Porsche Boxster (987) problems

Common Porsche Boxster (987) problems

Based on the information provided in the sources, here is a list of common problems with the Porsche Boxster (987) based on complaints from owners:

• Transmission Problems:
  • Signs of transmission issues in the Boxster 987 include clicking sounds, humming from the rear, stiff gear changes, heavy clutch pedal, and clunking sounds when switching off the engine.

• Scored Cylinder Bores:
  • While relatively rare in Boxster 987s, scored cylinder bores can be problematic, especially in the 3.4 engine. Signs include low oil levels, sooty emissions, and tapping noises from the engine.

• Brake System:
  • The Boxster 987 has excellent brakes, but they may feel different due to less servo assistance. Signs of brake issues include rough surfaces on discs, circular grooves, pronounced outer lips, squeaking, or pulling to one side during braking.

• Coolant Radiators and Air Conditioning Condensers:
  • The design of the Boxster 987 can lead to issues with coolant radiators and air conditioning condensers. Regular maintenance and checks are recommended to prevent problems in these areas.

• Oil Leak from Rear Main Seal:
  • An oil leak from the rear main seal is a common issue in Boxsters, appearing between the engine and transmission joint. If left unaddressed, this leak can lead to clutch damage in manual cars.

• Check Engine Light Issues:
  • Common causes of a Check Engine Light in the Boxster include failures in the O2 sensor and mass airflow sensor. Replacing both sensors with original Porsche parts is recommended to address these issues effectively.

• Misfires and Ignition System Problems:
  • Misfires can occur due to worn spark plugs, cracks in ignition coils, and oil leaking past spark plug tube seals. Upgrading to newer ignition coils is advised to prevent these issues.

These common problems highlight the importance of thorough inspections and regular maintenance to ensure the longevity and performance of Porsche Boxster (987) cars.

Is a Porsche 987 Boxster reliable?

While the manual, tiptronic and PDK transmissions for the Boxster 987 are all highly reliable, the long service intervals recommended by Porsche mean that problems can go unnoticed until they require extensive work.

What is the biggest problem with Porsche Boxster?

The most common problems with Porsche Boxsters first and second generations are:

• Air/Oil Separator Failure.
• Engine Block Porosity.
• Cylinder Head Cracks.
• Cylinder Lining Cracks.
• Rod Bolt Failure.
• IMS Bearing Failures.
• Chain Tensioner Failure.
• Variocam Solenoids Failure.

Is a Porsche Boxster 987 a good investment?

The 2nd gen Porsche Boxster (987) has quietly become a real investment. The days when you could buy an early 987 Boxster for 20,000 Euros are over. Not to mention the 987.2. In the shadow of the 911, it has also increased in value by a few percent.

Does 987 Boxster have IMS issue?

The statistics suggest that the versions used for model years 2000 to 2005 are most susceptible (mostly the 996 version of the 911 and the Boxster 986), while the chances of IMS bearing failure on a Boxster 987 or Cayman manufactured after a stronger bearing was introduced in late 2005 are very slim.