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It’s one of the names most closely associated with the intersection of refinement, classic good looks, and performance. I can only be talking about the iconic Porsche 911. Well, fortunately for the misty-eyed car enthusiasts of today’s used market, there are options for an affordable, eye-popping Porsche. However, if you’re looking at those reasonable models, most notably the 996 and 997 models, there is something you should know about hunting for a used Porsche 911.

A used 996 or 997.1 Porsche 911 could crush your spirits with faulty IMS bearings– or they could be your ticket to an iconic ride

A used Porsche 911. It sounds like the perfect proposition to get into an affordable staple of car fandom. After all, you can get a preowned 996-generation model for less than a new Kia Soul. I know which one I’d rather have. 

However, if you spend any time on forums or in clubs with a healthy water-cooled Porsche 911 population, you’ve likely heard of the dreaded intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing issue. Specifically, the IMS drives the camshafts within the engine. Unfortunately, 911s from 1997 to 2008 have the potential to experience IMS bearing issues, leading to a probable engine replacement. 

A used Porsche 911 from the 997 generation drives on a highway.
A used Porsche 911 from the 997 generation | Andrii Baidak via iStock

However, if you’re a shrewd car shopper, you can search for listings with a few magic words. Most notably, you can look for a 996 or 997.1 with an “IMS retrofit” or some derivation thereof. This means that a technician or owner replaced the timebomb part with a suitable component. As such, you will run a much lower risk of the engine self-destructing. In addition to the IMS issues, some early water-cooled 911s suffer expensive bore-scoring problems.

And prevent such an event you should. Tragically, a replacement water-cooled M96 3.6L flat-six engine could cost over $15,000. Considering the purchase price of your used 996 Porsche 911, a replacement engine could be a sizable percentage of your investment. Of course, there are other options. For instance, some owners will LS-swap their water-cooled 991s. I know; I can hear the purists groaning from here.

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).