Need help! Just imported a Boxter...
 

I just imported an' 03 Boxter into Quebec and they apparently want me to modify my speedometer into kilometers and install daytime running lights. The lights aren't too much of a problem, even if the dealer want's $1,200.00 to get them working, I found a $10.00 kit on ebay that makes them work. The kit basically re-arranges some of your fuse connections like jumpers..I was told, anyway the speedometer (odometer?) is a bigger problem. The dealer is the only entity that can replace and certify a new speedo. and they want $2,000.00. Any ideas anyone? Please! :eek:

Will inspections not allow you to flash the digital tach? I know canadian dealers are trying to make it harder and more expensive for us to import cars. The stealership charging $2000 is a good way of deterring imports by normal guys like us. Do you have any local brokers that you can pay to have the service done for you? Most brokers get some sort of break from the dealerships. Can you drive to another dealership?

Mind me asking where you bought the car from? Did you import it sight unseen? Price? Shipper that you used? I am curious as I too have been thinking about an 03 S and also a newer 08 Cayenne S for the wife.

Thanks and good luck

Hi, who's they :confused: , all you need to do is to switch the digital counter from miles to kilometers using the clock reset button.

You can change the speedo to km with the push of a button. This dealer sounds like there trying to rip you off, I would look for another dealer for future visits.

There are DIY instructions to make the DRL mod. It's $1 in parts and takes about three minutes to do. The eBay kit is a rip. There are instructions on whiteson.com
:cheers:

It's spelled BoxSter.. with an S
 

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To switch from MPH to KPH, turn the display on (ignition ON or start car) then turn the right setting button (clock face button between Tach and Clock/Temp and Fuel cluster) anti-clockwise and hold for 5 sec.

That's all there is to it!

For Daytime Running Lights - http://www.whiteson.org/boxster/mods/drl/ - takes about 5 min.

Good Luck!

You DEFINITELY do not need replace the entire speedometer assembly.

Because the 986 has redundant speedometers (Digital plus Analogue) you only need one of them in KM to pass inspection.

Simply twist and hold the odometer/clock switch for 10 seconds (or so) and you will see the digital speedometer and odometer flip over to km. Bring it into Canadian tire like that and you are good to go. That is of course if you also did the DRL hack that you already mentioned.

Being in Quebec, the only thing you may need to worry about is having a French/English Airbag warning sticker. They don't really check it here in BC but you could run into trouble there.

From your PM to me, you state that you've been told that the analog gauge must also read metric in order to pass in Quebec.

There is another way besides swapping clusters. You can simply change the dial faces. I searched ebay in Germany and found this:

http://www.roswitha-gerk.de/Tacho/Po...20LOOK%201.jpg

Here:
http://cgi.ebay.de/PASSSEND-FUR-Porsche-Boxter-986-Tiptronic-Tachoscheibe_W0QQitemZ260220137563QQihZ016QQcatego ryZ99213QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

The Gauge Face reads MPH in the photo, but I suspect this is just a stock photo, you'd need to contact the seller. Now this is for a Tiptronic set of gauges (don't know what you own), but you could:

a. Just swap the Speedo

b. Swap them all (not using the Tip S indicator)

c. Contact the seller (using Babelfish as a translator) and ask if he can furnish a set for Manual (if you need that)

d. Check TechArt - http://www.techart.de (they also make Gauge Faces)

e. Check more ebay sites for other EU or other Metric countries (I'm not gonna do ALL the work ;) )

This is a pretty easy hack which is well documented here - do a search on Gauge Face(s)

The same holds true for Ontario. Toggling the mph/km digital readout works fine.
I have the english/french stickers but I didn't need to install them. (i'm not even sure if they asked to see them). A madeup (removeable) jumper turned my front foglights into daylight running lights. A child seat bolt and you should be set.