What year to call my Boxster?

[derekcohen]

I have owned this 986 Boxster S since 2009, making this 14 years in my care ...



It was sold by its second owner as a 2001 model. In all the years I have owned it, it has been licensed as a 2001 Boxster S.

This past year I have done a bunch of upgrades or improvements: IMS bearing along with a new clutch, wonderful Alpine/Pioneer/Focal music system that brings a smile to my face ... when not listening to the sound of the engine as it hits 5000 rpm The top was replaced some time back for and now has a heated glass rear window. The latest change has been 17" Michelin Pilot Sport 4s on
BBS/Carrera wheels (I preferred 17" over 18" for the ride quality). Head- and tail lights are now clear and not runny egg. There are a number of other smaller mods.

All these changes and attention to details ... and only recently it occurred to me that this Boxster S is not a 2001 but a 2002. How can this be?

Well, I looked up the Vin, and this states:

Porsche 986

Model 986 - Manufacture Year 2002

Boxster Cabriolét (RoW spec)

3.2-Ltr, 250-bhp, Mid-engined Flat 6-Cyl

The notice on the lid of the rear compartment also states it is a 2002 year model.

Yet the registration certificate at the local DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) notes ...

Registration expiry: 04 Nov 2023 Year of manufacture: 2001

Year/Month of compliance: 2001-12

This suggests that the car was first registered or built (not sure which) in December 2001.

So ... what is this Boxster S - 2001 or 2002?

Regards from Perth

Derek

[BRAN]

Beautiful!
Pretty simple, although not obvious explanation: Built year and model year are not the same for car makers.
Mine was built November 2000, but is considered a MY2001. I think, they switch(ed) the model years in August.

In your case, it's a MY2002 (built in 2001).

[derekcohen]

Thanks Bran.

I followed your build. Very inspiring. Thanks.

Regards from Perth

Derek

[mikefocke]

Lots of cars are sold late in the calendar year but the to following year's specs.

So for parts and repairs purposes, it is a 2002, sold in late 2001. And the DMV made a mistake in entering its model year.

Check the switches...see below.

There weren't big changes between 2001 and 2002

2002 Base
2.7Litre engine 217 HP
5 speed manual transmission, Tiptronic 5 speed optional.
Front seat belt pre-tensioners and force limiters.
New multifunctional display inside instrument cluster when optional on board computer ordered.
Keys have color Porsche crest.
Matte surface switches.
Anti-entrapment trunk release lever.
Optional Bose sound system replaces previous digital sound package.
Additional colors: Black, Carrera White, Basalt Black Metallic.

2002 S model
3.2Litre engine 250 HP, increased valves sizes.
6 speed manual trans, 5 speed Tiptronic optional.

[derekcohen]

Thanks Mike

This Boxster does tick the boxes for 2002 (as when I first received it) .... not that I expect there to be any visible differences with a 2001 for the S version.

I imagine that the 2001 derivation was given as it would have been purchased new in December 2001. I doubt that the DMV would alter that. I could refer to it as a 2002 model ... one reason I ask all this is what to advertise when eventually the car is sold (hopefully not for many years).

Original interior ...



Updated interior ...



Alpine Ilx-507a head unit showing. In the tray is a 1Tb SSD with FLAC files. The original amplifier was replaced with another from Alpine, Speakers replaced with Focal. Pioneer self-powered sub behind the passenger seat.

Changed the gear shift knob for an old school one by IXI. Still a little on the fence here. Open to suggestions and opinions.

Regards from Perth

Derek

[mikefocke]

Keep in mind there may have been difference between AU cars and US ones. Common thing. I didn't pick up on your location. Never made it to Perth, like most tourists our focus was the other side. 25,000 air miles within AU. Friendly folk. Just weeks after 9/11. We're wid ya mate.

[derekcohen]

Thanks again Mike.

One difference I am aware of relates to local regulations about the colour of turn indicators (in addition to spelling and terminology!! ). We are permitted clear lenses, but the light emitted (i.e. bulbs) must be amber.

Regards from Perth

Derek

[JayG]

You have a bigger problem......

The steering wheel is on the wrong side

[derekcohen]

It helps to heve long arms and longer legs when sitting in the seat on the left.

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Jacques79]

Hello,

Silly question, but I am interested in a 2001 Boxster and was wondering if it was possible to upgrade/retrofit the seatbelt by purchasing a 2002 seatbelt kit that includes "seat belt pre-tensioners and force limiters".

thank you

[lkchris]

Originally Posted by Jacques79

Hello,

Silly question, but I am interested in a 2001 Boxster and was wondering if it was possible to upgrade/retrofit the seatbelt by purchasing a 2002 seatbelt kit that includes "seat belt pre-tensioners and force limiters".

thank you

The 2002 and on seat belts contain pyrotechnics (explosives) and require electrical connections which earlier cars do not have.

[lkchris]

Basically Germans (and I suppose the Finns producing Boxsters) take the month of July off for vacation, and when they return in August they are producing next model year cars.

Apologies in advance, but given the skill levels I've experienced at state motor vehicle departments, this is likely difficult for them to work with.