Project 981 - Celebrating the Boxster's buttons

It’s time to celebrate the Boxster’s buttons! *Now with extended description*
The 981 doesn’t have the mode switch (the rotary controller) on the steering wheel (unlike the newer cars). Instead, its drive modes, and any extra performance options, are controlled from the centre console - the various and many buttons sitting aft of the PDK/gear stick.
In this video, I take you through what each button does, how they work in combination, and why - even without the mode switch - it’s possible to tailor and configure the 981 Boxster to closely match your mood and the road.
I also dive a little deeper into how PASM - Porsche Active Suspension Management - works. Spoiler: it’s more sophisticated than simply On or Off.
** UPDATED **
Thanks for the comments. Inevitably I've forgotten and overlooked a few things...
1. Activating SPORT mode adds some pops & crackles to the exhaust, on the over-run (and even more with SPORT PLUS enabled).
2. SPORT mode also switches the dynamic engine mounts (standard in the GTS) to Sport mode; they switch to 'Performance Mode' with SPORT PLUS enabled.
3. In the GTS (only), SPORT and SPORT PLUS mode also enable the sound symposer - the tube that runs from the engine bay to the back of the cabin. This brings more induction noise into the cabin.
4. PSM will be re-enabled if the ABS kicks in, during braking (confirmed, by reading the manual!).
5. I also read on a forum that the (front, central) oil cooler is enabled in SPORT PLUS mode, though I can't verify that.
6. Lastly, SPORT mode modifies the character of the rev limiter, from soft to hard.
NB. I haven't talked about the PDK gearbox in this video (and what SPORT mode does to it) since I have a manual car.
If I’ve missed or overlooked anything else, please hit the comments and let me know. Thanks for watching!

[@len333p]

Thank you, I did not realize (because I’ve not taken the time to find out) how these buttons can interact, nor did I know that the system is actively monitoring your driving inputs and adjusting accordingly. Thank you for the research and presenting so concisely. My SSD drive is working perfectly by the way, after using your guidance video. Appreciate your work and content. Barrie 🇨🇦

[@christianpratt]

Thanks Barrie. Understanding how PASM works was a bit of a revelation for me - you realise that the car is working with you far more sympathetically than simply soft or hard! Glad the SSD is up and running - that’s great. 👍

[@D992]

Superb video. 👏🏻. I love my 981 S 😂👍🏼

[@christianpratt]

Thank you. They’re cracking cars aren’t they!

[@D992]

@@christianpratt Absolutely 👌🏽😊

[@justinmc722]

Splendid work my friend.

[@christianpratt]

Thanks Justin. This one's quite esoteric!

[@D992]

I call ‘Sports Plus’ Lunatic mode 🤣

[@christianpratt]

It certainly livens things up, doesn’t it!

[@s10lucky]

Another great review and really nicely explained 👍. Worth noting the with everything left off, but PSE on it makes the exhaust louder, but not as loud as in sport. Its doesn’t pop as much, at least in my car anyway. Be interesting to see if yours is the same?

[@christianpratt]

Thank you Steve. Dang - I knew I’d overlook something! You’re right about PSE; Sport and Sport Plus add in the pops and crackles don’t they - mine does exactly that as well.

[@genehuegin5904]

On a previous session you showed how to replace your battery. I don’t recall you programming the car to recognize the new battery to correct the vehicle’s charging algorithms. I see many online references from knowledgeable techs indicating this is a critical step to include when swapping out batteries. Could you comment on this, please.

[@christianpratt]

Hi Gene. Thanks for your question. It’s a good one - and a subject that I’d also researched before I opened up the frunk. In reality I was merely disconnecting my battery rather than replacing it - albeit I did physically remove it from the car (which may have created the impression I put a different one back in - it was actually the same one). Since it was the same battery, I judged it unnecessary to re-code. And, in fact, everything has been fine since (and there were no data losses on the PCM, for example.) When I eventually need to replace the battery then I shall have a chat with my friendly local specialist, or buy an after market coder and do it myself (I know that some brands can - it doesn’t need to be a full PIWIS setup). Hope that helps.

[@jonfrench7133]

I love my buttons, they never move, always do the same when i press them and i don’t need to take my eyes off the road

[@christianpratt]

Nicely put Jon - that’s spot on, isn’t it?

[@bucabrandon]

I find that on my car, when I shut the car off with the auto start/stop disabled (illuminated), it remembers that setting when restarting, unlike the rest of the buttons like PSE. Is yours like that? Also, as my car is the first model year of 981, Sport Plus does NOT activate any sort of automatic rev matching (which honestly I prefer).

[@christianpratt]

Hey Brandon. My car will always start with all of the buttons off (no lights). I’ve read somewhere that you can code-enable (with PIWIS) the Auto S/S to retain its previous setting when the ignition is turned off - perhaps your car has had this done? I didn’t know about the rev match being absent in earlier cars - interesting!

[@rogernilsson_Swe]

Thx for video. Porsche mention that you can loger your car with 10 or 20 mm where is that function

[@christianpratt]

Hi Roger. Thanks for your comment. There isn't a button that does this directly - it's about which suspension you (or the original owner) specified. And the ride height is fixed accordingly. In the 981, I believe that the PASM option gave a ride height reduction of 10mm compared to the standard 'passive' suspension. It was also possible to order the car with a sportier passive setup, which included firmer anti-roll (sway) bars; this is generally refered to as the X73 set-up. That configuration was 20mm lower than the standard passive setup. It wasn't possible to order X73 with PASM. So while the PASM button will change the damping characteristics of the suspension, it won't change the ride height. Some owners will modify their cars with lowering springs, which can work with PASM (i.e. you get a lower car while retaining PASM) but, again, that's a fixed adjustment; the button only changes the damping. Hope that helps!

[@WFORacer]

I leave my winglet up all the time. Not for looks. Why would I let a cop who knows the speed activation mode that I’m speeding. Might as well carry a flag to advertise as seems to be the trend for those seeking attention today, IYKYK 😂. The downside of wing in up position you lose some top speed due to drag. Would like to deactivate mine to leave lowered full time. The down force it might provide is minimal.

[@christianpratt]

High speed drag isn’t an issue down our local lanes - nor, in truth, is the presence of plod. But I know what you mean. It can be a giveaway on faster roads. 👀

[@WFORacer]

@@christianpratt being 1/2 german I feel it’s my duty to hit at the very least 100 mph when I take mine out of the garage. So I plan my route in such a way to be able to do so. Even with the revenue seeking local police here in the states and extreme traffic. Cheers mate. I did a massive increase to cars stereo components but kept the PCM stock since I enjoy its ability to record top speed and when car is powered down the screen resets. I have maxed car out many times.

[@christianpratt]

@@WFORacer Sounds like you're really getting the most from your car - performance and enjoyment. Nice! (I have aspirations to improve my audio too - amplifier and speakers, though I think I'll retain the PCM as the head unit. It's not the weak point.)

[@WFORacer]

@@christianpratt well I went full stupid on mine. I added sound absorption mats inside doors, Focal P60 limited edition Porsche speakers, amplifier, Apple Car Play to PCM. AC DC never sounded better even with the PSE button engaged.

[@christianpratt]

@@WFORacer 😀👌