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2003 Porsche Boxster

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By Research the Car 5 min read

The 2003 Porsche Boxster is a mid-engine roadster known for its excellent handling and engaging driving experience. The standard engine is a 2.7-liter flat-six producing around 225 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque. A more powerful “S” version features a 3.2-liter flat-six with around 258 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual (2.7L), a 6-speed manual (3.2L S), and a 5-speed Tiptronic automatic. Owners often praise the Boxster’s balanced chassis and open-top driving experience, while common complaints involve maintenance costs and the potential for expensive repairs.

Engine

2.7L Flat-Six

  • IMS Bearing Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: A failing IMS (Intermediate Shaft) bearing can cause engine damage, ranging from rough running to complete engine failure. Symptoms include metallic debris in the oil filter and unusual engine noises.
    • Solution: Replacing the IMS bearing with an upgraded aftermarket bearing or installing a retrofit kit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+ depending on the extent of damage and chosen solution.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Rear Main Seal (RMS) Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak from the rear of the engine, where it meets the transmission. Oil drips are often visible.
    • Solution: Replacing the rear main seal. This often involves removing the transmission.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Oil Separator Failure (AOS)
    • Description/Symptoms: Excessive smoke from the exhaust, especially after idling, indicating oil being drawn into the intake manifold.
    • Solution: Replacing the Air-Oil Separator (AOS).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000
    • Recalls: None Found

3.2L Flat-Six (Boxster S)

  • IMS Bearing Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: A failing IMS (Intermediate Shaft) bearing can cause engine damage, ranging from rough running to complete engine failure. Symptoms include metallic debris in the oil filter and unusual engine noises.
    • Solution: Replacing the IMS bearing with an upgraded aftermarket bearing or installing a retrofit kit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+ depending on the extent of damage and chosen solution.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Rear Main Seal (RMS) Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak from the rear of the engine, where it meets the transmission. Oil drips are often visible.
    • Solution: Replacing the rear main seal. This often involves removing the transmission.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Oil Separator Failure (AOS)
    • Description/Symptoms: Excessive smoke from the exhaust, especially after idling, indicating oil being drawn into the intake manifold.
    • Solution: Replacing the Air-Oil Separator (AOS).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Cracked Cylinder Head
    • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant loss, rough running, white smoke from the exhaust.
    • Solution: Replacement of the cylinder head.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $5,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Manual

  • Shifter Cable Bushing Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, loose or sloppy shifter feel.
    • Solution: Replacing the shifter cable bushings.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
    • Recalls: None Found

6-Speed Manual

  • Shifter Cable Bushing Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, loose or sloppy shifter feel.
    • Solution: Replacing the shifter cable bushings.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
    • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Tiptronic Automatic

  • Valve Body Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, slipping between gears.
    • Solution: Rebuilding or replacing the valve body.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Control Arm Bushing Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the suspension, especially over bumps. Poor handling and alignment issues.
    • Solution: Replacing the worn control arm bushings or the entire control arm assembly.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per corner (depending on whether bushings or complete arms are replaced).
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Strut Mount Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Squeaking or groaning noises from the suspension, especially when turning the steering wheel.
    • Solution: Replacing the strut mounts.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+ per pair.
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Convertible Top Motor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The convertible top failing to open or close, or operating slowly and erratically.
    • Solution: Replacing or repairing the convertible top motor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Instrument Cluster Pixel Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Pixels missing or faded on the digital display within the instrument cluster.
    • Solution: Repairing or replacing the instrument cluster.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Ignition Switch Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting the car, or the car stalling intermittently.
    • Solution: Replacing the ignition switch.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Convertible Top Wear and Tear
    • Description/Symptoms: Tears, leaks, and general wear on the convertible top fabric.
    • Solution: Repairing or replacing the convertible top.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Headlight Lens Clouding/Yellowing
    • Description/Symptoms: Headlight lenses become cloudy or yellowed, reducing headlight effectiveness.
    • Solution: Polishing the headlight lenses or replacing the headlight assemblies.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200 for polishing; $300 - $1000+ for replacement.
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Climate Control Display Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: LCD display on the climate control unit fades or becomes unreadable.
    • Solution: Replacing or repairing the climate control unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Window Regulator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Window malfunctions, window makes noise when moving, window does not stay up.
    • Solution: Replacing the window regulator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2003 Porsche Boxster, while an enjoyable sports car, is prone to several common issues. The most concerning is the potential for IMS bearing failure, which can lead to catastrophic engine damage and high repair costs. Other engine-related problems include RMS leaks and AOS failure, adding to the maintenance burden. Suspension and electrical issues, such as control arm bushings and convertible top motor failures, are also relatively common. While some repairs are relatively inexpensive, others can be quite costly, making pre-purchase inspection and careful maintenance crucial for 2003 Boxster owners.

Porsche, Boxster
Porsche Boxster 2003
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