The 986 (1997-2004) is the original Boxster — the mid-engine roadster widely credited with saving Porsche — powered by the M96 flat-six (2.5L early, 2.7L base, 3.2L in the S). The defining ownership topic is the M96 intermediate-shaft (IMS) bearing: early cars (1997-1999) use the more robust dual-row bearing, while the later single-row cars carry higher risk. …
Library / Porsche
Porsche Boxster 986
320 sales analyzed · 6 topics from real Bring a Trailer & Cars & Bids comments.
“budget a couple grand to update it upon purchase if it worries you and if it doesn't worry you keep on not worrying. That's it.”rjcp1 · Sep 3, 2021
- IMS bearing is the defining concern; risk varies by yearmechanicalThe M96 IMS bearing dominates every 986 discussion. Early cars (1997-1999) carry the sturdier dual-row bearing; the later single-row cars are the higher-risk ones. …
- The fix: retrofit the IMS with the RMS and clutch togetherbuying-adviceSettled community advice: if the IMS worries you, budget a couple grand and retrofit it (the LN Engineering / Jake Raby 'IMS Solution' is the gold standard). Because the transaxle is already out, do the rear main seal and clutch/flywheel at the same time — minimal added labor. …
- Other M96 risks: bore scoring, RMS, water pump, AOSmechanicalThe IMS isn't the only M96 worry — cylinder bore scoring and D-chunk failures, RMS leaks, water pump and AOS wear all come up. Owners who track these cars are emphatic about a strict oil regime to protect the engine. …
- Underrated analog bargain — 'the car that saved Porsche'value-and-marketDespite the IMS reputation, the community holds the late 986 (especially the S) as an underrated, aged-well bargain and one of the great analog sports cars — frequently mentioned alongside the Miata and credited as the model that saved Porsche. …
- 2004 550 Anniversary Edition is the 986 halofactory-specThe 2004 Boxster S '50 Years of the 550 Spyder' Anniversary Edition (GT Silver, ~1,953 built) is regarded as the pinnacle of the 986 — a power bump and 987-derived bits (airbox, short shifter) over the standard S. …
- Convertible top: later cars improved; check operation and rear windowmechanicalTop quality improved over the run — later 986 tops are better and have aged well, while early cars had a plastic rear window (glass came later). Confirm the top cycles correctly and inspect the rear window and seals on these now-aging cars. …