The 987 oil change is a beginner-friendly job and identical in principle across both eras. Capacity with a filter is about 7.75 L on the 987.1 (2.7 and 3.4) and about 7.5 L on the 987.2 (2.9 and 3.4). Use Porsche A40-approved oil — factory fill is 0W-40. Always confirm the level on the electronic oil-level gauge.
What you need
- ~8 L of A40-approved oil (e.g. Mobil 1 0W-40)
- Cartridge oil-filter element kit (includes the cap O-ring)
- A new aluminium drain-plug crush ring
- Oil-filter cap socket, drain-plug tool, torque wrench
- ~10 L drain pan, jack and stands or ramps
Procedure
1. Warm the engine briefly so the oil flows, then shut off. Raise and secure the rear of the car safely.
2. Remove the rear underbody panel to reach the drain plug and filter housing.
3. Position the pan and remove the drain plug; let it drain fully.
4. Unscrew the oil-filter cap, swap in the new element, and fit the new cap O-ring lightly oiled.
5. Torque the filter cap to 25 Nm and the drain plug — with a new crush ring — to 50 Nm.
6. Refit the underbody panel, lower the car, and add oil. Start about 1 L short, then top up to the correct level. Do not overfill.
7. Run the engine, check for leaks, recheck the level, and reset the maintenance reminder.
Notes
- Factory interval is long (2 years / ~12,000 mi), but given these engines' age most owners shorten to 5,000-7,500 mi.
- Dispose of used oil and the filter responsibly. Torque values are from owner references; verify against the workshop manual.
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