Porsche Boxster 986 (1997–2004)

Changes and key specs

1997-1999: the 2.5 cars

Launch cars with the 2.5. 1997 cars lack side airbags. 1998 added standard side airbags, an 18-inch wheel option with a reinforced rear body, and optional navigation. 1999 added a larger fuel tank, optional Litronic (xenon) headlights and a small storage bin behind the top. Sources: stuttcars.com, classicandsportscar.com, porscheclubgb.com and 2 owner sources.

Engines and outputs by year (US ratings)

1997-99: 2.5 (M96.20), 201 hp, 181 lb-ft. 2000-02: 2.7 (M96.22), 217 hp, 192 lb-ft, and 3.2 S (M96.21), 250 hp, 225 lb-ft. 2003-04: 2.7 (M96.23), 225 hp, 192 lb-ft, and 3.2 S (M96.24), 258 hp, 229 lb-ft. 2004 550 Spyder edition: 266 hp. Sources: wikipedia.org, mecatechnic.com, cars.com, motorweek.org, auto123.com and stuttcars.com.

Transmissions: 5-speed (base), 6-speed (S), 5-speed Tiptronic optional

Base cars use a 5-speed manual, the S a 6-speed manual. Both could be ordered with the 5-speed Tiptronic automatic, which gained a temporary manual mode in 2000. Sources: renndriver.com, stuttcars.com and 1 owner source.

2000-2002: 2.7 and the new Boxster S

2000 brought the 2.7 and the 3.2 S, electronic throttle (e-gas), four catalytic converters and a revised top mechanism. The S added bigger brakes, a 6-speed, 17-inch wheels, a center front radiator and twin tailpipes. 2001 added optional PSM stability control. 2002 added belt pretensioners. Sources: stuttcars.com, porscheclubgb.com, motorweek.org and 1 owner source.

2003-2004 facelift: glass window, glovebox, more power

The 2003 refresh brought a heated glass rear window, lockable glovebox, new bumpers and intakes, clear indicators, more power (2.7 to 225 hp, S to 258 hp) and the 2002 S suspension on the base car. 2004 added an optional sport exhaust on the S. Sources: stuttcars.com, wikipedia.org, hagerty.co.uk and 2 owner sources.

Porsche recalls (4)

Ignition switch can crack (1997) NHTSA 98V113000

1997 Boxster ignition switches can crack and cause failures of the A/C, heater blower, headlights and wipers. Dealers installed a new-type switch. Years: 1997. Source: api.nhtsa.gov.

Tiptronic selector bearing sleeves can seize (1997) NHTSA 98V112000

On 1997 Tiptronic cars the bearing sleeves in the intermediate selector levers can seize, making the shifter hard or impossible to move. Dealers fitted improved sleeves. Years: 1997 (Tiptronic). Source: api.nhtsa.gov.

Tiptronic key-lock cable adjustment NHTSA 03V004000

On Tiptronic cars the key-lock cable could be misadjusted, so the key could snag or the selector could leave Park with the key removed, risking a roll-away. Dealers inspect and adjust the cable. Years: 1997-2003 (Tiptronic, Boxster and Boxster S). Source: api.nhtsa.gov.

Missing headlight adjustment screw caps NHTSA 22V656000

Some 2001-2004 Boxster and Boxster S headlights are missing the caps over the low-beam horizontal adjustment screws, so aim can be disturbed. Dealers inspect and fit caps free. Years: 2001-2004 (incl. 2004 550 Spyder). Source: api.nhtsa.gov.

Also worth knowing

• Child-seat airbag deactivation kit buckle did not deactivate the airbag NHTSA 98E005000: The dealer-fitted child seat airbag deactivation kit (Boxster part numbers 996 803 283 00 and 996 803 083 00) had a contact buckle that did not deactivate the airbag. Dealers installed a modified kit. Only relevant if the car has this kit.
• Aftermarket corner/bumper lamp recalls (Sabersport, Dope Inc.): Two 2009 equipment recalls cover aftermarket combination corner and bumper lamps sold for many cars, including 986s, that lack required amber side reflectors. Only relevant if those lamps are fitted.

Check a specific car with our VIN decoder or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What the full Porsche Boxster 986 report covers

• Start here: Verdict: score dashboard and best and worst years; Generation DNA: year-by-year changes and what the VIN tells you
• Buying: Failure atlas: known issues ranked by cost and likelihood, each with a walk away, negotiate or ignore verdict; Rust map; Printable pre-purchase inspection, about 45 minutes
• Owning: First 90 days: what to fix first; Real-world maintenance schedule; DIY job cards
• Modding: Mod-readiness scorecard; Build paths with budgets; Swaps, interchange and wheel and tire fitment
• Tracking: What breaks on track; Safety and tech inspection; Prep by level and setup baseline

Everything in a MettaCar report

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