2005 Boxster S
Discussion
That's an interesting bit of feedback on the cheaper units. I'm not sure if that gives me more or less confidence in them - it sounds like a easy fix but having such a simple issue with a unit that is quite complicated might not bode well for the long-term.
Glad it's working well for you though, I'm not sure I can handle the risk. At the moment the charging issue is keeping me busy so I'm putting off making a decision even though I promised myself I would order the audio stuff this month.
It seems the voltage measured at the battery fluctuates in line with the fault on the dash (around 14v when light is off, around 12.5v when it's on). It took a few minutes of driving to start throwing the issue today, so it feels like a heat thing. Once it was having the issue, even sitting at idle the voltage wasn't holding constant. The revs drop slightly when the voltage increases.
Although it's feasible it's a poor contact somewhere, this really feels like an alternator problem. I am planning to pull the alternator tomorrow and either replace it or take the old one somewhere for test/repair. There is somewhere half an hour from the house that deals with these things and has good reviews. Cheap eBay versions are available from about £100 and I can't say I'm not tempted to give that a go if a repair would be more.
Glad it's working well for you though, I'm not sure I can handle the risk. At the moment the charging issue is keeping me busy so I'm putting off making a decision even though I promised myself I would order the audio stuff this month.
It seems the voltage measured at the battery fluctuates in line with the fault on the dash (around 14v when light is off, around 12.5v when it's on). It took a few minutes of driving to start throwing the issue today, so it feels like a heat thing. Once it was having the issue, even sitting at idle the voltage wasn't holding constant. The revs drop slightly when the voltage increases.
Although it's feasible it's a poor contact somewhere, this really feels like an alternator problem. I am planning to pull the alternator tomorrow and either replace it or take the old one somewhere for test/repair. There is somewhere half an hour from the house that deals with these things and has good reviews. Cheap eBay versions are available from about £100 and I can't say I'm not tempted to give that a go if a repair would be more.
As far as head units go, I ended up with a Pioneer SPH. However, that was before discovering that Sony still make a Carplay head unit with a rotary volume control. I now have Sony units fitted to my two other older cars, and while maybe not being the last word in cutting edge tech, that one feature is a Godsend. Not so much an issue in my particular Boxster, as it has steering wheel controls, but I'd have still gone for the Sony over the Pioneer if I had the choice now.
Yes I did see that Sony unit. As you say, not the biggest screen etc but the volume knob is a great feature. Unfortunately I am using android at the moment and it doesn't support android auto, which basically rules it out 
Spent a few hours wrestling with the alternator. This job could either be the easiest (if the unit is new) or the worst (as it was). The job basically hinges on hammering a small bush out of the alternator to get clearance to remove it. The bush was corroded in place and wouldn't budge. I was close to cutting the alternator flange to get it out but with some brute force the thing did come out.
I've damaged the bush hammering it and the whole unit looks original (Bosch) so I've ordered a new unit. I did go for a cheaper pattern part. We shall see how good it is, I'll hang onto the original and if the cheaper replacement looks super shonky or packs up get repaired.
Spent a few hours wrestling with the alternator. This job could either be the easiest (if the unit is new) or the worst (as it was). The job basically hinges on hammering a small bush out of the alternator to get clearance to remove it. The bush was corroded in place and wouldn't budge. I was close to cutting the alternator flange to get it out but with some brute force the thing did come out.
I've damaged the bush hammering it and the whole unit looks original (Bosch) so I've ordered a new unit. I did go for a cheaper pattern part. We shall see how good it is, I'll hang onto the original and if the cheaper replacement looks super shonky or packs up get repaired.
Sounds like the Boxster is keeping you busy with a few jobs but it’s good that it sounds like you’re still enjoying it. These do look pretty good value for money, especially if you’re able / willing to get stuck in and tackle a few jobs yourself.
I fitted a Sony double din unit to my wife’s old 116i which worked really well in all fairness.
I fitted a Sony double din unit to my wife’s old 116i which worked really well in all fairness.
iangex said:
Yes I did see that Sony unit. As you say, not the biggest screen etc but the volume knob is a great feature. Unfortunately I am using android at the moment and it doesn't support android auto, which basically rules it out
I find it very strange that Sony units don't support Android Auto given that their own phones are Android-based, not to mention that they are alienating more than 50% of potential purchasers!It's definitely worth getting a unit that properly supports your phone. I've been very pleased with my Pioneer, but I only ever use it in CarPlay mode, the internal Pioneer OS is awful!
Ok so new alternator fitted and car seems happy. I've not driven it far to be fair. Ended up taking a few hours to remove but about 10 minutes to fit. That bush being free makes all the difference!
Aso excitingly I made a decision on head unit. I ended up buying the incartec adaptor (so no need to run new wires from ignition live) and fitting kit. Bought a cheaper JVC unit (KW-M560BT) as it was heavily discounted from Halfords. Overall cost for kit and headunit was similar to the AliExpress unit. First impressions are that the sound quality is SIGNIFICANTLY better than the cdr24. I am very happy with the sound quality now and the android auto seems to work flawlessly and quickly.
The lack of volume knob is somewhat offset as the JVC units have gesture recognition, basically you rotate your finger vaguely on the screen and it turns the volume down. A big downside is that the feature doesn't work when the screen is showing android auto. If you click on the home screen at any time it will still play music and the feature will work. Not ideal but might be useful
Photo of setup, nothing that's not been done before
Aso excitingly I made a decision on head unit. I ended up buying the incartec adaptor (so no need to run new wires from ignition live) and fitting kit. Bought a cheaper JVC unit (KW-M560BT) as it was heavily discounted from Halfords. Overall cost for kit and headunit was similar to the AliExpress unit. First impressions are that the sound quality is SIGNIFICANTLY better than the cdr24. I am very happy with the sound quality now and the android auto seems to work flawlessly and quickly.
The lack of volume knob is somewhat offset as the JVC units have gesture recognition, basically you rotate your finger vaguely on the screen and it turns the volume down. A big downside is that the feature doesn't work when the screen is showing android auto. If you click on the home screen at any time it will still play music and the feature will work. Not ideal but might be useful
Photo of setup, nothing that's not been done before
Ok another update.....
Finally had a new windscreen installed. The little chips and scratches made driving into the sun difficult and frankly dangerous. I used the windscreen cover on insurance to keep the cost reasonable. I had read the stories of poorly fitting non OEM windscreens and now have one of my own...
Im not sure if its clear from the picture, but the whole edge of the glass is exposed and not covered by the seal!
To be fair, ive contacted the company and they are looking into sorting it out. They have requested measurements and are checking other screens to see if they can fix this without going OEM. I have suggested that this may be the end result anyway and the chap I spoke to agrees. I am happy to use a non-OEM windscreen providing the fit is good, however I doubt they are going to be able to achieve it.
In the meantime the screen is clear and visibility makes a huge difference to my enjoyment of the car.
Ive also fitted some new bits;
-New rear boot strut (wouldnt hold up the boot under the slightest breeze
-New fuel filler cap (the cord thing was broken)
New little stickers for the doors. Before
After;
New mudflap thing. Before;
After;
Also had a go at fixing the scratch on the door handle that has been there since I bought the car. I am really NOT happy with the colour match and hence havn't bothered trying to get it smooth. I raised it with Chipex who have provided a modified colour to fix the issue quickly and without fuss. I've yet to try the new colour but have been impressed with their responsiveness to the issue.
Before;
After;
Otherwise the car is good. The new but very modest stereo setup still really impresses me - its genuinely punchy and makes the original setup (even with newer speakers) seem like a joke.
Tyres are getting near the wear limits on the back (RE050A, 265/35R19) so I am looking at options. I will probably go with MPS4S based on reviews but am open to suggestions. Ive looked into it a bit and the N rating thing seems silly since you either buy a really old design that was rated for the 987 or a newer one that wasn't. The MPS4S only seems to get rave reviews as a road tyre, including on 987s so im struggling to consider others but am open to suggestions.
These will be by a considerable margin the most expensive tyres ive ever bought at circa £300 each due to the large size so im intentionally overthinking it.
Finally had a new windscreen installed. The little chips and scratches made driving into the sun difficult and frankly dangerous. I used the windscreen cover on insurance to keep the cost reasonable. I had read the stories of poorly fitting non OEM windscreens and now have one of my own...
Im not sure if its clear from the picture, but the whole edge of the glass is exposed and not covered by the seal!
To be fair, ive contacted the company and they are looking into sorting it out. They have requested measurements and are checking other screens to see if they can fix this without going OEM. I have suggested that this may be the end result anyway and the chap I spoke to agrees. I am happy to use a non-OEM windscreen providing the fit is good, however I doubt they are going to be able to achieve it.
In the meantime the screen is clear and visibility makes a huge difference to my enjoyment of the car.
Ive also fitted some new bits;
-New rear boot strut (wouldnt hold up the boot under the slightest breeze
-New fuel filler cap (the cord thing was broken)
New little stickers for the doors. Before
After;
New mudflap thing. Before;
After;
Also had a go at fixing the scratch on the door handle that has been there since I bought the car. I am really NOT happy with the colour match and hence havn't bothered trying to get it smooth. I raised it with Chipex who have provided a modified colour to fix the issue quickly and without fuss. I've yet to try the new colour but have been impressed with their responsiveness to the issue.
Before;
After;
Otherwise the car is good. The new but very modest stereo setup still really impresses me - its genuinely punchy and makes the original setup (even with newer speakers) seem like a joke.
Tyres are getting near the wear limits on the back (RE050A, 265/35R19) so I am looking at options. I will probably go with MPS4S based on reviews but am open to suggestions. Ive looked into it a bit and the N rating thing seems silly since you either buy a really old design that was rated for the 987 or a newer one that wasn't. The MPS4S only seems to get rave reviews as a road tyre, including on 987s so im struggling to consider others but am open to suggestions.
These will be by a considerable margin the most expensive tyres ive ever bought at circa £300 each due to the large size so im intentionally overthinking it.
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