Are you new to the M96 engine? There are several versions of the IMS bearing used from 1997 through 2008 in Porsche Boxster, Cayman, and 911 models.
- Due to variations through these years, we recommend that shops stock both single and dual row IMS bearing replacement kits
- Shops must first visually identify which bearing is needed before attempting installation of a replacement IMS bearing.
- The correct kit must be used for your engine otherwise engine failure or damage may occur.
- The IMS Pro Toolkit is required for all installations. The Supplemental Tool kit is used for the IMS Solution & 06-08 Bearing, while the Faultless Tool kit is required for the Single Row Pro IMS Retrofit.
- Remember, engines in model year 2006 or later will have the larger non-serviceable 06-08 Porsche IMS bearing that cannot be serviced without complete dis-assembly of the engine!
Although the following table shows what IMS bearing your engine *should* have, we still recommend verifying which IMS bearing your engine actually has. It is up to you to make sure that you order and install the correct IMS bearing kit:
| Engine Number | Model | Bearing Type |
|---|---|---|
| Up to engine # M 651 12851 | Boxster 2.7L M96.22 | Double Row Bearing |
| Up to engine # M 671 11237 | Boxster S 3.2L M96.21 | Double Row Bearing |
| Up to engine # M 661 14164 | Carrera 996 3.4L | Double Row Bearing |
| From engine # M 651 12852 | Boxster 2.7L M96.22 | Single Row Bearing |
| From engine # M 671 11238 | Boxster S 3.2L M96.21 | Single Row Bearing |
| From engine # M 661 14165 | Carrera 996 3.4L | Single Row Bearing |
The base model Porsche 997 911 Carrera M96.05 3.6 liter engine up to serial number 69507475 should have the serviceable single row IMS bearing. M96.05 engines after serial number 69507475 should have the larger 06-08 non-serviceable IMS bearing.
The S model Porsche 997 911 Carrera S M97.01 3.8 liter engine up to serial number 68509791 should have the serviceable single row IMS bearing. M97.01 engines after serial number 68509791 should have the larger 06-08 non-serviceable IMS bearing.
The engine serial number can be located on the lower edge of the engine’s integrated dry sump as shown below.
If the engine has an X or AT in the serial number, the engine is a remanufactured engine from Porsche and will have whatever IMS bearing was being used by Porsche in the model year the replacement engine was manufactured.
There is no reliable way to verify what bearing is needed by VIN or engine number, so it is up to you to order the right part:
Model year 2000 and 2001 engines came from the factory with either a dual row or a single row bearing IMS.
Some late model year 2005 engines were also fitted with a larger bearing that is not serviceable without a complete teardown of the engine.
If the vehicle was fitted with a replacement engine, it will have whatever IMS bearing was currently being used by Porsche during that production year.
As such you must identify which bearing was used to verify compatibility. As long as the engine is original, you can expect the following:
1997 – 1999
All MY97-99 vehicles with their original engines will require a Classic Dual Row IMS Retrofit™ kit, identified by a wider dual row ball-bearing and narrow IMS flange. The factory dual row flange dish depth is 13.34mm. Alternatively the dual row RND RS Roller IMS Retrofit can be fitted.
2000 – 2001
MY00-01 vehicles may need either a Classic Dual Row IMS Retrofit or Single Row Pro IMS Retrofit™ kit, so you must inspect the flange and compare to the photos of the dual row and single row IMS shown above to determine which kit is needed. You can determine which bearing the engine has visually and by measuring the depth of the dish in the ims flange. Alternatively the RND RS Roller IMS Retrofit can be fitted, just be sure to order the correct one for your 00-01 Porsche Boxster or 911 as it can have either a single or dual row bearing from the factory.
2002 – 2005
MY02-05 will need a Single Row Pro Retrofit™ kit, identified by a narrower single row ball-bearing and wider IMS flange. The factory single row flange dish depth is 19.27mm. Alternatively the single row RND RS Roller IMS Retrofit can be fitted.
2006 – 2008
All MY06 through MY08 engines will have the larger single row ball-bearing identified by the larger 22mm nut.
With the 22mm nut and IMS flange removed, the larger IMS ball-bearing is shown below with retaining ring. The outside diameter of the bearing is larger than the diameter of the IMS flange bore, so the bearing cannot be extracted from the engine without dis-assembly of the engine. Removal of the grease seal on this bearing is recommended for improved oiling and cooling of the bearing.
If you are rebuilding your 06-08 Porsche Boxster, Cayman, or 911 engine, it is recommended that you replace the IMS bearing at that time. The 106-08.30 IMS Retrofit Kit includes an adapter bushing that allows for future servicing of the IMS bearing without complete engine disassembly. Likewise, the 106-08.30R RND RS Roller IMS Retrofit Kit also includes the same adapter bushing but with a cylindrical roller bearing instead.