I have an 02 BoxsterS w/36K. Has anyone had the IMS after-market kit installed? My car is naturally outside of the limits of the class action settlement.

Last oil change revealed a very small amount of rubber? type debris (not metal) in the filter. My mechanic said it is more than likely the IMS seal? And that I may want to consider having the IMS job done for next driving season. I put approx 5k on the car per year and have it serviced for the season every March.

Thanks,

John

 

If the rubber is rather hard it could be the IMSB seal deteriorating.

If the rubber is soft chances are it is not rubber but some piece of sealant -- used to seal the camshaft covers to their respective head and the oil sump plate to the bottom of the engine to name to areas that get sealant, lots of sealant -- that came loose. Given the engine has such low miles it is still a "new" engine (50K mile warranty...) so that it is still shedding this stuff...

Or some of the rubber used to keep oil around the engine oil pump intake is coming apart.

Given the small amount unless you tell me it is hard, I'm going with its some piece of sealant that is in the oil.

BTW you have a very good year Boxster. My 02 (base) has over 268K miles on its original engine and clutch. Damn floor mats are worn out though. Crappy German floor mats!

 

Good to hear about the 02 model year! 268k? At my current rate of 5k/yr I think the car will outlast me!

Anyway, the cost of the IMS kit installed is about $3000. ...and that's from my mechanic, not the dealer. Of course the cost of not doing it is a blown engine with no warning whatsoever. "Cheap" insurance?

Apparently this is not just a Boxster problem. Its a known issue with the 99-04 911s as well. I know of 2 owners locally who have had this problem. One was covered by the class action settlement, one was not.

 

I'll be damned if any floor mats look good after 268k miles.

 

I just had the IMS solution done. The procedure was around $3500 for the ImS solution, clutch, rear main seal..... I am very impressed and I had flat 6 innovations do the job in Cleveland Ga. They did a great job and took excellent care of my car.

 

$3,500 for preventative maintenance is worth far more for peace of mind and engine longevity than chancing a blown engine. I mean, folks drop that and more on exhaust systems. Unless you can somehow verify this has already been done, I'd do the IMS and move on.

 

IMS bearing replacement is becoming more popular as preventive maintenance. I have provided a link to our DIY article on this subject if you are interested in reading the details of the work involved - even though you may have your trusted shop do the work - it might be good to know what they'll be doing. Here you go:

IMS Bearing Replacement

Mark/Pelican Parts

 

Great DIY.

 

Thank you!

 

I had the bearing replacement last year on my 2005 boxter by Musante Motor Sports in Connecticut. Clutch replacement, plus 60,000 mile service for $4000 dollars. I think peace of mind is worth it.

 

Depending on what you're getting done (LN IMS ceramic bearing or the new IMS Solution), you may want to shop around. $3,000 for a ceramic bearing installation in a 986 is - IMO - ridiculous. Costs vary but typically $1,500-2,000. People have gotten them done for as low as under $1,500.

Just to be clear, this is NOT for the new IMS Solution and is not factoring anything else you get done "while you're in there" (clutch, FW, RMS, etc.).

 

I have installed the LN kit almos 2 years ago and works perfectly. I think is the best price-quality ratio kit

 

Thanks for the good news. I'll probably take care of this next Spring.

Happy motoring!

John

 

Thanks for the tip, I was not aware there were 2 different solutions to this problem. I'll ask around!

 

It would be nice if I could share some labor costs with this job once I decide to do it...but next Spring, all I'm due for is the usual oil service and inspection.