Positioning:
Entry-level Porsche sports car, competing with brands like BMW Z3, Mercedes-Benz SLK, and Chevrolet Corvette.
Key Differentiators:
Mid-engine layout providing superior handling balance, Porsche brand prestige, driver-focused cockpit.
Vehicle Focus:
Pure sports car experience, convertible motoring, agile handling.
Diy Support:
Enables owners to perform significant maintenance and repair tasks, saving on labor costs.
Engine:
Complete Engine Overhaul, Maintenance, Diagnostics, Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Exhaust System
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic Transmission Service, Clutch System, Drivetrain, Axles, Differential
Chassis:
Suspension (Front and Rear), Steering System, Brake System (including ABS), Wheel Bearings
Electrical:
Complete Electrical System Schematics, Lighting, Instruments, ECUs, Body Control Modules, Audio System, Power Accessories
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Convertible Top Mechanism, Interior Trim, Seats, HVAC System
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Inspections, Tune-ups
Repair:
Component Removal and Installation, Component Rebuilds, Troubleshooting and Diagnosis
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-based Troubleshooting Guides, Electrical Fault Finding
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)
Engine Type:
Mid-mounted, Naturally Aspirated Flat-Six (Boxer)
Standard Engine Displacement 1997-1999:
2.5 Liters (2480 cc)
Standard Engine Horsepower 1997-1999:
201 hp @ 6000 rpm
Standard Engine Torque 1997-1999:
180 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Boxster S Engine Displacement 2000-2001:
3.2 Liters (3177 cc)
Boxster S Engine Horsepower 2000-2001:
250 hp @ 6250 rpm
Boxster S Engine Torque 2000-2001:
225 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
0-60 Mph Standard:
Approx. 6.5 seconds
0-60 Mph Boxster S:
Approx. 5.5 seconds
Fuel Injection:
Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
ECU Type:
Motronic ME 7.2 (or similar Bosch systems for the era)
Standard Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual
Optional Transmission Type:
5-Speed Tiptronic Automatic
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically Actuated Single-Plate Dry Clutch
Drive Layout:
Mid-engine, Rear-wheel Drive
Length:
Approx. 170.4 inches (4328 mm)
Width:
Approx. 68.9 inches (1750 mm)
Height:
Approx. 50.1 inches (1273 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 97.1 inches (2467 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2800-3000 lbs (1270-1360 kg), varies by model and options
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 3700-3900 lbs (1680-1770 kg)
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not comprehensively rated by NHTSA for this era in current terms, but designed with driver safety in mind.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (ASR - Automatic Slip Regulation)
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags
Rollover Protection:
Integrated roll-over protection bars behind the seats
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pre-tensioners
Audio System:
Factory Porsche CDR-220 or Becker CR-1 radio, with optional CD changer.
Navigation:
Optional touchscreen navigation system available in later models of this generation.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Parking Assistance:
No factory rear parking sensors for this period.
Aux Input:
No standard auxiliary input; aftermarket solutions typically required.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 10,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first (check owner's manual for exact spec).
Major Service Interval:
Porsche recommends a major service every 20,000 miles or two years.
Engine Oil:
Mobil 1 0W-40 Synthetic (or equivalent meeting Porsche A40 specification)
Coolant:
Porsche approved G48 antifreeze (ethylene glycol based) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 High-Temperature Brake Fluid
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Porsche spec for manual gearbox oil (e.g., Mobil SHC 75W-90) - specific Porsche part numbers recommended.
Transmission Fluid Tiptronic:
Porsche ATF specification (e.g., Mobil ATF LT 71141) - specific Porsche part numbers recommended.
Power Steering Fluid:
Porsche spec for power steering fluid (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11S) - specific Porsche part numbers recommended.
Intermediate Shaft Bearing:
IMS Bearing failure is a well-documented, though not universal, issue on some early M96 engines. The manual would detail inspection and replacement procedures for engine components.
Oil Seals:
Rear main seal (RMS) and oil cooler seals can leak over time. Manual covers their replacement.
Convertible Top Hydraulics:
Hydraulic lines and pumps for the convertible top can develop leaks. Manual provides diagnostic and repair steps.
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant pipes and radiators can become brittle and leak. Manual details coolant system servicing.
Heritage:
Porsche has a long history of producing iconic sports cars, known for engineering excellence and motorsport success.
Introduction:
The Boxster (986) was introduced in late 1996 as a 1997 model, marking Porsche's first foray into the mass-market sports car segment.
Design Influence:
Styling cues were influenced by the Porsche 550 Spyder and the Porsche 904 Carrera GTS.
Platform Sharing:
Shared its platform and many components with the 996 generation of the Porsche 911.
Production Years:
1996-2004 (986 generation)
Manufacturing Location:
Stuttgart, Germany (initially), later shifted to Finland by Valmet Automotive.
Car And Driver 10 Best:
The Boxster was frequently named to Car and Driver's 10 Best lists in its early years.
Motor Trend Import Car Of The Year:
Competed for these titles against other sports cars of its era.
Handling Reputation:
Consistently praised for its exceptional handling and balance, a hallmark of Porsche engineering.
