Is this trouble starting??

[Harmless Dave]

Hi,

I am considering the purchase of a 2008 Boxster S with 21K miles on it. This is a shot of the underside of the transmission and towards the engine. THere appears to be an accumulation of grease or oil up near engine. There are also some greasy looking spots on what appears to be the mufller.

Can anyone tell if this is an RMS or IMS seal problem? Something to worry about??

Thanks.

Harmless Dave

[recycledsixtie]

I don't pretend to be an expert on oil leaks, but if you can afford a 2008, can u stretch a little further and go for a 2009 as it has no ims?

[recycledsixtie]

I see nobody else has chimed in. I would not consider buying this unless u have a PPI done. Yes any oil leaks concern me!

[RandallNeighbour]

Boxsters are plentiful. Find another car and don't waste your time or money on a PPI on this car...

Btw, in six months 987s will be even more plentiful with the new bodysyle just released.

[thstone]

To answer your question: Its impossible to tell if an oil leak is the RMS or IMS unless you remove the transmission. Both will leak in the same general location, but it is more common to have an RMS seal leak but not impossible to have an IMS leak.

If you really like the car, get a PPI done and the mechanic should be able to tell exactly what might be leaking. With a good PPI, a minor oil leak from the RMS or spark plug tubes or other non-critical location shouldn't be a deal killer.