Boxster S brakes

[Guest]

Hi,

I have recently got myself a 2003 Boxster S and after driving my Dads M3 have noticed that my brakes are significatly worse than on the BMW. I have been told that the brakes on the Boxster are very good.

The brake fluid was changed last year, however, it was not used much. The discs look ok and all the service has been done by OPC in Shefield.

Is there a common problem with the brakes. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Mark_Bennett]

It's common for them to rust on the side of the disc towards the centre of the car (the bit you can't see!)

This happens especially if you wash the car, and garage it without taking it for a short drive to spin the water out of the discs and get some heat in to them (to help burn any remaining water off).

Alternatively, it may be that the BMW servo assistance is greater than on the Boxster. MAybe you need a greater shove on the pedal?

You are correct though - these brakes have a reputaion of being amongst the very best for stopping.

 

[Andy Tims]

As Mark says, Porsche brakes need a harder shove than "nomal car's".

Light servo, makes for more accurate modulation.

They should be fantastic.

 

[Guest]

Thanks

I might get the discs checked. May be I am just going a lot quicker in this car than my previous car.

Best car I have ever been in though. Cant get enough of it.

 

[Guest]

As already stated Porsche brakes are relatively underservo'd in comparison to most other cars!
After moving from my old e46 M3, when i first got my new 996 i was suprised at how hard you had to shove the pedal!
Switching between my csl and my gf's boxster s i notice how much more assistance the bmw brakes have!
Its all about the feel with porkers tho! there ain't nowt wrong with the brakes!
Best brakes in the business!!

 

[Guest]

Thanks for that. Puts my mind at ease.

 

[Black80XSA]

As others have clarified, the Oorsche brakes need more firm application, but are alot more progressive in their action. Take both cars for a hard drive and the BMW brakes will be shot long before the Boxster ones

 

[THX911]

Hi Paul,
I have the same MY03 Boxster S and had to change the front discs due to heavy corrosion at 25K miles (some four months ago), as Mark mentioned the main corrosion was on the insides which you cannot see. It was not driven a lot last winter and left outside to the elements; that is when most of the corrosion took place. You might find that a couple of heavy braking from high speeds might shift the corrosion (if it is that) and improve things... your brake fluid will need changing at the next service (the big 4 year/48K whichever comes first service).

 

[oliver]

Boxster 'S' brakes should be excellent, with good feel and retardation.

If they are corroded they will need skimming or replacing.

Braking doesn't remove established rust, it just polishes the surfaces, making the brakes even worse.

 

[matt643]

Just had the same problem! See this post for the outer surface and the next post for the inner corroded surface

 

[matt643]

Deep grooves and rusty! The car is driven for long distances daily and is always driven after washing!

To be honest I cannot quite understand how, when the calipers must apply equal pressure to the inner and outer surfaces of the disc how this can occur....

 

[Guest]

I am replacing the tyres at the weekend so will have a look at the discs then.

Thanks for the help

 

[tony1066]

On a similar theme, has anyone had problems with 'S' caliper seals leaking? I have and my independent said he had never known it happen before. Apparently Porsche think it's rare as they don't supply replacement seal kits,(!) just outer dust seals. At the time they had only one n/s front caliper in the country! It cost silly money! I have attempted to contact Brembo via their website to see if they will supply seals but they have not bothered to reply!