Looking at used Boxster S-no 'S' on deck lid?

[super66]

Originally Posted by jacabean

dude if you can't distinguish an "S' from a base model you need to do more research

errr...based on the car he is describing, it could easily be a base boxster with some mods so lets be nice.

I would say verify the engine size, vin number was a great idea. I have a base 987 which I could paint calipers, change the faces, swap a bumper and muffler pipe and say here is my 's'. I would fool just about everyone.

The only think I would have to 'research' is the 5sp vs 6sp. Not sure if you could order a 987/986 base with a 6sp.

[Lil bastard]

To cut through all the crap... the answer is simple...

If the 5th character in the VIN # is a 'B' - it's an 'S' model. If the 5th character is an 'A', it's a Base model... Period !

The 5th Character cannot be anything but 'B' or 'A'!

The 5th Character is the engine code.

'B' is the engine code for the 3.2 Liter 6-cylinder which is only offfered on the Boxster S.

'A' is the engine code for either a 2.5 Liter 6-cyl. (only if the 10th character (Model Year) is an V, W, or X - '97, '98 or '99 respectively) or a 2.7 Liter 6-cyl. (only if the 10th character (Model Year) is an Y, 1, or 2 - '00, '01 or '02 respectively) indicating that it is a Base model.

No other VIN variation is possible and that 5th character is indisputable proof.

Cheers!

[Lightning]

FYI. They did not offer the 6-speed on the base model 2.7L until the 2005 987.

[dallison]

as others have said, it was taken off for some reason or another. I replaced my "boxster -s" with "roadster"

[rob76turbo]

They have every possible combination of "Boxster" and "S" that you could possibly want. I removed mine with dental floss and used some goop off to remove the residue (albeit very gently), Next I waxed the same surface and applied the new script. Took maybe 20 min.

[mptoledo]

Lil bastard is right on, check the Vin #.
The cleanup guys probably got their rag or buffer caught on the "S". Its pretty easy as I broke my "B" in half.

[ChrisZang]

Ok, quick sanity check:

The original poster was not sure if the car was really an "S" because the "S" badge on the trunk was missing.
However, he found:
- 6 speed
- 3rd radiator opening
- red calipers
- dual exhaust

Ok, so now let's assume for one second that I am a very sneaky person who wants to sell a base Boxster as an "S". I go through all the trouble of adding a 6-speed, 3rd radiator, red calipers and a dual exhaust.
Does anyone really think that after all this trouble I wouldn't add the "S" badge?

I think we have enough evidence that it's a "S" ...