2005 Boxster S initial impressions

[tqtran]

Originally Posted by eslai

6. The top controls are a bit annoying. It's a one-touch up/down button IF the car is moving. If you do it when the car is not moving, you have to hold the control down for the entire operation. If you let go of the button, the top stops moving and the computer warns you that the top isn't fully closed or retracted. If you push the button while driving, it starts moving but then if you pull up to a stoplight, it stops.

Why? Why!? What use would I have for opening the top halfway? It should ALWAYS be a one-touch button. If I want to stop it midway, I should be able to push the rocker switch in the other direction to stop the motion.

ummm...let me see....to do an oil change or engine service perhaps!
THe "halfway" position is the "Service position" It is needed to access the engine.
With a "one touch" all the time, it would take you forever to time the service position correctly.

[eslai]

Originally Posted by tqtran

ummm...let me see....to do an oil change or engine service perhaps!
THe "halfway" position is the "Service position" It is needed to access the engine.
With a "one touch" all the time, it would take you forever to time the service position correctly.

You misunderstand--there isn't a "halfway position". You can let your finger off at any time and it will stop. It might be one inch away from the windshield, it might be one inch away from being all the way flat, or anywhere in between.

They'll still have to time it to get it in a "service position".

[bigislandboxster]

I'm with you on the clutch engagement being too high....I have a '98 , not sure if its the same as the '05, but being that I am relearning a car with manual, it does seem to be a bit vague......If it were closer to the floor it would definitely be easier to get a feel for the engagement/ release point .......But practice makes perfect! Also makes it a bit more difficult when you have to push the clutch all the way to the floor to start it up (As far as seat positioning) .

Sounds like for the most part you're enjoying it!

Let us know if you find anything out about getting the clutch a little closer to the floor as well

Lou

[RandallNeighbour]

Some of the things you're complaining about can be remedied with some cash:

1. Short shifter kit will reduce the throws by 20% or more. Not too expensive.
2. Louder engine? That's gonna cost you with a new exhaust, but it's available.
3. Vanity mirror warnings: You can cover them up with stickers...someone one ebay sells them all the time.
4. The clutch should be able to be adjusted down to the bottom of the range instead of the top... this is a preference thing and they should do it for free under warranty.

The tiny delay in accelleration is very odd in normal mode...I'd whine about this to the dealership and see if they can fiddle with your eletronics. I don't think it should be that way, but I sure do appreciate the heads up if it can't be remedied any other way than to use the sport mode!

The sound system in this car is never going to be stellar... there's just no room for speakers of any real size to produce a volume of sound (not loudness but amount) with the top down or even up. The dealer would tell you the sound of the engine and the wind in your hair should compensate for any deficiencies in the sound system... and to a very small point, I think they're right. They're mostly wrong though, just to insure you know I am a stereo junkie as well and always want more sound fidelity from my car and home systems!

[eslai]

Thanks for that info! The engine noise... I shouldn't even been complaining about that yet--I haven't even HEARD it yet really--nothing over half-throttle, nothing over 4500 RPMs. I'm sure it'll be fine.

Porsche has their short shifter kit that I'm sure costs an arm and a leg. I doubt that B&M has made a short shifter for the new 6-speed yet though, eh? I'll wait. It's premature for me to consider modifying anything anyhow.

I'll definitely have a talk with the dealer about the pedal, and I'll definitely look for those stickers that you mentioned!

As for the sound system, yeah I knew I would need to at least get the top-of-the-line system if I wanted to enjoy music in this car at all, but I'm a bit bummed out by how variable the bass control seems to be. Even at the baseline setting, bass sounds rather blown out and heavy at times. I'm not sure if it's the surround sound setting or the automatic adjustments it's making on the fly, but I'll fiddle with it later. I'm a bit of a two-channel hi-fi nut myself, and I know I'll never get that level of audio satisfaction in a car, but it'd be nice to approach it at least.

[RandallNeighbour]

Usually, the short shifter kits have nothing to do with it being a 5 speed or 6 speed.

But you are right, if the linkage is different on the 987's, the one they currently sell may not work. You should inquire about it via their web site.

I sure wouldn't pay the dealership prices on one of these short shifters though

I'd wait until B&M or Schnell comes out with one. Far cheaper.

[eslai]

Originally Posted by RandallNeighbour

Usually, the short shifter kits have nothing to do with it being a 5 speed or 6 speed.

But you are right, if the linkage is different on the 987's, the one they currently sell may not work. You should inquire about it via their web site.

I sure wouldn't pay the dealership prices on one of these short shifters though

I'd wait until B&M or Schnell comes out with one. Far cheaper.

Yeah, I had a B&M in my Eclipse for a while, it was only $155. I probably can't buy Porsche emblem from the dealer for that cheap.