Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late – Replace Your IMS Bearing Now

If you own a Porsche Boxster or Porsche 911 996 model, you may have heard about the infamous IMS bearing issue that can cause catastrophic engine failure. The good news is that there are IMS bearing replacement kits available on the market, such as those from LN Engineering, that can help prevent this issue.

In this blog we’re covering:

• What are the costs associated with not replacing the IMS bearing?
• What does it cost to replace the IMS bearing?
• Why is IMS bearing replacement necessary?
• Why should you choose an IMS bearing replacement from LN Engineering?
• Should I go with the IMS Retrofit or IMS Solution?
• Answers to commonly asked questions about IMS bearing replacement costs

What are the costs associated with not replacing the IMS bearing?

A failed IMS bearing doesn’t just ruin your day—it destroys your engine. The IMS, or intermediate shaft, connects the crankshaft to the camshafts via timing chains. The bearing in question supports the intermediate shaft during operation, so when the bearing fails, not only does it spread metal throughout your engine, but it also can result in a loss of camshaft timing. When that occurs, the valves hit the pistons, stopping your engine in its tracks. If this happens with sufficient speed, this can end up damaging your engine so badly that you can’t even rebuild it, or at the very least, it will add significant additional cost to fixing it. Waiting to replace your IMS bearing could easily cost you $40,000 or more out the door for a rebuild or even more for replacement if your engine is destroyed and not rebuildable. IMS bearing replacement has to be done as part of regularly scheduled preventative maintenance. That’s why most will agree that it’s wise to protect your investment with a proven solution from LN Engineering before it’s too late.

What does it cost to replace the IMS bearing?

The cost of IMS bearing replacement for Porsche Boxster 986 and Porsche 911 996 models can vary depending on a few factors, such as the type of kit you choose, if your Porsche has a manual or Tiptronic transmission, and the labor costs associated with having the intermediate shaft bearing replaced. Here are some estimates based on the most popular IMS bearing replacement kits from LN Engineering:

IMS Retrofit: The IMS Retrofit kit costs under $1,000, which includes the cost of the kit but does not include the labor to install it. This kit is designed to replace the original IMS bearing with a stronger, more reliable ceramic hybrid or cylindrical roller bearing as part of regular scheduled maintenance.

IMS Solution: The IMS Solution kit costs under $2,000, which includes the cost of the kit but does not include the labor to install it. This kit is designed to replace the original IMS bearing with a pressure oil fed plain bearing designed for the life of the engine and requires no further servicing, unlike ball or roller bearing IMS replacements.

It’s important to note that the cost of labor can vary depending on the location and the experience of the mechanic performing the installation. It’s important to note that while labor costs can add to the overall expense of IMS bearing replacement, it’s a critical step in ensuring the longevity and reliability of your Porsche engine. It’s also important to choose a reputable and experienced mechanic to perform the installation to avoid any potential issues or mistakes during the process. Replacement of the IMS bearing on average takes 10-14 hours, so the hourly labor rate will have a great influence on the overall cost which can add $500-$3000 or more to the cost of IMS bearing replacement. Tiptronic Porsche 911 models require the engine and transmission to be dropped to be able to separate the engine and transmission to gain access to the IMS bearing, which will add extra time and cost to intermediate shaft bearing replacement on these models.

Carrying out the recommended IMS bearing replacement pre-qualification procedure can add up to 3-4 hours which includes dropping the sump and bore scoping the cylinders for bore scoring. It is highly recommended that the pre-qualification procedure is carried out prior to carrying out any IMS bearing replacement.

If you opt to change replace your IMS bearing yourself, purchasing your IMS bearing replacement from LN Engineering which includes free IMS tool rental including the rear main seal tool can save you thousands.

In many cases, there is overlapping labor, so it makes sense to service or replace certain components. For example, your Porsche’s clutch, pressure plate, flywheel, throw-out bearing, and rear main seal (RMS) should all be replaced at the same time as the IMS bearing. You also need to factor in additional costs for any supplemental parts that are needed and labor for installation of those parts. Many choose to also replace their air-oil separator (AOS) and water pump at the same time as the intermediate shaft bearing. Most M96 5-chain engines found in 97-02 Boxster and 99-01 911 models will also need their variocam wear pads replaced if camshaft timing deviation is at or greater than 4 degrees, which should be done prior to IMS bearing replacement. This can add significant cost to IMS bearing replacement, mostly from added labor as the wear pads themselves are relatively inexpensive.

Why is IMS Bearing Replacement Necessary?

IMS bearing failure is a common issue that affects Porsche Boxster and Porsche 911 996 models. When this happens, it can cause catastrophic engine failure, resulting in costly repairs or even the need for a complete engine replacement. The IMS bearing is a small but critical component that supports the intermediate shaft in the engine, and over time, it can wear out or fail completely. Unfortunately Porsche did not assign a part number nor provide a recommended service interval for the original IMS bearing, so no options were provided by Porsche for servicing the bearing. To add insult to injury, Porsche used a sealed ball bearing, when an open bearing would have been better, considering the IMS bearing is submerged in engine oil during operation. Considering the costs for an engine rebuild start between $15,000 and $20,000 and replacement can easily be double that, $1500-3000 to replace the IMS bearing in your Porsche Boxster or Porsche 911 996 model is a sound investment. Even more so, choosing to use an IMS Solution, which backdates the engine to a oil pressure fed plain bearing, like what is found in previous generations of Porsche engines, provides what the engine should have come with from the factory in the first place.

Why Should You Choose an IMS Bearing from LN Engineering?

IMS bearing replacement may seem like a costly investment, but it’s important to remember that it can save you money in the long run by preventing engine failure and costly repairs. If you own a Porsche Boxster or Porsche 911 996 model, it’s worth considering investing in an IMS bearing replacement kit from LN Engineering. With a reliable IMS bearing in place, you can enjoy the thrill of driving your Porsche without the worry of potential engine failure.

By replacing the original IMS bearing with a more reliable unit, such as those from LN Engineering, you can help prevent this issue from occurring and ensure the longevity of your engine. Owner’s that opt for LN Engineering’s IMS Solution, which is the only permanent solution to the IMS bearing problem, can sleep soundly knowing they don’t need to worry about their IMS bearing.

Likewise, if you are planning on selling your Porsche Boxster or Porsche 911, having the IMS bearing already serviced with an LN Engineering IMS Retrofit or IMS Solution increases the resale value of your vehicle.

IMS Retrofit vs IMS Solution – Which One Is Right for You?

Feature	IMS Retrofit	IMS Solution
Retrofit or Permanent?	Temporary (serviceable)	Permanent
Expected Service Life	6 years / 75k miles	Lifetime
Bearing Type	Ceramic Hybrid OR Cylindrical Roller	Pressure-Fed Plain Bearing
Engine Case Modification	No	Yes
Best for your keeper or “forever” Porsche	❌	✅
Easier oil changes with better filtration	❌	✔️
No reduction in oil pressure	✔️	✔️
Ultimate Peace of Mind	✔️	✔️✔️

Commonly Asked Questions about IMS Bearing Replacement Cost

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