Porsche Enthusiasts Club Forum

Gents I'm a new member and this is my first post, I'm looking for reassurance and tips on looking after my Boxster S 2001
Reading lots on this forum trying to learn as much as possible and have come across lots of mentions about the famous IMS bearings, are there certain precautions I should be taking ? Is there any preventative maintenance I could carry out or have a specialist carry out ?
I have read about using certain oil can help, what oil is recommended for this engine, my car will be due its first major service around sept or October as it has done 43000 now anything I should get done on top of the service schedule could be done then , what if anything would you recommend I get looked at ?
I should say that at moment it's running beautifully I have only had it three weeks and can't stop smiling .
Any advice or tips would be gratefully received
Thanks

Hello and welcome. Having had my fingers burned I've picked up a few things. It seems a popular opinion that they should be driven hard at times - as they are designed for it. Garage queens seem to suffer problems more than most I'm told. I'd take the first opportunity to check the contents of the oil filter (at next service?). If there's glitter in there it's a sign of impending IMS doom. Many have a low temperature thermostat fitted which helps guard against bore scoring. I use 5w/40 Mobil as some maintain that 0w/40 is too thin - it's considered that an annual oil change is the way to go (2 year servicing not so great despite Porsche's recommendation).

There'll be others more qualified than me along soon with more / better.

Best
waz

Thanks Waz
Car is my daily drive and I do love the sound and rush of a blast now and then so that's that covered, oil tip is useful and I will get thermostat changed if needed at next service , keeping oil quality high is a key factor then a small price to pay, grateful for you advice

Mick, mine is run on 5W/50 not the dishwater that they normally would & also not Mobil 1. An SL rated oil instead. Low temperature thermostat is a good idea & when it has a clutch done get the IMS pulled & a new one installed.

Thanks Jim is there a make of oil you recommend ?
And clutch is good, is it worth getting bearing pulled whilst in to service for peace of mind ?

Mine is running Comma Motorsport 5W/50 it is an SL rated oil rather than SM which is current. A lot of research especially in the US reckons that a heavier oil reduces the chance f bore scoring, as well as helping the IMS which if it is a single row bearing is marginal for the load. I get it from E Bay, & free issue it to the people doing a service.
Hartech who probably do the vast majority of the rebuilds on the M96/97 engine in the UK will only warrant their rebuild if it is run on the specified oil.

The "running in" oil must be Millers XFS 5w40 & the running in guidance must be observed followed by an oil & filter change using Millers Nanodrive CFS 10w50 NT. A further oil change using this type of oil must take place after a further 12 months/12000 miles (whichever first)

Single row bearing ?
This suggests that there is a better bearing available, is there an upgrade bearing I could have fitted ?
And the oil Jim how much should I order to give to service workshop ?

Mick I have a magic chart giving the chassis numbers relating to the dual & single row. I'll turn it out. As for Oil the Boxster takes around 8.5 litres so I order 2 x 5L & OPC give me some back. If you search ebay for comma motorsport 5w/50 it looks like around £42 for 10L shipped free.

You are worth your weight in gold Jim, my chassis number is WPOZZZ98Z2U640727

And mine's WP0ZZZ98Z7U701248 Jim if ya wouldn't mind checking. I think it's dual but not 100% sure (you should charge a fee hehe).

Waz

Sorry not chassis number, engine number.

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
From engine # M 651 12852 Boxster 2.7L M96.22 Single Row Bearing
From engine # M 651 11238 Boxster S 3.2L M96.21 Single Row Bearing

Basically double row good, single bad.

Sorry Jim I'm confused, from 651 =single row and up to 671 =double row, so between 651 and 671 = single row ?
My engine number is 672 so double row ?
Thanks for doing the research Jim much appreciated
Mick

No the first bit is a batch number, the last bit is the relavent bit. So what is your full engine number?

PS God knows where I found this, I think it was from a US site, but cannot find the source anymore.

I was happy as one of the first 3.2 S Boxsters mine is double row

Full number is
67202655 , which should mean it's a double row bearing.
Good news.
Getting oil ordered and service booked
Thanks for your help Jim.

jim just bought 03boxster and seen your info regarding IMS bearing problems ijust checked my build sticker to find engine info but not on your list.
could you help me with this thanks.