Porsche S · Coupé
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.
Cayman S Deserves a Manual
As with the Boxster S: the 3.4 DFI has the power, but the Tiptronic takes the edge off the Cayman. PDK would be the choice. Available cheaper as a used car — those with no need for a manual gearbox but still wanting a Cayman get the second-best option here.
Engine Weaknesses 8
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
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.
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
The MA1.21 rear main seal (RMS) ages like its M97 predecessor. The IMS bearing is no longer a risk, but the RMS remains a known weak point at higher mileages.
Symptoms: Oil on gearbox housing, occasional oil smell after a long run, oil loss without visible leak on the engine block.
MA1.21 ignition coils develop heat cracks in the housing. Slightly more frequent at the higher loads of the 3.4L than the 2.9L. Replace all six at once — single-coil replacement is rarely worthwhile.
Symptoms: Misfires after cold start, engine stumble at part throttle, sporadic check engine light with cylinder-specific faults.
Air-oil separator (AOS) membrane hardens and tears. Oil mist enters the intake system. Rough idle and the classic "boxer fart" symptom.
Symptoms: Rough idle, oil smell, oily smoke on cold start, elevated oil consumption
Direct injection without port injection leads to carbon build-up on the intake valves. Walnut blasting is the fix.
Symptoms: Power loss, rough idle, light stumble at low rpm
Variable camshaft timing (VarioCam) solenoids stick when oil changes are neglected. Fault code P0084.
Symptoms: Check engine light, P0084, rough running at low temperatures
Vehicle Weaknesses 8
Damper piston rods at the front axle rust due to stone chip damage. Leaks and MOT/TÜV failures result. Retrofit protective gaiters recommended.
High-pressure A/C line at the compressor splits. Refrigerant escapes, complete A/C failure.
Hydraulic power steering pressure line develops a leak. The hose at the lower crimp connection is particularly vulnerable.
The sills and wheel arch edges of the 987 are prone to rust, especially on cars from damp regions or used in winter. Sill damage also encourages water ingress into the bodywork.
Blocked drain channels cause water ingress into the Boxster's rear trunk above the electronics boxes, and into the Cayman's front trunk. Porsche recommends cleaning every two years — often neglected.
The window regulator Bowden cable rusts and snaps on one or both windows. Typically starts on the driver's side first, followed by the passenger side. Replacement parts available from Design911 or Porsche.
Spirited driving and the high braking performance lead to disproportionate pad and brake disc wear. Porsche OEM pads wear quickly; after a track day, check the brakes promptly.
Interior panels on doors and in the trunk area come loose and rattle. Typical age-related issue, straightforward to fix.
