Some '01 models do have the single roller IMS too. This is the year when they went to single row sometime through the production cycle.

My '01 is a single row supposedly but I'll find out for sure when I take it apart in the future.

 

My 2001 ended up being a double row when we did the LN Engineering IMS retrofit. FYI

 

I hope that's correct! I just kinda deduced as much - my c4 w it's M96/4 is a 3.4 no S - so tells me the 1 owner it came from wasn't looking for speed. But the n I read .. here somewhere that you can if the engine was double row or single by the engine number - which meant that ... from what he posted - that mine was a single row So I really don't know anymore! But sticking w my "theory" - bc if you really hammered it and tracked it - single or double - she's gonna go - the IMS. Hence the IMS being phased out in 09. I would love to know for *sure* but I think the Grail or the meaning of life is easier to obtain!

 

How many miles can I realistically expect to get out of a 996? Let's assume that I would spend the money to get the IMS replaced right off the bat... If this car already has 91K miles on it, how much more can I expect before a major engine rebuild is required?

Of course, assuming it has been well maintained.

 

It looks like a pretty good package, cool color too. With the milage I would agree with the other posters on here that a good PPI (be ready to spend some real $$ to get a good one but it is worth it) may save you thousands and be the real go no go decision maker for you. Prior to my 996 purchase just two months ago I read the Rennlist "The Ultimate Preowned 996 Buying guide" to buying a 996 and followed it pretty closely and learned a ton while researching. This 6speedonline forum is exceptional at answering questions on anything 911, (thanks again out there). IMS retrofit or upgrade is a must from the owners and tuning shops I spoke with and was something that went into my purchase decision. How is the interior? Power accessories still working well?

 

I'd get it... I have a 00 and got it earlier this year for 18k with 95/96K miles. The car is in the shop for clutch/IMS, however... low and behold, the bearing was about to go any second. I would replace it even though the clutch was just done...

 

I have a 170k mile single row bearing that's still like new (yes, inspected). How such an incredibly reliable car get such a bad rep is amazing.

 

In my opinion, If you have to love speed, so you just buy 01 996. It's really an amazing experience for speed lovers. When you drive that, surely you can fall in love with it.

 

I had a 1999 C2, drove it 87K miles with only a water pump going out at 42K miles and at 87K miles it still had the original clutch, good for at least another 10K miles I am sure. I sold it for $18K last year (metallic black and boxter red interior). It was the 3.4 liter engined car. That model was made for about 2 years, then it changed to a 3.6 liter. No engine drive train parts ( and electrical ) are interchangeable so IF you would need a replacement gearbox / engine and basically they can not be rebuilt for a reasonable amount of money, they might be scarce and more expensive because of that. If you plan to keep the car, you want to be aware of that. Forgetting the RMS / IMS situation for a moment as there is very little difference between the earlier (3.4) and later (3.6) I believe, there will be more 3.6 liter parts available from non-Porsche sources ( AKA - affordable). Clearly that does not make a difference for wheels and tires but pretty well anything else is different from the 2002 year onwards. Keep that in mind. The 996 is awesome, plan to spend money on keeping the maintenance up to date. Good luck.

 

Once things, as always headed toward the IMS bearing I had to stop reading. Car looks nice, I agree with removing the sticker. Don't join the group of guys replacing perfectly good bearings with an inferior piece.

 

I think it's depending on your driving skills and how to take care of your old version cars. If you're getting regular service for your car, you surly get more mileages.