Intermediate Shaft

[355bhp]

What can I expect to happen if and when the intermediate shaft lets go? Will it go BANG-clatter-clatter, or will the motor just die?

I have a 2005 C2S Coupe with 6-speed and about 24K miles with no oil leaks. Also bought a four-year extended warranty that'll kick in around Feb/Mar 2009.

[Loren]

I think you worry too much ;) BMW engines fail too ...and so do Jeeps and so do.... the list goes on and on.

Only a small percentage of cars actually have this happen.

Depending on engine speed when the bearing lets go it could just be a rattle (like a bucket of bolts) or if you the engine is at high speed then sometimes there is a bang followed by a clatter and lots of oil everywhere - but that is a rare case.

If you have a warranty - that is all the more reason not to worry.

[355bhp]

I think you worry too much ;) BMW engines fail too ...and so do Jeeps and so do.... the list goes on and on.

Only a small percentage of cars actually have this happen.

Depending on engine speed when the bearing lets go it could just be a rattle (like a bucket of bolts) or if you the engine is at high speed then sometimes there is a bang followed by a clatter and lots of oil everywhere - but that is a rare case.

If you have a warranty - that is all the more reason not to worry.

Since having the extended warranty, I've slept lots better. Figured it was a rarity, so I'm presently having a blast with my new toy! Thanks again. Case closed.

Rick

[berty987]

The intermediate shaft issue seems to affect only the cars built pre 2006 that had a smaller thread and bearing on the end of the shaft. I've done some research into the problem as it affects all 987 / 997 engines prior to 2006 except the Gt3 and turbo. So far , from what i have learnt , the shaft failure cannot be predicted , nor does it follow any set range of chassis numbers. The type of driving or frequency of use does seem to point towards low mileage infrequent use rather than frequent or regular driving , though the figures are too few to be sure. Normally the IMS fails before 40 k , and generally between 15 and 30 k. Mechanics I have spoken to , suggest its possibly an assembly tolerance issue at the factory , rather than a result of how the car is driven or serviced. The failure can be either the end of the shaft shearing at the securing bolt thread , or the support bearing collapsing. Generally its a new engine as a result. Thankfully there are only a handfull of engines that have had this issue (probably no more than 60 on all the forums i've read) out of at least 200, 000 cars built. If it worries you, buy a decent warranty that covers this type of failure as a minimum.

[chris997s]

I have an '05 with late '04 build date. I don't race or abuse the car and mine failed at 20K miles with no warning. New engine replaced under warranty.

[355bhp]

I have an '05 with late '04 build date. I don't race or abuse the car and mine failed at 20K miles with no warning. New engine replaced under warranty.

Sounds just like mine, and it's got 24K. I'm the car's second owner, and I bought a four-year extended warranty. The original factory warranty will be up around Feb/Mar next year. As I said in my first post, watch this space. In the mean time, I'm loving the car and immensely enjoying its performance.

[pwiersema]

My 2005 997s broke down last week. The Porsche dealer in Hong Kong just told me that the engine shaft is broken and the engine needs to be replaced. The car has only done 20+k kilometers.

I understand from the posting on this board that case of this have happened before ad it is a mechanical failure early 997's are prone to which is known by Porsche.

Does anyone here have experience or heard about how Porsche deals with this situation. In particular whether Porsche caries the cost of the engine replacement? I have no remaining warranty on the car.

Would really appreciate any feedback.

[RFM]

If your car has a correct dealer completed maintenance manual, you can expect a good compensation, 20k km and 4 years old should still in the range. Porsche knows about the 997 MY05 engine troubles, the worst ever build.