Which IMS Bearing Does My Porsche Engine Have?
What IMS Bearing Do I Have?
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.
Engines already fitted with an IMS Retrofit may require replacement of the IMS bearing if beyond the recommended service interval.
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.
The RND RS Roller IMS Retrofit only requires the IMS Pro Tool Kit for installation.
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 disassembly! For these models, it is highly recommended that the grease seal be removed off the IMS bearing to allow the engine oil to properly cool and lubricate this bearing.
Engine Number, Model & Bearing Type
| Engine Number | Model | Bearing Type |
|---|---|---|
| Up to engine # M 651 12851 | Boxster 2.7L M96.22 | Dual Row Bearing |
| Up to engine # M 671 11237 | Boxster S 3.2L M96.21 | Dual Row Bearing |
| Up to engine # M 661 14164 | Carrera 996 3.4L | Dual 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 |
Additional Vehicle-Specific Notes
The base model Porsche 997 911 Carrera M96.05 3.6 liter engine up to serial number 69507475 should have the serviceable single row 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 bearing. M97.01 engines after serial number 68509791 should have the larger 06-08 non-serviceable IMS bearing.
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 that production year.
IMS Bearing Selection by Model Year
1997 – 1999
All MY97-99 vehicles with their original engines will require a Dual Row IMS Retrofit™ kit, identified by a wider dual row ball-bearing and narrow IMS flange (13.34 mm flange dish depth). Alternatively, the dual row RND RS Roller IMS Retrofit can be fitted.
2000 – 2001
MY00-01 vehicles may need either a Dual Row IMS Retrofit or Single Row Pro IMS Retrofit™ kit. Inspect the IMS flange and compare to dual row and single row images to determine which kit is needed. The RND RS Roller IMS Retrofit is also an option—order the correct version for your vehicle.
2002 – 2005
MY02-05 will need a Single Row Pro Retrofit™ kit, identified by a narrower single row ball-bearing and wider IMS flange (19.27 mm flange dish depth). Alternatively, the single row RND RS Roller IMS Retrofit can be fitted.
2006 – 2008
All MY06-08 engines will have the larger non-serviceable bearing identified by the 22 mm nut. Models with this larger, non-serviceable IMS bearing will require complete engine disassembly to allow for replacement of the bearing. With the engine disassembled, you have two Retrofit options: The 106-08.30 IMS Retrofit Kit includes an adapter bushing for future servicing without full engine disassembly OR the 106-08.30R RND RS Roller IMS Retrofit Kit also includes this adapter bushing.