Product review (5 stars): So I'd say on average they are good for about 8 years of use
This is actually the second time I've had to replace my ice maker since buying my fridge about 16 years ago.  So I'd say on average they are good for about 8 years of use.  I've only had this one for about a week but it's working perfectly.  It takes longer to gather the tools than it does to actually replace the ice maker.  The first time I replaced my ice maker I bought a RIM 500 and I can tell no difference between that one and this one which is a RIM 900.  The RIM 597 also looked the same but I can't say for sure.  I can attest that the RIM 500 seems to be exactly the same as the RIM 900 in case anybody was wondering.  If it breaks down on me I may change my review but so far it's working perfectly.