Scouting a Boxster

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by Pinch

That is what has me worried. Even a normal PPI cannot detect it. I'm prepared to take on and even replace an IMS bearing, but I would like to know that it can be done w/o a teardown.

I find it hard to believe that Porsche does not have internal records of what bearing went into what 2005 car.

We have never seen any evidence that they do. So, for years, we have had to take cars apart to find out which bearing it was carrying. And in the case of the 2004-2005 cars, we often found bearings that cannot be removed, and ended up removing the rear oil seal on the IMS bearing and calling it a day. Sometimes, you just have to play the hand you have been dealt.........

[tonythetarga]

You might want to look at and post the engine serial number. It may have already been replaced by Porsche under warranty. If it has the letters AT in the number, then it is a factory replacement with the larger bearing (non-serviceable). Then when you do service the clutch, remove the seal as JFP has suggested.
If it is low miles, and only changed at 10 k intervals, how many years between changes? For an 05 were talking 18 years. If it has, say, 30k miles that's an oil change every 6 years! Used oil has acids in it that can damage bearing surfaces in the engine.
I think, IMHO, the body style change in the '05 and later Boxster's isn't as appealing as the original 986 body lines.

[Pinch]

Hey Tony,

>You might want to look at and post the engine serial number.

I will try and get the engine number. The car was built in November 2004

>If it is low miles, and only changed at 10 k intervals, how many years between changes?

Great question. Oil has been changed 4 times in 18 years at

1. 10k (2.5 years since new)

2. 16k (4 years later)

3. 20k (2.5 years)

4. 25k (3 year)

Those are long time intervals. People just don't understand. All this said, the car has been beautifully kept. It is in extraordinary cosmetic condition

[JFP in PA]

The car has been poorly maintained; oil and filter need to be changed every 5-7K miles, or at least once a year.

[Pinch]

So here is the engine number:



I would have thought a 2005 would have M97

[Pinch]

sorry image did not attach

[mikefocke]

The engine number is on the block, isn't it?

And the difference in LN quotes above is due, I'd bet, to the write ups being done at different times as their experience evolved.

[mikefocke]

Looks like the options sticker to me. Engine serial number is on the block itself.

[Pinch]

Sorry, this is what the owner sent me.

[recycled sixtie]

Hi Pinch, I do not know if you got your Boxster yet but I will give you my past experience with a 2001 Boxster base which I sold many years ago. I still have great memories of it compared to other roadsters I have had. It was far more fun than the 2013 Miata I had. It was far more comfortable and had a presence when I drove it. Nobody ignored me in my Boxster. The Miata most near misses I had were frequent and unpleasant.

Now to answer your question. Old changes? More frequent than recommended as per the schedule. I was checking the oil filter quite frequently for metal. I did use Mobil 1 synthetic oil.

Yes the 2001 Boxster did have an IMS. It was readily replaceable but had no apparent issue with it. Having said that I did drive my Boxster in the cold Canadian winter and this I believe brought about a CEL 1333(a deviation between the left and right side of the engine). There were green pieces of plastic in the oil filter. I sold it in running condition with full disclosure to the buyer. It is one of the biggest regrets re a car that I have sold. I should have spent the money on it and fixed it up. I really miss the car now.

Please let us know what you ended up with. A manual transmission one is generally more money than a tiptronic. A 2009 has no IMS. I hope you find one that meets your specs. When I bought mine I had a ppi done on it. Well worth it.

Cheers, Guy.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by mikefocke

looks like the options sticker to me. Engine serial number is on the block itself.

+1

[Pinch]

Thank you Guy, et al., for the great advice. This forum is the best! I miss having a Porsche and I miss the community, but I will remedy this soon.

I am passing on the car we have been talking about. I will find a better maintained example.