What are the most common problems with a Porsche Boxster?

Listed below are Porsche Boxster common mechanical problems with their likely resolutions. These are the most frequent Boxster problems diagnosed by our repair shops over the years. An accurate diagnosis of an issue by a Porsche mechanic typically saves you time and money – see our guide to local independent Porsche repair shops that can help.

Are there any problems with the 986 Boxster?

The upgraded aos features a doubling in size of capacity for scavenging and is less prone to sucking up oil during high speed cornering. M96 engines fitted to the 986 and 987 Boxster can have issues with a bearing at one end of the engine intermediate shaft. The shaft connects the two ends of the engine timing gear.

Is the Porsche Boxster 718 a good car?

However, the Boxster platform exists right up to the current production 718. As a result, there’s extensive knowledge available of common mechanical problems with these cars. The good news is the Boxster is generally reliable and has aged gracefully.

Are there any issues with the Porsche Boxster M96?

M96 engines fitted to the 986 and 987 Boxster can have issues with a bearing at one end of the engine intermediate shaft. The shaft connects the two ends of the engine timing gear. At one end, the shaft drives the oil pump and at the other, finishes in a sealed bearing.

What’s the average price of a 2008 Porsche Boxster?

In CARFAX Used Car Listings, you can find a used 2008 Porsche Boxster for sale from $21,997 to $33,900. The average selling price of this vehicle on CARFAX is $28,111. Is the 2008 Porsche Boxster a good car?

What kind of car is a Porsche Boxster?

Maintenance and running costs are at the low end of the Porsche ownership scale. Mechanically, the design is generally solid, with the exception of a few items highlighted below. In the used car market, you’ll find Boxster 986 (1997-2004), 987 (2005-2012), 981 (2012-2016) and current 718 versions available.

How many miles does a Porsche car last?

How long do Porsches last? Porsche cars are known for their longevity and long-term reliability and are built to perform well even after many years of use. With proper maintenance and care, most Porsche vehicles can cross the 150,000-mile mark.

Why does my Porsche Boxster have an AOS problem?

The AOS has caused numerous issues on Porsche engines and is an item to be closely monitored. As the membrane in the AOS fails, oil is sucked into the air intake. Initially this can show up as a check engine light for fuel adaptations with oil being deposited on the o2 sensors causing emission faults.

How much does it cost to replace ABS on a Porsche?

Replaced both front ABS speed sensors, the MAF, and some other bits local Porsche mechanic suggested. It turned out to be the $20 switch all along. 5 minute install and it’s working like a champ now. Here’s a picture of the package and the old part.

Why is the spark plug leaking on my Boxster?

Spark plug tube seals are also prone to leaking – leaks from the spark plug tube seals can be frustrating. Often, you wont see the oil initially, as it’s sealed in by the coil on top of the spark plug. The tube fills with oil and causes misfires by destroying the plug and the coil.

Why is my abs not working on my Porsche?

If you are getting ABS failure and PSM failure drive to workshop message on the dashboard when you press the brake pedal or start to drive the problem may be the brake light switch. This problem can affect any Porsche, including 911, Cayman, The brake light switch is very inexpensive and takes only a few minutes to replace.

Why is the oil leaking from my Porsche Boxster?

The seal does dry over time and can leak, however, there are other potential issues that could also cause the seal to leak (see Air Oil Separator below). Causes of the seal failure should be checked thoroughly by a competent shop before you proceed to replace the seal. Porsche Boxsters have a number of common sources for leaking oil.

Is there a problem with the Boxster convertible top?

The Boxster convertible top mechanism is used a lot, and is often exposed to a lot of stress and strain as a result. It’s very likely that you will experience a problem with the opening or closing of your top somewhere along the line: knowing what to replace and fix is valuable information.

What kind of engine does a Boxster 2.5 have?

The problem affects mostly the 2.5 and Carrera 3.4 engines: the 3.2 Boxster S engine appears to be unaffected because it has thicker cylinder walls than the 3.4 engine. When this failure happens, you will see oil and coolant begin to mix together, or a slight unexplained coolant loss.

What kind of car is the 2008 Boxster?

The 2008 Boxster carries on the legacy of Porsche’s legendary 550 Spyder and 356 Speedster in a thoroughly modern convertible format that combines day-to-day utility with performance and handling that rival more exotic machinery. Either model, but especially the basic Boxster, provides all the benefits of belonging to one…

How old is the Porsche Boxster model year?

Now entering its eleventh model year and third iteration, the 2008 Porsche Boxster continues to reap the benefits of Porsche’s traditional evolutionary method of engineering.

Where to buy Porsche Boxster accessories and parts?

Porsche Boxster Accessories and Parts are at CARiD.com in the highest quality on the planet. That’s because we stock our inventory with nothing less than the finest options available, including wood dash kits, floor mats, wheels, grille guards, and more.

Why does my Porsche Boxster make a knocking noise?

The M96 and M97 engines found in the Boxster are famed for cylinder scoring – deep gauges in the cylinder liner, usually associated with a knocking noise and eventually catastrophic engine failure. The root cause of this issue is open to discussion, however, wear in the piston rings and liners causes the piston to wobble.

Is the 1998 Porsche Boxster a good car?

The 1998 Porsche Boxster has not been tested. Like what you see? Find the best deal on a Porsche Boxster today. There are for sale near you. Certified child passenger safety technicians conduct hands-on tests of a car’s Latch system and check the vehicle’s ability to accommodate different types of car seats.

What are the parts in a Porsche Boxster?

Included in these kits are the following: NOTE: These kits contain OEM parts that are appropriate for vehicles that have not been modified from their factory states. Each kit contains enough parts to service one vehicle.

Can You service more than one Porsche Boxster?

Each kit contains enough parts to service one vehicle. We strongly recommend that you first verify your sway bar diameters before ordering in order to receive the correct parts for your vehicle. Note: For vehicles with Base Suspension. Note: For vehicles with M030 Sport Suspension Option.

Which is the best shock absorber for a Porsche Boxster?

Koni shock absorbers are also an excellent replacement for your shock absorbers. The Konis are a bit more expensive than the Bilsteins, but offer the ability to adjust the level of stiffness for a smoother or more performance-minded ride.

Why does my Porsche Boxster have smoke coming from the engine?

A quick puff of smoke as you start a cold engine is not uncommon, especially on the Porsche flat six engine in the Boxster. There are many theories and various thoughts as to why this happens – none are proven.

Why is my Boxter clunking steering on full lock?

Just back from my mates place after he kindly offered me a drive in his brand new Boxter. I pull out of his drive on full lock and the car violently juddered to the left. As I continued at a VERY slow pace the car continued to jump/knock until I straightened the wheel!

Why does my Porsche Boxster have oil in it?

This typically starts out as an oily film and continues to get worse over time. There are many potential problems associated with this sign – oil could be getting in to the coolant from a blown head gasket, from a crack in the cylinder head, a crack in a cylinder liner or through the oil cooler.

How to replace a Porsche Boxster starter in 1997?

For 1997-99 cars, you may have to loosen the clamp that holds the accelerator cable in place. With everything disconnected on the throttle body, simply rotate it up and out of the way. You should now have access to the starter, the two bolts attaching it to the engine, and the three electrical connections located on the rear.

What was the Porsche Boxster like in 1997?

It’s not just the Porsche Boxster that was different back in 1997; Porsche was a very different company, as well. Today, Porsche is a full-fledged luxury car company selling not only sports cars like the Cayman, but also a pair of SUVs and a large touring sedan.

What was the zero to 60 mph time for the 1997 Boxster?

Both Boxsters came with automatics, and one of the ways we can see how good the PDK is compared to the old automatic is to look no further than the zero-to-60-mph times for each: The 1997 Boxster made the sprint in 6.7 seconds with the manual and 7.4 seconds with the automatic.

Which is faster Porsche Boxster manual or PDK?

But in the 2017 718 Boxster, the PDK (4.5 seconds) is significantly faster than the manual (4.9 seconds). The old Boxster also made a curious choice to put the gear selectors for the Tiptronic system on the thumbs of the steering wheel, where you tip them up to upshift and down to downshift.

How did the Porsche Boxster convertible top get stuck?

In addition, the mechanism for lifting the rear metal cover has completely sheared off as well. The pivot ball pin (shown in inset) would normally be attached to end of the control lever (yellow arrow), but due to the top getting stuck, it has been broken off.

What’s the Smart top on a Porsche Boxster?

One of the first things I installed in my wife’s Boxster was the SmartTop controller that allows you to open and close the roof with one-touch operation (see Pelican Technical Article: Smart Top Roof Control Installation ). This is a neat feature, except that there are no safeguards built into the unit.

Is it okay to jack up a Porsche Boxster?

Lift up the car slowly. It’s perfectly okay if the car tilts while the wheels on the opposite side are still on the ground. Depending upon where you placed your jack, both front wheels may come off the ground, or both wheels on one side of the car may come off the ground.

How tall is the Porsche Boxster floor jack?

With a minimum height of only 80mm (3.1″), the jack will easily fit under any of my lowered Porsches. On the other end, the jack has an unusually high lift of 735mm (29″) that enables you to raise your car up onto floor jacks in one swift motion.

Is there an update to the Porsche Boxster 986?

The update also threw in an electro-mechanical hood and trunk release, plus a new steering wheel design as well. In its day, the Porsche Boxster 986 was noteworthy for a number of things, including its drivetrain configuration.

Can you replace the oil cooler on a Porsche Boxster?

If after replacing the cooler, you need to go to the next stage, having a new oil cooler is not the end of the world and at least eliminates the cooler as the source immediately. If replacing the cooler does not solve the problem, the remaining options are expensive and likely require major engine surgery.

Why are there cracks in my Boxster engine?

Cracks in the cylinder head – It isn’t the most common issue, but cracks can form at the seats of exhaust valves or the spark plug hole. Cracks in the cylinder lining – A new technique was used to incorporate the cylinder liners right in the case.

Is there a problem with the Boxster 3.4 engine?

It can be a problem on the 3.4, but in our experience it is much more common in the Cayman engine than the Boxster.

How many generations of the Porsche Boxster are there?

The Boxster has 3 generations, each with their own issues. Using the same PainRank™ system we’ve determined that you’re better off avoiding the 1st generation (1997–2004). Documenting the process of troubleshooting common problems. Time-sensitive, free repairs for widespread safety problems.

Where can I buy used Porsche Boxster parts?

There are plenty of third-party parts vendors online that can offer parts at lower cost than Porsche directly. There is also a good deal of experience and expertise in independent Porsche repair shops to help make the maintenance of your used Boxster cost effective.

Is there a problem with the Porsche Boxster 996?

In some cases, there is a leak through the crank case wall. Porsche has a unique way of casting the crank cases on the Boxster and 996. Porsche subcontracts out the process of pouring the Boxster aluminum crank cases.

What kind of crank case does a Porsche Boxster have?

Porsche has a unique way of casting the crank cases on the Boxster and 996. Porsche subcontracts out the process of pouring the Boxster aluminum crank cases. The process of doing the pouring is problematic if the aluminum doesn’t flow or cool smoothly, causing porous crank case walls.

Is the Porsche Boxster the same as the 911?

Developed in conjunction with the first water-cooled 911, the Boxster and its big brother shared plenty of parts, most notably from the A-pillar forward along with the engine architecture (known as the M96), though, overall, they were very different beasts.

What happens if the oil separator fails in a Boxster?

In the most extreme cases, the air-oil separator fails to separate the oil from the air, and oil is then sucked into the intake manifold. Oil in the intake system is not healthy for the engine and it can foul spark plugs and destroy catalytic converters at the very least.

When did the Porsche Boxster come out in the US?

The Porsche Boxster arrived for the 1997 model year as a mid-engine convertible aimed at more entry-level shoppers than the typical Porsche. Powered by a flat-6 engine mounted behind the driver, the Boxster combined sporty driving performance with classic roadster looks, inspired by the 550 Spyder.

When did Porsche stop making the Porsche 996?

The Porsche 996 is the internal designation for the 911 model manufactured from 1997 to 2006 It was replaced by the 997 in 2004 but the high performance Turbo S, GT2 and GT3 variants remained in production til 2006.

What kind of engine does a Porsche Boxster have?

In 2017, Porsche altered the Boxster’s name and recipe, debuting it as the new 718 Boxster. For the first time ever, this Boxster featured a turbocharged flat-4 engine producing between 300 and 350 horsepower.

Why does my Porsche Boxster make a ticking noise at idle?

One of the symptoms described by Flat6 Innovations in their video series on the subject is a ticking noise at idle, a bit like a sticky hydraulic tappet, which they say never happens, or very rarely, on Boxsters. I just wondered if anyone else had had bore scoring confirmed on their 987.1 and if so did they experience the ticking at idle when warm?

What’s the problem with the Porsche Boxster engine?

Boxster owners have reported 33 complaints over 20 model years. A majority of the problems are related to the engine. Boxster owners have reported 33 complaints over 20 model years. A majority of the problems are related to the engine. Skip to Content

What causes oil starvation in a Porsche Boxster?

Oil starvation due to built-in oil sump – The new design of the Boxster’s oil sump had a lower holding capacity, which led to numerous issues. Rear main seal leaks – This was an issue for earlier models and is more of a cosmetic issue than a performance issue. Rod bolt failure – Particularly a problem in high mileage Boxsters that are revved often.

Are there any problems with the Porsche Boxster?

Using our PainRank ™ system we’ve ranked it second to last in overall reliaibility, with significant engine and electrical concerns. A list of some of the most common issues Boxster owners have to deal with.

Can you change the instrument cluster on a Porsche 997?

A Porsche 997 instrument cluster. If installing an entire new instrument cluster, a PIWIS diagnostic tool is needed to program the previous cluster’s settings into the new cluster. Dash Rattle Solved!

Can a Porsche 996 Carrera engine be used in a Boxster?

Unless you upgrade the car to use the later DME (very difficult), you cannot use any 2002 or later 996 Carrera engine or any 2003 or later Boxster engine. You can swap in any replacement 2.5L engine from 1997-99 without having to remap the DME.

When to replace the shocks on a Porsche Boxster?

I recommend that you replace your shocks every 50,000 miles or so, or if they start to show signs of fading or wearing out. If you push down on a corner of the car, it should spring back with almost no oscillation up and down. If the car bounces up and down, then you probably need new shocks.

Can a 2000 Boxster be replaced with a 2002 engine?

You can swap in any replacement engine of the same displacement from 2000-02 without having to remap the DME. (I.E. a 2000 2.7L Boxster with a blown motor can accept a 2002 2.7L engine with no remapping needed). Installation of a 3.2 Boxster ‘S’ engine would be an easy installation, but would require an updated map for the DME.

What kind of engine did a Porsche Boxster have?

These cars ran the Bosch Motronic 5.2.2 system, which uses a cable-driven throttle body, similar to nearly all earlier Porsches. When installing an engine into one of these early cars, you need to use a cable-driven throttle body and corresponding crossover tube that matches that engine.

All models have their own unique set of problems, however, as the Boxster has matured, there are definitely less catastrophic potential problems with the later versions. That doesn’t mean ignore the early versions, it simply means more caution is required. The Boxster is easy to upgrade from both a performance or cosmetic stand point.

How old is the first generation Porsche Boxster?

Emerging from a combination of “Boxer” engine and “Roadster,” the first-generation Porsche Boxster is heading for being 20 years old. However, the Boxster platform exists right up to the current production 718.

What should I know before buying a used Boxster?

If you buy a pre-loved car from the late ‘90s or early 2000s, there will be maintenance issues, even with the Boxster. So when you buy a used Boxster, compare the price you are paying now to the maintenance you’d be paying annually and make sure a cheap deal does not end up costing you too much.

Can a Boxster roof cope with living outside?

Never put a cover over a wet or damp car – it will trap moisture, left out in the open and air circulating will dry everything out, covers are more suited to the occasional use car, those garaged most of the time where everything is bone dry prior to fitting the cover.

How often should I reproof my Boxster roof?

The one thing that i would recomnend is that you reproof the roof every 6 months or at least once a year. There are many products on the market and i can recommend Fabsil and Renovo which are both equally good. Enjoy your car and welcome to the Boxster register.

Can a Porsche Boxster convertible top be replaced?

If you are ready to replace your Porsche Boxster convertible top make Auto Tops Direct your first stop. Our glass window convertible tops for your Boxster are manufactured with our patented and proprietary Lifetime Window Bonding System.

What kind of window does a Porsche Boxster have?

We guarantee that this bonding system will last a lifetime, with no threat of dreaded window separation or water leakage – ever. For the 1997-2002 first generation Boxster, we carry both the original plastic window style and a Porsche Boxster convertible top with a defroster glass window.

Why does the top of my Porsche Boxster not seat?

One is when an elastic strip on each side loses its stretch. This causes the top to seat itself outside the exterior plastic guard above the windows. It should tuck in behind that guard. This video shows the failure and a very easy fix.

What kind of Boxster top will go up or down?

986 Series (Boxster, Boxster S) (MY1997 – 2004) 986 Series (Boxster, Boxster S) 986 Boxster Convertible Top Issues and Solutions

Why is coolant coming out of my Boxster?

There are many potential problems associated with this sign – oil could be getting in to the coolant from a blown head gasket, from a crack in the cylinder head, a crack in a cylinder liner or through the oil cooler. For sure, coolant in the oil and visa versa is a bad sign, the question is how lucky will you be as to where the problem is?

When did the Porsche Boxster type 987 come out?

In 2005, Porsche debuted the second generation of Boxster, the type 987, with a more powerful engine and styling inspired by the Carrera GT. Engine output increased in 2007, when both Boxster models received the engines from their corresponding Porsche Cayman variants.

What was the cause of a Porsche Boxster engine failure?

Some Boxster models manufactured between 4 May 2001 and 21 February 2005 have suffered complete engine failure due to a fault with the intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing, which resulted in a class action lawsuit against Porsche Cars North America (referred to as Eisen v. Porsche Cars North America ).

How much does a 1999 Boxster engine cost?

My 1999 Boxster was recently diagnosed with the apparently very common intermediate shaft failure (IMS failure). The big surprise came when I heard the only way to fix this, is a complete engine replacement; $12000 for the part alone! Add the hours needed to put it in, and this is more then the cars current value.

When did I buy my first Porsche Boxster?

HiI’ve just bought my first Porsche, a 1997 2.5 Boxster Manual UK RHD spec. It has got a few problems that I suspect are linked but don’t know how to solve.

When is the best time to buy a Porsche Boxster?

Late used 987 versions are selling in the late teens for vehicles with lower mileage. This is a lot of car for the money – most of the issues with the Boxster were worked out of the design by the time the late 987 reached the showroom.

Where does the oil go in a Porsche Boxster?

The oil is recycled to the sump, while the gas is passed through the combustion path to be burnt and cleaned by the catalytic converters. The AOS has caused numerous issues on Porsche engines and is an item to be closely monitored. As the membrane in the AOS fails, oil is sucked into the air intake.

Where are the catalytic converters on a Porsche Boxster?

The main catalytic converters are located on the headers and 2nd set of cats are DELETEABLE with absolutely no ill effects. More sports cars sound. A must have performance accessory for all 2000 to 2004 (USA) Boxsters .

What kind of exhaust pipe does a Porsche Boxster use?

Recommended for racing applications, the by-pass pipe replaces the constricting catalytic converter with a freer flowing exhaust pipe. Note that the use of these pipes is legal for off-road use only in most states. T304SS high performance 200 cell German imported sport catalytic converters.

Is there a CE light on a Porsche Boxster?

More power and sportscar sound for all 986 (USA) Boxster cars built from 2000-2004. No Check Engine Light. 100% impossible to get a CE light. The main catalytic converters are located on the headers and 2nd set of cats are DELETEABLE with absolutely no ill effects.

How are the brakes on a Porsche Boxster 987?

The brakes on the Boxster 987 are excellent, although you may not think so the first time you drive one. Porsche braking systems are not as heavily servo assisted as those in most cars and your unfamiliarity with them may lead you to assume the response is poor.

Why is my ignition not working on my Porsche?

One of the most common electrical items to fail on some of the older Porsches is the ignition switch. This failure can show up in any number of ways. The car can refuse to start some of the time, the key may not turn too easily in the ignition, or strange electrical problems may appear.

Can you replace the ignition switch on a Porsche Boxster?

For 2005 and later models, the entire ignition switch / steering lock assembly was removed from the car, and replaced with an electro-mechanical solenoid that locks the steering rack instead. You can only remove the locking mechanism after dismantling the entire steering system.

What to do if your Boxster engine has no heat?

If you find that the level dropped, you have most likely hit on the solution to your lack of heat problem. Do not open the coolant fill cap while the engine is hot, you could get scalded. Put a rag over the cap as you are unscrewing it for extra safety.

Where is the heater located in a Boxster?

The fan (“blower motor”) that blows either hot or cold air into the cabin is located under the dashboard, at the passenger’s (right) side. Here is a diagram of the blower motor (part #8) and its housing, along with the heater core (part #2), through which hot coolant must flow, to produce hot air into the cabin:

Where is the bleeder valve on a Boxster?

A good (and easy) way to start is to simply lift the bleeder valve lever, which is located under the thin black plastic cover on top of the reservoir tank. Here is a photo of the bleed valve and lever:

How much does it cost to replace a Porsche Boxster battery?

Cost $593 to replace. The fourth one failed a year or so earlier and was replaced under factory warranty. The dealer tells me these are routine battery lives–approx 4 years

How much does a 2000 Porsche Boxster cost?

This £5995 2000-plated 2.7-litre Boxster is one such example. Admittedly it’s not the full-fat 3.2-litre S, but it’s not the asthmatic 2.5-litre model either. It packs a stout 220bhp and should, all things considered, sprint from 0-60mph in a suitably swift 6.6sec.

Where is the engine on a Porsche Boxster?

The Porsche Boxster and Cayman are pure mid-engined sports machines, meaning the engine is installed just behind the cabin, unlike the the engine in the Porsche 911 that’s fitted behind the back By all measures the Porsche Boxster was a brilliant car.

Why is my car horn broken or not working?

– YouTube Why is My Car Horn Broken or Not Working? If playback doesn’t begin shortly, try restarting your device. Videos you watch may be added to the TV’s watch history and influence TV recommendations. To avoid this, cancel and sign in to YouTube on your computer.

Are there any issues with buying a Porsche?

One issue you are certain to have read about when researching whether to buy a Porsche is the notorious IMS bearing failure, which caused catastrophic engine failure in some cars.

How fast can a Porsche Boxter go?

According to Porsche, the base-trim Boxster can reach a top speed of 163 mph with the manual transmission and accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds with the PDK. Even faster, the Boxster S has…

What year did Porsche start making Boxsters?

The first generation Boxster was introduced in 1996; the second generation Boxster and the Cayman arrived in late 2005; and the third generation launched in 2012. Since the introduction of the fourth generation in 2016, the two models have been marketed as the Porsche 718 Boxster and Porsche 718 Cayman .

What is top speed of Porsche Boxter?

Performance on the road has improved accordingly, the Boxster now requiring a mere 6.2 seconds for the standard sprint from 0 – 60 mph and achieving a top speed of 159 mph. The second-generation Porsche Boxster comes with even more self-assertion, more power and more performance.

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