IMS Solution
Porsche IMS Solution: The Permanent IMS Bearing Fix
What Is the IMS Solution?
The IMS Solution is a patented conversion that eliminates the factory ball-bearing IMS design and replaces it with a pressure-fed plain bearing. It is designed for applicable Porsche Boxster and normally aspirated 911 engines with a serviceable M96 or early M97 intermediate shaft bearing, and unlike ball- or roller-bearing replacements, it has no scheduled IMS replacement interval.
Why Choose the IMS Solution?
The IMS Solution is designed for owners who want to stop treating the IMS as a recurring maintenance item. Instead of replacing one rolling-element bearing with another, the IMS Solution converts the intermediate shaft to a pressure-fed plain bearing architecture similar in concept to the plain-bearing systems Porsche used in earlier aircooled 911 engines and later Mezger-based Turbo, GT2, and GT3 engines.
- No scheduled IMS replacement interval
- Pressure-fed with filtered engine oil
- No balls, races, or cages subject to rolling-element fatigue
- Can normally be reused during a future engine rebuild if the components inspect serviceable
- 5-year / unlimited-mileage warranty
- Best suited to long-term ownership where avoiding future IMS service is a priority
Filtered Pressure Oil vs. Sump Oil
Open ball- and roller-bearing IMS replacements are lubricated by the engine oil present in the sump. That works well when the engine is healthy, but it also means the bearing can be exposed to debris generated elsewhere in the engine. The IMS Solution is supplied with pressure-fed, filtered engine oil, reducing its exposure to larger debris circulating in the sump and making collateral damage from unrelated engine wear less likely.
This distinction also matters during an engine rebuild. A ball or roller IMS bearing is a wear component and should be replaced rather than reused. The IMS Solution is different: if its components inspect serviceable, the system can normally be reused as part of the rebuilt engine.
Why Choose LN Engineering?
The IMS Solution was developed by Flat 6 Innovations’ Jake Raby and LN Engineering’s Charles Navarro, the same team that developed the original IMS Retrofit procedure and tooling. LN Engineering supports the complete IMS service process with application guidance, installation procedures, serialized products, technical support, and tool-rental options.
- Patented plain-bearing IMS conversion
- Application-specific installation procedures and technical support
- IMS tool-rental support for qualifying retail purchases
- Serialized products and installation documentation
- Trade-up incentives may be available for owners upgrading from a previous IMS bearing replacement
Why the IMS Solution Can Cost Less Over Long-Term Ownership
The IMS Solution costs more initially than a serviceable ball- or roller-bearing replacement, but the long-term economics can favor the Solution for an owner planning to keep the car. A future rolling-element IMS replacement again requires parts plus substantial transmission-removal labor. With IMS service typically requiring about 10–14 labor hours—and specialist labor commonly running roughly $200–$300 per hour—another replacement can mean approximately $2,000–$4,200 in labor alone before the cost of the replacement bearing and related service. For a long-term owner, one additional rolling-element IMS replacement can therefore erase much or all of the IMS Solution’s higher initial cost.
The patented IMS Solution eliminates the ball or roller bearing entirely and converts the intermediate shaft to a pressure-fed plain bearing. This should not be confused with a direct oil feed (DOF) system, which still lubricates a ball or roller bearing. The IMS Solution changes the bearing architecture itself rather than simply changing how a rolling-element bearing is lubricated.
If you prefer a serviceable rolling-element solution instead, LN Engineering also offers the IMS Retrofit and the RND RS Roller IMS Retrofit. The right choice depends on whether your priority is lower initial cost, a preferred bearing architecture, or eliminating future scheduled IMS replacement.
The patented IMS Solution design is protected by U.S. Patent 8,992,089 B2, U.S. Patent 9,416,697 B2, and U.S. Patent 9,909,469. Unlike a replacement ball or roller bearing, the IMS Solution has no scheduled IMS replacement interval.
Designed for the life of the engine, the IMS Solution carries a 5-year / unlimited-mileage warranty and does not have a scheduled IMS replacement interval. For a long-term owner, that means avoiding repeat IMS bearing parts and labor. If the engine is later rebuilt, the IMS Solution can normally remain in service if its components inspect correctly, while a ball or roller IMS bearing should be replaced as a wear item.
IMS Solution vs. IMS Retrofit vs. RND RS Roller
| Feature | IMS Retrofit | RND RS Roller | IMS Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bearing type | Ceramic-hybrid ball | Cylindrical roller | Pressure-fed plain bearing |
| Lubrication source | Engine sump oil | Engine sump oil | Filtered pressure oil |
| Scheduled replacement | Yes | Yes | No |
| Reuse during engine rebuild | Replace as wear item | Replace as wear item | Normally reusable if serviceable |
| Best fit | Proven serviceable ceramic-hybrid solution | Owners who prefer roller technology | Long-term ownership and eliminating scheduled IMS service |
For more information, visit IMS Solution or read The Definitive Guide and FAQ for Porsche IMS Bearings. If you are unsure whether your engine is healthy enough for preventative IMS service, review the IMS prequalification procedure. For current labor and parts planning ranges, see our Porsche IMS Bearing Replacement Cost guide.
1997–1999 Boxster and 1999 911 996 engines generally use the serviceable dual-row bearing. Model years 2000–2001 may have either a dual-row or single-row bearing. Model years 2002–2004 use the smaller single-row bearing. Model year 2005 is a transition year and should be verified before ordering because some engines use the serviceable single-row bearing while others use the later larger non-serviceable bearing.
Model year 2006–2008 Porsche Boxster, Cayman, and normally aspirated 911 models use the larger non-serviceable IMS bearing. Installing an IMS Solution in these engines would require complete engine disassembly, so it is not normally used as an external preventative service. When the transmission is removed for other work, LN Engineering recommends removing the grease seal from the original bearing so engine oil can better lubricate and cool it.
Frequently Asked Questions About the IMS Solution
What is the IMS Solution for Porsche engines?
The IMS Solution is a patented conversion for applicable Porsche M96 and early M97 engines that eliminates the factory ball-bearing IMS design and replaces it with a pressure-fed plain bearing. It has no scheduled IMS replacement interval.
How is the IMS Solution different from the IMS Retrofit?
The IMS Retrofit uses a serviceable ceramic-hybrid ball bearing, while the RND RS Roller uses a cylindrical roller bearing. Both are rolling-element wear items with scheduled replacement intervals. The IMS Solution instead uses a pressure-fed plain bearing and has no scheduled IMS replacement interval.
Why is the IMS Solution more expensive than the Retrofit?
The IMS Solution costs more initially, but it eliminates scheduled future IMS replacement. A ball or roller IMS bearing should be replaced as a wear item during a future engine rebuild, while the IMS Solution can normally be reused if its components inspect serviceable. Avoiding another 10–14 hour IMS service can also offset much of the higher initial cost.
Does the IMS Solution work with all Porsche M96 and M97 engines?
The IMS Solution is intended for applicable 1997–2005 Porsche Boxster and normally aspirated 911 engines with a serviceable M96 or early M97 IMS bearing. Model year 2005 is transitional and should be verified. Model year 2006–2008 engines use the larger non-serviceable bearing and require complete engine disassembly for replacement.
Who should install the IMS Solution?
Professional installation by a qualified Porsche specialist is recommended. The engine should be properly prequalified first to confirm that it is healthy enough for preventative IMS service and that the existing IMS bearing has not already begun to fail.
Is the IMS Solution approved by Porsche?
The IMS Solution is not a Porsche AG product or factory-approved repair. It is an independently developed and patented aftermarket solution created by Flat 6 Innovations and LN Engineering for applicable M96 and early M97 engines.
What are the benefits of the IMS Solution?
Key benefits include elimination of the rolling-element IMS bearing, no scheduled IMS replacement interval, filtered pressure-oil lubrication, reduced exposure to sump debris, and the ability to normally reuse the system during a future engine rebuild if its components inspect serviceable.
How does the IMS Solution improve oil filtration and make oil changes easier?
IMS Solution kits equipped with the spin-on oil filter adapter allow use of a spin-on filter in place of the factory cartridge-style arrangement. This can simplify filter service while providing the filtration configuration specified for the IMS Solution oil-feed system.
Does the IMS Solution’s oil feed negatively affect engine oil pressure?
No. The IMS Solution oil feed was engineered so that it does not create a measurable loss of engine oil pressure, including at high oil temperatures, and does not require the high flow rates associated with spraying oil at a rolling-element bearing.
Not sure which LN IMS option is right for your Porsche? Choose the IMS Retrofit for the original proven ceramic-hybrid replacement, the RND RS Roller if you specifically prefer cylindrical roller technology, or the IMS Solution if your priority is eliminating scheduled future IMS replacement.
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