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Porsche · Convertible / Roadster · 2004–2012

Porsche Boxster 987

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 5 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

303–330 PS

3.4L 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.

2.7L · Benziner· 239–245 PS
2004 2009
Be Careful 8 weaknesses
2.9L · Benziner· 256 PS
2009 2012
Be Careful 8 weaknesses
S · Benziner· 280–315 PS Engine Change
2004 2006
Be Careful 9 weaknesses
2006 2009
Be Careful 10 weaknesses
2009 2012
Be Careful 8 weaknesses

The Porsche 2.7L (Benziner, 239–245 PS) has the M96.25 (2.7L) — rated: "Be Careful", 8 known weaknesses.

The Porsche 2.9L (Benziner, 256 PS) has the MA1.20 (2.9L) — rated: "Be Careful", 8 known weaknesses.

The Porsche S (Benziner, 280–315 PS) comes with 3 different engines: M96.26 (2004–2006, Be Careful) und M97.21 (2006–2009, Be Careful) und MA1.21 (2009–2012, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the S!

NHTSA Owner Complaints
Above Average
38 complaints · 2004–2012
Engine & Cooling
13
Powertrain
11
Engine
6
Electrical
4 ⚠ 1
Brakes
4

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Engine & Cooling (13 complaints)
⚠ Powertrain (11 complaints)
⚠ Engine (6 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

Alternatives

Successor

Porsche Boxster 981

Nachfolger (2012–2016)

Same Segment

BMW Z4 E89

Cabrio/Roadster (2009–2016)

Same Segment

MINI MINI R57

Cabrio/Roadster (2009–2015)

Same Segment

MINI MINI Cabrio R57

Cabrio/Roadster (2009–2015)

Same Segment

Alfa Romeo Spider 939

Cabrio/Roadster (2006–2010)

Same Segment

Alfa Romeo Spider 939 939

Cabrio/Roadster (2006–2010)

Same Segment

BMW Z4 M E85

Cabrio/Roadster (2006–2008)

Known Problems and Issues

A total of 43 weaknesses have been documented for the Porsche Boxster 987 (2004–2012).

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

What problems and weaknesses does the Porsche Boxster 987 have? +
The Porsche Boxster 987 has 43 known engine weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Porsche Boxster 987? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: M96.25 (2.7L), M96.26 (3.2L), M97.21 (3.4L), MA1.20 (2.9L), MA1.21 (3.4L). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the MA1.21 (3.4L).
Which Porsche Boxster 987 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Porsche Boxster 987 — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} The 3.4 S of the 987.2 combines all the advantages: no IMS, DFI direct injection, more power and the manual as the interface. Seen as the technically most balanced version of the classic Boxster S. Open on a country road with this engine is for many the optimum between daily usability and sports car feel.
Is the Porsche Boxster 987 worth buying used? +
The Porsche Boxster 987 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Porsche Boxster 987? +
The Porsche Boxster 987 is available with engine variants from 239 to 330 hp. Petrol: M96.25 (2.7L), M96.26 (3.2L), M97.21 (3.4L), MA1.20 (2.9L), MA1.21 (3.4L).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee