Shopping
 

New here.
Doing my due diligence before shopping for a used 986 or 987. I've read several guides regarding the issues on these older cars. As I learn more, I'm sure I'll have lots of questions but here's the first one.--
I understand the 986 cars built before 2000 and the 987 cars built after 2006 had the dual row IMS bearings. Is there any way to determine which bearing a particular engine has? By VIN maybe?

With regard to the 2000 Boxster, some had a double-row IMS and others had a single-row. I've been told that the only way to determine the type of IMS is in a 2000 Boxster is to remove the transmission and look at it.

I have a 2000 Boxster. When I had the clutch replaced, the technician told me that my car had a double-row IMS. My car was built in Finland in September 1999. My hypothesis is that the cars built in the early part of the 2000 model-year production run are more likely to have a double-row IMS. However, I have not seen a reliable source that supports my hypothesis.

I think this website contains accurate information regarding the model years with each type of IMS:

https://lnengineering.com/products/the-definitive-guide-and-faq-for-porsche-ims-bearings/porsche-ims-bearing-problem-years.html

Specifically:
1997 Porsche Boxster 986 - Dual Row IMS Bearing
1998 Porsche Boxster 986 - Dual Row IMS Bearing
1999 Porsche Boxster 986 - Dual Row IMS Bearing
2000 Porsche Boxster 986 - Dual Row or Single Row IMS Bearing
2001 Porsche Boxster 986 - Dual Row or Single Row IMS Bearing
2002 Porsche Boxster 986 - Single Row IMS Bearing
2003 Porsche Boxster 986 - Single Row IMS Bearing
2004 Porsche Boxster 986 - Single Row IMS Bearing
2005 Porsche Boxster 987 - Single Row IMS Bearing (some late 2005 builds may have the larger, non-serviceable IMS bearing)
2006 Porsche Boxster 987 - Larger, Non-Serviceable Single Row IMS Bearing
2007 Porsche Boxster 987 - Larger, Non-Serviceable Single Row IMS Bearing
2008 Porsche Boxster 987 - Larger, Non-Serviceable Single Row IMS Bearing


If you search this forum, you will find many opinions. The member that I suggest that you give the most credence to is JFP in PA. He has hands-on experience with the cars and (in my opinion) knows what he is talking about. There may also be some posts from Jake Raby that provide good advice, but I don't think he has used this forum for several years.

Good luck with your search.

I have looked at the IMS bearing on 4 engines from 2000 Boxsters, all had the double row bearing. The engine that I swapped into my 2000 S came from a 2001 Boxster, but according to the serial number was built in 2000... and it has a single row bearing in it... but with a LN replacement so I'm not losing sleep.

I should add that the cam chain tensioner pads are perhaps more important than the IMS bearing. These pads are pretty worn by 150000 to 200000 KM and should be changed. Very few people talk about them but if they disintegrate the pieces can block a chain and cause lots of damage.

My early 2000 (built October in Stuttgart, from what Porsche told me) already had the IMS changed when I bought it so I can't comment on that, I would echo the chain tensioner guides precaution, but mine only lasted about 70,000 miles.

The guide to what bearing your car might have is best researched on the LN website. They have the longest history of dealing with IMS issues.

Thanks to all

Lots of information on the LN site, but nothing specific by build date or serial number.

WOW - I've read a lot of information on what to look for on these cars, first I'd head of the cam chain tensioner pads. Almost makes me want to shop for a Miata.

I'm looking at a 2006 S model with 76K miles on it next week

Guys, just want to say hi. I'm new to the forum and shopping for a 986 or 087.
I didn't want to start a new thread and was just thinking to leverage off from this one.
I've read allot, watched many videos, and researched this topic.
But there is nothing better then just having a good old discussion so thought I'd post here.

So, I've got the Boxster bug. Of course have always loved Porsche and specifically this era Boxster since it was the most common Porsche to see throughout my teens and 20's. But with what they cost back then I never put much thought into it. Now seeing that these older beauties are more affordable, I've really caught this bug and I'm actively viewing some that are for sale with the potential of buying one.

I'm not young and impulsive anymore, in my mid-40's. I sold all my toys a decade ago when had my first child an outside of my tin boat, this will be y first toy in a little while.
I really want to get a 986 S, but I'm fine with a 986 non-S as well (I wouldn't call them "base" like some do because I feel like there is nothing base about these gorgeous cars).

I've made a list of some of the many common things to look out for:
- IMS bearing
- Main seal leaks
- Clutch replacement around 100-120,000 km
- Water pump roughly every 50-60,000 km
- possible O2 sensor issues around 75-100,000+ km's

Other then all of this, other then the fact that these are superb cars to drive, look amazing, with the age are actually not too bad on insurance, they are a more rare-mid engine design, and just iconic for Porsche overall, is there any other reason to shy away from this purchase?

I think of it as a partial investment, because if taken care of it should always be worth something, but I also fully understand that these are machines and anything can happen and could fail.

The money I'm spending on this, in the back of my head I thinking of as a loss as in if I but a used one that end up having major major issues then the cost is likely not recoverable, but at the same time I am trying to find the best possible platform for something reliable that I can take the wife out on the country road and the occasional rip with the kids without worrying that its will constantly break down.

The prices are a really wide spectrum, and what I'm seeing here in Canada can range from $14,000-$25,000 for 1998-2003 models with varying mileage (although I'm limited my search to under 175,000km's and of course depending on whether s or non-s.

So at this point, I've tried everything to sell myself or talk myself out of this, but I've realized that is not happening and its just a matter of time until a view/drive a nice clean one from an owner that can have a good confident conversation on the vehicles history, some maintenance an what not and then I hope to own my first Porsche (and I can't believe I'm saying that lol).

Just looking for thoughts from all of the great people here on the forum, any words of wisdom, warmings, blessing, etc..... :)

Anyway nice to meet all of your and cheers from Canada.

A few other things to consider are...

• If you want a hard top, it is cheaper to purchase a car that has it included (generally)
• Plastic vs. glass rear window will also determine years you will consider
• Make sure the car has 2 keys/fob - as they are expensive to replace
• Make sure when you lock the car and arm the alarm, there is no horn beeping
• Make sure the headlight lenses aren't burned - if halogen

You should also get a PPI. BTW, I wouldn't think of these cars as an investment as a lot of them are out there.

https://sites.google.com/site/mikefocke2/buyingorsellinga1997-2004boxster is a bit old and surely prices are in 15 year old US dollars but it will give you a start. There is a part 2 and a list of model year differences on the site as well.

Owned 2, loved 'em. Never left stranded. Maintained fanatically. Which is the real secret to buying. Find one that is owned by someone who loved them and spared no expense and who is proud to show you the maintenance records,

Where are you in Canada? The prices you mention are high compared to here in Montreal where there are older Boxsters for less than $10,000 and up to about $16,000. Some Ss are more. Then there are the sellers who have been smoking something strong and are asking ridiculous prices.
I have a 2000 "non-S" for sale for $14,000. All maintenance up to date, IMS, RMS and cam chain pads changed.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1215342719497608

Thanks for the replies guys, and for the extra info.
I'm pretty excited.
Looking at a 1998 base tomorrow, there is a 2002 base I'm looking at Thursday, and then going to look at the one I really want which is a 2000 S over the weekend, if that one checks out will be getting it I think.
Owner says it has 85,000 original km's prefect condition with no accidents, only needs passenger side rear bearing and tires for safety.

I'm the OP for this thread- I found a car. Thanks for all the advice here.

It's a 2000 Base model, Zenith blue. Mileage is 75,xxx.
It's got a new top, reupholstered seats. The brakes & AOS have been replaced.
It has bit of gravel rash on the hood, but looks like it's been well cared for.
The seller replaced it with an Audi R8

On the 4 engines from the 2000 cars you mentioned. Do you know the mfg dates?
The car I just bought had a 3/2000 mfg date. Wondering if there might be any way to 'guess' if it's got the double or single row.

Nope..................

Well, after a long and exhaustive search I found a 986 that ticks all the boxes.
2003 Boxster S that just rolled over to 80,000 km's on the test drive.
All around great shape with some little things, but decent service history (IMS not done).
Over the winter I'll do a major go-over and hopefully change a few things like the main motor mount, the water pump and belt, fuel filter, etc.

Overall really happy with this beauty of a classic.

Here is a pic.