Porsche IMS Retrofit — South Shore, MA
Protect your M96/M97 Porsche from the one failure that ends engines. SSA retrofits an upgraded IMS bearing — done with your clutch to save labor — on 986/987 Boxster & Cayman and 996/997 911. Backed by a 5 Year / 60,000-mile nationwide warranty.
The intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing supports the shaft that drives the camshafts on Porsche’s M96 and M97 engines — found in 1997–2008 Boxster, Cayman and 911 models. When that bearing fails, it can take the entire engine with it. It’s the single most important preventive repair for these cars.
At SSA European Auto Repair in Kingston, MA, with more than 50 years of combined Porsche experience in the building, we retrofit an upgraded IMS bearing and inspect the rear main seal at the same time — ideally during a clutch job, since the transmission is already out, so you only pay the labor once.
IMS Retrofit Service
Which Models & When
M96 engines are candidates for the retrofit. If the clutch is due or the history is unknown, do it now.
Many are still on the original bearing. We assess yours and recommend the right upgrade.
The 996 Carrera is a prime IMS-retrofit candidate — the fix is far cheaper than a replacement engine.
Non-turbo 997.1 models use the M97 and can be retrofitted depending on bearing type.
If your clutch is worn, this is the moment — the transmission is already out, so the added labor to retrofit the IMS is minimal.
Buying or already own one with no IMS records? Retrofitting removes the biggest question mark hanging over the car.
SSA is the largest independent European auto repair facility in New England — and it shows in our depth of talent, factory tooling, and bays. This is a job where experience matters — and SSA has more than 50 years of Porsche experience under one roof, recognized at SEMA 2025 as one of only five Bosch Module Shops of the Year. We use upgraded IMS bearing kits, inspect the old bearing and oil for early warning signs, and back qualifying repairs with a 5-year/60,000-mile nationwide warranty — plus free loaner cars and after-hours drop-off while your car is with us.
"If you have an older Porsche or German car, look no further. I just bought a 997.1 Carrera and wanted it sorted — detailed explanations and the mechanic showed me everything under the car."
"SSA did a thorough, professional inspection on the 911 I was considering and pointed out exactly what to address for the year and model. Happy Porsche owner!"
"Honest, comprehensive and high-quality work. They even saved me money where they could without cutting corners."
New Customer Offer
Best value when the IMS retrofit is done with a clutch replacement. Mention this page at check-in. Pricing depends on model, bearing type and related service.
Claim This OfferPorsche IMS FAQ
The intermediate-shaft (IMS) bearing supports the shaft driving the camshafts on Porsche M96/M97 engines. The factory bearing can fail with age and low use; if it does, metal debris can destroy the engine. Retrofitting an upgraded bearing prevents this.
Generally 1997–2008 Boxster and Cayman (986/987) and 1999–2008 911 (996 and 997.1) with M96/M97 engines. We confirm your specific bearing type before recommending the correct upgrade.
Yes — it’s the smart time. The transmission is already removed for a clutch job, so the added labor to retrofit the IMS bearing and reseal the rear main is minimal. You only pay the big labor once.
It depends on the model, the bearing kit, and whether you bundle a clutch and RMS. Because it’s far cheaper than a replacement engine, it’s one of the best-value preventive repairs on these cars. Call 781-585-5587 for a quote.
Yes. SSA has more than 50 years of combined Porsche experience in the building and uses PIWIS diagnostics. IMS retrofits and rear-main-seal service are core work for us.
Call 781-585-5587 or book online. Most services scheduled same week — 192 Summer Street, Kingston, MA.