Common Engine Nightmares?

According to this website, Boxster engines are an absolute nightmare. I have a 2001 Boxster and touch wood never had a problem in a year. Reading the suff on here though doesn't fill me with confidence and it can ruin the driving experience worrying the engine is about to self-destruct at any moment. Wish I'd never read this crap now.

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This post was auto-generated based upon a question asked on our tech article page here: Pelican Technical Article: Common Boxster Engine Problems and Failures - 986 / 987

[Wayne 962]

Porsche engines throughout the years have always had problems and issues - the Boxster engine / drivetrain is nothing new. There have been a bunch of failure of the Intermediate Shaft Bearin (IMS Bearing) over the years, but that is now repairable with aftermarket kits. I think the important thing to remember is to change your oil every 3,000 miles or so.

- Wayne

[mikefocke]

All engines have design or execution problems. It is just because the Porsche brand is owned by enthusiasts who share their knowledge that we know so much more about the weaknesses within our engines that we have these postings. If your Toyota fails, you don't have the same sort of emotional attachment.

My '01S was the most reliable and cheap to maintain car I owned over the past 5-6 years (and the 3 others were known for their reliability reputations). My '99 before that cost me nothing over 9 months of ownership.

Do others over dramatize the probability...yes. But if yours failed it would be a big deal to you too.

[s_morrison57]

jeez I always thought the the 2000-2001 and newer engines were reliable, I don't have a Boxster (yet) so I can't speak from experience but all cars need proper care and repair, IMO the Boxster is a great all around car/engine/transmission, least ways from what I've read .
Finn

[pastagreyhound]

I've had my '06 for 13 months now. Bought it with a CPO two year warranty. Although I absolutely love the car, I'm thinking about trading it in when the warranty expires, if not sooner. I use it as a daily driver--I put @ 5,000 miles on it since owning the car. It has 31k on it right now. I've been trying to stay off the boards because every time I read threads, I start to panic!

And yes, I understand that forums are the first place people go to post about their car problems, but man oh man, this little expensive German car makes me nervous. I'm just afraid that after the warranty expires, it will become a money pit.

I researched the car extensively before I made up my mind to pull the trigger. I went through the budget on tires and brakes and oil changes and regular maintenance--I'm fine with that, no problem. But this whole IMS thing has me really nervous.

I'm not sure I'm built for a car that I worry about so much! Do I enjoy driving the car? Absolutely. But even my wife mentioned to me that all I do is worry about the damn thing. I'm not quite sure I'm cut out for this lifestyle!

[newlife]

Originally Posted by pastagreyhound

I've had my '06 for 13 months now. Bought it with a CPO two year warranty. Although I absolutely love the car, I'm thinking about trading it in when the warranty expires, if not sooner. I use it as a daily driver--I put @ 5,000 miles on it since owning the car. It has 31k on it right now. I've been trying to stay off the boards because every time I read threads, I start to panic!

And yes, I understand that forums are the first place people go to post about their car problems, but man oh man, this little expensive German car makes me nervous. I'm just afraid that after the warranty expires, it will become a money pit.

I researched the car extensively before I made up my mind to pull the trigger. I went through the budget on tires and brakes and oil changes and regular maintenance--I'm fine with that, no problem. But this whole IMS thing has me really nervous.

I'm not sure I'm built for a car that I worry about so much! Do I enjoy driving the car? Absolutely. But even my wife mentioned to me that all I do is worry about the damn thing. I'm not quite sure I'm cut out for this lifestyle!

All I can say about it is... I have always wanted a Porsche, will always want to talk shop about Porsche's, will want another Porsche and will always cheer for Porsche's at the track. If I got sick with cancer or something happened to one of my kids, I will have been thankful that I am/was a Porsche owner and driver.
And, I have a better life because of my Porsche. My girlfriend looks sexier in it. I am happier and healthier, I like the way I feel in it... I like to wave at other Porsche's on the road. stuff happens in life. Get rid of the negative energy ! Find the positive energy in your life.... don't ever look back... Yea !

Rod

[pastagreyhound]

Rod, I totally agree with you. When I was in high school, Porsche released the 959 and I was hooked. I still have a my English folder with the car on the cover and the specs on the inside! I'm a teacher and my students love the car. I can honestly say that I've never driven a car that handles with such pinpoint precision or has turned so many heads.

[Wayne 962]

Originally Posted by pastagreyhound

Rod, I totally agree with you. When I was in high school, Porsche released the 959 and I was hooked.

-Wayne

[dmairspotter]

I looked long and hard before I bit on the Boxster. Is there an IMS issue? Apparently yes. But check out the owner reviews (as on Cars.com) on Mercedes SLK's or other similar cars and then look at Boxsters (or any Porsche). I found that the Porsche owners seemed to be happier and experience less problems than on other comparable cars.

If you want a lower tech, lower performance car you can probably get more reliability, or at least cheaper repairs, like a Miata.

If you really appreciate and want top notch performance, I think Porsche is the most reliable and cheapest (!) way to go.

[pastagreyhound]

Wayne, been waiting for you to post a pic of that glorious 959 of yours! Just watched the Top Gear episode with the 959 and the F40 last night. Damn I love those cars!

[Wayne 962]

Originally Posted by pastagreyhound

Wayne, been waiting for you to post a pic of that glorious 959 of yours! Just watched the Top Gear episode with the 959 and the F40 last night. Damn I love those cars!

This one is good too:



-Wayne

[newlife]

Yep ! gorgeous !

Rod

[ronster]

Originally Posted by yourboxsterwillexplode! (guest)

According to this website, Boxster engines are an absolute nightmare. I have a 2001 Boxster and touch wood never had a problem in a year. Reading the suff on here though doesn't fill me with confidence and it can ruin the driving experience worrying the engine is about to self-destruct at any moment. Wish I'd never read this crap now.

__________________
This post was auto-generated based upon a question asked on our tech article page here: Pelican Technical Article: Common Boxster Engine Problems and Failures - 986 / 987

Keep in mind that a lot of the hysteria is created by those who may have something to gain by your fear and that those who own and drive Boxsters trouble free are not apt to post "Wow I've owned my Boxster for ten years, have 200K mi. on it and have only done maintenance!" The last part of your post, about not reading about it, is probably the most appropriate and better you worry more about coming down with a severe health issue that limits or stops your driving your Boxster. If you wake up in a cold sweat every night thinking about your engine self destructing invest $2K and change your IMS to the LN ceramic IMS and your RMS to the new version if it isn't. Long term statistics (actual owner input and not random issues) show the Boxster to be one of the most reliable and economical Porsches to own.

[newlife]

Originally Posted by ronster

Keep in mind that a lot of the hysteria is created by those who may have something to gain by your fear and that those who own and drive Boxsters trouble free are not apt to post "Wow I've owned my Boxster for ten years, have 200K mi. on it and have only done maintenance!" The last part of your post, about not reading about it, is probably the most appropriate and better you worry more about coming down with a severe health issue that limits or stops your driving your Boxster. If you wake up in a cold sweat every night thinking about your engine self destructing invest $2K and change your IMS to the LN ceramic IMS and your RMS to the new version if it isn't. Long term statistics (actual owner input and not random issues) show the Boxster to be one of the most reliable and economical Porsche's to own.

Ronster

It's funny you should mention a severe health issue that may take away the ability to drive. I tend to worry more about my health and take the appropriate measures to minimize a major health issue/breakdown. And one of the things I do besides the gym, eating correctly, mental attitude and all the others....... but if I'm not zipping down the freeway @ 90mph or laying a little rubber on our back country roads a few times a week... I tend to start feeling a little sick !!!!! Porsche driving is great positive therapy !!!! Great for the soul and great for America !!!! Its what I tell my little daughter... Its a bad *ss babe ! hahahahah

Rod

[WhipE350]

yourboxsterwillexplode, Buy one with the IMS fix done and drive the hell out of it, you'll be very happy you did! Myself I'll fix my in the fall (of course find it is like new) and never think of it again.

newlife, Totally agree...and I had cancer...my saying is "Everyday is a good one even the bad ones"...they are better when I drive my Boxster!

Wayne, Well now I see why those IMS kits are still in boxes in the warehouse, you spend as much time polishing your 959 that I do my little red 986 . BTW fall is approaching in Carolina and I'm ready to crawl under my car, get the job done and drive a ton until the top has to go up.

Ronster, right on! Fear and hysteria is exactly what it is...and yes I'm sure I'll get slammed and someone say "you won't be saying that when it is your car" or "why are you fixing yours". To the last one...because I enjoy working on my car and will do anything to find something to replace!!..and well if I actually find the IMS on it's last leg I'll be the first to admit I was wrong...or just that I was in the < 2% who will ever have an issue.

[teamwenz]

Ronster is right. i have 103,000 on my Boxster S. It runs awesome, revs quick and has plenty of power. It has a little rattle on cold start-up that is very common on all Boxster's. I to think this mass hysteria about all these issues is way over blown. Do proper maintenance on your baby and drive it like you stole it every day. It will reward you again and again. Yeah that grin is tuff to hide when behind the wheel. Pelican stocks all of the parts you need to maintain your car. I have my fall products being shipped as we speak. usual stuff, filters, etc...

[newlife]

Originally Posted by teamwenz

Ronster is right. i have 103,000 on my Boxster S. It runs awesome, revs quick and has plenty of power. It has a little rattle on cold start-up that is very common on all Boxster's. I to think this mass hysteria about all these issues is way over blown. Do proper maintenance on your baby and drive it like you stole it every day. It will reward you again and again. Yeah that grin is tuff to hide when behind the wheel. Pelican stocks all of the parts you need to maintain your car. I have my fall products being shipped as we speak. usual stuff, filters, etc...

Oh Yeah, I couldn't have said it better myself "that grin is tuff to hide when behind the wheel"... Dam you hit the nail on the head teamwenz. Thanks !

Rod

[intakexhaust]

When its all said and done, the Boxster still rocks and others love them with envy.

These rides are so ridiculous cheap that if you take the time to buy it right, read up on them and learn to do your own service it rewards you back. This is what Porsche owners did in the 50's. Look at the old 356 manuals and there you are, adjusting the valves, etc..

Boxsters are so cheap and fun, I'm thinking of getting another and use it as my truck! Take the radio out and when parked, leave it with the top down. (I use to do that when I had new Mustang ragtop... nobody bothered with it and this was in Chicago!)

Now would I park a 959 in Chicago if I had one??? I don't think so.

[intakexhaust]

What do you call someone who has grease under their fingernails? A happy Porsche owner.

[newlife]

Originally Posted by intakexhaust

When its all said and done, the Boxster still rocks and others love them with envy.

These rides are so ridiculous cheap that if you take the time to buy it right, read up on them and learn to do your own service it rewards you back. This is what Porsche owners did in the 50's. Look at the old 356 manuals and there you are, adjusting the valves, etc..

Boxsters are so cheap and fun, I'm thinking of getting another and use it as my truck! Take the radio out and when parked, leave it with the top down. (I use to do that when I had new Mustang ragtop... nobody bothered with it and this was in Chicago!)

Now would I park a 959 in Chicago if I had one??? I don't think so.

I have never turnded my radio on in my Porsche. I prefer to hear the roar of the motor going through the gears... Yea !


Rod