Porsche Boxster 987
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The Porsche Boxster 987 (2005–2012) is the convertible version of the 987 platform — mechanically near-identical to the Cayman but with three significant ownership differences that separate good buys from expensive ones.
The 987.1 vs 987.2 split defines the purchase. The 987.1 (2005–2008) carries M96/M97 engines with IMS bearing and bore scoring risk. The 987.2 (2009–2012) moved to the MA1 engine family, eliminating both. This is the single most important fact about any Boxster 987 purchase. Everything else is secondary.
Convertible-specific failure modes the Cayman doesn't have: The convertible top drain system blocks regularly — leaves and debris fill the roof compartment gutters, water channels onto the ECUs under the rear seats. A single blocked drain event can destroy two control units simultaneously ($500–3,000 repair per unit). Every Boxster 987 needs its drains cleared at every service without exception. The convertible top gearbox contains plastic gear teeth that break, leaving the roof stranded mid-operation ($1,500–3,000). The push rod ball joints crack — almost always the right side — leaving the roof mechanism offline. Cheap fix if caught early ($50–200).
The 987.1 S (3.4L M97.21">M97.21) carries the bore scoring risk on Lokasil cylinder walls — same mechanism as in the 996/997, documented 2–10% failure rate. A bore scope PPI is mandatory on any 987.1 S with over 60,000 miles. The base 2.7L (M96.25">M96.25) runs the larger dual-row IMS bearing and has no bore scoring history — the rational 987.1 entry point.
The front damper piston rods rust through stone chip damage — an MOT/TÜV failure that becomes expensive on PASM-equipped cars because adaptive shock absorbers cost significantly more to replace ($600–2,000 per axle). The hydraulic power steering pressure hose splits at the lower crimp — sudden heavy steering, oil on the driveway ($200–800).
NHTSA complaint data for the 987 Boxster (2004–2012): 38 complaints total. Most reported categories: Engine & Cooling (13), Powertrain (11), Engine (6). The engine complaints on 987.1 models track directly to IMS and bore scoring; the 987.2 complaint profile drops sharply.
Test-drive checklist: Roof operation test — open/close full cycle, listen for clicking (ball joints) or grinding (gear teeth). Drain tube inspection — rubber tubes must be present and unclogged. Cold start oil pressure: any ticking beyond 30 seconds = chain guide wear. 987.1 S: borescope documentation or budget for one. Bellhousing oil seepage = rear main seal. Check dampers for weeping at front struts.
2026 market: 987.1 base 2.7L from $14,000–24,000. 987.1 S from $22,000–35,000. 987.2 base from $28,000–42,000. 987.2 S from $38,000–58,000. Insider pick: 987.2 Boxster S (MA1.21), 2009–2012, documented drain service history, no IMS concern — 310 hp, hydraulic steering, analog soft-top Porsche before driver aids took over. Cross-reference: Cayman 987 for the fixed-roof alternative on the same platform.
310 PS
S · Benzin
987.2 S — The Mature Mid-Engine Sports Car
Fun to Drive!Generations
Engine Overview
The Porsche Boxster 987 is available with 3 engine variants — from 239 to 330 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The 987's 2.7-litre benefits from a revised intake tract — the engine sounds somewhat different from its 986 counterpart, some say "cleaner", others say less raw. Power increases noticeably, the mid-engine layout remains the dominant driving feel characteristic. Important: this engine carries the IMS double-row bearing — statistically less problematic than the 986's single-row, but not risk-free. The early 987 is seen as a good entry point, but a bearing check at purchase is still recommended.
- !! IMS Dual-Row Bearing: Reduced Risk from 100,000 km
Dual-row IMS bearing with roughly 1–2% failure rate. From MY2006, a larger non-replaceable bearing was fitted. Risk remains, especially with seasonal use and extended storage.
Symptoms: Metal particles in oil filter, bearing noise at mid-range rpm. - !! Water Pump Impeller Failure from 80,000 km
Plastic water pump impeller becomes brittle and releases fragments into the coolant circuit. Blocked cylinder head passages lead to overheating and irreparable head damage. Preventive replacement every 80,000 km.
Symptoms: Coolant loss, rising temperature, overheating warning. Rarely any direct early warning sign. - !! Variocam Solenoid Failure from 100,000 km
The Variocam solenoid or actuator on the 987 engine can fail and block variable camshaft phasing. Diagnosis is complicated since both parts are often replaced together.
Symptoms: Check engine light, rough idle, power loss in the mid-rpm range, difficult cold-start behaviour.
+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
With the switch to direct injection (DFI) and 2.9-litre displacement, Porsche structurally solves the IMS problem — the MA1.20 runs on a new engine block without an intermediate shaft bearing. That's the news that's welcomed: no IMS, no purchase stress. Sonically the 987.2 is by prevailing opinion "cleaner, but less raw" than its predecessor — the cleaner sound profile of DFI engines lacks the organic roughness of the M96 for some. More reliable, more modern, lower maintenance: technically the step forward. Emotionally a small step back for purists.
- !! Bore scoring on Alusil cylinders from 80,000 km
Alusil cylinder bores can score due to faulty injectors or cold-start abuse. Engine can seize. Repair cost €10,000–20,000.
Symptoms: Increased oil consumption, blue smoke on cold start, bore scoring visible on borescope - !! High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure from 120,000 km
The DFI high-pressure fuel pump fails and is often unavailable for months. Poor cold starting is the early symptom.
Symptoms: Engine starts only on the third attempt, yellow engine warning light, P1024/P1026 - !! Water pump / thermostat premature failure from 90,000 km
On the MA1 water pump failure occurs through bearing damage or shaft seal leak, commonly from 80,000–100,000 km. The thermostat typically fails open — no overheating, but increased fuel consumption.
Symptoms: Engine takes a very long time to reach operating temperature, fuel consumption rises, intermittent coolant warning.
+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The last 3.2-litre before the transition to 3.4 — technically more mature than all predecessors, but without the direct injection of the later engine generation. The sound is considered by many the purest of the boxer naturally aspirated engines: open, direct, without the damping of later DFI variants. The early 987 S with this engine is described as an "uncut diamond" — raw in the best sense. The IMS bearing is still present and must be verified. Anyone who prioritises acoustic directness over power figures finds the most expressive of the old boxers here.
- !! IMS Dual-Row Bearing: Reduced Risk from 100,000 km
Same dual-row IMS bearing as the 2.7. Failure rate roughly 1–2%. Less prone than the single-row unit, but a real risk that remains.
Symptoms: Metal particles in oil filter, bearing noise at mid-range rpm. - !! Water Pump Impeller Failure from 80,000 km
Plastic water pump impeller becomes brittle and releases fragments into the coolant circuit. Blocked cylinder head passages cause overheating and irreparable damage. Particularly critical on the 987 S due to higher operating temperatures.
Symptoms: Coolant loss, rising temperature, overheating warning. Rarely any direct early warning sign. - !! Oil Starvation Under Cornering (Wet Sump)
M96 wet-sump oil pan with limited capacity. In the 987 S with its higher grip levels, oil sloshes away from the pickup under heavy lateral loads, risking bearing damage. Deep-sump conversion is an established preventive measure.
Symptoms: Oil pressure warning light under cornering load, engine noise after aggressive cornering.
+ 6 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The 987.1's 3.4-litre — the first genuine displacement jump in the S model beyond the previous 3.2. The engine revs with keen motivation and has a sound at the top that many regard as the reference. VarioCam Plus and 295–320 hp make it the most powerful of the "old" boxer naturally aspirated engines without direct injection. The IMS bearing is present on the 3.4 too — Cayman S 987.1 included. This engine is called "the heart of the 987.1" and recommended over the 2.7 almost universally if the budget allows. An engine that once heard at full volume is never forgotten.
- !! Bore Scoring: Cylinder Wall Wear 3.4L from 105,000 km
Same open-deck issues as the M97.20. Thicker cylinder walls from the larger displacement give slightly more tolerance, but no complete protection.
Symptoms: Metallic knock when cold, elevated oil consumption, declining power. - !! IMS Dual-Row Bearing: Real Failure Risk from 100,000 km
Same dual-row IMS bearing. Affects Boxster S and Cayman S equally. Preventive replacement at clutch change recommended.
Symptoms: Bearing grinding noise, metal particles in oil filter. - !! Coolant Pipe Housing Cracks from 90,000 km
The plastic front coolant pipe housing cracks at the seal seat due to thermal cycling. The higher thermal load of the 3.4L S model tends to bring the failure earlier.
Symptoms: Coolant level dropping without visible puddle, coolant smell in the engine bay, sporadic overheating tendency.
+ 7 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The 3.4-litre DFI of the 987.2 is the most refined variant of the classic boxer concept — powerful, high-revving and with significantly better throttle response than the predecessors through variable valve timing on both camshafts. No IMS: that's the decisive quality leap over the 987.1. Whether the sound has lost some rawness compared to the M96 is debated — consensus is that a SAGA or aftermarket exhaust brings it back. The strongest and technically best "old" boxer, before the 3.8-litre from the 911 entered the range.
- !! Bore scoring on Alusil cylinders from 80,000 km
Alusil cylinder bores can score due to faulty injectors or cold-start abuse. Engine can seize. Repair cost €10,000–20,000.
Symptoms: Increased oil consumption, blue smoke on cold start, bore scoring visible on borescope - !! Water pump / thermostat premature failure from 85,000 km
The MA1.21 (3.4L) runs under higher thermal load than the 2.9L. Water pump failure through bearing or seal wear can lead to localised overheating. Replacement interval of 80,000–100,000 km recommended.
Symptoms: Long warm-up time, coolant loss, squealing from belt drive, coolant temperature rises noticeably in town traffic. - !! High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure from 120,000 km
The DFI high-pressure fuel pump fails and is often unavailable for months. Poor cold starting is the early symptom.
Symptoms: Engine only starts on the third attempt, amber engine warning light, P1024/P1026
+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Rust on front damper piston rods Damper piston rods at the front axle rust due to stone chip damage. Leaks and MOT/TÜV failures result. Retrofit protective gaiters recommended. Symptoms: Oil weeping from front dampers, knocking over bumps, TÜV defect from 60,000 km | High |
Top Reported Issues
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All Porsche models Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 56 weaknesses have been documented for the Porsche Boxster 987 (2004–2012) — 43 engine-related and 13 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Suspension, Interior, HVAC, Steering.
Boxster (M96.25, 2004–2009) — Be Careful: IMS Dual-Row Bearing: Reduced Risk, Water Pump Impeller Failure, Variocam Solenoid Failure. Power: 239–245 PS.
Boxster (M96.26, 2004–2006) — Be Careful: IMS Dual-Row Bearing: Reduced Risk, Water Pump Impeller Failure, Oil Starvation Under Cornering (Wet Sump). Power: 280 PS.
Boxster (M97.21, 2006–2009) — Be Careful: Bore Scoring: Cylinder Wall Wear 3.4L, IMS Dual-Row Bearing: Real Failure Risk, Coolant Pipe Housing Cracks. Power: 295 PS.
Boxster (MA1.20, 2009–2012) — Be Careful: Bore scoring on Alusil cylinders, High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure, Water pump / thermostat premature failure. Power: 256 PS.
Boxster (MA1.21, 2009–2012) — Be Careful: Bore scoring on Alusil cylinders, Water pump / thermostat premature failure, High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure. Power: 303–315 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
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee