Boxster IMS failures in this otherwise wonderful car

[dennisafrompa]

I've owned 3 new Boxsters '99 '02 and '04 Anniversary Edition. My '02 had an intermediate shaft failure (sheared bolt) which destroyed the motor. It was replaced under warranty at 6000 miles.

My '04 had the same failure at 63,000 and PCNA after a long stare down furnished a new motor, but it cost me $2600 for R and R and a partial tear down of damaged motor.

So I'm 2 for 3.  I personally know 5 other 986/996 owners that have experienced a total of 7 failures, yes that's right 2 had 2 each. These were 2.7s,3.2s and 3.4 motors.

How many are there ?? Only Porsche knows for sure and they ain't talking. They hide behind their German engineering rep.

I think they owe extended warranties to all original owners, and though they will never admit to an underdesign (it is a 8mm bolt that shears) that is what it is IMHO.

The redesign of the watercooled flat sixes sans intermediate shafts in he new 997s supports my position. Boxters and Caymans will follow.

Guys, I'm an old Porsche guy, but my Boxster is gone and this great car is forever suspect in my mind. 

By the way, two others in this region have had this issue and I'm sure there are more.

I've spoken to 5 dealerships from PA to FL and one in CA and they say they've done "lots" in the words of one.

Just getting something off my chest, as I really loved this car since it was introduced but enough is enough.

Dennis Angelisanti, PCA since 1990

[Racingswh]

Happened to my 03' 996 C2.  13,000 miles.  Was told that Porsche would not replace the engine at all if the car had seen any track time.  I sold that car because the only reason I had it was to take it to the track and haven't bought another.  I am assuming comparable engine architecture to your Boxster.