Segment:
Mid-engine two-seater sports car
Competitors:
Chevrolet Corvette C5, BMW Z3, Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class, Audi TT Roadster
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned Porsche handling, balanced chassis, precise steering
Design:
Iconic Porsche styling, convertible soft-top
Target Audience:
Enthusiast drivers, individuals seeking a premium sports car experience
Engine:
Internal combustion engine, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system, ignition system, emission control system, engine management system (DME), intake and exhaust systems.
Transmission:
Manual transmission (G86), Tiptronic automatic transmission (A96), clutch system, drive shafts.
Chassis And Body:
Front axle, rear axle, steering system, brake system, suspension system, body panels, doors, hood, trunk, convertible top mechanism, interior trim.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starter motor, lighting system, wipers and washers, power windows, power mirrors, central locking, alarm system, instrument cluster, infotainment system, climate control system, airbags.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, belt inspections, spark plug replacement, brake pad inspection.
Repair And Overhaul:
Engine disassembly and assembly, transmission repair, brake caliper overhaul, suspension component replacement, convertible top actuator repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement.
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Fault code reading, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, diagnostic procedures for various systems, electrical circuit diagnosis.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities and specifications, wear limits, alignment specifications, diagnostic data.
Depth:
Comprehensive step-by-step procedures, detailed explanations, pictorial diagrams, exploded views, and photographs covering all aspects from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Engine Displacement 2.5L:
2480 cc (2.5 Liters)
Engine Type 2.5L:
Naturally Aspirated Flat-6 (Boxer)
Horsepower 2.5L:
201 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 2.5L:
211 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Engine Displacement 2.7L:
2687 cc (2.7 Liters)
Engine Type 2.7L:
Naturally Aspirated Flat-6 (Boxer)
Horsepower 2.7L:
217 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque 2.7L:
217 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Engine Displacement 3.2L:
3179 cc (3.2 Liters)
Engine Type 3.2L:
Naturally Aspirated Flat-6 (Boxer)
Horsepower 3.2L:
250 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque 3.2L:
225 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane Recommended)
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed Manual Transmission (G86)
Transmission Type Optional:
5-speed Tiptronic Automatic Transmission (A96)
Clutch:
Hydraulically operated single dry-plate clutch
Length:
Approximately 170.0 inches
Width:
Approximately 70.1 inches
Height:
Approximately 50.4 inches
Wheelbase:
Approximately 97.6 inches
Curb Weight:
Approximately 2800 - 3000 lbs (depending on engine and options)
Crash Test Data:
Refer to NHTSA/IIHS reports for specific model year data; generally good for its class and era.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS), later models may have Porsche Stability Management (PSM)
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags, optional side airbags
Rollover Protection:
Pop-out rollover bars integrated behind the headrests
Audio System:
Porsche CDR-220 or Becker CR-220 radio with CD capability. Optional Bose sound system available.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available on some models.
Stability Control:
Porsche Stability Management (PSM) became available in later model years (e.g., 2000 onwards).
Phone Integration:
Optional integrated hands-free phone system available on select models.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Refer to manual for specific model year recommendations.
Major Service:
Scheduled at intervals such as 30,000 miles or as indicated by the onboard service indicator. Includes spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant check, etc.
Engine Oil:
API SG/SH/SJ or ACEA A2/A3, SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40. Porsche Approved A40.
Coolant:
Porsche approved G48 or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors. Mix 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (or higher) hydraulic brake fluid.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil. Porsche part number 000 043 204 74.
Transmission Fluid Tiptronic:
Porsche approved ATF fluid. Refer to manual for specific type and capacity (e.g., G 055 025).
Intermediate Shaft Bearing:
IMS bearing failure is a known, albeit sometimes debated, issue in these models, potentially leading to catastrophic engine failure. Early detection and prevention are key.
Rear Main Seal:
Rear main seal leaks can occur, requiring transmission removal for replacement.
Convertible Top Hydraulics:
Hydraulic lines and pump for the convertible top can develop leaks or fail.
Plastic Coolant Pipes:
Early models had plastic coolant pipes that could become brittle and crack, leading to coolant leaks. Metal replacements are available.
Porsche Legacy:
Porsche is renowned for its sports car engineering, racing heritage, and iconic designs dating back to the Porsche 356 and 911.
Boxster Introduction:
The first generation Boxster (986) was introduced in 1996 as a 1997 model year vehicle, marking Porsche's entry into the premium roadster segment.
Year Updates 1997-2001:
Early models featured a 2.5L engine. The 1999 model year saw the introduction of the Boxster S with a 3.2L engine and the standard model received a 2.7L engine for 2000. Minor cosmetic and feature updates occurred throughout this period.
Manufacturing Location:
Finland (Valmet Automotive) and Germany (Zuffenhausen)
