Boxter S engine reliability
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From: Clifton, NJ
Originally Posted by Chris S,Feb 16 2010, 05:53 PM
If you go to porsche planet (formerly Cayman Club), there was a long thread petitioning Porsche to provide a fix for on-track oiling issues.
I know of a couple of local S2000's that have done it, as well as Z06's. A friend w/ an Elise has told me their engines are only good for ~10K when tracked regularly.
What I'm trying to point out is that it's not uncommon for cars to break/wear faster when subjected to high stress conditions. I still think Porsche is among the best overall at making cars that are track-ready off the showroom floor, and good for the drive to/from it.
I know of a couple of local S2000's that have done it, as well as Z06's. A friend w/ an Elise has told me their engines are only good for ~10K when tracked regularly.
What I'm trying to point out is that it's not uncommon for cars to break/wear faster when subjected to high stress conditions. I still think Porsche is among the best overall at making cars that are track-ready off the showroom floor, and good for the drive to/from it.
Or I could just S/C the S2000...decision is at least a couple years away
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Originally Posted by Maxx1,Feb 15 2010, 06:42 AM
Anyone have more info on the Boxsters issues? I was leaning towards a Boxster S, but now thinking a Z4 or the S2000 might be a better choice. 
"There has basically been two naturally aspirated (non turbocharged), water cooled, flat 6 cylinder engines since the introduction of the 1997 Boxster. These two engines were classified as the M96 and the M97. In a very basic simpleton explanation, the M96 engine was installed in the 1997-2005 986’s/987’s (Boxster’s) and 1999-2005 996’s/997’s (911’s). The M97 was installed in the 2006-2008 987’s, 997’s and all Cayman’s. The M97 is superior and has many upgrades over the M96 but these upgrades mainly lie in the IMS (intermediate shaft) bearing area and above all, design. The M96 IMS bearing has been to blame for many of the engine failures hence the larger IMS bearing and cradle in the M97 engine. I would choose the M97 over the M96 when purchasing a 997. "
http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/997-...hich-997-a.html
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From: NE Ohio
Originally Posted by RS2000,Feb 17 2010, 10:35 PM
Your answer here, from a reputable ex-Porsche tech on Rennlist. In a nutshell, avoid the 986. I'd take the S any day over the Boxster/S.
"There has basically been two naturally aspirated (non turbocharged), water cooled, flat 6 cylinder engines since the introduction of the 1997 Boxster. These two engines were classified as the M96 and the M97. In a very basic simpleton explanation, the M96 engine was installed in the 1997-2005 986’s/987’s (Boxster’s) and 1999-2005 996’s/997’s (911’s). The M97 was installed in the 2006-2008 987’s, 997’s and all Cayman’s. The M97 is superior and has many upgrades over the M96 but these upgrades mainly lie in the IMS (intermediate shaft) bearing area and above all, design. The M96 IMS bearing has been to blame for many of the engine failures hence the larger IMS bearing and cradle in the M97 engine. I would choose the M97 over the M96 when purchasing a 997. "
http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/997-...hich-997-a.html
"There has basically been two naturally aspirated (non turbocharged), water cooled, flat 6 cylinder engines since the introduction of the 1997 Boxster. These two engines were classified as the M96 and the M97. In a very basic simpleton explanation, the M96 engine was installed in the 1997-2005 986’s/987’s (Boxster’s) and 1999-2005 996’s/997’s (911’s). The M97 was installed in the 2006-2008 987’s, 997’s and all Cayman’s. The M97 is superior and has many upgrades over the M96 but these upgrades mainly lie in the IMS (intermediate shaft) bearing area and above all, design. The M96 IMS bearing has been to blame for many of the engine failures hence the larger IMS bearing and cradle in the M97 engine. I would choose the M97 over the M96 when purchasing a 997. "
http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/997-...hich-997-a.html
I was confusing the body refresh (2003) with the newer M97 engine, but you say the engine upgrade didn't happen until 06. It seems it's been a small percentage and really a random chance that anything would go wrong with a well maintained M96, but I'll probaby wait and buy a 2006 to be on the safe side!
Thanks again.
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