Know IMS Bearing Problem Years: it is crucial to understand that the IMS bearing plays a vital role in Porsche Boxster and Porsche 911 996 models. It is essential to be aware of the problematic years. By replacing the intermediate shaft bearing as part of regularly scheduled maintenance, expensive engine repairs or replacement can be avoided.

Avoiding IMS Bearing Issues in Porsche Boxster and Porsche 911 996 Models: Know the Problem Years

In this blog we’re covering:

• Porsche 911 IMS Bearing Problem Years
• Porsche Boxster IMS Bearing Problem Years
• Which Porsche IMS bearings are the most problematic?
• What can be done to avoid failures in IMS bearing problem years?
• In what year did Porsche fix the IMS bearing problem?
• When does the IMS bearing need to be replaced?

Porsche IMS Bearing Problem Years

A failed IMS bearing can lead to catastrophic engine damage and costly repairs, making it essential to be aware of the issue and take necessary precautions. To avoid IMS bearing issues, it’s recommended to have the IMS bearing replaced with an upgraded bearing like the IMS Retrofit kit or IMS Solution. The IMS Solution is the only permanent fix for the IMS bearing problem. Doing so can prevent expensive engine damage and extend the life of your engine.

It is crucial to know the problem years and take necessary steps to prevent IMS bearing failures. Be proactive and protect your investment by replacing your IMS bearing with an upgraded solution. Don’t wait until it’s too late – keep your car running smoothly and avoid costly engine repairs. Remember, prevention is always better than cure!

One simple thing you can do to extend the life of your engine as a whole is to change your oil more often. Also, be sure to use Driven DT40 rather than a Porsche A40 approved oil. Not only will your IMS bearing thank you, but you’ll also help protect against cylinder bore scoring.

Porsche 911 Model Years

Depending what model year, Porsche used different IMS bearings, with some years being more problematic than others:
 

• 1999 Porsche 911 996.1 – Dual Row IMS Bearing
• 2000-2001 Porsche 911 996.1 – Dual Row or Single Row IMS Bearing
• 2002-2005 Porsche 911 996.2 – Single Row IMS Bearing (some late 2005 builds may have the larger, non-serviceable IMS bearing)
• 2006-2008 Porsche 911 997.1 – Larger, Non-Serviceable Single Row IMS Bearing

The most problematic years are 2000 through 2005 where the factory single row bearing was used. The single-row IMS bearing used had high failure rates of up to 10% under warranty, while the dual-row bearing had a lower rate. However, failure rates outside of warranty are suspected to be even higher.

When the IMS bearing fails, it results in a loss of camshaft timing that can cause severe damage to the engine, including bent valves and debris. Replacing the intermediate shaft and addressing any collateral damage requires a complete engine disassembly. Therefore, all IMS bearings must be changed as part of preventative maintenance, similar to a timing belt in modern engines.

Cars that sit idle, are driven infrequently, or travel short distances are most susceptible to failure. In newer Porsche 911 models with larger, non-serviceable 06-08 IMS bearing, the grease seal should be removed to extend the life of the original bearing as replacing the bearing requires complete engine disassembly which is costly and impractical.

Porsche Boxster Model Years

Like with the Porsche 911, the Boxster IMS bearing problem years vary from year to year depending on which IMS bearing was used by Porsche:

• 1997-1999 Porsche Boxster 986 – Dual Row IMS Bearing
• 2000-2001 Porsche Boxster 986 – Dual Row or Single Row IMS Bearing
• 2002-2005 Porsche Boxster 987 – Single Row IMS Bearing (some late 2005 builds may have the larger, non-serviceable IMS bearing)
• 2006-2008 Porsche Boxster 987 – Larger, Non-Serviceable Single Row IMS Bearing

For the Boxster, the IMS bearing problem years where a failure of the original intermediate shaft bearing is most likely are model years 2000 through 2005. However like with the 911, all models with a serviceable IMS bearing should have the bearing replaced to prevent catastrophic ims bearing failures. Like with the Porsche 911, Boxster models with the larger, non-serviceable single row IMS bearing should also have the grease seal removed. All Porsche Cayman models from 2006 through 2008 will also have the larger, non-serviceable single row IMS bearing.

What can be done to avoid IMS failures in cars affected by IMS issues?

Learn more about How to Identify and Fix the Porsche IMS Bearing Problem and How to Determine When and if your Porsche IMS Bearing Needs to be Replaced.

Replacement options include the IMS Retrofit and IMS Solution, the latter replacing the problematic ball bearing with an oil pressure fed plain bearing which is the only permanent solution. All other ball or roller bearing replacements, including the IMS Retrofit, have service intervals and require future replacement based on time and/or mileage requirements. Learn more about When Replace the Porsche IMS Bearing.

On engines where the IMS bearing is not serviceable, the grease seal should be removed to allow the engine oil to properly lubricate the original IMS bearing. This includes all Porsche Boxster, Cayman, and 911 models from 2006 to 2008 and all replacement engines manufactured by Porsche in or after model year 2006. Learn more about the non-serviceable 06-08 Porsche IMS bearing.

In What Year Did Porsche Fix the IMS Bearing Problem?

Porsche’s first attempt to address the Porsche IMS bearing issue brought about the change to the larger, non-serviceable intermediate shaft bearing. Porsche chose a 6305 single row ball bearing which provided similar load capacity to the original dual row bearing, however the larger diameter provided increased bearing speeds which are beneficial to the longevity of the bearing.

The drawback to this is that the diameter of the bearing is larger than the hole in the case, so the bearing cannot be removed without complete engine disassembly. Porsche also chose to retain a grease seal like previous IMS bearings which prevents the engine oil from properly lubricating and cooling the bearing, which is submerged in engine oil during normal operation.

Although significantly better than ims bearing used in model year 2000 through 2005 Porsche Boxster and 911 engines, the IMS bearing is still a problem with the 2006 through 2008 model years.

Beginning with the 2009 model year, Porsche redesigned the engine for the Boxster, Cayman, and 911 to eliminate the IMS shaft completely. The camshafts are now directly driven off the crankshaft in the MA1 (9A1) engine.

It is worth noting that the aircooled Porsche Mezger engine which was later adapted for use in the Porsche 911 GT3, Turbo, and GT2 successfully retained its intermediate shaft through the end of production. This design utilized oil pressure fed plain bearings.

Avoid a $40,000 Mistake: Know Your Odds

If your Porsche falls within the 2000–2005 range, you’re at a higher risk. Don’t leave it to chance—take preventive action now.​

• 8% failure rate for single-row IMS bearings in 2000–2005 models under warranty
• Failure rates only increase as vehicles age
• No factory IMS bearing is immune to failure

Proactive IMS bearing replacement costs a fraction of an engine rebuild. Protect your Porsche and your wallet—schedule your IMS upgrade today. Drive with confidence your Porsche engine is protected.

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