Just purschased 1999 Boxster

[unklekraker]

Originally Posted by jci-joe

What are the signs to look for in some of the potential problems? With the engine not visible, what can be done to anticipate these types of problems? The one thing I have noticed with my Boxster is a paint type odor when starting from cold. I have used detail spray to keep it looking new, however, and it could have gotten into the side intakes.

not to be anal or anything but, dude, pls. enjoy the car first before worrying or anticipating the problems. don't let what you hear or what you haven't experience ruin the first year or so of owning it. I notice that 2 types of what the first time owner thinks even before they enjoy their Boxster...it's either adding more power to it or *issues that they will run into....

enjoy and have fun with it

*that's me on the first month of owning it and it almost ruin my experience

[MNBoxster]

Hi,

One additional thing. Several of the parts and systems on the car have both a Time and Mileage Service Interval, whichever comes 1st.

The Tires s/b every 4-5 yrs. max, regardless of mileage or tread depth. Brake Fluid s/b every 2 years. Coolant every 150k mi. or 5 years. Serpentine Belt every 60k mi. or 5 years, Spark Plugs every 30k mi. or 4 years (Max, I prefer annually or 2 yrs. Max), Engine Oil (Porsche says every 20k mi., but most think that is too long an interval) 7500 mi. or annually. Also, if operating in dusty or excessively warm environments, Air Filter and Oil change intervals s/b shortened as well. Hope this helps...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[jci-joe]

I am feeling better after speaking with my local Porsche dealer. The person I purchased the car from just had the 30k service completed in September. According to their records, no problems existed with the car.

I am looking forward to many years of worry free bliss (at least once the OA temp rises above 32F and I can drive it)

[blue2000s]

Originally Posted by MNBoxster

Hi,

One additional thing. Several of the parts and systems on the car have both a Time and Mileage Service Interval, whichever comes 1st.

The Tires s/b every 4-5 yrs. max, regardless of mileage or tread depth. Brake Fluid s/b every 2 years. Coolant every 150k mi. or 5 years. Serpentine Belt every 60k mi. or 5 years, Spark Plugs every 30k mi. or 4 years (Max, I prefer annually or 2 yrs. Max), Engine Oil (Porsche says every 20k mi., but most think that is too long an interval) 7500 mi. or annually. Also, if operating in dusty or excessively warm environments, Air Filter and Oil change intervals s/b shortened as well. Hope this helps...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

Where are you getting your information on tire life?

[jci-joe]

Quote "Where are you getting your information on tire life?"

I have the Bridgestone Potenza SO3's and I am told they are summer tires and should be driven with caution below freezing. Right now they have about 16k miles on the current set of tires and the back tires are very worn. I stepped on it pretty good the other day and the back end really shot around. The temp at the time was about 40F. I think that was more due to poor tread than temperature, however, I think below 32F they may get worse.

I am now researching new tires and like most topics here, there are enough opinions.

[Mark986]

Jim,

What years do you consider genII for the Boxster, 03 and newer?

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by Mark986

Jim,

What years do you consider genII for the Boxster, 03 and newer?

Hi,

Although admittedly arbitrary, I consider Gen II to be '00-'02. This is because of the increase in displacement from 2.5L to 2.7L & 3.2L, the addition of eGas and the switch from Bosch ME 5.2 to Bosch ME 7.2.

I would call the '03-'05 a GenIII because of the change in the VarioCam, the redesign of the Cylinder liners, the switch from Bosch ME 7.2 to Bosch ME 7.8, the adoption of a MOST CAN Bus system, and the inclusion of a Glass rear window, including a redesign of the Top frame. The 987 is by designation a Gen IV.

Sure, there were several changes in each model year. But many of these were convenience or cosmetic changes. Or previously optional equipment became standard. To me at least, these aren't significant enough to create a new generation.

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[jci-joe]

Well I have finally got around to taking some pics of the 99 boxster. I just finished Zaino-ing the car (3 times with Z5 with Z6 between each coat and 1 final of Z8). Lot's of work over 3 weekends but worth it. I will take some interior shots when the hardtop comes off.

I can't wait for spring since I only bought it in Oct 06. It's been a long winter.

[blue2000s]

Originally Posted by jci-joe

Quote "Where are you getting your information on tire life?"

I have the Bridgestone Potenza SO3's and I am told they are summer tires and should be driven with caution below freezing. Right now they have about 16k miles on the current set of tires and the back tires are very worn. I stepped on it pretty good the other day and the back end really shot around. The temp at the time was about 40F. I think that was more due to poor tread than temperature, however, I think below 32F they may get worse.

I am now researching new tires and like most topics here, there are enough opinions.

Old tires need to be replaced even if they aren't worn. The industry sources that I've found say 7-10 years is the max life of a tire. Mnboxster states a shorter time span without stating his source.