Porsche Repair & Service in Dubai
From the 996’s IMS bearing to the 992’s PDK — Porsche engines, gearboxes and chassis known by generation, not by badge
With Porsche, the generation code decides the job. A 997.1 Carrera and a 997.2 Carrera look almost identical but have different engines: M97 with an intermediate-shaft (IMS) bearing in the first, the direct-injection 9A1 without one in the second. A Cayenne 955 and a 9YA share little more than a name. We start every Porsche job by confirming the type code and engine number.
Bella Motor is an independent workshop. We are not a Porsche Centre and not authorised by Porsche. We work on 911s, Boxsters, Caymans, Cayennes, Panameras and Macans, from air-cooled to current.
Pick-up and recovery available on request.
M96/M97: IMS bearing, RMS and bore scoring
Water-cooled flat-sixes from the 996, 986 Boxster, 987.1 and 997.1 use an intermediate-shaft bearing that can fail without warning. Inspecting it means removing the gearbox, so it is usually done together with a clutch job. Rear main seal (RMS) weeps are common and often harmless. Bore scoring, mostly on larger-bore engines, shows as a ticking noise, oil consumption and soot in one exhaust bank. We check with an endoscope before any purchase or rebuild decision.
9A1 and 9A2 engines
From the 997.2 and 987.2 onward the 9A1 direct-injection engines have no IMS bearing. The 991.2 and 992 Carreras use the 3.0 twin-turbo 9A2. They are robust. Our usual work is coolant and oil leaks, carbon on intake valves, spark plugs and coils at their intervals, and turbo coolant lines on 9A2.
PDK and Tiptronic
PDK is a dual-clutch gearbox (7-speed, 8-speed on the 992) with separate fluids for the clutch section and the gear section on many versions. Earlier cars and older Cayennes use Aisin or ZF Tiptronic torque-converter automatics. Shift quality issues need adaptation data and a fluid check before any hardware decision.
Cayenne and Panamera
Early Cayenne (955) V8s had plastic coolant pipes under the intake manifold that crack with heat. The fix is aluminium pipes. Air suspension, PASM dampers and PDCC (hydraulic active anti-roll) age in heat. Transfer cases and propshaft centre bearings are common wear items on high-mileage Cayennes.
PCCB and steel brakes
Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (yellow calipers) are assessed by weight and visual criteria against the specification, not by thickness alone. They are expensive to replace and long-lasting on road cars, so we measure before any recommendation. Steel brakes on GT models wear fast on track; pad material and fluid choice matter.
Paint and front-end protection
A 911’s nose and front wings take most of the stone chips, and Porsche paint is often thin on edges. Paint-to-Sample and special colours need careful matching. We measure thickness, correct within the clear coat and recommend PPF on the front end for cars driven on highways.
What we check
- IMS bearing type and condition on M96/M97 (with gearbox off)
- Bore scoring signs: endoscope, oil consumption, soot
- Coolant pipes (Cayenne V8) and radiators (front-mounted on 911)
- PDK adaptation and fluid condition
- PCCB disc weight and condition
- Front radiators clear of debris
Our services for Porsche
Models we work on
911 (930, 964, 993, 996, 997, 991, 992; GT3 / GT2 / Turbo) · Boxster / Cayman (986, 987, 981, 718) · Cayenne (955, 957, 958, 9YA) · Panamera (970, 971) · Macan · Taycan (bodywork, detailing and protection) · 356 and air-cooled 911 (restoration)
Questions
Should I replace the IMS bearing on my 996/997.1?
It depends on the bearing type fitted and the car’s history. The usual approach is to inspect and upgrade it when the gearbox is out for a clutch job, so the labour is shared. We check which bearing your engine has.
How can I check a used 911 or Cayman for bore scoring?
An endoscope inspection of the cylinders, oil consumption history and a look at the exhaust tips for soot on one bank. We do this as part of a pre-purchase check.
Do PCCB carbon-ceramic brakes need replacing often?
On road cars they last a long time. They are assessed by weight and condition against Porsche’s specification. We measure before any recommendation.
What oil does my Porsche need?
One with the Porsche approval for your engine (A40 for most petrol engines, C30 for some). We record the oil used on the invoice.
Are you a Porsche Centre?
No. Bella Motor is an independent workshop, not affiliated with or authorised by Porsche.
Book an inspection of your Porsche: tell us the model, the year and what you notice.
Pick-up and recovery available on request.