HELP - IMS Total Engine Failure - Porsche Boxster 3.2 s 2005

[Clarky40]

Hi All,

I'm looking for some advice on my 2005 Boxster 3.2 S, as I had total engine failure yesterday and my local specialist told me that it is likely IMS failure. I'm not sure what to do and could do with some advice?

I've been told I could look at a new engine or rebuild, which will cost me anything up to £8k (is this the usual cost?), or I can just sell me car with the engine problem and get up to £3k. The problem is that I have a car that was worth only £12k-£13k.

If go for the new engine or rebuild I'm not really sure where to start; i.e. what I best doing and who do I get to it for me (I live in Reading, Berkshire, UK)? Alternatively, if I decided to sell it at a ridiculously low price, where do I do that too?

Any advice, feedback, help or direction would be really realy appreciated.

Thank you
Malcolm

[Clarky40]

Hi All,

I'm looking for some advice on my 2005 Boxster 3.2 S, as I had total engine failure yesterday and my local specialist told me that it is likely IMS failure. I'm not sure what to do and could do with some advice?

I've been told I could look at a new engine or rebuild, which will cost me anything up to £8k (is this the usual cost?), or I can just sell me car with the engine problem and get up to £3k. The problem is that I have a car that was worth only £12k-£13k.

If go for the new engine or rebuild I'm not really sure where to start; i.e. what I best doing and who do I get to it for me (I live in Reading, Berkshire, UK)? Alternatively, if I decided to sell it at a ridiculously low price, where do I do that too?

Any advice, feedback, help or direction would be really really appreciated.

Thank you
Malcolm

[Richie200]

Sorry to hear of your bad new Clarky. You may be lucky though and it isn't as drastic as you have been informed. I would phone the company Hartech in Bolton (01204 302809).
I know they are not local to you but they are just about the best in the business for your problem.
Good luck;)

[TheAnimal]

Hartech appear to be the recommended specialist of the moment. Worth having a chat as they may take it off your hands, but if you go down the repair route you might want to keep it a long time to get some value out of it.

[pdj81]

Hi there,

Had the same experience with one of our cars but an 05 2.7 manual boxster - IMS failed and used Hartech to fix. great guys and bill came to circa 5k (included uprated items and complete top end strip). 100% recommend using them - speak to Grant.

[pdj81]

Hi there,

Had the same experience with one of our cars but an 05 2.7 manual boxster - IMS failed and used Hartech to fix. great guys and bill came to circa 5k (included uprated items and complete top end strip). 100% recommend using them - speak to Grant.

[Clarky40]

Hi Richie200,

Many thanks for your feedback, I'll give them a shout and hope for the best. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the problem is fixable and within a sensible price tag.

I'll keep the forum posted.

Thanks
Malcolm

[benters]

might be an idea to speak to Max at lakeside engineering, Addlestone. He does engine rebuilds and is a little closer to you. www.lakesideengineering.co.uk
Max & Tim are more known for being Lotus specialists, however they have fixing Porsche's now too for a good while. 01932 340003
HTH

[HDog]

I'll second the Hartech recommendation. I had my 986 3.2 engine rebuilt by them following IMS failure. They have a constant stream of cars coming from both private individuals and garages for IMS and other engine failures so have a huge amount of experience with these engines.

They are also able to upgrade certain weak points in the engine design to help prevent future engine problems (e.g later, larger design IMS bearings etc)

I'm in Surrey and got my car taken transported to Bolton specially.

[nxi20]

Try http://www.northwayporscheltd.co.uk/ Just south of Reading. They do lots of M96/M97 rebuilds.

[g7jhp]

By the replies you've already had you can see that Hartech are probably the No.1 respected specialist in repairing watercooled Porsche engines in the UK.

Buyers will often seek out a car which has already had a Hartech rebuild and often pay a little more for the piece of mind.

As highlighted it's not just repairing your car, it's adding the extra precautions to reduce the risk of future issues. For that reason alone they'd be the obvious choice.

[ChipsAndCheese]

Autofarm are probably also worth a call, as they too have a good reputation on rebuilds. They also offer the option to increase capacity to 3.7 litres if you fancied getting a bit more from your rebuilt engine. No idea on the cost of that vs a standard rebuild though.

[Clarky40]

Thanks for all the replies; I've left a message on the Hartech answerphone and hope to hear back from them. I am worried about cost, so any ideas on what I am looking at for an engine rebuild with them (although it will be a bit finger in the air)?

Will keep you posted, but thank you
Malcolm

[thegoose]

£5k if you're very very lucky and nothing else needs doing, up to maybe £8-9k for a total re-manufactured engine with all upgrades and future-proofing done.

[Clarky40]

Scary costs, at £5k is might be worth it, but at £8k probably not. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
Thanks
Malcolm

[Clarky40]

I'm now in touch with the guys at Northway Porsche near Reading now and they are going to try and help me. Either way it won't be cheap, but fingers crossed I'll get the best help.

Thanks

[Clarky40]

Thank you for your feedback, I really appreciate it.

[ChipsAndCheese]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Not at that price, no. I seem to recall a few years back (when they had the prices on the website) it was around £10k, which at an extra £2-3k over a standard rebuild would be worthwhile IMO, but for the last couple of years the website has just said POA, so had no idea on current prices. Sounds like the prices have gone up considerably.

[Orangecurry]

Clarky40 said:

I'm now in touch with the guys at Northway Porsche near Reading now and they are going to try and help me. Either way it won't be cheap, but fingers crossed I'll get the best help.

Thanks

Although other specialists may seem nearer/cheaper/something, Hartech would be where I would take a water-cooled engine.

[TheAnimal]

Also ask your OPC what it would cost with them as if you have a relationship they may be willing to cover some of the cost as a goodwill gesture. Worth a quote if nothing else just to compare. Good luck.