Boxster · Cayman · Type 987

987.1

The Cayman arrives, and the mid-engine cars get a real interior — around the M96 and M97 engines.

Years: 2005–2008
Trims: 6
Power: 240–295 hp
Known issues: 9
Lightest: 2,894 lb
Quickest 0–60: 5.1 s

Overview

The 987.1 is where the mid-engine Porsche grew up. The interior is transformed from the 986, the steering has real feel, and in 2006 the Cayman arrived — a fixed-roof Boxster stiff enough that Porsche had to be careful how much power it gave it.

Mechanically these are M96 and M97 cars, which means the intermediate shaft bearing and cylinder bore scoring are both live concerns. Later engines in this window use the larger non-serviceable IMS bearing, so a retrofit may not be available for a given car.

The inspection list here is the engine: borescope every cylinder, cut the oil filter open, and read the service history properly. Get that right and the chassis is one of the best Porsche has built at any price.

The range

6 Sorted by output

Trim	Years	Engine	Power	Torque	0–60	Weight	Drive
Boxster Roadster	2005–2006	2.7 L	240	199	6.1	2,954	RWD
Boxster Roadster	2007–2008	2.7 L	245	201	6.0	2,954	RWD
Cayman Coupe	2007–2008	2.7 L	245	201	5.8	2,894	RWD
Boxster S Roadster	2005–2006	3.2 L	280	236	5.3	3,009	RWD
Cayman S Coupe	2006–2008	3.4 L	295	251	5.1	2,955	RWD
Boxster S Roadster	2007–2008	3.4 L	295	251	5.1	3,009	RWD

Power in hp, torque in lb-ft, 0–60 in seconds, weight in pounds. Hover a badge for what it means.

Year by year

2005
US launch of the 987 Boxster with a much-improved interior and a 2.7 or 3.2 flat-six.
2006
The Cayman arrives — as an S only — with a 3.4 and a structure stiffer than the contemporary 911.
2007
Base Cayman joins with the 2.7. Boxster S grows to 3.4 L, matching the Cayman S on power.
2008
Final year of the M96 and M97 engines, and of the intermediate shaft bearing.

Known issues

Cylinder bore scoring Critical

2005–2008 M96 and M97 engines. Not the 2009-on direct-injection cars.
IMS bearing failure Critical

2005–2008 cars only. The 2009-on 9A1 engine has no intermediate shaft.
Blocked drains and water ingress Major

Boxster. The Cayman has fewer drain paths and is far less prone to this.
Convertible top faults Major

Boxster only.
Air–oil separator failure Major

All 987, most commonly the M96 and M97 cars.
Coolant expansion tank cracking Major

All 987.
Ignition coil failure Minor

All 987.
Radiator debris and corrosion Minor

All 987.
Interior soft-touch coating failure Minor

All 987, worst in hot and humid climates.