Are any model year 996s more prone to RMS/IMS failure than others?

[ninsei]

Hi. 'thinking of getting a 1999-2002 996. Are any of those particular model years more susceptible to the RMS and/or IMS failure than others?

[Rthomson]

The 6 speed model is far more prone to RMS leaks due to the trans mounting.

[Loren]

The 6 speed model is far more prone to RMS leaks due to the trans mounting.

Sorry, but I disagree.

You see more 6 speeds with RMS failures because there are more 6 speeds than Tips.

[Orient Express]

The RMS issue seems to be like the valve guide problems in 993s and early 911s, over time, the problems are repaired on a car by car basis. When picking a used 996, just make sure that the RMS has been retrofitted to the current version.

[londoner06]

In my case I bought a 2-owner 996 and I'm not able to find out if my car has had the IMS/RMS redone as the dealer insists that previous owners' records are confidential. I wish I Porsche would release repair histories to new owners so we have a record of past recalls, warranty repairs, etc.

Alex

[KevinMac]

Befor buying mine I went to Porsche dealer with a VIN check, they gladly looked it up for me of any irregularities noted. I had no negative reports.

[londoner06]

Kevin, at my Porsche™ dealer I only have access to my records, only the previous owners can request older records. Is this official Porsche policy or is my dealer's?

Alex

[perryinva]

It's the dealers due to the fact that Porsche NA HAS no records of service for you car. They are only kept at the dealer that did the work, according to my dealer. So unless the 2 PO's used your same dealer, you're SOL.

[londoner06]

Good info, thanks Perry.

Alex

[deckman]

I think individual cars are either prone or not. Mine has had both RMS and IMS fixed twice and my guess is they will both need fixing again. If I was in the market for a a 996 right now, I would be looking for one that has some miles on it and has never had a leak.

Edited February 23, 2009 by deckman

[Dharn55]

RMS and IMS are very different problems.

The RMS can leak, and can be eesily replaced. It also does not lead to major engine failures, just a little oil seepijng out. Usually the replacement of the RMS will solve the problem, although some cases are so out of spec that it never goes away.

The IMS is very different. Yes sometimes there is an oil leak, but this is not a major deal. It is when the IMS fails all together, from either the bearing failing or the bolts on the cap failing, that it is a catastrophic failure and requires a new engine.