🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Porsche

Model:

981 Boxster / Cayman

Model Generation:

981

Chassis Code:

981

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Mid-engine, two-seater sports car

Competitors:

Chevrolet Corvette, BMW Z4, Audi TT, Jaguar F-Type

Handling:

Renowned for its balanced chassis, precise steering, and engaging driving dynamics

Convertible:

Boxster variant features a fully automated soft-top roof

Performance:

Exceptional performance delivered by Porsche's flat-six engines

📋 Manual Details

Applicable Years:

2012, 2013, 2014, 2015

Estimated Pages:

Hundreds

Type:

Factory Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Downloadable)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

All engine variants, diagnostics, repair, rebuilding

Transmission:

Manual and PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplung) diagnostics, repair, servicing

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, ABS, PSM (Porsche Stability Management), caliper and rotor service

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, component testing, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), ECU diagnosis

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, alignment, shock absorbers, springs

Steering:

Power steering system, steering column, rack and pinion

Climate Control:

HVAC system, refrigerant handling, diagnostics

Body:

Exterior panels, interior trim, convertible top mechanism (Boxster)

Comfort Systems:

Seats, door locks, windows, mirrors, lighting

Safety Systems:

Airbags, seatbelts, alarm system

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures, common fault finding, symptom-based repairs

Repair:

Component replacement, assembly and disassembly, sub-assembly repairs

Rebuilding:

Engine and transmission rebuilding procedures

Diagnostics:

OBD-II diagnostics, guided troubleshooting, specialized Porsche diagnostic tools

Depth:

Comprehensive factory-level service and repair information

Detail Level:

Hundreds of pages with detailed photos and diagrams, exploded views

📊 Manual Specifications

Compatibility:

Windows and MAC OS compatible

Print Capability:

Printable (single pages or entire manual)

Binding Description:

Digital (No physical binding)

Paper Description:

N/A (Digital format)

Usage License:

Lifetime use, unlimited installations

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Flat-Six (Boxer)

Engine Code Base:

MA1

Base Engine:

2.7L (2706 cc) - Boxster, Cayman

S Engine:

3.4L (3436 cc) - Boxster S, Cayman S

Gts Engine:

3.4L (3436 cc) - Boxster GTS, Cayman GTS (with increased output)

Base Horsepower:

265 hp @ 6700 rpm (2.7L)

Base Torque:

206 lb-ft @ 4500-6500 rpm (2.7L)

S Horsepower:

315 hp @ 6700 rpm (3.4L)

S Torque:

266 lb-ft @ 4500-6500 rpm (3.4L)

Gts Horsepower:

330 hp @ 6700 rpm (3.4L)

Gts Torque:

273 lb-ft @ 4500-6500 rpm (3.4L)

Fuel Delivery:

Direct Fuel Injection (DFI)

Ignition System:

Electronic ignition, coil-on-plug

Type:

Water-cooled

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

7-Speed PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplung) automatic

Transmission Type Optional:

6-Speed Manual

Pdk Features:

Dual-clutch system, paddle shifters, sport modes

Pdk Fluid Type:

Porsche Approved ATF (check manual for specific part number and capacity)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Porsche Approved gear oil (check manual for specific part number and capacity)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approximately 2475 mm (97.4 in)

Length:

Approximately 4360-4390 mm (171.7-172.8 in)

Width:

Approximately 1801 mm (70.9 in)

Height:

Approximately 1282-1295 mm (50.5-51.0 in)

Curb Weight:

Starting around 1395 kg (3075 lbs) for Boxster, 1370 kg (3019 lbs) for Cayman

Front Trunk Capacity:

Approximately 150 liters (5.3 cu ft)

Rear Trunk Capacity:

Approximately 130 liters (4.6 cu ft) for Boxster, 150 liters (5.3 cu ft) for Cayman

Wheelbase Variants:

18-inch standard, 19-inch optional

Tire Sizes Examples:

Front: 235/40 R19, Rear: 265/35 R19 (typical for S models)

Bolt Pattern:

5 x 130 mm

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

N/A (Porsche does not typically submit vehicles for NHTSA or IIHS ratings in the same way as mass-market vehicles, but safety is a core design principle.)

Stability Control:

PSM (Porsche Stability Management), including ABS, ASR, ABD, and trailer stabilization

Braking System:

Four-piston aluminum monobloc fixed-piston calipers, ventilated discs

Headlight Control:

Automatic headlight activation, optional Xenon/LED lighting

Airbags:

Driver and passenger airbags, side airbags (integrated into seats), knee airbags (driver)

Rollover Protection:

Integrated rollover protection bars behind headrests (Boxster)

💡 Technology Features

Porsche Communication Management:

PCM infotainment system with navigation, audio, and communication functions

Connectivity Options:

Bluetooth, USB interface, optional digital radio reception (DAB)

Optional Features:

ParkAssist (front and rear), rearview camera, adaptive cruise control (PCCM), lane change assist

Suspension Systems:

Optional Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) with adjustable damping

Sport Chronosystem:

Optional Sport Chrono Package for enhanced performance timing and driving modes

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Porsche typically recommends an annual oil change or based on the vehicle's Condition Based Service (CBS) system, whichever comes first. (Consult manual for specific mileage/time intervals).

Major Service:

Major services are usually scheduled at larger mileage intervals (e.g., 40,000 miles or 4 years) and include checks of various systems, belts, and fluid replacements.

Engine Oil Type:

Porsche A40 approved synthetic engine oil (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40 or 5W-40, check manual for exact specification and capacity)

Coolant Type:

Porsche approved G48 (or equivalent) coolant concentrate, mixed 50/50 with distilled water

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 Plus or Porsche DOT 4

Ims Bearing:

The Intermediate Shaft (IMS) bearing issue, prevalent in earlier generations (996/997.1), is generally not a concern for the 9A1 engine in the 981 generation, as it utilizes a different engine design without the IMS bearing.

Pdk Longevity:

PDK transmission fluid changes are critical for longevity. Adherence to the recommended service intervals is essential.

Convertible Top Mechanism:

The convertible top mechanism on Boxster models can require lubrication and adjustment; the manual will detail the specific procedures and potential issues.

Water Pump:

While generally robust, like any component, water pumps can fail over time. The manual will cover diagnosis and replacement procedures.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Porsche has a long and distinguished history in motorsport and the production of high-performance sports cars.

981 Introduction:

The 981 generation replaced the 987 and represented a significant redesign with a new chassis and updated styling.

Design Philosophy:

Continued the mid-engine roadster (Boxster) and coupe (Cayman) tradition, emphasizing driving purity.

Production Period:

2012-2016 (model years 2013-2015 for this manual)

Manufacturing Location:

Zuffenhausen, Stuttgart, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver:

Often featured on Car and Driver's '10Best' lists or praised for its driving dynamics.

World Performance Car:

The 981 generation received accolades in performance car categories.

Iso Certification:

Porsche adheres to stringent ISO certifications for manufacturing and quality control.