Has anybody owned a Porsche Boxster? - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

kqgone2da · 02-04-2010, 02:10 AM

I'm going to get a new car when my lease ends, but don't know what. Considering 335i, 135i, M3, S4, and the Porsche Boxster. I've driven the Cayman and liked it. However, I've heard that Porsches are a maintenance nightmare. Any thoughts? 4 years, 50000 miles free maintenance sure is nice though. Thanks.

e60_M5_2020 · 02-04-2010, 02:11 AM

I think my mom wanted one in like 1998.

PaulBailey@ltbmw · 02-04-2010, 02:13 AM

OMG 335 all day long over the boxster. If you're considering Cayman S thats another story.
335>M3>135>S4>Prius>Boxster

07E92TT · 02-04-2010, 02:19 AM

S4 to be different, If I was gonna spend that much on a car thats what i'd get.

machine · 02-04-2010, 02:21 AM

I think its a car worth getting. It out handles the 911 Carrera.

JerzeySux · 02-04-2010, 02:21 AM

I owned a 2001 boxster and i know the boxster these days are much faster and better but one word. POOR MANS PORSCHE.
I hated it. Only thing i liked about it was able to take turns crazy without even tires chirping much and brakes were solid. Small as crap. My knee hits the steering wheel with seats all the way back. Im 6;2. With top on at high speed it would rattle and you can feel the wind alot. I really hated it. LOL First 30k was GREAT and head turner since some people just know it as a porsche. But after the 30k i had transmission problem brake making noise and car was slow. I HATED IT.! lol

But the numbers on newer BoxsterS are pretty dam good and suppose to be the lightest Porsche ever built.

BK · 02-04-2010, 02:36 AM

The numbers sure look good.

2011 Boxster Spyder (C/D est):
0 to 60 mph: 4.1 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 12.7 sec
Top speed (drag limited): 166 mph

2009 Boxster S (C/D test):
0 to 60 mph: 4.3 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 12.9 sec @ 109
Top speed (drag limited): 169 mph

nyc328ci · 02-04-2010, 02:39 AM

my dad owned a 07 Cayman S.....AWESOME CAR!! but as you mentioned the maintenance killed it but what do you expect its not a honda

cotmfk · 02-04-2010, 07:38 AM

I have never owned one, but have had some friends that did and the Cayman. They pretty much all say that it's slow, but super fun to drive. So, I guess take that for what it's worth. They didn't complain about maintenance, but they all had the money to not worry about it.

VWtoBMW · 02-04-2010, 08:33 AM

I currently have a 2006 Boxster S as well as a 2009 335i xDrive. Although I like the Porsche, I prefer to drive the 335 as a daily driver. The Porsche feels like you are driving a go-kart, thats a good thing since it is a lot of fun, but not something you would want to drive every day. The car handles great, holds the road very well on the highway, etc.. but the 335 has the comfort as well as the performance.

As for maintenance, I currently have 48,000km on it (approx 30,000 miles) and have done the following:
- Regular maintenance - oil changes
- Front Brakes - cant remember the price, but it was not cheap
- Clutch and fly wheel - this was about $3800. I cant see how it burnt out but this is the first clutch I have ever had to replace. I thought that was ridiculous and it was not covered on warranty
- CEL was coming on intermittently, it turns out it was both catalytic converters which were replaced under warranty
- The engine is currently making a rattling noise when coasting while in gear, not sure what that is yet.

The car is on warranty, which is up shortly, so is the lease... end in March. I am turning the car in as I am sure it would eventually be a very expensive nightmare once the warranty is up.

So, overall, it is a fun car as a second car, but definitely not the right vehicle for a daily driver.

HoustonScott · 02-04-2010, 08:36 AM

Check out rear main seal failures in Boxster. You think HPFP are bad, this has been a problem for Porsche for years. When it happens your engine is dead. My brother in law owns one and his RMS failed. All but the turbo 911's are effected and there are reports on the new engines having the same issue. Steer clear of Porsche unless your after a air cooled one or a modern 911 with the turbo engine or a non turbo 911 with the same block.

HS

VWtoBMW · 02-04-2010, 08:38 AM

What are teh symptoms of the rear main seal failure?

Quote:

Originally Posted by HoustonScott

Check out rear main seal failures in Boxster. You think HPFP are bad, this has been a problem for Porsche for years. When it happens your engine is dead. My brother in law owns one and his RMS failed. All but the turbo 911's are effected and there are reports on the new engines having the same issue. Steer clear of Porsche unless your after a air cooled one or a modern 911 with the turbo engine or a non turbo 911 with the same block.

HS

PINeely · 02-04-2010, 08:41 AM

IMO, you buy a Boxster for the sake of owning a Porsche. There are better things for the money.

They're still fun to drive though. You get a certain feeling of agility that you can only have with a Porsche.

Majikthese42 · 02-04-2010, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HoustonScott

Check out rear main seal failures in Boxster. You think HPFP are bad, this has been a problem for Porsche for years. When it happens your engine is dead. My brother in law owns one and his RMS failed. All but the turbo 911's are effected and there are reports on the new engines having the same issue. Steer clear of Porsche unless your after a air cooled one or a modern 911 with the turbo engine or a non turbo 911 with the same block.

HS

Check out "Porsche engine failures", too.

+1 on air-cooled 911s.

HoustonScott · 02-04-2010, 08:47 AM

Oil leaks are the start. You couldn't give me a boxster...there junk...just type RMS into google and see what I am talking about. All boxsters are doomed and the people whom own them know it and are pissed. Check it out...

HS

rhodesman · 02-04-2010, 09:12 AM

IMHO I think Porsche is a great car but only when it's not your daily driver. My Mom had a boxter back in 2001-2 and she hated it because it was her DD (company car actually). She said it was uncomfortable and awkward when sitting in traffic but loved it when she would hit the back roads on the weekend. Most Porsches are excellent cars and I have always dreamed of getting an 80's era 911 to fix up and drive.

But honestly, the 335 is all that and more since you can fit four people in it, some luggage/shopping bags and still drive like the wind. I'd stick with the 335.

cotmfk · 02-04-2010, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HoustonScott

Oil leaks are the start. You couldn't give me a boxster...there junk...just type RMS into google and see what I am talking about. All boxsters are doomed and the people whom own them know it and are pissed. Check it out...

HS

I did this... nothing with Porsche came up. Then I typed hpfp and BMW stuff was 2nd, 3rd, and more on the list. Then I typed "rms porsche" in and got a ton of stuff on what you are talking about.

skim · 02-04-2010, 03:03 PM

Well, GT1 block, which is shared between 997.1 TT and GT3/RS, and 997.2 GT3/RS (I'm told 997.2 TT went with the A91 engine which is shared with all other 911s) don't suffer from RMS. I don't think RMS kills the engine necessarily right away, it's just if you don't fix it soon, your engine will eventually die from from oil starvation.
I was also told while shopping for a 993 that 993 has RMS issue as well although we know it's all air-cooled pre-996. But didn't bother looking up because I picked up e86M.

Just my opinion tho, although cheaper (and possibly could be more fun) than 911, in the long term cayman/boxster ownership cost will catch up to 911 so I think it's better to just get a 911 from beginning. Again.. I'm just speaking from what I'd do.
GL

imported_Nomad · 02-04-2010, 03:45 PM

It you want real information regarding a Boxster visit http://www.planet-9.com/forums/.
It is a site dedicated to Cayman/Boxster owners. I traded my 135i for a Cayman S and have never regretted the decision. The Porsche is in another league. The cars really do not compare. However, you really should drive one to see if it suits you. There are more than one car manufacturer in the world because there are more than one type of person in the world. Not every car fits everyone. You need to decide what works for you.

MisterSkiMask · 02-04-2010, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JerzeySux

....one word. POOR MANS PORSCHE.

That is three words.

I have a 987S and it is a fantastic car. I am 6' 2" and I fit perfectly, I do have the seat all the way down and all the way back. I don't think I would buy one for a DD, with the top up visibility is a bit limited and I feel vulnerable especially in bad weather.

The car is great to drive, and it can out pace significantly more powerful/expensive cars on the track.

If I were to buy a 987 as a DD, it would be the Cayman S, the cabin is a bit more 'airy' and you can easily fit a roof rack for bikes and such.

gonzo · 02-04-2010, 05:06 PM

Leftover 08 Cayman S' are being offered with huge discounts FYI.

How many words is that?

gonzo · 02-04-2010, 05:24 PM

OP you could even get an 06 S and turbo/exhaust it and dress her up a bit for a modest price too. Track scalpel.

06-07 S' with low miles can be had for under or right at 40K. Not stripped/no to low option cars either.

02-04-2010, 02:10 AM	#1
kqgone2da New Member Drives: '08 328i, 6MT, Sport, AllBlack Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 23 iTrader: (0)	Has anybody owned a Porsche Boxster? I'm going to get a new car when my lease ends, but don't know what. Considering 335i, 135i, M3, S4, and the Porsche Boxster. I've driven the Cayman and liked it. However, I've heard that Porsches are a maintenance nightmare. Any thoughts? 4 years, 50000 miles free maintenance sure is nice though. Thanks.
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02-04-2010, 02:19 AM	#4
07E92TT Major Drives: 08 C63 Join Date: May 2009 Location: Orlando,FL Posts: 1,338 iTrader: (1)	S4 to be different, If I was gonna spend that much on a car thats what i'd get. __________________ Car: 2008 E90 SG/Black/Dark Burl (sold) 2008 MB C63 P.Silver/Black

02-04-2010, 02:21 AM	#6
JerzeySux UrMother Drives: 335xiE92 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: NJ Posts: 639 iTrader: (7)	I owned a 2001 boxster and i know the boxster these days are much faster and better but one word. POOR MANS PORSCHE. I hated it. Only thing i liked about it was able to take turns crazy without even tires chirping much and brakes were solid. Small as crap. My knee hits the steering wheel with seats all the way back. Im 6;2. With top on at high speed it would rattle and you can feel the wind alot. I really hated it. LOL First 30k was GREAT and head turner since some people just know it as a porsche. But after the 30k i had transmission problem brake making noise and car was slow. I HATED IT.! lol But the numbers on newer BoxsterS are pretty dam good and suppose to be the lightest Porsche ever built. __________________ My Car drives on Sour Diesel and Haze. Dutch and Green Palma's for Octane Boost Poor Man's BMW Owner. Last edited by JerzeySux; 02-04-2010 at 02:38 AM.

02-04-2010, 02:36 AM	#7
BK Smiling politely Drives: 330i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Washington DC Posts: 7,903 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [4.50]	The numbers sure look good. 2011 Boxster Spyder (C/D est): 0 to 60 mph: 4.1 sec Standing ¼-mile: 12.7 sec Top speed (drag limited): 166 mph 2009 Boxster S (C/D test): 0 to 60 mph: 4.3 sec Standing ¼-mile: 12.9 sec @ 109 Top speed (drag limited): 169 mph __________________ 330i \| Black Sapphire \| Beige + Burl \| Sport \| Premium \| Cold \| Nav \| CA \| Sat prep

02-04-2010, 02:39 AM	#8
nyc328ci Russian in a Bimmer Drives: E92 335XI Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Staten Island NY Posts: 5,010 iTrader: (3)	my dad owned a 07 Cayman S.....AWESOME CAR!! but as you mentioned the maintenance killed it but what do you expect its not a honda __________________ 2011 E92 335 X-drive Deep sea blue/Red ZSP, ZPP 2013 X6 Deep sea blue Blue/Red ZCW,ZPP,ZPS, Full LED lights, Multi-contour seats 2013 535 X-drive Imperial Blue/Cinnamon, ZDA, ZMP, ZPP, ZTP, Multi-contour seats, Ceramic controls, Premium Hi-Fi

02-04-2010, 02:11 AM	#2
e60_M5_2020 Private First Class Drives: Red on Chrome Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Rx350 Posts: 139 iTrader: (0)	I think my mom wanted one in like 1998.

02-04-2010, 02:13 AM	#3
PaulBailey@ltbmw BimmerPost Supporting Vendor Drives: 2-325 330 2-335 2-Z4 2-135 X5d Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Huntington Beach, CA Posts: 26,652 iTrader: (33) Garage List 2008 BMW 335i E90 [3.50] 2011 BMW 335i E92 [3.98]	OMG 335 all day long over the boxster. If you're considering Cayman S thats another story. 335>M3>135>S4>Prius>Boxster

02-04-2010, 02:21 AM	#5
machine is also an E46 Fanatic Drives: E93 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 533 iTrader: (0)	I think its a car worth getting. It out handles the 911 Carrera.

02-04-2010, 07:38 AM	#9
cotmfk Brigadier General Drives: 2007 335i Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: DC, MD, VA Posts: 3,166 iTrader: (11)	I have never owned one, but have had some friends that did and the Cayman. They pretty much all say that it's slow, but super fun to drive. So, I guess take that for what it's worth. They didn't complain about maintenance, but they all had the money to not worry about it. __________________

02-04-2010, 08:33 AM	#10
VWtoBMW Captain Drives: 2012 535i xDrive M-Sport Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Toronto Posts: 756 iTrader: (5) Garage List 2012 535i xDrive [5.00] 2009 BMW 328i [0.00]	I currently have a 2006 Boxster S as well as a 2009 335i xDrive. Although I like the Porsche, I prefer to drive the 335 as a daily driver. The Porsche feels like you are driving a go-kart, thats a good thing since it is a lot of fun, but not something you would want to drive every day. The car handles great, holds the road very well on the highway, etc.. but the 335 has the comfort as well as the performance. As for maintenance, I currently have 48,000km on it (approx 30,000 miles) and have done the following: - Regular maintenance - oil changes - Front Brakes - cant remember the price, but it was not cheap - Clutch and fly wheel - this was about $3800. I cant see how it burnt out but this is the first clutch I have ever had to replace. I thought that was ridiculous and it was not covered on warranty - CEL was coming on intermittently, it turns out it was both catalytic converters which were replaced under warranty - The engine is currently making a rattling noise when coasting while in gear, not sure what that is yet. The car is on warranty, which is up shortly, so is the lease... end in March. I am turning the car in as I am sure it would eventually be a very expensive nightmare once the warranty is up. So, overall, it is a fun car as a second car, but definitely not the right vehicle for a daily driver. __________________ 2012 F10 535i M-Sport

02-04-2010, 08:36 AM	#11
HoustonScott Lieutenant Drives: 2010 335d, montego Blue Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Houston, Tx Posts: 436 iTrader: (0)	Check out rear main seal failures in Boxster. You think HPFP are bad, this has been a problem for Porsche for years. When it happens your engine is dead. My brother in law owns one and his RMS failed. All but the turbo 911's are effected and there are reports on the new engines having the same issue. Steer clear of Porsche unless your after a air cooled one or a modern 911 with the turbo engine or a non turbo 911 with the same block. HS

02-04-2010, 08:41 AM	#13
PINeely Major Drives: 2009 E90 N54 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Jackson, MS Posts: 1,221 iTrader: (0)	IMO, you buy a Boxster for the sake of owning a Porsche. There are better things for the money. They're still fun to drive though. You get a certain feeling of agility that you can only have with a Porsche. __________________

02-04-2010, 08:47 AM	#15
HoustonScott Lieutenant Drives: 2010 335d, montego Blue Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Houston, Tx Posts: 436 iTrader: (0)	Oil leaks are the start. You couldn't give me a boxster...there junk...just type RMS into google and see what I am talking about. All boxsters are doomed and the people whom own them know it and are pissed. Check it out... HS

02-04-2010, 09:12 AM	#16
rhodesman Private First Class Drives: E90 335i Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Maryland Posts: 189 iTrader: (1)	IMHO I think Porsche is a great car but only when it's not your daily driver. My Mom had a boxter back in 2001-2 and she hated it because it was her DD (company car actually). She said it was uncomfortable and awkward when sitting in traffic but loved it when she would hit the back roads on the weekend. Most Porsches are excellent cars and I have always dreamed of getting an 80's era 911 to fix up and drive. But honestly, the 335 is all that and more since you can fit four people in it, some luggage/shopping bags and still drive like the wind. I'd stick with the 335.

02-04-2010, 03:03 PM	#18
skim Lieutenant Drives: 07 Z4MC Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: SF Bay Area, CA Posts: 546 iTrader: (0)	Well, GT1 block, which is shared between 997.1 TT and GT3/RS, and 997.2 GT3/RS (I'm told 997.2 TT went with the A91 engine which is shared with all other 911s) don't suffer from RMS. I don't think RMS kills the engine necessarily right away, it's just if you don't fix it soon, your engine will eventually die from from oil starvation. I was also told while shopping for a 993 that 993 has RMS issue as well although we know it's all air-cooled pre-996. But didn't bother looking up because I picked up e86M. Just my opinion tho, although cheaper (and possibly could be more fun) than 911, in the long term cayman/boxster ownership cost will catch up to 911 so I think it's better to just get a 911 from beginning. Again.. I'm just speaking from what I'd do. GL __________________ Future mod consideration: exhaust, pulley otherwise, very happy with how the m3 was born

02-04-2010, 03:45 PM	#19
imported_Nomad New Member Drives: Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 28 iTrader: (0)	It you want real information regarding a Boxster visit http://www.planet-9.com/forums/. It is a site dedicated to Cayman/Boxster owners. I traded my 135i for a Cayman S and have never regretted the decision. The Porsche is in another league. The cars really do not compare. However, you really should drive one to see if it suits you. There are more than one car manufacturer in the world because there are more than one type of person in the world. Not every car fits everyone. You need to decide what works for you.

02-04-2010, 05:06 PM	#21
gonzo Brigadier General Drives: as many as possible Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: TeXXXas Posts: 4,754 iTrader: (0)	Leftover 08 Cayman S' are being offered with huge discounts FYI. How many words is that?

02-04-2010, 05:24 PM	#22
gonzo Brigadier General Drives: as many as possible Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: TeXXXas Posts: 4,754 iTrader: (0)	OP you could even get an 06 S and turbo/exhaust it and dress her up a bit for a modest price too. Track scalpel. 06-07 S' with low miles can be had for under or right at 40K. Not stripped/no to low option cars either. Attached Images Last edited by gonzo; 02-04-2010 at 05:41 PM.

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