Hi all, new member here but I have been lurking the forum for years. Currently I have my mind set on getting a 06+ 997.1 Targa 4s 6spd, but I am worried about RMS and IMS failure. So, my questions are

1. How much will it cost to repair IMS? Assuming that the problem is caught early on.

2. Say the engine is totally due to catastrophic IMS failure. How much will it cost to replace the 3.8L engine?

3. How much will it cost to repair the RMS?

Your help is greatly appreciated.

 

The IMS shaft failures are not common, and there is no way to know if they are going. The 06 and newer have a redesigned bearing, so the problem is even less common on those.

If the engine fails, it is about $12-$15,000 to replace.

 

IMS issues are rare and I have yet to hear of any on MY06 and later vehicles. I have heard of IMS repairs caught early costing between $800-$2000 depending but the chances of catching one early is slim. Complete engine swaps via Porsches exchange program will cost u around $8-10k... My buddy paid around $8k when he had his replaced. RMS issues are not much to worry about and even leaky ones can be run on for years as long as u watch ur oil levels.

The best way to avoid all these issues is to use a conservative oil service plan with quality oil and to run your car regularly throughout the rpm band. The rms requires good engine vacuum to lubricate itself.... These cars were meant to be run hard...

 

Thanks guys. 10K for an engine is a rather scary thought. I am aware that the 06+ cars have a redesigned IMS, which is why I want a 06+ car.

I want the 997.1 because I like the front end design better, and 997.2 cars are a bit out of my budget at the moment. Maybe I should wait a bit and get a 997.2 instead so I don't have to worry about IMS issues.

 

Imo better to buy the newest car you can afford now rather than sit on the sidelines. Who knows what problems the .2's will develop over time? You can always buy a CPO car from dealer w an extended warranty tho they are a bit pricey. The odds of IMS failure in 06 or newer car is remote at best. And I agree about both front end and rear end. Those saggy taillights bother me. I've got 26K miles on my 06 and have loved every one of them. Go for it!

 

+1 The so called IMS issue is really not something to worry about and certainly not something that should keep you away from the 997.1!!!

Jason

 

...ditto....all cars have their weak points. Get out and enjoy whichever 997 you get and deal with the problems if and when they arise

 

I have an '05 997.1S with 38k miles and no issues. I think this problem has been blown out of proportion. As others have mentioned, it is rare. You may want to check out newstands for the magazine 'Total 911' (UK) issue 69. There is an article in there all about IMS failure and which 996/997 cars are generally affected. It is out in the UK, but should be hitting US newstands shortly.

 

Oil was leaking a bit out of my '07 and they replaced the IMS. Looked to be about a $1200 warranty job. I was pretty surprised that it wasn't the RMS, especially since mine is an '07. With the flat 6 engine design, it seems inevitable that there will always be seal issues.
Seems pretty right about revving the motor. I regularly take mine up to 6k, but don't redline it. Haven't used a quart in 9k miles.

 

A member sent me an article on IMS failure on 996. Thank you by the way, I don't have enough post count to reply to you via pm.

Alternatively I might go with the 997.2 or alternatively get the Turbo which has the wider rear, AWD, more power, minus the glass roof.