2005 987 Boxster 3.2S - engine shaft failure issue?
Discussion
Hi folks,
I am in the possible opportunity of owning a 2005 987 Boxster.
The car is owned by an acquaintance and he is possibly looking to free up cash.
The car has only done 25,000 miles over its life, and these miles have been infrequent, the car can be sitting for longish periods, so my main concerns are any fruity issues with electrics or mechanicals etc. The interior is a bit mouldy but thats nothing a detail wont sort, which i have done before.
I would be buying this car outright, so my main financial concerns would be running costs and maintenance, and it was at this point the thought of the IPM? bearing shaft failure that was an issue on the 996 etc came to mind.
Does this model of boxter have the same vulnerability, especially given this car will have sat for long periods and has done low miles so may not have encountered this yet.
Is there a pre-emptive remedial work i can do to ensure it never happens etc?
Also what are the main things i should be looking at when giving the car a once over, anything that can go on these cars that would be an expensive fix that i could haggle for etc.
Any magazine or PH articles on 987 boxster buying would be great if foilk could direct too.
Thanks folks
I am in the possible opportunity of owning a 2005 987 Boxster.
The car is owned by an acquaintance and he is possibly looking to free up cash.
The car has only done 25,000 miles over its life, and these miles have been infrequent, the car can be sitting for longish periods, so my main concerns are any fruity issues with electrics or mechanicals etc. The interior is a bit mouldy but thats nothing a detail wont sort, which i have done before.
I would be buying this car outright, so my main financial concerns would be running costs and maintenance, and it was at this point the thought of the IPM? bearing shaft failure that was an issue on the 996 etc came to mind.
Does this model of boxter have the same vulnerability, especially given this car will have sat for long periods and has done low miles so may not have encountered this yet.
Is there a pre-emptive remedial work i can do to ensure it never happens etc?
Also what are the main things i should be looking at when giving the car a once over, anything that can go on these cars that would be an expensive fix that i could haggle for etc.
Any magazine or PH articles on 987 boxster buying would be great if foilk could direct too.
Thanks folks
Do you mean the Intermediate Shaft as in IMS? The flaw is actually with the bearing at the end of it and not the shaft itself.
There is a wealth of info here and on the usual Porsche enthusiast forums (such as Boxa.net, Rentech, Rennlist, Planet9, 911uk) but to get you on your way, have a read up on the list below: -
IMS - bearing failure leading to the motor lunching itself.
Water/Coolant pump - bearing failure.
Rear PASM shocks - they begin to leak and easily seen should you pull the gaiter away to inspect.
RMS - Rear Main Seal, signs are little oil patches on the driveway but increasingly less likely now IMHO.
Rads & condensors - If not cleaned regularly, they rot at the bottom.
Plume of smoke on startup - a little bluish cloud is fine but nothing resembling a 70's night club or you got problems.
Signs of water ingress - if the drains are not cleaned, water makes its way in and can settle under the seats. A few important control modules live down there.
Just a list off the top of my head but there could be more that a few others may chip in to add. You have a few choices should you want an inspection carried out eitehr privately or via the OPC network. The latter will also grant you the possibility of getting a warranty.
That last one you really will need to search for!
Pops
There is a wealth of info here and on the usual Porsche enthusiast forums (such as Boxa.net, Rentech, Rennlist, Planet9, 911uk) but to get you on your way, have a read up on the list below: -
IMS - bearing failure leading to the motor lunching itself.
Water/Coolant pump - bearing failure.
Rear PASM shocks - they begin to leak and easily seen should you pull the gaiter away to inspect.
RMS - Rear Main Seal, signs are little oil patches on the driveway but increasingly less likely now IMHO.
Rads & condensors - If not cleaned regularly, they rot at the bottom.
Plume of smoke on startup - a little bluish cloud is fine but nothing resembling a 70's night club or you got problems.
Signs of water ingress - if the drains are not cleaned, water makes its way in and can settle under the seats. A few important control modules live down there.
Just a list off the top of my head but there could be more that a few others may chip in to add. You have a few choices should you want an inspection carried out eitehr privately or via the OPC network. The latter will also grant you the possibility of getting a warranty.
That last one you really will need to search for!
Pops
Thanks for that info, very helpful.
Having had a quick look online, the bearing change to a stronger item doesnt seem beyond the realms of general spannering, as you get a kit etc for tools too.
Although the main issue seems to be it states it covers from 1997 to 2005, but also 1997 to 2009?
I wasnt sure which as my car i am looking at is the 987, first of them in 2005\6.
So does it still suffer from the same possible failure issue?
its just so i have all the facts before making decision etc.
Having had a quick look online, the bearing change to a stronger item doesnt seem beyond the realms of general spannering, as you get a kit etc for tools too.
Although the main issue seems to be it states it covers from 1997 to 2005, but also 1997 to 2009?
I wasnt sure which as my car i am looking at is the 987, first of them in 2005\6.
So does it still suffer from the same possible failure issue?
its just so i have all the facts before making decision etc.
From recollection, this was improved in MY06 or 55 plate. But, as Porsche back then (before VAG got involved) had the start/end of yearly production runs in September the assumption is that after Sept 05, you could have the improved design. It's not cut and dry i'm afraid.
I have a MY06 car that was built September 2005. I am running under the assumption that i got the earlier bearing. I just had the coolant pump replaced, dampers sorted and banged on the extended warranty. Car's dome 24k (london) miles as a daily driver.
HTH
I have a MY06 car that was built September 2005. I am running under the assumption that i got the earlier bearing. I just had the coolant pump replaced, dampers sorted and banged on the extended warranty. Car's dome 24k (london) miles as a daily driver.
HTH
It does, as this would be a daily (bar the fun winter up here) i would want a bit of piece of mind, so its something i would look at upgrading to the ceramic ballbearing part.
an OPC warranty could be an issue as i dont even know if this car has ever seen a service given the low mileage and lack of mechanical not so much care, but just not bothering, if it runs great etc, the current owner seems to be with his vehicles.
an OPC warranty could be an issue as i dont even know if this car has ever seen a service given the low mileage and lack of mechanical not so much care, but just not bothering, if it runs great etc, the current owner seems to be with his vehicles.
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