Boxster · Cayman · Type 987

987.2

Direct injection and PDK. No intermediate shaft, and a Cayman S quicker than the Carrera above it.

Years: 2009–2012
Trims: 6
Power: 255–330 hp
Known issues: 8
Lightest: 2,811 lb
Quickest 0–60: 4.7 s

Overview

The 2009 facelift did to the Boxster and Cayman exactly what it did to the 911: direct injection, the 9A1 engine with no intermediate shaft, and PDK in place of Tiptronic. The engine risk that dominates 987.1 buying disappears.

It also produced an awkward moment for Porsche. A 987.2 Cayman S with 320 hp is quicker down a real road than the contemporary Carrera it was priced beneath, and everyone involved knew it. The pricing and the option list were arranged accordingly.

This is the sweet spot of the mid-engine range for most buyers: naturally aspirated flat-six, no IMS, hydraulic steering, and PDK optional rather than compulsory. Shop the gearbox service history rather than the engine.

The range

6 Sorted by output

Trim	Years	Engine	Power	Torque	0–60	Weight	Drive
Boxster Roadster	2009–2012	2.9 L	255	214	5.8	2,965	RWD
Cayman Coupe	2009–2012	2.9 L	265	221	5.6	2,921	RWD
Boxster S Roadster	2009–2012	3.4 L	310	266	5.0	3,020	RWD
Cayman S Coupe	2009–2012	3.4 L	320	273	4.9	2,976	RWD
Boxster Spyder Halo Roadster	2011–2012	3.4 L	320	273	4.9	2,811	RWD
Cayman R Halo Coupe	2011–2012	3.4 L	330	273	4.7	2,855	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

2009
The dividing line: direct injection, the 9A1 engine with no intermediate shaft, and PDK replacing Tiptronic.
2010
Carried over.
2011
Boxster Spyder and Cayman R arrive — the lightweight, decontented pair that ended the generation.
2012
Final 987 model year before the 981 arrives.

Known issues

PDK mechatronic faults Major

2009-on cars fitted with PDK.
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.