LN Engineering IMS Bearing Upgrade
Our team of experienced Porsche technicians hold a vast knowledge of the LN Engineering solution. The first one we will discuss is the IMS Pro Retro fit kit, they offer a number of other solutions but this is the option we have seen the most demand for.
LN Engineering Single Row Pro IMS Retrofit
This kit includes the replacement bearing, bearing cap and housing along with new microencapsulated bolts and a snap ring.
This single row pro bearing is a patented design that offers a duel row bearing for the vehicles that were originally fitted with the smaller single row IMS bearing. The balls used in these bearings are a ceramic hybrid that offer an increased load capability with minimal oil required for lubrication (approx. 1cc per minute) LN Engineering have sold over 30,000 unit across their range since 2008 and are regarded by some as the first and best replacement option that is available.
LN Engineering offer a 2 year or 24,000 miles warranty and recommend replacement at 6 years or 75,000 miles. (both these figures are on a whichever is achieved first basis) This information was taken from the LN engineering website (2020)
LN Engineering Duel Row IMS Retrofit
This kit includes the replacement bearing, bearing cap and housing along with new microencapsulated bolts and a custom Spiro-lock ring. This duel row IMS bearing is designed to replace the original IMS bearings used in the early M96 engines. The balls used in these bearings are a ceramic hybrid that offer an increased load capability with minimal oil required for lubrication (approx. 1cc per minute) LN Engineering have sold over 30,000 unit across their range since 2008 and are regarded by some as the first and best replacement option that is available.
LN Engineering offer a 2 year or 24,000 miles warranty and recommend replacement at 6 years or 75,000 miles. (both these figures are on a whichever is achieved first basis) This information was taken from the LN engineering website (2020)
LN Engineering IMS Solution
This kit is available as a solution for both the original equipment single and duel row bearings and includes all the parts required to convert your IMS shaft to run on a pressure fed oil lubricated solid bearing similar to what was used in the earlier air-cooled Porsche. This patented design eliminates the use of a ball bearing configuration altogether.
LN Engineering offer a 5 year unlimited mileage warranty and have designed this bearing solution for the life of your engine, without a recommended replacement interval. This information was taken from the LN engineering website (2020)
MY06-08 IMS Retrofit Kit
LN engineering do also offer an IMS retrofit kit for the 2006-2008 M97 engines, however this kit necessitates a complete engine strip to enable the fitment. The main advantage to this kit over other replacement bearings is the use of a special adapter which allows future servicing of the bearing without the need to strip the engine. Due to the extent of work and associated cost in replacing this bearing we would not anticipate many people changing this unless the engine had been stripped for other reasons.
One thing that LN engineering have recommended is the removal of the grease seal on your existing bearing. This is a simple job that once the IMS flange has been removed will only take a short time. Once this has been removed the bearing flange can be reinstated along with a new seal and o-ring for the centre stud.
Once the bearing grease seal has been removed, they also recommend a shorter oil change interval of no more than 6 months and 5,000 miles, using a quality 5w40 motor oil. Regular used oil analysis along with the periodic inspection of the oil filter is also a good way of potentially monitoring the IMS bearing moving forward.
IMS Bearing Replacement Costs
The IMS Bearing prices detailed below are for the supply and installation of the replacement LN engineering IMS pro bearing, in addition to this we would also recommend an engine oil and filter change at £110 and a rear main oil seal (RMS) replacement, but only if this is leaking. (all prices are subject to VAT at 20%)
| Porsche Model | Manual | Tiptronic |
| Porsche Boxster 986 IMS Bearing Replacement | £1,409 | £1,529 |
| Porsche Boxster 987 IMS Bearing Replacement (up to 2006) | £1,409 | £1,529 |
| Porsche 996 C2 IMS Bearing Replacement | £1,409 | £1,609 |
| Porsche 996 C4 IMS Bearing Replacement | £1,459 | £1,659 |
| Porsche 997 (up to 2006) Gen 1 C2 & C2S IMS Bearing Replacement | £1,409 | £1,609 |
| Porsche 997 (up to 2006) Gen 1 C4 & C4S IMS Bearing Replacement | £1,459 | £1,659 |