Porsche Boxster 986

Information and buying advice on the Porsche 986

Porsche Boxster 986: 1996-2004

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2. Kaufberatung Porsche Boxster 986: Worauf muss ich achten beim Boxsterkauf? 28
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2. Boxster komische Geräusche (Steuerkette?) 2
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2. Steuerkettenspanner oder Steuerkette 1
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2. So long... 3
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2. Boxster S 2002 VFL, nervige Klappergeräusche bei Kopfsteinpflaster bzw. schlechten Strassenverhältnissen...ich werde wahnsinnig.. 102
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Porsche Boxster 986

Table of contents

Boxster 986: History and evolution
Development, models and used cars at the first Boxster
Porsche Boxster 986 as a used car: What to look out for?
Porsche Boxster 986 buying advice
Porsche Boxster "50 Years of the 550 Spyder"
Discussions and info about the Boxster 986 in the forum

Boxster 986: History and evolution

As the first generation of the Porsche Boxster, the 986 celebrated its market launch in Germany in 1996. The design of the newer Porsche generations with the typical headlights was also to characterize the 911 series 966 presented shortly afterwards. The Roadster can be purchased comparatively cheaply 25 years later. If you pay attention to certain widespread weak points and their remedies, the light and agile Porsche Boxter 289 promises both driving pleasure and reliability as a used car. The prototype of the first Boxster was introduced back in 1993. The sports car manufacturer Porsche had sales problems in the early 1990s, especially in the USA. With the presentation of the 986 at the Detroit Auto Show, the manufacturer wanted to attract new customers and win back market share. The car was to be developed in parallel with its bigger brother, the 996 (the then new generation of the 911). Both cars shared some construction elements. The carmaker, which was under some cost pressure, was able to reduce production and development costs in this way. As far as the body was concerned, identical parts were also planned for the 996 and the 986 wherever possible. This resulted in a similar design. The Boxster was designed as a mid-engine sports car powered by six-cylinder engines with two to three liters of displacement. The air cooling system that had been characteristic of Porsche until then was to be replaced by water cooling. A diesel engine for the Boxster was even being considered at the time. A four-cylinder engine was also developed, but did not make it to market. The price targeted for the market launch was given as 75,000 deutschmarks. The first Porsche Boxter 986 introduced in 1996 had 2.5 liters of displacement and 204 hp. When the production 986 was launched, the larger in-house competitor was still the 911 of the legendary 993 model generation. This was the last 911 with classic air-cooled engines. The 996, introduced a year later, was to resemble the Boxster significantly, particularly in its frontal appearance. The Boxster competed outside its own house with several models from the roadster boom of the time. Its name was an artificial word made up of the word Boxer (referring to the boxer engine) and Roadster. It had to compete against models such as the Mazda MX-5, the Mercedes SLK, the BMW Z3 and the Alfa Romeo Spider. The model proved to be very successful, with the sports car manufacturer exceeding the number of units targeted for sale in the very first model years.

Development, models and used cars at the first Boxster

The engine of the first Porsche Boxter 986, with its 2.5-liter displacement, is considered very refined and is characterized by a high level of revving pleasure. Combined with the Boxster's low weight of 1250 kilograms, the 204-hp engine is capable of accelerating the car from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in 6.9 seconds. The top speed of the first Boxster is 240 kilometers per hour. In the further development of the 986, output grew to 220 and later 228 hp. In the Boxster S variant (from 1999), the engine produced 252 and later 260 hp. The combination with the sporty and short-shifting five-speed transmission promises agile country road driving. The mid-engine layout, handling and turn-in behavior underscore the claim of a nimble sports car. Braking behavior is also top-notch, as is typical of Porsche. Experts attest to the Boxster's engines' high reliability and suitability for everyday use, apart from typical oil leaks. However, the radial seal of the crankshaft on the clutch side is considered a frequent problem point. Likewise, the bearing cap of the intermediate shaft driving the timing chains should be inspected closely. These critical points can be responsible for leaks occurring between the engine and transmission. Repairing them may require greater effort, as it may be necessary to remove the transmission. The timing chain tensioners are also considered susceptible. If you hear a noticeable rattling of the engine for more than ten seconds during a cold start, a replacement may be indicated here. However, this repair is less time-consuming and can be carried out inexpensively, as no removal of the engine is required.

Porsche Boxster 986 as a used car: What to look out for?

Due to the comparatively moderate prices and good availability, many 986 models have several previous owners. The roadster has certain weak points and wear parts that you should inspect closely as a prospective buyer. Particular attention should be paid to the interior. This is known to deteriorate in several places over the years. This can be seen, for example, in the seats and their folding mechanism. Soggy driver's seats are also a possibility in models up to 24 years old. Large parts of the interior are made of hard plastic. This tends to become brittle, especially after prolonged exposure to UV light. This is not only an aesthetic defect, as some of the parts can also show cracks. This can be problematic for components like the side mirror adjustment. The surface covering of the dashboard can also show cracks or peeling after years of use. The soft top should be inspected closely on an open vehicle like the Porsche Boxster. Here, you should make sure that all seams are intact. Likewise, the condition of the fabric itself is important. The fabric could have become porous or brittle. Likewise, it should not have faded. When closed, the top should have good tension and be free of wrinkles. It is equally important that you have a clear view through the plastic rear window. At this point, a touch-up can be costly (about 2000 euros). Both the unlocking and the soft top operation should work without any problems. This applies to both the electric operation and the manual soft top release on the windshield frame. The body of the 986 is considered extremely robust and corrosion-resistant. It is a galvanized body on both sides, which effectively protects it from rusting through. Corrosion is therefore a negligible problem with this model. It is more important to inspect the body for other damage. Dents, repainted or touched-up areas allow conclusions to be drawn about possible accident damage. Also, if the gap dimensions are not correct, caution is advised. In this case, you should obtain written proof that the vehicle has been properly repaired or have it checked by a workshop. As far as the chassis and suspensions are concerned, it is best to check them on a lifting platform. During test drives, check that the Boxster drives in a straight line with the steering wheel in the upright position. The suspension requires special attention, as it can be expensive if repairs are necessary. Anyone who takes these and other points that are obligatory anyway when buying a used car (for example, a check of the brakes) into account will get a mid-engine roadster with the first Boxster generation that can still provide many years of driving pleasure.

Porsche Boxster 986 buying advice

The Porsche Boxster 986 offers real Porsche feeling, thanks to its comparatively low weight and mid-engine. A chic Porsche convertible for less than 7,000 euros that looks suspiciously similar to a 911? There must be a catch. To be honest: In this price range, the Boxster 986 usually has some nasty surprises in store. To be fair, though, it has to be said that the Boxster 986 is the first generation. This means that many 986s are already over 20 years old - other cars have already had their lives. Used Porsche Boxster 986 have therefore often passed through many hands. Most recently presumably by people who "also want to drive a Porsche". That's why you can probably assume a maintenance backlog on a cheaper example of a Porsche Boxster 986. Naturally, wear parts are somewhat more expensive at Porsche. However, neglecting service has fatal consequences: Repair costs can quickly turn out very high if the Boxster does not get any "love" and is not maintained. Sensitively expensive on the Boxster 986 is the most typical of all convertible wear parts: The soft top, including installation in original Porsche quality, comes in at a whopping 2,500 euros. Budget-conscious Boxster enthusiasts have no choice but to opt for an off-brand spare part. Parts can be found on the Internet for around 700 euros. For the assembly you have to reckon with another 300 to 500 euros. With the remaining "typical" weak points of a Boxster 986, it can be summarized that their defects are annoying, but they do not break the budget. The list of possible failures is not too long and the parts (for example, ignition coils, engine mounts or mass air flow sensors) cost between 100 and 500 euros - that's a more than fair statement for an exclusive car like the Boxster 986.

Porsche Boxster "50 Years of the 550 Spyder"

On November 24, 2003, Porsche will present a special edition of the Porsche Boxster S limited to 1953. To mark the 50th anniversary of the 550 Spyder, which was first introduced in 1953, the anniversary version called "50 Years 550 Spyder" will be released. The background to this is the positioning of the Boxster, which Porsche describes as the successor to the 550 Spyder. The similarities are the roadster design, the mid-engine concept and a low weight with high agility. The special model is available exclusively in a special silver metallic paint finish originally developed for the Carrera GT of the time. The paintwork is intended to pay tribute to the historic prototype, which is known for its silver exterior. The interior is finished in Cocoa, a leather color that was new at the time. The soft top is also characterized by this color. On request, Porsche also supplies the model in anthracite leather color and with a black soft top. The special model is already based in part on the technology of the 987 and offers compared to the regular Boxster S at the time a power increase of 6 hp to 266 hp (195 kW).

Furthermore, the special model for the 50th anniversary of the 550 Spyder has a manual transmission with shortened shift travel. As desired, a Tiptronic S to be operated via paddles on the steering wheel is also available. Another modification compared with the regular Boxster S is the chassis, which has been lowered by ten millimeters. The brake system has also been modified and features larger brake discs to match the increased performance. The brake system uses four-piston calipers, which have an aluminum-colored paint finish on this anniversary model. The Carrera wheels are in seal gray, measure 18 inches and reveal the brake system. As standard, the "50 Years 550 Spyder" features Litronic headlights including dynamic headlight range control. A headlight cleaning system is also fitted as standard. An on-board computer rounds off the comprehensive standard equipment of the anniversary model.

Discussions and info about the Boxster 986 in the forum

Much information about the first Boxster can be found here in the Boxster 986 Forum. The 986 community is always happy to welcome new members.

Image: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG

Forum: Themen zu Porsche Boxster 986

PIRELLI Gutscheine im Wert von 800€ zu gewinnen! 124

PIRELLI: Der perfekte Reifenpartner für Deinen Porsche 8

Car Design Prüfer 1

Kaufberatung Porsche Boxster 986: Worauf muss ich achten beim Boxsterkauf? 28

"Günstiger" 986 für Slalom sinnvoll? 12

Boxster 986 mit Fuchs oder Kerscher FX Rädern? 47

Scheinwerfer tauschen 9

Kühlwasserverlust - Überdruck im Kühlwassersystem - ZKD? 12

Typenschild Boxster 986 8

Nun auch noch Boxster 6

Boxster komische Geräusche (Steuerkette?) 2

Steuerkettenspanner oder Steuerkette 1

Unterbodenverkleidung Abdeckung hinten

Probleme mit ABS/PSM Lampe kommt immer wieder 9

Nach 944, 968 und sogar 914ern… 20

Neuer Schlüssel 13

schwergängiges Kupplungspedal 31

Farbcode für silberfarbene Turbinenfelgen 1

So long... 3

Boxster S 2002 VFL, nervige Klappergeräusche bei Kopfsteinpflaster bzw. schlechten Strassenverhältnissen...ich werde wahnsinnig.. 102

Litronic Scheinwerfer - Stecker raste dich nicht richtig in die Trägerplatte gegenstück ein 1

Wertsteigerungspotential Porsche Boxster 986 20

Raid 340mm Sportlenkrad - rotes Kabel ???? 4

Display Options

Porsche Boxster 986

Boxster 986: History and evolution

Development, models and used cars at the first Boxster

Porsche Boxster 986 as a used car: What to look out for?

Porsche Boxster 986 buying advice

Porsche Boxster "50 Years of the 550 Spyder"

Discussions and info about the Boxster 986 in the forum