986 Tip

Spy · Jul 13, 2015

Hi all,

My brother has finally been brain washed into buying a Porsche and he is looking for a 986 Tip.

As with most buyers, he is looking fo one that has been well cared for and will give him trouble free motoring other than the usual servicing and wear and tear items.

A few questions on his behalf:

Other than power, are there any other differences between the 2.5, 27 and 3.2 eg reliability, common issues etc ?
In real world driving, how much difference to each of these engines make eg low down torque, pace when overtaking etc ?
How common would you say is the IMS issue and is it across all the engines or only specific to some ?
What are the must have extras he should be looking for on a Boxster ?
How essential is PSM (did it have a different name on the 986 ?

Also, if anyone is looking to sell, please message me.

Thanks for any help and advice you can provide.

Spiggy1960 · Jul 21, 2015

Hi

i have owned a 2001 Boxter S for 3 years and absolutely love it! The difference between the 2.5, 2.7 & 3.2 is exactly what it says in the tin. Power and tuning development so I suggest your wife drives and compares a few and you make your choice. The architecture of all the 986, 996 derivatives is, essentially, very similar. They are all vulnerable to the IMS bearing problem and I was advised that, if it hasn't been upgraded, get it done and consider it part of the purchase price. Mine was done by Marque 21 of Bridport, Dorset and Tim (the proprietor of M21) has seen several unfortunate failures of IMS bearings which often lead to an expensive engine rebuild. There are very few or no warning signs (unless you are lucky enough to see metal fragments in your oil filter) of impending failure so it is a job worth doing. Suspension & brake components wear as on all performance cars and 986's aren't getting any younger. all in all though, they are wonderful cars and, currently, amazing value for money. Just make sure your prospect has a good history and get it looked at by someone who knows Boxters pre-purchase.
Best wishes

Spy · Jul 21, 2015

Thanks Paulo

BrianJ · Jul 21, 2015

PSM was originally an option (I think only on the non-S models, certainly was on my 2003 2.7 facelift). Highly recommended - I know at least one person who managed a spin allegedly at 20mph on a non-PSM car. Also recommend finding a car with the glass rear screen rather than the earlier ones with plastic.

Spy · Jul 21, 2015

Thanks Brian.

Strange, why would PSM not be an option on the 3.2S, I would have thought it would need it more

BrianJ · Jul 21, 2015

Ah, my wording was bad. on the 986 I think PSM was always standard on the S, and an option on the non-S.

Fred Hindle · Jul 21, 2015

I have both but I would say look for a 3.2S but there again a you won't go wrong with either.
Cheers,

BartyB · Jul 21, 2015

PSM was an option for the 986 Boxster beginning in model year 2001 through to 2004.

In my experience PSM keeps you out of ditches. You certainly notice the difference if you switch the PSM off and drive a bit enthusiastically, particularly in the wet or slippery conditions (such as the famed Fish Hill, near Broadway in the autumn with wet leaves on the road). The PSM's Automatic Brake Differential (ABD) function limits tyre spin at launch time and helps keep you planted when coming out of a corner in a similar way to a limited slip differential. On the road, the car feels much more planted and less 'twitchy' with it switched on.

On the other hand, when on a track, it gave me the impression that it was better to drive with it switched off, allowing you to corner more rapidly, probably because of the Engine Drag Control (EDC) wasn't kicking in to restrict your engine revs and the thing's chassis rotational sensors weren't freaking out and telling the system to apply the brakes. PSM engenders a certain amount of confidence, but it also tends to flatter your capabilities somewhat. On a circuit that may not be a good thing. However, you'll find your lap times are marginally quicker with it switched off but equally you'll probably be more prone to spinning the car too.

A small point worth beaing in mind, is that any Boxster fitted with ABS/TC5.3 and PSM requires a Porsche System Tester 2 (PST 2) to activate the valves in the hydraulic unit for proper brake bleeding and fluid changes. This means you will not be able to bleed the brakes or change the fluid yourself or use a garage not suitably equipped, limiting your choice to dedicated Porsche specialists and Porsche Centres for brake work.

On balance, PSM is a potential life saver so, in my view, is definitely a 'must have'.

Spy · Jul 22, 2015

Thanks guys. As my brother is not what I would call an experienced driver, I think PSM is pretty much essential.

He may up his budget slightly which brings 987 Tips into the equation and there is another kettle of fish there with bore scoring !!

acer · Jul 29, 2015

Hi Spy,
I have a 2002 Boxster S,and it's an awesome car but be careful to find the correct one.
Its worth paying a little extra to get more options.
Also if possible I would go for 2002 onwards as the earlier cars had less improvements each year.
I have a manual six speed and the thing to watch for is rear driveshaft rubber covers these sometimes split because of the rake of the six speed box and can cause leaking of grease and problend with bearings!
This happened to me but can be fixed ok!