I purchased a Boxster, now I have some dumb questions...

[marosmith]

Edited based on correct info:

I just purchased a ocean blue metallic 2000 Boxster, I believe a "Sport" model with two remote keys, digital CPU readout, electric seats, upgraded chrome wheels, CD changer, wind deflector, leather wrapped dash etc...

It has 68k miles and detailed service records so for $10k I thought it was a great deal.

I have a couple questions:

1. Can I purchase the dual cupholder that comes in the 2001+ models and move the stereo down two notches into the bottom cubby holder?
2. Is there an aftermarket Ipod type interface, like a passthrough that connects to the CD changer?
3. How do you reset the trip meeter, and does it calculate MPG per trip?

Thanks.

[Aron in Toronto]

Congrats! Great color combo.

Originally Posted by marosmith

I just purchased a midnight blue 2000 Boxster, I believe a "Sport Design" model with two remote keys, digital CPU readout, electric seats, upgraded chrome wheels, CD changer, wind deflector etc...
Looks like you may have the "Sport" or "Sport Touring", not the "Sport Design" package. The Sport Design package came with sport seats with added bolsters at the shoulders, a "granite" like speckled finish on the center console / seat-backs and a diamond pattern texture on the door panels and areas of the dash.

It has 68k miles and detailed service records so for $10k I thought it was a great deal.

I have a couple questions:

1. Can I purchase the dual cupholder that comes in the 2001+ models and move the stereo down two notches into the bottom cubby holder?
Yes you can install later cupholders and shift the A/C or stereo down. You'll need to buy some additional trim pieces though. Some say these cupholders are still a poor solution and many recommend the "Ultimate Cupholder". A search should give you some more info on both options.
2. Is there an aftermarket Ipod type interface, like a passthrough that connects to the CD changer?
Yes depending on which head unit you have. If you have the Becker CDR-210 (or CR-210) there is no aftermarket cable that I'm aware of to add an iPod, other than an FM transmitter type. If you have a later CDR-220 or CR-220 then there are many sources for AUX input cables that replace the trunk mounted CD changer. Becker Sound USA offers a cable but the price is high at around $110 for the cable and another $11 for the head unit removal keys. There is a vender on eBay that offers a similar cable for around $30 IIRC and the removal key can be found on Ebay as well.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Boxster_Tech/88-ELEC-Radio_Install/88-ELEC-Radio_Install.htm


3. How do you reset the trip meeter, and does it calculate MPG per trip?
You should be able to push the stalk on the odometer to reset the trip meter. If your car has 4 stalks levers (wiper / turn signals / cruise control / the forth being the on-board computer) then you have access to the more advanced functions of the trip computer readout that gives you the option to scroll through Av MPG / miles left in tank / outside temp and probably more info as well, though I'm not sure as I don't have this feature.

Thanks.

[ProjectM96]

Nice find. I bought my 2000 Boxster 9 months ago for the same price with similar miles.

1. Yes
2. Yes
3. Depends on if you have the smart computer that calculates MPG. I do not have it in my Boxster. In my car, I push the button by the trip monitor and hold it down for about 2 seconds to reset it.

[ronster]

All the Boxsters have active on board computer access built in to the car and was an option at the time of purchase. Access can be added by pulling the instrument cluster off and unplugging it. Looking at the plug you have to tap into position #25 (don't take this as gospel as mine was done over a year ago and I was watching). You can do a couple of things, you can add the four stalk accessory by purchasing a new or used one and pull your steering wheel and installing and hooking it up or do like I did and add it as an accessory switch on the dash board. I had three empty positions and selected the garage door opener switch and hooked it up through that. Now I can push the switch and get a readout of mpg, miles left on tank of gas, temp, avg. speed and could have had the chime for exceeding speed limit but opted to not. I'll try to find the hack for this and post it here for you or you can do a search for OBD hacks on some of the sites and find it. The switch way is the easiest and least expensive the most expensive would be to have the dealer do it.

[marosmith]

Yes, I meant Sport, not Sport design. I do not have the extra stock on mine to control the CPU, I will hold the dimmer button down and see if that resets the trip mileage.

"Ultimate cupholder", any links to this?

[Aron in Toronto]

BMW Cup Holders, Porsche Cup Holders, Ultimate Cup Holder - Cupholders / Drink Holders for BMW 3 5 7 Series, Boxster 911 Z4 Mercedes Audi NSX other fine cars.

Originally Posted by marosmith

Yes, I meant Sport, not Sport design. I do not have the extra stock on mine to control the CPU, I will hold the dimmer button down and see if that resets the trip mileage.

"Ultimate cupholder", any links to this?

[ronster]

Here's the hack I'm referring to.
OBC Hack

[marosmith]

Originally Posted by Aron in Toronto

BMW Cup Holders, Porsche Cup Holders, Ultimate Cup Holder - Cupholders / Drink Holders for BMW 3 5 7 Series, Boxster 911 Z4 Mercedes Audi NSX other fine cars.

Wow, that could be perfect. I'll get one.

Thanks!

[Doug&Julie]

Totally off subject...Lafayette...LA or IN? ..or other?

[marosmith]

Originally Posted by Doug&Julie

Totally off subject...Lafayette...LA or IN? ..or other?

Nope- Lafayette Oregon, think west and in between Salem and Portland on the way to the beach.

[marosmith]

Also,

Does Amsoil 5w-40 work on this, of is 10w-40 preferred?

Is premium fuel needed, or is super adequate?

[ProjectM96]

Originally Posted by marosmith

Also,

Does Amsoil 5w-40 work on this, of is 10w-40 preferred?

Is premium fuel needed, or is super adequate?

Premium fuel is required. It says 93 octane required, but I called Porsche since the gas stations in my area only served 92 octane as their premium gas.

Porsche said 92 octane was acceptable, but the minimum.

Using Super will increase the chances of engine knock, since it is more likely to combust prematurely in the cylinder.
Higher octane fuel has a smaller chance of combusting too early, which is needed in powerful engines where premature combustion(engine knocking) can occur.

[Doug&Julie]

Originally Posted by marosmith

Nope- Lafayette Oregon, think west and in between Salem and Portland on the way to the beach.

I thought that scenery looked awfully hilly for either LA or IN. Ah, Oregon...how we love thee...

[marosmith]

Originally Posted by Doug&Julie

I thought that scenery looked awfully hilly for either LA or IN. Ah, Oregon...how we love thee...

Those pictures were taken in Bend out east.

[Garrytw]

bad link to the hack page...

[tcora]

Originally Posted by ronster

All the Boxsters have active on board computer access built in to the car and was an option at the time of purchase. Access can be added by pulling the instrument cluster off and unplugging it. Looking at the plug you have to tap into position #25 (don't take this as gospel as mine was done over a year ago and I was watching). You can do a couple of things, you can add the four stalk accessory by purchasing a new or used one and pull your steering wheel and installing and hooking it up or do like I did and add it as an accessory switch on the dash board. I had three empty positions and selected the garage door opener switch and hooked it up through that. Now I can push the switch and get a readout of mpg, miles left on tank of gas, temp, avg. speed and could have had the chime for exceeding speed limit but opted to not. I'll try to find the hack for this and post it here for you or you can do a search for OBD hacks on some of the sites and find it. The switch way is the easiest and least expensive the most expensive would be to have the dealer do it.

One question I have never seen answered anywhere (although I have seen it asked) is if the hack works on the later 986's, like my '03, for instance. Any comments from anyone who owns one of those cars?

Thanks!

[Ouzo12]

Car Audio Innovations sent me a kit that i had a local shop install. I believe they hooked it up the Cd Changer slot. Charges the iphone and gets clearer sound than using the headphone jack.

[ronster]

Originally Posted by Garrytw

bad link to the hack page...

Here's one on Pelican.
Boxster On Board Computer Activation

[bar10dah]

Originally Posted by Aron in Toronto

1. Can I purchase the dual cupholder that comes in the 2001+ models and move the stereo down two notches into the bottom cubby holder?
Yes you can install later cupholders and shift the A/C or stereo down. You'll need to buy some additional trim pieces though. Some say these cupholders are still a poor solution and many recommend the "Ultimate Cupholder". A search should give you some more info on both options

What's the issue with the factory cup holders? Bad location? Easy to dislodge/spill?

[cowfly911]

I installed this (link) into my 2000 Boxster S and it works great with my iPhone 3GS.

BLAU/8-POD iPod Adapter for select Blaupunkt & Becker Radios :: iPod Adapters & Interfaces :: Discount Car Stereo