Is this a plausible estimate for a Vario Sensor?

[wsmcdowall]

Good morning everyone. I had a sudden loss of power and a CEL light on my 1999 Boxster 5sp Base. I nursed it home. P1531 ~ so Variocam Adjustment sensor on the intake side. I took it to my local dealer which is fortunately a couple miles away (car ran fine BTW). They confirmed my theory after a full diagnostics test.

I have an estimate for $3750 because the engine needs to come out. The part is $554...which is not bad for that particular part. Has anyone had this sensor go out? Does the engine really need dropped???

Thanks Much in Advance!

[Rich XTR]

I took my engine out to replace mine....but people have posted it can be done with engine in. If you are talking about the verio cam actuator.

[wsmcdowall]

Yes, it is the actuator. THe work order says "variocam solenoid" but the part list describes it as "actuator". Thanks for the response.

[78F350]

There are a lot of 'short cuts' that a DIY mechanic might take such as not dropping the engine to access the camshafts. Any reputable shop doing the job correctly will drop the engine. I do think that you could get a better labor cost if you shopped around, but the estimate is plausible.

[Quadcammer]

It should take a porsche shop roughly 3 hours to remove a boxster motor. That seems like an awful lot of labor.

[Gilles]

Originally Posted by 78F350

There are a lot of 'short cuts' that a DIY mechanic might take such as not dropping the engine to access the camshafts. Any reputable shop doing the job correctly will drop the engine. I do think that you could get a better labor cost if you shopped around, but the estimate is plausible.

A few of years ago I had to removed the cam cover on the 1-3 bank to replace the green seal gaskets (no plug tubes on the 987's..) and I was able to do it by lowering the engine a few inches by using a 'home made' engine support bar from the top (w/car on jack stands), this allows you to have free access from underneath, I should have a couple of pictures if you need them.

Good luck!

[-tWv-]

Originally Posted by wsmcdowall

Good morning everyone. I had a sudden loss of power and a CEL light on my 1999 Boxster 5sp Base. I nursed it home. P1531 ~ so Variocam Adjustment sensor on the intake side. I took it to my local dealer which is fortunately a couple miles away (car ran fine BTW). They confirmed my theory after a full diagnostics test.

I have an estimate for $3750 because the engine needs to come out. The part is $554...which is not bad for that particular part. Has anyone had this sensor go out? Does the engine really need dropped???

Thanks Much in Advance!

Going through something similar right now and the shop I’m going through (not a Porsche dealer) quoted the same part at over $1200. It’s on pelican for almost $1300. Anyone know why such a huge difference in price point?


Part # 996-105-051-58-OEM

[JFP in PA]

A dealer will retail it to you for $998.32

[Homeoboxter]

Originally Posted by -tWv-

Going through something similar right now and the shop I’m going through (not a Porsche dealer) quoted the same part at over $1200. It’s on pelican for almost $1300. Anyone know why such a huge difference in price point?


Part # 996-105-051-58-OEM

Probably $554 is only for the solenoid, the actuator is around $1000 everywhere.

[Paul]

This repair will likely double in cost as additional parts are bound to be recommended once the motor is dropped. Might be time to cut and run if you cannot repair it yourself.