New 2001 Boxster S Owner

[Insuranceman]

Hi everyone! Just purchased a 2001 Boxster S 6 speed manual, with the factory hard top. It only had 17780 miles on it with the exception of a couple minor chips in the paint this car is mint. So I replaced my Harley with the Boxster and I am Loving this car. I have read a lot on here and thank you all for the info. I pulled the radio knobs off and sprayed them with plasti dip to fix the sticky issue. This isn't a daily driver and will stay parked in the garage on a battery tender most of the time. I have some service records on the car but the previous owner put most of the miles on it the first two years 02 and 03 and then he passed away. His wife parked the car in the garage and had the oil changed at least a couple times and the car had all of 500 miles put on it from 2011 until this year. I had a independent shop go over the car change oil filter, change coolant, change brake fluid. Other than that he said the car looks perfect. We discussed the IMS bearing and I asked if this car has the dual IMS or the single bearing? He said that he couldn't be sure just looking? So I have read on here that certain engine numbers have the dual and others have the single. Can anyone tell from the number the sticker under the front hood has m9621-671? So took the hard top off today and made sure the soft top was in good shape. I'm not sure that they had ever put it up at all. Only issue with the top is the plastic windshield is all hazy but the top looks great. I'll get some pics up later.

[Insuranceman]

[356Guy]

Very nice. That's what I'm looking for.

[Anker]

A VIN decoder will tell you what engine it has.

[Chuck W.]

Whoa! That is beatiful. Is that Zanzibar Red?

The engine number is embosed on the case on the right (passenger) side of the car. Take a look at the below link for the engine number and corresponding bearing. However, it is well documented that this is often incorrect. Some 2001s have dual row and others have single rows. The only way to know is to drop the transmission and look at the flange.

Pelican Technical Article: Boxster Intermediate Shaft Bearing Replacement and Upgrade (IMS) - 986 Boxster (1997-04) - 987 Boxster (2005-06)

Here is a link to locating the engine number;

http://986forum.com/forums/general-discussions/23965-engine-number-location.html

[Insuranceman]

You know I have to be honest I was hoping someone could tell me the color. I am planning on getting touch up paint and I can not figure out the color? I don't think it is guard red. It has more of a orange look to it but in the sun it looks red? Thanks guys.

[grc0456]

Originally Posted by Insuranceman

You know I have to be honest I was hoping someone could tell me the color. I am planning on getting touch up paint and I can not figure out the color? I don't think it is guard red. It has more of a orange look to it but in the sun it looks red? Thanks guys.

There should be a sticker affixed to the inside of your front trunk (frunk) with the paint code number. There also my be one in your manual, if it is with the car.


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[algiorda]

Congratulations on the new ride. She looks great.

The paint color should be on the sticker under the bonnet.

[Insuranceman]

Originally Posted by algiorda

Congratulations on the new ride. She looks great.

The paint color should be on the sticker under the bonnet.

[Insuranceman]

Zanzibar Red is what I have found based on that code. So guess that is the color. Love it!

[Chuck W.]

It is Zanzibar Red, color code 1A8.

Nicely optioned!!!! I would put the window sticker new well north of $60,000.

288 Headlight washer
288 996: Light washers
413 18" Turbo look wheels
437 Comfort seat left
438 Comfort seat right
446 Parts for type "Targa" belonging to stipulated assembly
446 996: Colored Wheel Crests
454 Automatic speed control
490 Hi-Fi sound system
537 Left seat with positrol and lumbar
551 Air Deflector (Cabriolet)
601 Litronic Headlights
659 Onboard computer
680 Digital Sound
692 Remote CD changer (6-disc)o
981 All leather lining
982 Supple Leather Seats/Trim

[Gelbster]

Originally Posted by Insuranceman

Hi everyone! Just purchased a 2001 Boxster S 6 speed manual, with the factory hard top. It only had 17780 miles on it with the exception of a couple minor chips in the paint this car is mint. We discussed the IMS bearing and I asked if this car has the dual IMS or the single bearing? He said that he couldn't be sure just looking? So I have read on here that certain engine numbers have the dual and others have the single. Can anyone tell from the number the sticker under the front hood has m9621-671?

I have the same model+year.There is no 100% reliable way to know which IMSB is installed without removing the gearbox. Mine was a single. It was working perfectly when removed at 90k miles. YEMV .
FWIW low miles garage queens are particularly vulnerable to the IMSB problem according to the experts. So you are wise to be considering the issue. Yours is a particularly valuable car so probably well worth The Solution.

[Lapister]

Red on Tan, one of my favorite combos! Beautiful car.

[dbear61]

Congratulations on a great find and awesome looking car! Locate some twisties and start your own Perma-Grin.

DBear

[Insuranceman]

Oh I have the perm a grin! 🤣 Just ready for the weather to warm up!

[heliguy]

If this the dual row IMS and if there is no way to guarantee that is is single row without dropping the engine and trans, this is the type of vehicle (low miles for the year) that is a candidate for an IMS failure. Changing the IMS at this point would give you a lot of peace of mind for a little investment. This is a beautiful car and quite a nice find. Do a search on polishing your plastic rear window on here as well.

[heliguy]

I also found this:
2003 Porsche Boxster S 2dr Rear-wheel Drive Convertible Pricing and Options
Build your car with its options and see the price when new.

[BruceH]

Nice find and welcome to the forum! Like others have said, you are a prime candidate for replacing the IMSB

[grc0456]

Originally Posted by heliguy

I also found this:

2003 Porsche Boxster S 2dr Rear-wheel Drive Convertible Pricing and Options

Build your car with its options and see the price when new.

Nice link! My car (Base 03) would have stickered out just shy of $48k, not included destination.


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[Insuranceman]

One more pic. The supercharged rover is my daily.

I have found loads of info about the rear plastic window on here thanks again guys. I hear everyone about the IMS. I am going to do a little more research on this before changing the IMS or try to find out if it was done. There was a service performed by Porsche at 8,800 miles and then it was in for something around 9000 miles appears install accessories and to take care of a recall I think. I am going to try to get under to see the engine number one day to see what bearing should be in it.

But just met the former owners wife. She gave me the cover, extra floor mats, hardtop stand, and hardtop cover and some other things.