Unraveling the Porsche IMS Bearing Mystery: The IMS Retrofit & Solution Kits

by Charles Navarro Founder and CEO, LN Engineering

Porsche, a name synonymous with precision engineering and exhilarating performance, has over the years faced a issues with some of their engines - specifically with the Porsche IMS bearing. This bearing, found in many Porsche engines, has been the cause of a few unexpected engine failures. Thankfully, with innovations like the IMS Retrofit and IMS Solution, Porsche owners can find peace of mind once more. This blog post dives deep into the issue and underscores the importance of investing in a quality IMS kit to protect and enhance the longevity of your Porsche.

The IMS Bearing: A Brief Overview

The Intermediate Shaft (IMS) bearing is found in Porsche M96/M97 engines, predominantly in the Boxster, Cayman, and 911 models built between 1997 and 2008. The primary role of the IMS is to drive the camshafts indirectly off the crankshaft. Some of these bearings, particularly in earlier models, were prone to failure, leading to potential catastrophic engine damage.

The IMS Retrofit & IMS Solution: Your Porsche's Saviors

If you're a Porsche owner from the affected years, you've likely stumbled upon discussions surrounding what IMS kit to use. Two of the most notable solutions on the market for the intermediate shaft problem are the IMS Retrofit and the IMS Solution.

IMS Retrofit: This IMS kit is designed as a direct replacement for the factory IMS bearing. The IMS Retrofit is an upgrade, leveraging more robust materials and construction, making it significantly less prone to failure than the factory-original bearing. Regular maintenance and periodic replacements are still advised, but it's a worthy investment for those seeking improved reliability without a complete bearing redesign.

IMS Solution: This is a more permanent solution for the IMS bearing issue. The IMS Solution does away with the conventional ball or roller bearing, replacing it with an oil pressure fed plain bearing design. This ensures that there's no serviceable component within the bearing that can fail unexpectedly. The IMS Solution IMS kit a fit-and-forget solution, granting peace of mind to Porsche owners for the lifetime of the engine.

Why Invest in an IMS Kit for your Porsche Engine?

Given the potential cost and heartache associated with IMS bearing failure, investing in a quality IMS kit is both a financially and mechanically sound decision. Here's why:

Cost-Efficiency: While there's an initial cost attached to acquiring and installing the IMS Retrofit or IMS Solution, it pales in comparison to the potential cost of a complete engine rebuild or replacement following an IMS bearing failure.

Peace of Mind: Knowing that the IMS issue is addressed means you can enjoy the thrilling performance of your Porsche without the niggling worry about an unforeseen bearing failure.

Resale Value: A Porsche with a replaced IMS bearing, especially with recognized kits like the Retrofit or Solution, can command a better resale value. It signals to potential buyers that the car has been well-maintained and the known IMS issue addressed.

Conclusion

For Porsche aficionados, ensuring their vehicle runs smoothly and reliably is paramount. Addressing the IMS bearing issue with a quality IMS kit like the IMS Retrofit or IMS Solution is not just a good decision—it's an essential one. Protect your investment, enjoy uninterrupted performance, and let the spirit of Porsche continue to inspire every drive.