Hi there


I've heard that newer builds of the 997.1 got an update to the IMS that was improved and help prevent them failing.

I've a 997.1 C2S and was wondering how do I tell if my car has the updated IMS or not?

Is it possible to tell from my VIN number or can you guys tell me what I need to go and look for?

 

Got this info from my DME:-

Engine type: 25E5
Engine number: 68603833

Does that help identify if my car has the updated the IMS?

 

first thing being, what is the year of your c2s?

if it is a 2006+ you can be sured it has the updated ims bearing

However, even if you do find out that your c2s has the older bearing, they can be easily replaced with an L & N ceramic bearing as a preventative measure. The old design, though suffer from the skinner bearing and might fail, can easily be extracted and replaced.

 

My car was registered September 2005.

But I've been told its a 2006 build car as my VIN is *************** and it has the SATNAV which works from postcodes.

So a little unsure and hence trying to find out.

 

Might need a more knowledgable person to decode the vin for ya but my best guess is it has the updated ims as it's a late 05 build.

 

Porsche made the engine change in March 2005, so the last of the 05's and all the 06's had the initial ims/rms problem corrected. Any Porsche dealer can run your VIN # for you and let you know ( some for free, some for about $10 [Suncoast]).

 

Ask Ryan @ Suncoast Porsche (http://www.suncoastporschesarasota.c...epartment.aspx) or Auto Atlanta (http://www.autoatlanta.com/)

 

After looking up your VIN number, you have a 2006 m97 engine, so you have the updated IMS.

 

Superb and thank you.

May I ask where you looked to find out?

Is it true that if I use a heavier grade oil such as 5W-40 instead of the usual 0W-40 is also good the longevity of the engine/IMS?

 

Sure, I used this link and it shows your model year and engine code among other things:

http://www.autoatlanta.com/life/vin/...ZZ99Z6S730963+

Yes, 5W-40 has been discussed about being better for the engines longevity but nothing is guaranteed. Engines have still gone with frequent oil changes, driving them often etc. In the big picture though, these failures are still relatively rare in the real world, albeit common on the forums.

 

Yes I understand they still let go.

If I was to do the following though:-
Change to a high quality 5W-40 fully synthetic or Ester oil
Change oil/filter every 5000 miles / 6 months
Use only the best petrol (Shell Vpower)
Fit a 160F thermostat to keep engine cooler
Fit magnetic sump/drain plug
Once car is warmed up driving it how it was intended to be driven, hard and enjoyed.


Would you agree the above would certainly help limit a failure along with inspection of oil/filter at changes?

I've also got the X51 radiator kit which helps keep the engine cooler too.

Is there anything else I could be doing to help further protect my engine?

 

I think you've just about covered it all. That will certainly reduce the odds. I think the biggest one is inspecting the oil filter at every oil change for metal debris as a sign of an anticipated failure.

 

So if I have an '05 but later build with M97 engine code I should be as safe as having an '06-'07 in terms of chances of failing IMS?

 

Yes, put your VIN in the link v35 provided but you should have an M97 engine like mine which has the updated IMS.

The only issue with the M97 is you can't easily fit the IMS retrokit LN engineering do as it requires a complete strip down to change the IMS on a M97 I think, maybe v35 can confirm this.

 

Given the negligible number of IMS failures for the upgraded bearing I'm going to drive it like I stole it and not look back