HOW TO: Porsche Boxster S & Non-S Oil Change (1997-2008 Models 986 & 987)

It's rewarding to do work on your own Porsche Boxster S & Non-S and Oil Changes are one of the easiest things you can do. I hope my comprehensive DIY instructions can give you the confidence needed to do your own oil change.
I suggest watching this video at least once before you actually start changing your oil.
Tools needed:
Funnel - tinyurl.com/y8wmlxw8
Safety Glasses - tinyurl.com/yaegxtca
Latex/Nitrile Gloves - tinyurl.com/y8z5df5r
Ramps - tinyurl.com/y8bbck9k
Chock Block - tinyurl.com/y7xf2paw
3/8" ratchet -tinyurl.com/y8r322rm
8mm allen/hex socket - tinyurl.com/ybjnweea
3/8" Torque wrench (35 ft-lbs & 18 ft-lbs) - tinyurl.com/ya66c83e
SCOTT Shop Towels - tinyurl.com/ybm3tjep
Oil drain pan w/ 10qt minimum capacity - tinyurl.com/y7e2897c
Assenmacher (ASTM0219) 74mm Oil Filter Housing Wrench - tinyurl.com/y9mstobw
Parts required:
(10) Quarts - Mobil 1 0W-40 - tinyurl.com/ydbtz893
(1) - Genuine Porsche Crush Washer - Part # 900-123-118-30-M131 - tinyurl.com/y9g89ebo
(1) - Mahle Oil Filter Kit (Part #OX 128/1D) - tinyurl.com/y9g9k6m9
And make sure you hit up www.blackstone-labs.com/ if would like to have your oil professionally tested. You can get a Free Test Kit here - www.blackstone-labs.com/free-t... (Highly Recommended - they've done countless tests for me over the years)
Feel free to post any comments or questions that you might have.
Model used in this video was a manual 2001 Boxster S.
Support my work: / christopherdungeon
You can also support my work by staying connected via social media.
Twitter: / chrisdungeon
Instagram: / chrisdungeon
Feel free to comment below, thumbs up this video, and subscribe to my channel so that I know to make more just like this in the future.
Thanks for watching!

[@IPwndYouAllDayLong]

Most people would say "If you have money for a porshe you should have some for someone to do this job". But for me, real men take care of his beutiful babies himself. LIKE A MAN.

[@dungeonmotorsport]

Amen, Brother!

[@mostlyretiredTed]

Nicely done - thank you. If I may just suggest one option. Just prior to screwing the oil filter canister back on, (approx) half fill the (clean, empty) canister with the new oil. This allows the new filter to be "soaked" and prevents the short run dry condition when the car starts the first time after the change.

[@philrivera1413]

As well as checking old filter for bits of metal, installing magnetized drain plug, pouring measurable amount of Mobil 1 Oil into new filter…a couple other hints. Open oil cap and partially remove dipstick for proper venting and dip finger in clean oil and create “seal” around crush washer and new oil filter rim. Perhaps use of jack stands - 4 - on a safe and level surface to ensure proper and complete drainage. Otherwise, very helpful and well presented. Thanks!

[@snikhaas]

Always cut the old oil filter and check for little metal particles... if there are metal particles in the old oilfilter then there's probably a ims bearing failure to be expected in the near future. . Better safe then sorry ;-)

[@vastozone3843]

Thank you for the video - well done. Just a couple things though - you should change your oil more frequently regardless of the recommended intervals - every 5,000 miles is best. Recycle your old oil and everyone's happy. Also, install a magnetic plug so that you can check each oil change for any signs of IMS failure. It would have been worthwhile to carefully inspect the old oil filter for any signs of metal as a precaution - just for peace of mind :)

[@hunterwesthoff5159]

I just got a 2002 boxster im 19 years old and feel like im taking well care for my 2002 Porsche Boxster. Thanks for the vid helped a lot

[@gflorezz]

hey bro i’m 19 too and i also have a 2001 boxster s how was your oil change experience

[@seanbradford2612]

I’m also 19 and have a stock 2002 boxster

[@RickBeacham]

I'm 40 and have a stock 2000 Boxster...

[@TurdKutter]

i’m 25 n have had one for 6 years just hit 98k IMS prematurely replaced @ 95k

[@jassierc.8621]

@@seanbradford2612 Hey! I’m 19 and getting an ‘02 in a few days, any advice?

[@jjninja3]

wow that was possibly the best how to video i've ever seen. you were soo clear with everything you said, you left no questions i could've had unanswered, and you thoroughly showed exactly how to do it. subscribed!

[@ideaspr]

You are so passionate, work very meticulously and anyone buying a second hand car after you is lucky thx Man

[@ginawong1561]

Wow... I'm a woman I am sure I can do it myself! The way you explained was well said! I know I can do it. Thank you so much. Keep up the good work and thank you for sharing your knowledge to us.

[@yellownp22541]

Thumbs up for sure!. I like the fact that you used a torque wrench to ensure OEM specs, well explained. Keep up the great work.

[@XKclassHater]

I do not yet have a boxster but this helps a lot, I plan on getting one and I want to completely understand what I'm getting into. thanks!

[@markmuller8829]

Like everyone has said, great video, very well paced and clear instruction. One question though. With the back of the car up on ramps, the oil pan is not level. Wouldn't there be quite a bit of oil stuck in the front bottom corner of the oil pan that can't drain out?

[@lcollingwood5959]

Very clear and simple. Im surprised the boxster takes more oil than my hemi truck. Never knew.

[@frankclatterbaugh6524]

I'm not sure if you are still checking this, but it was an excellent video.

[@dungeonmotorsport]

+Frank Clatterbaugh Thanks, Frank!

[@lapkegra]

My 98 uses a 8mm allen bit. One thing I do different is to put the filter in the filter housing and fill it with oil before assembly back on the car. This is just a way to get the oil pressure back up quickly as indicated by the oil light going out sooner. Probably doesn't make that much difference.

[@bconsentino9325]

One of the best and most comprehensive tutorials I have seen on Boxster maintenance. Thank you so much! Makes the job simple,

[@dungeonmotorsport]

B Consentino Thanks! Appreciate the kind words.

[@agile_rayc9969]

Now I know what does the oil change really mean, a complete procedures, very well done and shot!

[@dungeonmotorsport]

Appreciate your kind words!

[@davidzachar3800]

Great video! Well thought out, excellent camera shots and angles, safety considerations. Professional quality. Thanks.

[@michaelsmitten9240]

As an aerospace engineer and now an engineering instructor and owner of a Boxster S, I am pleased that this presentation stresses the importance of cleanliness. It is not just to do with being squeaky clean, but has important practical elements. As was said, cleaning round the drain plug removes any residue of old oil so you can check the possibility of any leaks when you refill the oil. But more than this, cleaning the plug threads ensures the torque setting is met, and not hindered by friction caused by dirt on the thread. The same applies to the filter housing. Good husbandry is both effective and satisfying. If you disagree, don't service your own car, especially a Porsche.I am interested to ask if, having the car nose down, drains all the old oil from the drain plug position. But I agree that running the engine first is vital, to thin the oil and the best way, as said, would be an actual drive since this generates more heat to thin the oil. 5 Minutes on the drive is not the same as having a spin in the car, before changing the oil, in my opinion

[@piccodragon]

Great video. May I suggest that you pour out 1 quart from the second container into the first empty container. Then you will have exactly 4 quarts of oil to pour in.

[@HalJurgensen]

Can't be more thankful that you made such a clear and detailed video, I'm very confident after watching your video that tomorrows oil change on a Boxster should go by smoothly under an hour.

[@johngary5898]

Always best to know your own car. Just a couple of small tips from an old guy. While oil is draining, change filter, it's oil won't be much. Install filter and let it drip until it stops dripping. if it' s warm as you properly suggest probably not long. Some ppl are too quick here. The last bit of oil can have the most tiny particulars. Motors are like women's bodies, you get used to their feel. fine if you want a torque wrench, I like box end wrenches and I know when it's tight enough and no mistakes. If you make a human mistake and put the torque wrench on too high, you just stripped it out, major problem. Tighten it well but to not too well. My biggest angst is letting it drip until it stops. Thanks for the video.

[@bebechar1]

Great, very professional. Please post more videos as I just bought a Boxter S 2001 and I might need to do some DIY maintenance. Thanks again.

[@paulsheppy5146]

Excellent video - very clear explanation and very good camera shots. It goes straight to my Favourites list. Many thanks.

[@adamdagosto570]

Great video. I've watched a lot of Boxster Oil Change videos and this one is the easiest to follow (and build confidence!!!). Thank you!!

[@dungeonmotorsport]

Thanks! I love them. These are by far and above the highest quality ramps I've come across, even when compared to steel ones. There's a link for them in the description if you didn't see that already. And yes, you can use these up front. I use them on my Grand Cherokee without issue.

[@TheChromeman330]

Just bought a Porsche 2006 Boxster S and this was indeed very helpful!!! Thanks!! Looks like I've got to go shopping and get some more tools!!!

[@eddieclark9724]

Good work and nicely explained.BTW. My wife's 2001 Boxster S has an LCD electronic oil level readout on the dial (under the fuel gauge) when the ignition is switched on.Just wait 5 seconds for the readout.

[@steve80ify]

Hi. I'm in the UK and just about to buy a similar model, so thanks for the in depth oil change, this will help no end. Keep it coming. Steve

[@cpacilio]

Great video. Thanks a lot. Just did the first one and watched all the way through as I was working. More vids please!!

[@mrswinn1962]

Nice job! You explained the process in an easy to follow manner. You also put a lot of small details in.

[@PaulSiljee]

Amazing video. Saved me so much time figuring out how to do this on my boxster!

[@JasonThompson75]

Thanks for this. Exactly what I was looking for. I'm shopping for a Boxster S and was looking for some guidance as to how much of the routine maintenance I can do myself, as I am used to with other cars. Glad to see this isn't a major undertaking!

[@ProfArcher]

Thanks very much. Very informative, well shot, well thought out, good learning production.

[@jeanmaranello3365]

I look forward to changing the oil in my boxster s. I have a tip tronic. Will go twin turbo by income tax season. This is a great how to video. Once I became a millionaire I thought I would go on and buy a Carrera gt. But no. I have a 2002 s, with 98k miles on it! Thank you and God bless. Happy motoring.

[@christophermorley4572]

Excellent video - the only issue with doing your own oil changes is that a lack of service stamps will cost more in the long run than the price of a proper garage servicing your car. But for doing an extra oil change here and there on top of an annual service this is perfect. Brilliant, well done. Just bought some plastic ramps off eBay!

[@allendonaldson1588]

Good Video.... you really took your time to explain the whole process. Cant get better than this. Thanks.

[@dungeonmotorsport]

You're welcome. Appreciate the kind words!

[@lawrencescott943]

Great Video. Very thorough. Be sure, in the future, to check your filter and filter housing for metal shards. This is the earliest sign of IMS issues.

[@thedandiamond]

Straight forward. clear. Excellent!

[@public271]

Excellent job of demonstrating the principles required to correctly change the oil in a 987. I highly recommend the Mobile 1 (10/ 40) weight oil for warm climates, also. It will not breakdown easily and thereby loose it's viscosity,therfore, it keeps the engines moving parts lubricated..even at speeds exceeding 130 MPH. In the event you live in a cooler climate..that includes Winter! I suggest using the 0 or 5/40 weight. It will provide the same required engine lubrication but should allow the engine parts to turn over with less resistance in cold weather..thus starting the Porsche in 0 degree weather is easier..for you and your battery.

[@PorscheBoxster986]

thanks from Slovakia !

[@SmokeRingsPipeDreams]

Very nicely done Sir! (the oil change and the video)

[@mcurtis7]

Great job and very detailed. Many thanks!

[@anthonycastelluci9225]

Very thorough! Subscribed!

[@guillermogarcia4171]

Thank You for the information. Great video.

[@TucsonDude]

Thanks for the great video! :) It looks pretty messy with the large drain plug opening. That's a lot of oil coming out at once. Also, the filter housing holds a lot of oil. However, it looks like you can possibly PRE-FILL the filter housing to minimize oil starvation during first startup. Also, it may be a Porsche parts oversight...but you can buy a NEW filter housing with filter/o-ring for around $30 from the dealership.

[@rodclousing6210]

Great video, very informational, just bought my 04 Boxter S and plan to change my own oil, as I always have,

[@dungeonmotorsport]

Congrats! And thanks for your kind words

[@marc.oliver3571]

One thing I'd like to add: For all Porsche with the M96 engine it is highly recommended NOT to throw away the old old filter cartridge without care. Give it a good inspection for obsticles / chips / debris first. That may indicate something has started to go wrong with e.g. a crankshaft bearing (bronze) or - more common - the ISB (black in an early state or silver in a later state of failure). The time that you take here may safe your engine! Some guys even filter the drained oil but I think checking the filter cartridge is enough. Herzliche Porsche Grüsse Marc-Oliver

[@ramonrobleza63]

This is the best video. Thank you!

[@dungeonmotorsport]

Glad you liked it!

[@jhaslam2000]

Excellent video.

[@MrGreencheetah]

Very nicely done!

[@iainmcglynn833]

Great video , all the right tools and advise I have an ‘04 Boxster S on 85 k with new clutch / ims bearing at 69 k I always get the mechanic to cut open the paper filter just for a look as an early warning system / peace of mind but in 54 months not one issue and no plans to sell as on Scottish narrow twisty roads nothing previously comes close to this 🙏😎🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@victorcostalima2966]

Awesome video!!!!!! Thanks a lot for the help!!!!!

[@rustynails113]

You did an excellent job on this video. I hope it's this easy on a 2015 Boxster GTS I hope to buy.

[@christurbo951]

Never seen the cardboard box trick, I dig it!

[@mike.thomas]

Nice job. Thanks!

[@christianlouis4218]

Really enjoyed watching your video! Helped my on my 987. You should give us pointers on how to get a lawn that green :) Amazing job!

[@colosnowsled]

Great video. Did not miss a thing.

[@sergioa.3657]

Excellent video, thanks for taking the time

[@dungeonmotorsport]

You're welcome

[@robholt4077]

Nice job !

[@RabbitusMaximus]

Nice job. Thanks!

[@dafarm9814]

Great Video!

[@user-jn4dy4cf8k]

nice and detailed video. thanks

[@8hoffa]

Very good video. Greets from Austria 😀

[@dungeonmotorsport]

Thank you for your kind words. Cheers!

[@rustynails6441]

Thank you for your efforts. I am thinking of buying my first Porsche Boxster S . I like doing my own service work. Thanks....

[@adampospiech7174]

Nice manual. Thanks

[@dungeonmotorsport]

Cool. Good luck tomorrow, Hal.

[@1Cyberix]

Perfect! Thank you.

[@BourneAccident]

Great video. I use Motul oil in my boxster. I also take apart the old filter and check for metal bits to make sure I am not having that engine bearing problem that older boxsters have.

[@Missin44]

Motul why? There's no factual evidence that it's superior to Mobil 1.

[@thomashuteson6191]

Good video, thanks !!

[@davidschneider6187]

The 2014 Porsche Boxster S PDK is everything I would want from a sports car. If you have not driven one take one for a drive and sit back and enjoy how the 2014 PDK, Boxster S takes you for a drive that is perfect in every way.

[@heart_of_abudhabi]

Good job !👏

[@dungeonmotorsport]

Thank you ☺️

[@4KTECH]

😎 Great Video Thanks So much Pal !!!!

[@erwan_top7311]

I am french, the bests vidéos

[@dungeonmotorsport]

Much appreciated 🙏🏻

[@drhansen930]

Very helpful Thanks

[@jg11596]

Excellent video. I see no other vids from you on the Boxster. Can you make one with a similar level of detail to this, on how to buy a used Boxster? Things to look for, key items to check and how to properly check them, etc.. Thanks

[@daviewavie112]

I second this

[@DustyCowdog]

Howdy! Thanks for the comprehensive video, and excellent quality! I'm really wanting a used Boxter -- how many miles do you have on yours and do you feel they are a dependable car? I enjoy doing minor maintenance on my cars. Just worried that it could be in the shop a lot and drain my little wallet! Thanks for any advice! Keep the vids coming...

[@Max-Bliss]

excellent, thank you.

[@Mscuderia1]

cool video. More videos of your e46 m3 please!

[@DanWebster]

Preciate ya takin the time and showing this un. Very nice now do a spark plug replacement? LOL Just kiddin -PawPaw

[@dara555]

beautiful yard

[@Quizmaster999]

great video

[@dungeonmotorsport]

Thanks!

[@kyleabarnes1]

Thanks! The video was very informative, can't wait to try! Few questions, who do you use for your genuine crushwasher, and then where do you replace it in the video. I couldn't find that part. Are the ramps rhino? High quality? Don't want to be crushed underneath my Porsche! Thanks.

[@2ASupp0rter]

Great video! Do you always keep it between Min & Max (Never go to the max?) Also, how about a Spark Plug change out vid! You do a great job explaining; keep up the great work! BTW- I have an 2006 Cayman S (6 Speed)

[@sassoenator]

Thank you for the Video, very helpful. This would be my first oil change in a while, used to leverage the dealer - but had enough of that. The 'crush' washer, what size was it? Nice work with the video.

[@jamescaperelliiii4620]

Thanks!

[@TegsPal]

Excellent and helpful video. Would it help to remove the oil filler plug before removing the drain plug to increase the flush out of the sump? That's the way I've always drained oil. :)

[@Bobster986]

I have my 99 in storage (mine looks exactly the same as yours) right now, and I have never change the oil myself, but always thought it would be as easy as you demonstrated. Can't wait to try it some day, what was your total cost doing it yourself? Thanks!

[@williammiller7593]

Omg u scared me when u reversed really quick onto the ramps lol

[@stephendavis8463]

I've just purchased a 1997 Boxster S a couple of months ago, would like to know how to check my power stearing fluid

[@jcacciap]

How much do you like those ramps? Can you use them in the front? Good vid., thanks!

[@jamsit13]

... great video, but... how do I prevent backing car too far up ramp?? tx

[@sunset986S]

All this time I thought there was some magical way to do it that only a Porsche dealership was capable of…boy was I wrong! Excellent video! Also wondering if your Boxster S has the same bars that appear on the dash at start up like my '02 S that show the oil level?

[@R0CKSTAR023]

I was in the same boat. I've recently put Porsche into consideration for my next car after I've actually found a few that were in my price range. I've been changing my own oil ever since I got my first car, and I wasn't sure if it would be too complicated to do if I were to get a Porsche... but hey it looks surprisingly easy!

[@paulrowan99]

Interesting that the 986 Boxster S has a dipstick next to the oil filler inlet, because my base 2008 Boxster doesn't. The procedure for checking the oil level after refilling on this model is a little different than what you describe. You need to use the on-board computer to measure the oil level, and that requires that the engine be idling at a temp of at least 140º F.

[@cecilnoriega1965]

Ty

[@GarryThomassaltyreefers]

I am sure you are open to constructive critism! I enjoyed the video, but knowing how easy it is to damage these units with low oil, you should pre fill the oil filter cartridge

[@alamedamarc]

Great video. Was that an 8 mm allen or torx bit you used to remove the drain plug? You said allen but i would have guessed it to be a torx. Thanks for posting!

[@dungeonmotorsport]

Marc Fournier Thanks! It's an allen.

[@jennkhoe]

hello! do you know if the 2014 cayman oil change is similiar?

[@dereklaverne7608]

does this apply to the 987.1 boxsters also?

[@mikloskiraly941]

WOW I paid over $300 at the dealer for my changes. Never again. Thanks.

[@mr.terwilliger5728]

I want to buy one now just to have to do this