Boxster stronger IMS from what chassis number?

[teabelly]

I'm idly looking at a 987 boxster but it is an early one. Is there an easy way of finding out whether it has the uprated IMS? How long does the stronger IMS last anyway?

[mikefocke]

There is no way of knowing from either engine serial number or chassis number for years earlier than about late 2006. All attempts to do this have proven to have exceptions.

Additionally, from a certain date on, Porsche produced engines with third generation IMS designs fitted to replace earlier engines that had failed even if the car had a different IMS originally. So it has been seen that a 2003 or 2005 car, for example, could have a 2007 IMS short block with the top end being original to the model year. This was done because Porsche seriously underestimated the number of replacement engines they would need for the second generation (worst) IMS engines.

Porsche re-manufactured replacement engines have an "AT" in their engine number stamped into the block.

The only sure way to know is with the transmission off looking at the IMS cover plate.

Edited by mikefocke on Tuesday 15th March 16:06

[teabelly]

What a pain in the butt. So easier to assume unless it's 2007 it's got the crappy bearing! It was a 2.7 I was looking at. Service history is a bit patchy as well with 3 year interval at one point but under the magic 15,000 miles (just). Probably best to steer clear I think.

[DavidJG]

teabelly said:

What a pain in the butt. So easier to assume unless it's 2007 it's got the crappy bearing! It was a 2.7 I was looking at. Service history is a bit patchy as well with 3 year interval at one point but under the magic 15,000 miles (just). Probably best to steer clear I think.

Patchy service history would put me off far more than worrying about which IMS bearing it's got. 3 years without an oil change? No thanks.

IMS bearings on this generation fall into two categories: 1. Stronger bearing, very small chance of failure. 2. Weak bearing - can be upgraded easily. Only downside is the labour required to investigate.

[Bieldside]

So ....
My first real drive in the car today
Richmond to Cambridge
M25/A1/then A roads
Very comfortable in the 18 way seats
Burmeister amazing ( now slightly deaf! )
Car amazing and quicker than I imagined it would be - and no sport or sport button pressed
God help me if I did !
Oddly a 4S cab passed me and I thought that's £50k more of a car. Is it worth the difference
I would seriously doubt it
Once I master the hood I'll be very happy
The GT3 is in the garage and may stay there for a few weeks more
Great car. Great fun
And ....... quick !

[teabelly]

There isn't a month with the year of service so it might be just over 2 years rather than a full 3. Or it's just not in the service book.

If it's a proper not serviced for 3 full years then I'd definitely not touch it.

[mikefocke]

Since the intermediate services can just be oil changes and inspections, in the States it isn't unusual to see those done at a fast lube place. But there may be no way of tracing back to see if that was done.

I maintained mine that way for 4 years and only took it to the dealer when it needed a major service. Mine was flawless in between so I didn't feel any need. But there is an oil change minimum of once a year and so the needed service is both time and mileage based.

I'd not like to see a low miles car go say 3 years and 15k miles between oil changes. Better is 5K or one year.