2006 Boxster S issues?
 

Sorry if this has been asked already but I didn't see any recent posts after searching. I'm looking at buying a 2006 Boxster S w/80k miles and was wondering if the 3.2 has the same RMS and IMS issues as the other models. Any other problem areas I should look for or maintenance records to check? TIA

Yes, and yes.

Check if the water pump and AOS have been replaced. They rank up there with the top maintenance items. It wouldn't hurt to check the CV Boots as well.

Yes and kind of. A 2006 will have the 3rd gen IMS which fails at a 1% rate.

Yes and Yes... and...Make sure the coolant res tank in the trunk has been replaced as they tend to start leaking about this time for your model year. Most cars will have this replaced after 10 years.

Yes and no. The jury is still out on the IMS on the 2006+ models. Some say it's a 1% fail rate - but the evidence is still to be seen. There is no doubt the IMS on that model year is far more robust than pre 06 - but I believe far more expensive to replace. 2006 cars have been around for 10 years now - but with many of them being fair weather driven and kept to low miles, we still don't have a true picture of the IMS issue. Hard to say if as they age more we will see more IMS issues, or if they are as strong as Porsche says and the 1% is more of an anomaly than an issue.
But to ask if they have the SAME issue as older models, I would say no - far far reduced issues around IMS.

Don't bet on it, we have seen failures, as have other shops. As for getting hard numbers, well, you would have to file legal action against Porsche to find out.....

Thank you for the replies, good stuff to know as I look for a car. One more question, what is AOS?

Air Oil Separator (AOS).

Porsche Boxster Air / Oil Separator Replacement - 986 / 987 (1997-08) - Pelican Parts Technical Article

Be sure to get a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) at a reputable Porsche shop before you buy the car. The inspection can provide advice on any near-term work that may need to be done like AOS, coolant reservoir, CV boots, etc.

+1 Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI)

The general consensus is that the 06+ IMS has a reduced failure rate is street usage, but it's actually higher with track usage. If I'm not mistaken, this is according to the experts; Jake Raby/LN Engineering. As far as the actual failure rate, who knows, but it's certainly not zero!

Nothing is zero
 

I have to challenge the PPI just a little. While a PPI is a good idea for any automobile as far as the IMS goes unless you have paperwork from a dependable shop that you can verify how can a PPI reveal anything about the condition of the IMS ?

Unless they drop the transmission to inspect and then you might as well replace ??

I don't think anyone said the PPI would help with the IMS....but certainly will help determine the approx. condition of suspension parts, exhaust system, brakes and general condition of the vehicle. A good PPI would check for deviations, which might give you some indication....
But on an 06, I wouldn't be too worried about the IMS, provided it has the big, beefy one, which I believe all 06 and up have.

The PPI will determine whether there is an oil leak from the IMS or RMS. If there is it indicates that the transmission needs to be dropped for further diagnosis.