door latch. Would have to be at least before March 2005 to have the older M96 type bearing. Good luck!

 

I checked my door on mfg. info and it is 02/2005. I am assuming that is the build date. I thank you for the info. Did you hear of anyone who had the bearing installed or had the bearing failure? Any more info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again.

 

Planet-9.com has more info, there is a build date 11/2004 Boxster owner who was successful in replacing his older M96 bearing. You are in a grey area, google IMS perhaps?

 

Have a look at page 32 of our local PCA chapter newsletter: http://www.goldcoastregion.org/LinkC...bid=99&mid=912

There is also an extensive thread here:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...gineering.html

 

Why not go direct to the source? LNengineering.com

 

I have heard speculation that the new bolts made their way into production over time and it was not a clear cutoff. My 06 Boxster S has a build date of 10/05 but my motor is still an M96. Does this make sense that the motor could be M96 but the bolt is the M97? Cayman Cab, what motor type do you have?

 

Mine is just like yours, most likely. 22 mm bolt and internally accessible bearing. M96 engine with the newer M97 type bearing.

 

Hi, need some help I have 2005 boxster built date May 05..with 40K no mechanical issues runs superb.. how do I know if I have the improve IMS my eng number is M96 2561508816 thanks in advance!

 

You will not know if the bearing has been changed. The only way would be if the previous owner had it changed. Running well now does not mean it is ok. I changed mine along with the clutch and rear main seal. Its worth the piece of mind.

 

I have a '99 Boxster with 127,000 miles on it, with the original bearing. I am considering doing the change, but it is a bit expensive. I saw that Pelican offers a bearing upgrade kit. Has anyone ever used this?