Porsche Boxster 986
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
260–266 PS
3.2L Benzin
The best 986 — clear
Fun to Drive!204 PS
2.5L Benzin
9 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The Porsche Boxster 986 is available with 3 engine variants — from 204 to 266 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Porsche 2.5L (Benziner, 204 PS) has the M96.20 (2.5L) — rated: "Stay Away!", 9 known weaknesses.
The Porsche 2.7L (Benziner, 220–228 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M96.22 (1999–2002, Stay Away!) und M96.23 (2002–2004, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.7L!
The Porsche S (Benziner, 252–266 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M96.21 (1999–2002, Stay Away!) und M96.24 (2002–2004, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the S!
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Cracked plastic rear window Plastic rear window in the convertible top turns cloudy, brittle and cracks over time. Typical age-related issue on all open 986s. Retrofit with glass window is possible. Symptoms: Cloudy, yellowed rear window, cracks, leaks in the convertible top from 60,000 km | Medium | |
| Blocked drains: water ingress behind seats Water drains in the convertible top compartment block regularly. Water collects and runs into the area behind the seats. Electronics at risk. Symptoms: Water behind the seats, wet boot, smell of mould from 50,000 km | Medium | |
| Convertible top hydraulic faulty — opens on one side only Flexible drive shafts of the convertible top motor slip out of the guide. Ball sockets on the push rods break. Top opens/closes on one side only. Symptoms: Top only opens on one side, motor hums without movement from 80,000 km | Medium |
Top Reported Issues
Alternatives
Porsche Boxster 987
Nachfolger (2004–2012)
BMW Z4 E85
Cabrio/Roadster (2002–2008)
Mercedes-Benz SL R230
Cabrio/Roadster (2001–2012)
Mazda MX-5 NB
Cabrio/Roadster (1998–2005)
BMW Z3 M E36/7
Cabrio/Roadster (1996–2002)
Mercedes-Benz SLK R170
Cabrio/Roadster (1996–2004)
Volvo C70 I
Cabrio/Roadster (1996–2005)
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 46 weaknesses have been documented for the Porsche Boxster 986 (1996–2004) — 39 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. 5 problem engines: M96.20 (2.5L), M96.22 (2.7L), M96.23 (2.7L), M96.21 (3.2L), M96.24 (3.2L). Typical issues affect Body, Interior, Rust, HVAC.
Boxster (M96.20, 1996–1999) — Stay Away!: IMS single-row bearing: highest failure risk, D-chunk: cylinder wall crack from vibration, Water pump impeller failure. Power: 204 PS.
Boxster (M96.22, 1999–2002) — Stay Away!: IMS single-row bearing: critical failure risk, Water pump impeller failure, VarioCam timing chain guide wear strips. Power: 220 PS.
Boxster (M96.21, 1999–2002) — Stay Away!: IMS single-row bearing: engine failure risk, Water pump impeller failure, Oil starvation in corners (wet sump). Power: 252 PS.
Boxster (M96.23, 2002–2004) — Stay Away!: IMS single-row bearing: critical failure risk, Water pump impeller failure, VarioCam timing chain guide wear strips. Power: 228 PS.
Boxster (M96.24, 2002–2004) — Stay Away!: IMS Single-Row Bearing: Engine Failure Risk, Water Pump Impeller Failure, Oil Starvation Under Cornering (Wet Sump). Power: 260–266 PS.
What to watch out for with the Porsche Boxster? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Porsche Boxster 986 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Porsche Boxster 986? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Porsche Boxster 986 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Porsche Boxster 986 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Porsche Boxster 986? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee