IMS Bearing Replacement Costs
IMS Bearing Replacement Costs
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 article we will explain IMS Bearing Replacement Costs.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late – Replace Your IMS Bearing Now
A failed IMS bearing doesn’t just ruin your day—it destroys your engine. Waiting 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.
Protect your investment with a proven solution from LN Engineering before it’s too late.
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, 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. 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. When this happens, it can cause catastrophic engine failure, resulting in costly repairs or even the need for a complete engine replacement. 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.
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 | ✔️ | ✔️✔️ |
What is an IMS bearing replacement cost?
IMS bearing replacement typically costs between $2,000 and $4,000 depending on the Porsche model and bearing solution used.
What happens when IMS bearing fails?
A failed IMS bearing can result in catastrophic engine damage caused by loss of camshaft timing and foreign object debris circulating within the engine, requiring a complete rebuild or engine replacement.
How long does an IMS bearing last?
Most factory IMS bearings last between 60,000 and 100,000 miles, but failure can occur with little or no warning.
How much does it cost to rebuild a Porsche engine after an IMS bearing failure?
Assuming the engine is rebuildable and a new core is not required, a professionally rebuild Porsche engine with internal upgrades and performance enhancements typically costs $30-40,000, out the door, when factoring in engine removal and re-installation, as well as ancillary components that should be replaced on the engine and vehicle to facilitate installation of the rebuilt engine.
How common is Porsche IMS bearing failure?
IMS bearing failure rates vary, but some models have reported failure rates of up to 8% or higher under warranty, especially pre-2006 M96 engines.