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Porsche Boxster 986 (1st Generation)

19962004 · 986 · convertible

Original Boxster, launched 1996 (1997 MY in US). The car that pulled Porsche out of its 1990s financial trouble. 2.5L / 2.7L / 3.2L flat-six (base / Boxster / Boxster S). Shares front end and many parts with the 996 — same M96 engine, same IMS bearing concern.

Watch out: IMS bearing failure on 1997-2004 cars (same M96 engine family as 996). RMS (rear main seal) leaks are nearly universal — annoying but rarely a deal-breaker. LN Engineering IMS retrofit is the standard preventive fix; budget accordingly on purchase.

What your Boxster takes

The parts and fluids that fit this generation. Specs we publish are confirmed against two independent sources; the rest fill in as we verify them.

  • Wiper blades22" driver · 22" passenger✓ VerifiedView
  • CoolantPorsche G40 (pink)From owner's manualShop
  • Tire sizeNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Engine oilNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Oil filterNot catalogued yetFind yours
  • Engine air filterNot catalogued yetFind yours
  • Cabin air filterNot catalogued yetFind yours
  • Spark plugsNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Headlight bulbsNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • BatteryNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Brake fluidNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Transmission fluidNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Tire pressureNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Key fob batteryNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Power steering fluidNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Differential fluidNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Serpentine beltNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Brake padsNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Wheel fitmentNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Brake rotorsNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • ThermostatNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • A/C refrigerantNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Fuel filterNot catalogued yetFind yours soon

Full clubhouse — owner Garage Lineage, common problems, year-by-year notes, and product picks — is on the build list.

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