Only changed the seals as the bearing was like new.
Still a lot of work but worth it to have a leak free engine.
Fair play.....
I do know Porsche mucked about with the dimensions on the bearing in more than one iteration of their first water cooled unit. Id always believed the early cars (1999) were generally ok. Then they increased its diameter but reduced it's width to accomodate other changes of the motor internals. It doesnt stop there as I recall either, making it pretty involved if you want to try and insulate yourself from the suspect motors by production number and date......
Personally, Id look for the issue having been addressed if only bècause the unloved ugly duckling 996 seems now to be commanding ever higher values. A decent, driveable performance air cooled car is stratospheric price wise. A 996 is the only option left for many who have been well & truly priced out....Even then, if you replace like4like, Id not be impressed. Not when there is an expensive oil fed after market option available. And not when the prices continue to climb....
Also, many conflate IMS with RMS. A leaky rear main seal is a nuisance but that's all. Change it when you replace the clutch. An IMS will go without warning and there's fu5k4ll you can do but expect a total engine rebuild/replacement nightmare. Which is probably why people dont entirely trust that sh1t....
Id mention PPI about now but dont want to risk bringing the bogey man down on my head....