blown 1998 boxster engine

[Lucky???]

I have a 99 Boxster that started making a strange noise and I took it to the shop that had always done great work. They said it was my water pump....$800 later, same noise....they said it was the release bearing on the clutch.....?$2200 later, same noise....Finally they said it was an issue with the timing chain and that Porsche had put out a service bulletin that said it was merely cosmetic to fix and was not a big deal, especially since they would have to crack the case and get a whole new crankshaft and timing chain setup to remedy it because Porsche changed the design of this part of the engine. I can't find any service bulletin like this anywhere. Three weeks later, the engine shutters to a stop 100 miles from home and it turns out the engine is fried because the timing chain went. It took some searching but I have found a used 2003 Boxster S engine to replace it, but does anyone have any similar experience with this?

[ewperazzo]

I just had a similar problem. The engine in my 1999 Boxster just blew also. It only has 35,000 miles but of course I am also out of warranty. I just can't believe that the engine on a car like this can't last more than 35,000 miles. So far the representative has offered to pay for 75% of a reconditioned engine but the installation and the other 25% will still cost me about $4,000. I am still upset about paying that. If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know.

[julia]

looking for porsche boxster year 1999 under $20k. email hightide41789@netscape.net
i am located in eastern pennsylvania, willing to drive within 50 miles of my house, not too much further. thanks

[Rita]

This is a huge problem. You need to be pushy with the dealer and have him call Porsche or call yourself. Porsche should give you a new engine. If your dealer will not cooperate, call another dealer. I had to pay $2k for installation, but after some initial resistance and some idiotic explanations, my dealer agreed to contact Porsche and ended up getting a new engine for me free of charge. They also gave me a two year warranty on that new engine, but they wouldn't let me buy an extended warranty on it. I am not sure where you live, but I dealt with Anderson Behel Porsche/Audi, located in San Jose, California, http://stevens-creek.porschedealer.com/. I would think any dealer would be willing to pursue getting you a new engine if you agree to let them install it for you. It is more money for them that they would not have gotten if your original dealer had done the right thing or if you decide to sell the body and not get an engine. Porsche has a reputation to uphold. After all, don't they want us to love our Porsches and to buy another one when we look for a new car? The more of us they piss off, the fewer future Porsche buyers they have. My Porsche is part of my soul and I do not want to give it up, but if they had not replaced the engine, I would never buy a Porsche again.

[sturgedm]

Hey guys my engine just blew at 37K on my 1999 boxster. I am a fanatic about service, what should I do?

[Andrew Lyall]

Hi, my boxster which has done 80,000kms, the motor expired because the liners on cylinder 5-6 have moved and so the engine started drinking coolant. We have just had the motor pulled down and everyone tells us that its not worth trying to rebuild the unit because the costs are rediculous. Because I work in the industry I have come across some information, that shows porsche built early 996 and boxster motors from a dud alloy metal. When they were testing the motors they found that the blocks were cracking so there soulution to the problem was to not bin all the blocks but be cheap and sleave them. This is why there are so many blowing up.

[Kanin]

My engine on my 97 boxster just went. After 48K this surely can not be right.

Was driving nicely on the highway (70 m/hr) and heard a big noise and cracking from the engine. I stopped and got it towed to a garage and they are now telling me that the engine is gone.

I expected more of a boxster engine. What should I do - Help?

I will be calling porsche tomorrow and talk to them - this can not be right :(

[Dave]

I'm curious as to whether anyone who lost an engine at low miles had noticed an oil leak prior to their trouble. I ask as I've seen a service notice warning of an oil leak at the halfshaft connection and a correction with some different bolts.

[Carol]

Another 1999 Boxster bites the dust with engine seizure. Thanks for all the info on this post. Feel well prepared to approach dealer and Porsche. My Boxster had just over 14,000 mi. Got in car, turned over key and heard "clunk"--that was it--just "clunk". Never had a problem with the car before "clunk". Initially thought battery or starter, but no such luck. After a week at the Porsche dealer--that sold and serviced it--they have reported "engine failure" to Porsche N. A. As an attorney, I am amazed that so many people have allowed Porsche to get away with making them pay for engines or installation for an obvious defect that they have known about. We have a very good consumer reporter in the Boston area that may be getting a call from me unless I get some satisfaction. Too bad there isn't an attorney who specializes in class action litigation who bought one of these--I'd be the first to sign up if Porsche doesn't make this right. Anyone had any experience selling a 1999 after engine replacement--resale value must be terrible.

[Martin]

What is it with Boxster engines and Porsche. Mine's just blown (intermediate shaft again!) and Porsche GB told me to go away because the warranty had expired. It's a 2002 model with only 14,000 miles and a Official Porsche Service history since new.

[Martin]

Broken engine after 14,000 miles. Should Porsche be held to account?

[mloclam]

Hi I am thinking of buying a Boxster in the near future 2.7 2 to 3 years old. I am concerned about all these posts regarding blown engines. Is this a common fault ?, surely the engines can't be that bad , also what are Porsche uk like to deal with when these problems occur Comments please.

[mloclam]

THANKS FOR ALL THE RESPONSES !!!!!!!!!!! A REALLY GREAT MESSAGE BOARD !!!!!

[Mike]

You are probably only hearing about the most extreme cases out of thousands that were produced. I personally have a 2001 2.7 with 65,000 miles and the car has never, not once, had a problem. Between 5,000 mile oil changes (0-40 Mobil 1), it never uses any oil (stick always shows full). Car remains very smooth with an equally smooth shifting manual transmission. My advice - go for it!!!

Mike

[mloclam]

Thanks Mike for the response. I am sure as you say these engine blow ups are isolated in comparison to the numbers of Boxsters manufactured. I was just a bit worried as I currently own a Jaguar X Type and it has taken me 3 years getting everyting sorted under warranty so don't really want anymore heartache with my next car.Will keep you posted. Thanks again for the re assurance.

[Snowwhite]

my engine blew at 10,000 miles. I didn't know you had to replace your engine every 10,000 miles. They replaced it under warranty and I managed to get an extended warranty for the new engine. It has something to do with the sleeving in the 1999 engines. I think they should have been recalled as it could be a safety issue to have the engine blow while you are driving don't you think.
Call Porsche N.A. 770-290-3500.
I have had nothing but problems since the engine was replaced. Now the car does the rhumba when started and they say it's the winter fuel additive. I am on the line with Porsche N. A

[Tony]

I am now a memberof this club. Mine is a 2003 Boxster with 38K miles. My dealer tells me that I shouldn't need to pay and they are currently arguing the position with Porsche UK. I will await the outcome but there is no way I am paying for a new engine - definitely not fit for purpose.

[Tony]

RESULT!!!! After 2 days of 'discussion' I have a free engine!

[Tony]

My 03 Boxster blew its engine due to the crankshaft bearing disintegrating. The car was out of warranty but after 2 days of 'discussion' Porsche UK agreed to a free new engine. Persistence pays off!!

[thesaint7]

I have a 2000, only have 7K on it but @ 3200 miles I had an oil leak, took it in for service and they said it was the rear main seal. picked it up and took it home only to have the same problem 2 weeks later. took it back and was told the motor was junk.