Segment:
Mid-engine, two-seater sports car.
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts seeking accessible Porsche performance, track day participants, DIY mechanics.
Key Competitors:
BMW Z3/Z4, Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class, Honda S2000, Chevrolet Corvette (entry-level models).
Platform:
Shared platform elements with the Porsche 911 (996 generation) and Cayman.
Design Philosophy:
Mid-engine layout for optimal weight distribution and handling, convertible open-top experience.
Value Proposition:
Entry-level gateway to Porsche ownership, offering significant performance and brand prestige at a lower cost than other Porsche models.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder heads, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing system, lubrication system, cooling system, exhaust system.
Engine Management:
Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, ECU diagnostics and programming, sensor functions.
Transmission Manual:
Clutch assembly, gearbox internals, shift linkage, maintenance, repair procedures.
Transmission Automatic:
Tiptronic (if equipped), transmission control unit, hydraulic system, planetary gears, torque converter, maintenance, repair.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, anti-roll bars, alignment procedures.
Brakes:
Brake system hydraulics, ABS, EBD, brake pads, rotors, calipers, parking brake, bleeding procedures.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, steering column, tie rod ends, maintenance and repair.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starter motor, lighting, wipers, horn, power windows, central locking, fuse box diagrams, wiring diagrams.
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, convertible top mechanism, frame, structural components, corrosion prevention.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, refrigerant handling, compressor, condenser, evaporator, controls.
Interior:
Seats, dashboard, trim panels, seat belts, airbag system, audio system, instrument cluster.
Preventative Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, brake inspections, tire rotations, scheduled servicing.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, fault code interpretation, systematic problem-solving.
Repair And Rebuild:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, reassembly, and installation.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostics, using scan tools, reading sensor data, identifying system faults.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific Porsche Boxster 986 tasks.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Displacement Base:
2.5 Liters (2480 cc)
Configuration Base:
Horizontally opposed 6-cylinder (Flat-6), Naturally Aspirated
Bore X Stroke Base:
85.5 mm x 72.0 mm
Compression Ratio Base:
11.0:1
Later Engine Code:
M96.21 (2.7L), M96.22 (3.2L), M96.24 (3.4L), M97.20 (3.2L - 2006 onwards, not in scope of this manual but relevant to M96 evolution)
Later Displacement:
2.7 Liters (2687 cc), 3.2 Liters (3179 cc), 3.4 Liters (3387 cc)
Horsepower 2.5L:
201 hp @ 6000 RPM
Torque 2.5L:
216 Nm (159 lb-ft) @ 4500 RPM
Horsepower 2.7L:
225 hp @ 6700 RPM
Torque 2.7L:
260 Nm (192 lb-ft) @ 4700 RPM
Horsepower 3.2L:
250 hp @ 6200 RPM
Torque 3.2L:
300 Nm (221 lb-ft) @ 4500 RPM
Horsepower 3.4L:
288 hp @ 6200 RPM
Torque 3.4L:
340 Nm (251 lb-ft) @ 4700 RPM
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (95 RON or higher recommended)
Fuel Pump Type:
Electric, in-tank
Transmission Type Base:
5-speed Manual Transaxle (G86)
Transmission Type Optional:
5-speed Tiptronic Automatic Transaxle (A86)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
Porsche Part No. 999 917 546 00 (or equivalent, e.g., Pentosin MTF.2 / MTL 75W-80 GL-4)
Transmission Fluid Spec Automatic:
Porsche Part No. 000 043 205 27 (or equivalent, e.g., ATF Dexron III)
Final Drive Ratio Base:
3.438:1
Limited Slip Differential:
Optional on some models/trims
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-star (Driver), 4-star (Passenger)
ABS:
Standard (Bosch 5.0 ABS/Traction Control System)
Traction Control:
Standard (ASR - Anti-Slip Regulation)
Electronic Stability Control:
Optional (PSM - Porsche Stability Management) on later models
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags, side airbags (optional)
Roll Over Protection:
Integrated roll-over bars behind seats, pop-up rollover protection system (PRC - Porsche Roll Over Capture) standard.
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with belt pretensioners
Oil Change Interval Km:
15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first
Major Service Interval Km:
30,000 km or 24 months (includes spark plugs, filters, brake fluid flush, etc.)
Engine Oil Type:
Synthetic SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 (Porsche A40 approved)
Engine Oil Capacity Liters:
8.5 Liters (with filter)
Coolant Type:
Glysantin G48 or equivalent (Blue/Green Ethylene Glycol based)
Coolant Capacity Liters:
Approx. 18 Liters
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (or DOT 5.1, check manual for specifics)
Intermediate Shaft Bearing Ims:
IMS failure is a known, albeit infrequent, major concern. Manual covers inspection and potential preventative measures/replacements.
Rear Main Seal Rms:
Rear Main Seal leaks are common, particularly as mileage increases. Manual details replacement procedures.
Oil Separator Pcv System:
The crankcase ventilation system can become clogged, leading to oil leaks or smoking. Manual covers diagnosis and replacement.
Plastic Radiator Tanks:
Early models had plastic-tank radiators that could crack. Manual covers coolant system maintenance and radiator replacement.
Convertible Top Mechanism:
The electric convertible top mechanism and hydraulic lines can require maintenance or repair. Manual details its operation and servicing.
Porsche Legacy:
Founded by Ferdinand Porsche, renowned for sports car engineering, racing success, and iconic models like the 911.
986 Introduction:
Introduced in late 1996 for the 1997 model year as a 1997 model, replacing the 968. Designed to be Porsche's accessible entry-level sports car.
Updates Facelift:
Facelift occurred for the 2003 model year, introducing updated bumpers, headlights, taillights, and interior trim. Engine sizes were also revised.
Engine Lineup Changes:
Initial 2.5L base, followed by 2.7L and 3.2L (Boxster S) engines. The 2003 facelift introduced the 3.2L as the base and a larger 3.4L for the Boxster S.
Production Location:
Valmet Automotive plant in Uusikaupunki, Finland
Production Years:
1996-2004