New owner of 2001 Boxster S
 

I bought this Boxster on Saturday and was really happy at first, until I got the car inspected yesterday. I made a slightly dumb impulsive decision. It seems like the IMS is leaking and the clutch needs work. I have a really awesome car, but it requires many expensive repairs immediately. Not to mention the tires have nails and the radio doesn't work!

Pretty much I don't know what to do, it's not like I can return the car. Even if I could I wouldn't want to anyway, but I don't want to spend over 4000 for these repairs. I don't even have 4000 dollars.

I do have some experience fixing cars as I did most the work on my old Nissan Sentra. I know German engineering is different though, but I think I'll have to do this my self.

Greetings

There are lots of good technical articles and DIY instructions on this forum and several others. Here are some links:

Porsche Boxster 986 (1997-2004) / 987 (2005-2008) Technical Articles | Pelican Parts

PedrosBoard :: DIY Projects

https://sites.google.com/site/mikefocke2/mikesporscheboxsterwebpages

After reviewing these sites, you could assess whether you were in over your head and make a decision about whether you should cut your losses.

By the way, it is probable the RMS - rear main seal that is leaking. The IMS is the intermediate shaft bearing and they are the subject of many posts regarding their failure.

Good luck.

Did you get a list of repairs to be done along with a quote?

You're doing it wrong.

Yeah I screwed up I know. It has 78,000 miles, It had the 60,000 mile service at 65,000 miles and it is in great condition and has never been in a wreck. However the tires need to be replaced because of nails, the radio isn't working, the fuel tank valve, it needs a clutch job, and the IMS replacement and probably other things I don't know about yet. I guess the RMS gets replaced at the same time the IMS does?

The $4,000 quote was for the clutch and IMS.

Get a oil change ASAP and check if particles are present in the filter.
You might be able to postpone the IMS job and reallocate money to the tires?
I think you can get the radio code somewhere on the forum, worst case buy a new HU and upgrade :)

Different does not mean harder. The same principles of automotive repair apply and Porsche did not reinvent anything when they built your car. Granted Ive done some limited work on my car (Im still a fairly new owner) but in my limited experience the design of a Porsche is actually fascinating, you can tell that much forethought went into their cars and its refreshing to work on such a well thought-out car. There is a wealth of information and a solid community for these cars here on this forum and elsewhere on the net. Not sure how all the Porsche Clubs work but from what Ive read my local club membership gets you access to technicians, advice and access to technical repair manuals. Of course the sources Kevin H recommended are a great starting point, read up on what these things take and know that with time and patience you can do your own work for a fraction of what it will run you to have someone else do it.

In over your head? Offer to trade it to a forum member in your area for a well maintained (needing nothing at the moment) Base model of similar mileage and year. :dance:

But plan to start saving to keep it in top condition.
http://986forum.com/forums/general-discussions/57876-maintanance-costs-boxter-986-a.html :cheers:

For $100 or less, you can get a decent used clutch from eBay or a forum member. Used tires or Craigslist are a good possibility to get you by. The IMS is a very scary DIY, but very doable with some aptitude and research. RMS is not as scary as the IMS, but best to buy a couple for when you destroy the new seal on your first attempt. :eek:

If you are willing to take a little risk and get dirty, you can get that $4k to under $500. Then again, for what you have in the car, it may be best to stick with a pro.

I was planning on doing an oil change this weekend. How do I input a code?

Hahaha no way? Can I really do that?

I think you need your SN and model number and there is a software which can determine the radio code

EDIT: http://986forum.com/forums/general-discussions/45577-becker-cdr-220-radio-code.html

The oil is 5W-40 mobil oil right?

Can I really do that?

You're opening the door for a huge debate here :D

It doesn't get super cold where I live. Its rare it gets below 40F, and I don't plan to use the car for racing so i think 5W-40 should do.

Best to search the topic and never mention it again. Nor speak of (@ts

Can you? sure, post a want to trade thread in the Boxster Classified section.

Whether or not it is practical is up to you and whoever responds. To some people, those issues are pretty minor and for your purposes, a base model might be just as good. It's free to ask...

Owning a Porsche is not just about fixing what's wrong.....for me it's about keeping it as perfect as I can take time to.

Having said that, I just finished a clutch and RMS and IMS and this car was FAR easier to work on than my Ranger. It was super easy to pull the trans and work in there, even on a roller and on jacks.

Wow, in my area the quotes for clutch and IMS have been around $1,300 (manual) $1,600 (Tiptronic).
The non working radio is probably just the unit itself. I had my stock stereo replaced with a new Kenwood with Bluetooth for less than $200.
I went cheap on tires on my daily driver last time and spent less than $400 for a set of the Hibdon's house brand, installed.
Still, it's easy to have to spend a few grand in repairs on these right off the bat to get them up to snuff, especially if you dont do your own repairs.

Before you continue posting, you need to read everything on this site. These cars are not that difficult to work on, but if you can't pony up 1-2k a year for maintenance then get out now. This is not a Nissan Sentra. You've got a luxury german sports car here and its going to cost money to maintain it. They're reliable but not durable.

He certainly is. Mike, get out now. You clearly didn't do any research before making this purchase, you didn't get a PPI done, and it sure sounds like you don't have the cash reserves needed to keep it in tip top shape.

If you do decide to keep it - like someone before said - start reading. Use to learn the search function. You've already asked about oil which has been discussed over and over and over and over again.....

Yes it looks very doable, I've been reading a lot and I bought the 101 Projects book. I think I can do this.

I can definitely spend 2k to 4k a year on repairs. I just wasn't expecting these repairs to come all at once which I can't afford this minute.

I've done a lot of research already, and plan on reading some more. Unfortunately I can't return the car. I even tried to get the dealer to at least fix the tires but no hope.

I plan to get the tires plugged tomorrow and do the oil change myself Friday. I bought everything I needed :D I'm not gonna mess with radio right now and save money for the IMS and clutch parts and tools. I should have enough money in a about 1 -2 months, hoping the oil change bought me some time. I also have that time to do more research and read. Hell I'll even get a 2nd part time job in the evenings if needed. I really want this car!

you may have some recourse with a dealer.
Tires with nails are a safety hazard
Contact consumer affairs in Sacramento

First thing you learn is there is no such thing as a cheap Porsche.

You'll pay for it one way or another.

That said, you can definitely do most of the work yourself.
The clutch kit you can purchase online relatively inexpensively.

I did something very similar after buying my S (clutch, IMS, RMS, chain tensioners, plugs, tube, trans fluid, and oil change). I knew it needed all this up front.

Believe it or not the hardest thing for me was installing the RMS to the correct depth. Took me 3 tries (should have just made a tool and been done with it).

Well good luck to you Mike. We don't talk much about it - but don't neglect youtube. It's amazing how many Porsche upgrade and repair videos are on there with complete step-by-step instructions.

Stay positive too - doing this work will very likely give you many thousands of miles of worry free driving, with the only exceptions being the small cheap things (idler pulley bearings, AOS, coolant expansion tank, maybe a MAF).

I also bought an 01 S with 70K miles on impulse after the dealer in Chicago offered it to me for 10.5 K. Another 10K later and I almost have a car with no issues. Now if I could get the electrical gremlins sorted out I think I would be in good shape. Anytime you buy a 14 year old car you need to expect some serious maintenance issues unless the previous owner was very, very fastidious about it and has lots of records but then of course you are going to pay a lot more for it up front!

Good luck with it Mike. I'm glad that you seem settled on keeping it and working it out. Lots of good resources here and lots of knowledgeable people always ready to help or ridicule as the situation dictates.:cheers:

Post pics yet?

If you IM me I'll give you my email and cell phone number. Busy at work but I'll call back. Feel free to ask whatever.

No special tools except IMS. You can definitely do this. I did have my Indy come to my shop for the IMS but there were means to do it myself through the site. The tools are available to rent or use. Get two good long reach low profile jacks. I use harbor freight ones.

Awesome, thanks! I'll message you when I'm ready for the project.

I changed my oil today and used mobil 1 0W-40. It was overall very interesting and now I understand how the engine and everything else is placed. The engine sounded and felt so much better after. Best part was the look on my friends face when she saw me pouring oil in the trunk lol.

Only problem I have is that I filled 9 quarts and the oil level was about 3 bars above the minimum level. I checked the dipstick but I can't tell where the oil goes up to. Should I put more oil in?

Just make sure to check it when the engines cold and check the dash gauge to see what it reads. You don't want it low but you don't want to overfill it either. I'm a newbie too, good luck with the car. I'm having issues with the immobilzer that needs to be repaired.

If you fully drained out all the oil it would take 9.5 quarts to fill. sound like you can still put in about 1/4 to 1/2 quart. you do not want to over fill it

Check it with the dipstick about 10-15 minutes after you turn off the car to fully drain back to the sump. The oil needs to be checked warm. I clean it with a paper towel, then reinsert it and lay the end on a clean spot of the paper towel. I makes it very easy to see the level that way

If you overfill it (very easy to do), the best way to remove oil is to remove the oil filter housing and dump out the oil in it. That should lower your oil level about 1 bar. unlike many other cars, Oil will not just drain out when you remove the filter.

NOOOO
oil should be checked for proper level hot and you need to wait a few minutes after turning off the engine so it can drain back fully to the sump
read the manual!

Used clutch? I don't think that sounds like a good idea. The biggest cost to the IMS is taking out the trans which you have to do to do the clutch. Your best bet, borrow the money and fix it all at once with new parts. You will be very happy. It is a far cry from a sentra to a boxster so doing it yourself is probably beyond your skill level if you have not worked on Porsches before. You have to expect that owning a boxster is expensive but I bet you got a great deal on yours considering they were very expensive when new. If it is going to be a daily driver, you better set up a repair fund. It can easy a few thousand dollars quite easily at ay time

Of course for all the labor involved in replacing a clutch, it is best to go with the highest quality, brand new clutch you can reasonably get. There are good opportunities to buy a 'purchased, but never installed' clutch. If you are Very short on cash and need a clutch a slightly used clutch from a wrecked car will be adequate.

Here's a sampling of USED stuff available on eBay at the moment. The fact that someone is selling it does not mean that it is suitable or sensible for use:

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1437870953.jpghttp://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1437870936.jpg

BTW, I have 2 gently used AOSs available if anyone needs one. ;)

Thanks! My oil looks to be right below the max.

I think I'd rather just buy some parts new. Why would one pay $100 for an IMS that was driven on 50,000 miles when you can get a new one from pelican for not much more.

Just to make sure it's clear, I was pointing out what some people will sell used. Not what anyone should buy used. A used IMS bearing is guaranteed to fail:
http://986forum.com/forums/421366-post4.html
http://986forum.com/forums/421472-post11.html

Mike, I think you're going to do okay. :cheers:

Gotcha! sorry bout that.