Dot matrix instrument cluster...is it a drop in ?

[Pdwight]

Just as the title says, I have a 2001 S now, the only thing about my car is a tiny crack on the warning light row at the bottom.....if I get a cluster from a 2003 or 2004 and it is dot matrix will it just plug and play ??

Thanks in advance

Dwight

[KevinH1990]

Based on the information here:

Porsche Boxster 996 Gauge Cluster Upgrade - 986 / 987 (1997-08) - Pelican Parts Technical Article

it appears that the 01-04 clusters are compatible. The VIN and the mileage stored in the cluster will be different than those in your car. In an 03 or 04 I believe the incorrect VIN will cause problems with the sound system. I don't know whether that is the case with an 01.

[Chuck W.]

I did the 996 cluster and it was indeed a drop and play. No issues at all. I am guessing that the '03/'04 Boxster ones will be the same for your '01. Because we don't have the newer radios that is not an issue either. Just make sure that the plug colors on the one you put in match the ones that are on yours. IIRC they are Green blue an gray on ours. Also, with the '03 and '04 I think you want one that came with the OBC function to get the Dot matrix display in the middle.

Here is an '04 cluster that qualityporscheparts is selling. It did have the OBC function.

04 Boxster s rwd Porsche 986 Gauge Instrument Cluster 98664123302 Silver 147 879 | eBay

I had odo-pro reset the odometer on the 996 cluster I put in. Easy mod.

[amagalla]

I did it in a 03S, and it was pretty simple. I wanted to retain my VIN and Milage from my cluster, so I had to reprogram the new one, but it went pretty well, and works perfectly.

Tony

[BRAN]

Did the 996 cluster upgrade, it is pretty much plug'n'play.
You need to get the obc and maybe the cc enabled and for sure the oil pressure sender installed.
Additionally the mileage needs to be reprogrammed. I had all of that done at my P-dealership.

It needs preparation though, if you want all the benefits.
My Boxster is MY01 and the gauge cluster was MY04 as far as I can recall it.

[Chuck W.]

Hey Dwight...

I would suggest waiting and install the 996 cluster. Here is the break down on my cost for the modification;

996 X71 Instrument Cluster $250.00
996 Leather Surround $85.00
996 Hazard Button $20.53
Oil Sender $56.63
Wires $17.10
Re-Set Odometer $89.00
Total $518.26

Sold 986 Cluster (Cleared after shipping and eBay Fees) $163.69
Total Cost for 996 Cluster $354.57

I could have cut $85 off the total by keeping the Boxster and modifying it. But the stitched leather one looked too good to pass up. That would have made the total cost for me $269.57.

I did the labor myself and with all the stuff on the net it was very easy.

I bought the 996 cluster, leather surround and hazard button from qualityporscheparts on eBay. The oil sender and wires from Sunset Porsche.

The 996 is so much nicer than the Boxster. If offers addition features and a better layout besides the two extra gauges.

Just a thought.