Discussion
Morning all, a bit of help if you would. A friend of mine is looking for a Boxster 987 and has around £14k to spend. He is considering a 2.7 or the 3.2s in manual box form. Do both of these engines carry the bore scoring & intermediate shaft issues as per the 911? Are there any other issues to be aware of?
Many thanks for the support
Many thanks for the support
The IMS issue was addressed from 2007 onwards and irradiated by the next gen cars in 2009+ where there is no IMS. It's still possible I suppose on the 2007 cars, but you're more safe with a 2.7 if anecdotal evidence is anything to go by. In that, I'm not sure there's been any reports of a 2.7 ever going pop with IMS.
Bore scoring, early 2009 2.9s had a bit of an issue with that when they changed the liners, but they sorted that pretty quick IIRC. Otherwise, you're in the same boat as any other flat six that Porsche make. Don't labour it, they don't like it and it's thought to be one of the causes. It ain't a diesel so don't drive it like one. A bit of smoke on start up occasionally isn't a worry, they all do that, a lot could indicate the bores need looking at. Excessive oil use also.
For RMS, again oil use without the smoke or a puddle under the car.
As I've said before though, it makes it sound like the engines are chocolate. But the internet exaggerates problems. Sure they have design faults. Big f**king glaring ones that Porsche took their sweet time in addressing and are real sods when it comes to admitting responsibility. But buy sensibly and you can have a great car for really good money at the moment.
FWIW I've had mine 5 years now or so (2007 2.7) and not had a warranty. If just got back from a 3000+ mile drive around the alpine passes and it's not missed a beat. Well other than the brake pedal going long at one point and all sorts of warnings of imminent brake failure popping up on the dash. I was driving somewhat spiritedly, and the lad I was with in his V8V had the same issue at the same time (his discs went blue...) so it's probably us rather than the car.
Bore scoring, early 2009 2.9s had a bit of an issue with that when they changed the liners, but they sorted that pretty quick IIRC. Otherwise, you're in the same boat as any other flat six that Porsche make. Don't labour it, they don't like it and it's thought to be one of the causes. It ain't a diesel so don't drive it like one. A bit of smoke on start up occasionally isn't a worry, they all do that, a lot could indicate the bores need looking at. Excessive oil use also.
For RMS, again oil use without the smoke or a puddle under the car.
As I've said before though, it makes it sound like the engines are chocolate. But the internet exaggerates problems. Sure they have design faults. Big f**king glaring ones that Porsche took their sweet time in addressing and are real sods when it comes to admitting responsibility. But buy sensibly and you can have a great car for really good money at the moment.
FWIW I've had mine 5 years now or so (2007 2.7) and not had a warranty. If just got back from a 3000+ mile drive around the alpine passes and it's not missed a beat. Well other than the brake pedal going long at one point and all sorts of warnings of imminent brake failure popping up on the dash. I was driving somewhat spiritedly, and the lad I was with in his V8V had the same issue at the same time (his discs went blue...) so it's probably us rather than the car.
Ashy2 said:
Great thanks for the reply, any thoughts on the 3.2?
Personally I'd only go for the S in 3.4 DFI form (great engine). But that's just me.The only time I found mine lacking was at the top of mountains on crappy fuel
Could have done with another 100hp then... The 2.7 is a blast and an utter bargain at the moment. Stick a Carnewal GT exhaust on it, drop the lid and go for a drive. There's not a lot better out there or as good an all rounder."IMS issue was addressed from 2007 onwards"
What did they change in 2007? Was it a stronger IMS bearing?
Having owned a 120000 mile 996 which had never had an IMS problem I don't get too worried about it in my 2.7 Cayman, but it's a topic which is always of interest to me. If my Oct 2007 car is even lower risk on the IMS front it'll help with deciding what to do when the warranty runs out in 2 years time.
What did they change in 2007? Was it a stronger IMS bearing?
Having owned a 120000 mile 996 which had never had an IMS problem I don't get too worried about it in my 2.7 Cayman, but it's a topic which is always of interest to me. If my Oct 2007 car is even lower risk on the IMS front it'll help with deciding what to do when the warranty runs out in 2 years time.
All I know is that from that revision onwards the IMS issue was addressed as it were... But yeah, the bearing is still there so your guess is as good as mine as to what they actually did. A stronger bearing seems likely.
As mentioned above, I'm fairly certain there have been no reports of any 2.7's popping due to IMS failure.
As mentioned above, I'm fairly certain there have been no reports of any 2.7's popping due to IMS failure.
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