Ultra in-depth Boxster 986 buyer's guide including IMS deep dive analysis

[@QuintonTV]

Best visual explanation of how IMS failure works.

[@mannins79]

Finally a proper useful review! This is the best 986 video so far.

[@RoadandRacetv]

+mannins79 Thanks mate. Glad you think so!

[@impenguinpete]

Great video. I have a 1999 with dual row IMS and it is nice to know that they have a failure rate of less than 1%.

[@alexandervanwyk7669]

Thanks for article. I owned a '98 986 for 8 years. Pure joy and still does not envy newer models. Drove it daily (before retirement) and attended track and skidpan sessions. great fun, just enough power to enjoy all of it safely and regularly. Now at 220000km's still immaculate and my pride and joy. Run only with synthetic oil. Done recently engine mountings, replaced bushes, shocks and springs. reconditioned starter motor and cleaned throttle body. Thanks to YT tutorials. Miss cruise control and my plastic window starts to crack, so sad. Overall, perhaps one of the best and cheapest little sportscars. No intention of selling her.

[@BobBob-ll3xw]

Great to read this! In 2002 I bought a 1999 986 with 36,000 miles, drove it daily up until retirement in June 2020, and I still have it now in 2021 with 199,940 miles! Still runs like new! (Knock on wood!) Rear plastic window needs replacement due to haze, but that's it. Happy you have enjoyed your Boxster like me.

[@StokeBass]

As somebody that's thinking of getting a "weekend" Boxster, this film and the others in this series are very useful, as well as being well produced. Thanks.

[@RoadandRacetv]

+Ian Myatt Thanks Ian, kind of you to say so!

[@jc32750]

Thanks for your video. My 99 986 is looking and running great. I have 170,000 miles.

[@Bryan-fg3ey]

THE go too guide for anybody doing research into buying a boxster.

[@djambrosia]

For my 2003 3.2 over the last 2 years it's been a bill of 4.5k with most of the repairs done by myself. They are great cars but the combination of low market value against repair costs means DIY is essential. Great video's, keep up the good work :)

[@RoadandRacetv]

Thanks!

[@johnshore3095]

djambrosia What was 4500 over 2 years if you did it all yourself? Were all the parts sourced from Porsche? Are you on any of the forums eg boxa.net or 986forum

[@djambrosia]

It's a long list of suspension parts, exhaust, driveshafts, tires, steering rack, discs and servicing. I used only oem parts which are very expensive even though I sourced them all outside Porsche dealers. I'm not on any Porsche forums as classic veedubs are my passion. Many repairs where chasing knocks and rattles which were not entirely necessary.

[@johnshore3095]

djambrosia Glad you got it sorted. Mine knocks and makes noises but intend to source parts which are cost effective and only do essential repairs. Mine has done 173k miles. Pelican parts has some great how to guides. The forums are essential IMO to avoid costly repairs and get advice from other owners and possibly learn from their mistakes. How did you gurantee they were Porsche parts (Porsche box / label or were they equivalent patent parts). Hopefully you got yours all sorted and mint and found it worth it.. Great cars.

[@djambrosia]

I got many parts direct from the manufacturer, TRW for instance on suspension parts are an oem supplier. Online guides are a real help but having a copy of the Porsche repair manual is also invaluable.

[@williamlopez45]

This is the best explanation of the IMS. Thank you for the insights and details.

[@1aquinas]

Mine is a ‘04 S. I’m fifth owner. Installed used trans. Is perfect. 72,000 miles. Dark Blue, grey interior. Dark blue powder coated wheels. Great investment and very much fun to drive. JellyRoll

[@MarkJohnson-yx3ou]

Shopping for 986 - This is the best guide I have seen - thank you

[@skithewhitestuff]

I bought the Boxster S on the back of watching this video, and I must say that I absolutely love it. I have owned more cars than I can remember and have been driving for thirty six years. If you love sports cars you will not be disappointed with this car.

[@kio9906]

How's it holding up?

[@mrbigvanlife7130]

Good advice apart from clutch and gearbox removal. I did that myself on axle stands and it was pretty easy. Don’t let that put you off!

[@nosac1230]

This is the best video I have seen on Boxsters on KZbin, and I've seen a great number of them. Excellent job!

[@RoadandRacetv]

Wow, thanks!

[@paulstabin6233]

Excellent video. I think a good rule of thumb is to budget the price of your Boxster for repairs and maintenance. Also, worth stretching for an 'S' so the engine does the chassis justice. I may be in the minority, but I actually think the Boxster looks better as a roadster, and handles more naturally than the 911. When with maintenance costs, a bargain.

[@NewArt1]

Great rapid-fire guide to Boxster purchase! Nice production! After tracking and modifying two 986s, I'm on the lookout for a 987S!

[@agcrease]

Bought a 2003 Boxster S and have found your clips incredibly useful. Being a Porsche virgin this is brilliant. Thanks for the effort!

[@RoadandRacetv]

+Greg Crease Thanks for watching them Greg!

[@johnyracercat]

How is your Boxster running? I'm looking at the same year to buy now.

[@b.j.vanspaendonck450]

Thank you for your very informative and well made videos. In 2008 I bought a 1999 Boxster (2.5 l., double row IMS bearing) from its first owner and have enjoyed it ever since. It now has 223,000 kilometres on it and has proved to be very trouble free (at least compared to my previous 911 3.2 l.). In the 165,000 kilometres that I have driven it I have replaced the top (lasted 17 years, but I use a hard top in winter), the radiators (4 x, ouch!), the water pump, the oil separator, and the clutch and did the front discs and all four coffin arms myself. So far no IMS trouble, but I have the impression that, apart from the fact that I have the apparently less failure prone double bearing, when it fails, it seems to do so within 50,000 kms. from new. If it doesn't, it will probably last the life of the car. Time will tell. Meanwhile, keep up the good work!

[@RoadandRacetv]

Thanks BJ. Glad to hear your Boxster has been so reliable!

[@b.j.vanspaendonck450]

If I may make a suggestion: there is an interesting easter egg hidden in the automatic A/C control unit: sites.google.com/site/mikefocke2/undocumentedacdiagnostics. You probably know about this, but it might be something to mention in one of your future videos. In the same vein: If a Boxster doesn't have the optional on board computer, a dealer can switch on the display through the OBD port and it will then display the outside temperature (but nothing else).

[@RoadandRacetv]

Cool, that is a good easter egg. Will add it to the list.

[@tesorotejon7022]

B.J. van Spaendonck

[@francescocaresio2098]

Man, this is the best guide ever! Thank you so much for making it🙏I am looking to buy a 1999 Boxster next week and I’m very relieved in knowing it’s less likely to have this IMS BEARING failure. I didn’t even know about it before this video, so thanks for that!!

[@cuddlyDragon123]

Very useful video. I've put down a deposit on a 2002 Boxster S, and now I know what to look for in the service history. Sounds like the solution to the IMS issue is just to drive the car regularly and properly, which I intend to do :-)

[@mwh3227]

Yep! Drive is hard and regularly! Keep the RPM's up and don't let it bog down. Check and change the oil regularly! Use only high grade recommended lubricants! My own personal belief is that the IMS "issue" has been made way out of proportion! Mostly perpetrated by the companies that sell the kits! However, many people don't drive and care for their cars regularly!

[@thorandmoljnir]

This is the best description/analysis of the IMS bearing I have found. Thanks!

[@gerardfeeney5613]

Great video ! Just purchased a 2000 Boxster with 84,000 miles , thanks for the great info!

[@deanprosser5224]

A well put presented and informative video thanks, I have been thinking of a Boxster for a while now and now feel confident that I won't buy a pup.

[@512TXSDIY]

Very good video. I am still on my original IMS bearing as well and I drive it hard... Change your oil regulatory folks. Thank you sir.

[@antlunax]

How is the upkeep with this car

[@MrStroller4u]

From all the guides that i have seen of different cars this has to be one of the best ones. Great job!

[@rambodelajoya2195]

Very good video of 986 reviews. I have my 2003 only got 3,000 miles. Took me 6 months ordered from Germany in mid 2003. Thanks for info about 986!

[@tonysaberwal8895]

Excellent Video - very informative and to the point - giving exact details/costs of owning and running a Boxster.

[@EBM_Worldwide]

love the audio quality you seem like such a nice person

[@MrJeepmarine]

Amazing video, I'm a very visual learner. Thanks for the in-depth information, you didn't talk fast or shout throughout the information.

[@adventurouscampers]

You create proper informative videos that are a pleasure to watch. THANK YOU!!!!!!

[@carsiwoulddrive]

Thanks for putting the time into producing this video. I've owned a '01 Boxster 2.7 for about 4 months now. It has 120,000 miles and I wish I had seen this video before purchase. Don't get me wrong- I'm do not regret my purchase, I just would have shopped around a little longer for one that was maintained a little better. I bought mine at a good price and have taken care of some issues that have made a real difference. I got really lucky finding a hardtop that actually was my color (seal gray) and I agree with your overall assessment of the 986-987 - you'd be hard-pressed to find a pre-owned true sports car in this price range. Cheers!

[@RoadandRacetv]

+Sal Chandon Thanks Sal. Good on you for your purchase - you won't regret it!

[@AlcoholAndAnimeNight]

Excellent video. Crisp delivery and quick info. Makes me less worried about buying an older car

[@RoadandRacetv]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mentisrelapse]

Thank you, I really do appreciate this and because of your video I’m at 100% of buying it. New sub.

[@scsands]

Thank you for the video as looking at a 1997 Boxster as I owned a 2001 back in the day and miss the little scooter!

[@tonygostelow711]

Thinking of buying a 2002 boxster, your video really useful as to what to look out for. Regards TG

[@lvoeicarus8672]

Thank you for the good information. Got my 02 Boxster Base a few months ago and this will certainly help me in the future.

[@RoadandRacetv]

Glad I could be of some help

[@somekindofusername]

Very comprehensive and well put together video mate, nice work

[@RoadandRacetv]

Thanks mate, glad it was useful.

[@saadatm]

Great vid! Been trying to find a decent buying guide for a 3.2S and this was perfect

[@RoadandRacetv]

+saadatm Thanks mate, glad you found it useful.

[@Kieran46100]

thanks for your time and effort in contributing so much valuable information. i did not know about the IMS bearing issue.

[@RoadandRacetv]

+Kieran Downey Glad I could help.

[@ronrichardson3103]

Yes ive heard of it many times .if buying .best negotiate it down and change clutch, ims ,oils then you got peace of mind

[@beannie60]

One of the best learning information videos about the Boxster! Thanks!

[@dorispurvis4942]

Great, informative video. Just in the process of researching for my first Boxster purchase. Video very useful - I feel better informed. Always find it a trial buying a car as a single female😢, but I feel better equipped having watched your videos. Thanks.

[@RoadandRacetv]

That's so kind of you to say - glad I could be of help.

[@HammerdownMotorsportsUSA]

I'm glad to know my 1998 986 has the better IMS bearing but we might be replacing it as well as the RMS and clutch shortly due to some oil leaking thanks for the video

[@paulruddock4621]

Superbly presented. Honest and informative - especially as I’m considering buying a used one. Many thanks!

[@JayDog3212]

I thought that most engine failures occurred before 2001? This completely contrasts what I have been told. Thanks for the information. I am thinking of buying and older Boxster. Want to make sure my the care is reliable for the family.

[@1TB0T]

Great video! If i know of anyone looking into a 986 I'll send them this way. Best explanation of "issues" i've ever watched. As for me, I purchased a 2007 Cayman S :)

[@RoadandRacetv]

Thank mate!

[@angustungsten2687]

Aren't the Boxster & Cayman mechanically identical with the only difference being one is a convertible & the other a hardtop?

[@vsali]

easy to follow and good presentation of data I really want one the cost of repairs is making me very nervous

[@michaelw6277]

I thought I had read/heard everything about the IMS bearing issues and this is the first bit of information outlining the failure rates and why the single row ones tended to fail more often. So basically the dual row bearings are good and not worth being worried about and if the single row cars run fine and I change the oil at a reasonable interval I should be good. I’ve gone back and forth between Boxster and Miata for a while now with the draw of the Porsche being the engine and the draw of the Miata being reliability. I’ll look more closely at the Porsches now.

[@alexjohnson2031]

This is THE best buyers guide video I have ever seen. Liked and subscribed, very nice work. Helped a lot indeed. Cheers.

[@RoadandRacetv]

Thanks so much Alex, it's great to hear you enjoyed it.

[@onesoftdrink1419]

Really loving your channel thank you for this

[@RoadandRacetv]

Glad you like it!

[@octoshot7634]

Verry good production and script also super ultra informative and helpful thank you!!

[@nifte4635]

I’m so glad I found this video. I’m buying one of these from 2000

[@albertcalvoporcel7489]

Just the video I was looking for, thanks for making it!

[@RoadandRacetv]

Thanks Albert, glad you found it useful.

[@flyingscot3666]

Alex - great video - you nailed it clearly & objectively - your cost build-ups and assessments are accurate - overall its a great car - message is go in with your eyes open - look for simple telltales - service record / oil leaks / debris in filter / dirty milky oil. My advice - get a low mileage car - most cars have worn clutches so factor replacement into purchase price. When replacing the clutch simultaneously replace IMS bearing and engine seal - you need to have some cash over and above purchase cost but if the work is completed to the right standard you have a car that is bomb proof that you can then run for the same cost as a passat..... (almost :o) - my car - 2001 2.7, 32k miles, LN IMS single row pro - I love it.....

[@RoadandRacetv]

+flying scot Yes I agree. Very well put!

[@charliekarting3401]

What great straight forward buyers guide, many thanks

[@wodking8547]

1st time on your channel, thx for the good information. I'm still looking for a well maintained cayman s from 2012 to 15.

[@demaxo7626]

Same

[@PPHD]

You recommend IMS bearing replacement with every clutch replacement, but your car is an automatic. When would you replace the IMS bearing in you car since you have no clutch to replace?

[@RoadandRacetv]

It all depends; how the car was maintained in the past, how often oil and filter changes are and how often the car is driven. It also depends on how much risk you want to accept; zero risk will cost you £1200 for a bearing change whilst if you maintain the car well the bearing could last well over 100,000 miles.

[@nk53nxg]

Cheers very informative and everything I really wanted to know about the boxster without blethering. Think I would be happy with a well looked after older 2.5 or 2.7. I do not think I would require anymore power for a car that size.

[@Zimbant]

Great presentation (short & concise) and useful information.

[@Motolimey]

enjoying this in 2020 when I'm considering a 2002 Boxster.. with the dreaded single row IMS bearing. Thanks!

[@moviebod]

Great video. I have recently bought a 2003 2,7 and I just know that this will be a useful ongoing reference video. Thanks, I have subscribed.

[@Alans63]

Thx so much for putting this info out. The video is easy to follow and understand.

[@RoadandRacetv]

+Cliff Martin 1 23 Well thanks for saying so Cliff. Glad you found it useful.

[@mondojoe5564]

Excellent video.. I am about to purchase my first boxster.

[@mramicus6917]

What bloody nice Bloke !

[@ez45]

KZbin knows I like the general idea of getting a boxster, but it's not happening any time soon. But I watched this anyway. This was a proper informative video though. Thanks! :D

[@marvinsamuels1237]

This is a fantastically presented video, and I’ll be using this to guide my own purchase. Nice work

[@benburris4735]

Something about this video reminds me of early 2000s colin mcrae games??? Great and informative vid by the way.

[@nikeraikage5318]

What a great video. Im gonna take this to look at a 84k mile 99 this week

[@zichenzhao6708]

Thank you ,sir.After watching your videos,I think I am ready for own a boxster.

[@RoadandRacetv]

Do it!

[@brandonbentley8532]

The IMS(Intermediate Shaft Bearing) failure is relatively rare and has more of a relation to OIL CHANGES. I own a 1999 with the double row bearing with 99,000 miles and still going strong. I have a friend with a 1997 model(original owner) with 247,000 miles with the original double row bearing. The later single row that is more prone should be replaced with the clutch but if the original owner didn't change the oil at Porsche's outrageous 15,000 mile interval should be fine for at least 100,000 miles. Changing the oil often(3000-5000) mile intervals goes a long way. Also NL engineering has developed a fairly straught forward kit that can be applied during clutch changes without removing the engine or timing chains etc and is relatively inexpensive. I am planning on installing this when I replace the clutch in my 1999 manual boxster. I also know people in Porsche club that race at watkins glen with cars with their original Bearings and have heard NO horror stories. Again, changing oil often with Mobil 1 or Redline oil with 15/50 wt goes a long way for the longevity of the whole engine. Oil's cheap, engines aren't.

[@mauricemotors8207]

I think people need to understand any 911 or boxster cayman Porsche needs special care i drive sometimes above 4k because splash lubrication works.

[@mikemcmo]

@@mauricemotors8207 I read a post on the 986 forum where one guy said he redlines it every time he goes out. Sheesh. So I compromise and hit 5, 000 RPMs once per drive, as soon as the engine is up to temp.

[@jcauseyfd]

Great video like the rest that you do. Your explanations of the IMS bearings and changes to the engine options were excellent and very helpful.

[@RoadandRacetv]

Big thanks Jeff, so pleased you like it.

[@terrymains3507]

Road and Race great vid and useful info more please. Bought S 1 month ago delighted with it

[@hamshank29]

Great video and genuinely helpful buying/maintenance tips

[@jeremiasz8839]

this is real knowleage

[@johnash826]

Good video. As you say, ignore Porsche service intervals. In fact change the oil and filter every 3000 miles. Or between 6 - 12 mths max. On the IMS bearing. As only some fail and at different mileages, that's the problem. It is unpredictable! So treat it as a service item and replace it.

[@opmike343]

8% failure rate is huge. WTF

[@roelfkromhout]

Yup, I have an '02 Boxster S and decided to change it out with an improved bearing.

[@miketrav]

Porsches are money pits pieces of shits. ImS bearing upwards 10% of all vehicles engine blows up $20,000 repair who in their right mind would buy that piece of shit

[@CheapGuitarsAndMore]

s trav I was interested but yea im gonna have to pass :/

[@miketrav]

+GuitarMoto Vlogs I was thinking of buying one too until I saw the IMS bearing issue. I bought a used Miata unread, 200,000 miles no problems with it. And you can actually work on it yourself the engine is accessible un like a shitty Porsche. If I was rich I might consider buying a brand new Porsche with a warranty keep it for five years then sell it

[@dgbourdon1325]

s trav but dude MX is no substitute for a Porsche - millions of Boxster owners, most who drive and maintain their cars as they are meant to don’t have issues. Do your homework and buy a well maintained version.

[@izzelyy3189]

The video i was looking for. Thanks :)

[@RoadandRacetv]

Glad you liked it! Thanks.

[@brianlamberts756]

Subscribed. This guy is really very good!

[@rusty911s2]

Excellent guide, thank you!

[@A861967]

Brilliant information great delivery.

[@janicechapman2733]

Great video, thanks. My boxster has been off the road for a while for full maintenence, nice to hear you mention all what we are doing and to put our minds a little to rest re the IMS bearing. Cheers, Janice from NZ.

[@roninwilliams8898]

shopping for a 2.5 this year end.Ty.this helped me..keep it up

[@RoadandRacetv]

Thanks Ronin, let me know what you get!

[@thomasrobb9733]

Very informative, Thank you. Excellent!

[@toyonda1]

LOVE THIS

[@JMc.D]

Excellent video. Very well produced

[@arthurschliep679]

Thought i wanted one of these untill doing research lead to bearing issues being such a big deal. These are wonderful cars if you are willing to risk that failure and expense. Not wanting to hassle with that i bought a Miata and have been having lots of fun.

[@RoadandRacetv]

+Arthur Schliep You're correct it is a risk but can be mitigated by replacing the bearing when you do the clutch. The Miata is a great car anyway though although for me doesn't have the same prestige.

[@jonnyreverb]

Brilliant guide

[@RoadandRacetv]

+Jonnyreverb Thanks Jonny, glad you found it useful.

[@trevorhsu-mdh-5684]

So which type of IMS bearing does the 2000 model year use?

[@mk14617]

Excellent video!

[@simonmiller5165]

Looking for a boxster and this was very helpful. Thanks

[@RoadandRacetv]

Any time!

[@tyler9703]

Looking at one of these for a first car, this was super helpful!

[@RoadandRacetv]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ccw5886]

Wow. Really excellent review thanks. I am in the market for Boxster. I currently have a C4S. If I want to avoid all the engines with IMS /RMS issues which model should I go for? Do later models still have issues?

[@henryrodier8024]

Currently looking at a 2003 with the 2.7 liter with 81000 miles for $11500 USD. All in black very clean with very clear head lights only mod appears to be the JBL audio it has new P Zeros on it so it’s tough tell if it has any alignment issues

[@Zsemba]

Amazing video. Very in depth and well put together, and actually kept my attention lol

[@denniswoods6035]

Excellent and informative video, well done.

[@rabulc]

Love 986 Boxster

[@oliverrichie9921]

Great and detailed review! Thanks a lot!

[@richsmith9063]

Unique presentation. Very good video. Thanks.

[@andrewjohnson3940]

The problem with the IMS Bearing is not that you aren't changing the oil, the problem is that it relies on a SEALED bearing and has NO lubrication. Not using or moving the bearing over time will cause the oil to set up and destroy the bearing from the inside, this is why the best replacements end up adding in an oil line to lubricate the bearing anyways.

[@markylearnsguitar]

well played, great review

[@RoadandRacetv]

Many thanks Mark, glad you liked it.

[@Ijumpandfly]

Lovely review!cheers!

[@cameron4907]

How reliable is the Boxster as a whole compared to a conventional car like the mechanical and electrical reliability?