The 987 is the second-generation Boxster and the first-generation Cayman, built roughly 2005-2012. The Boxster (987) replaced the outgoing 986 for model year 2005; the fixed-roof Cayman debuted for 2006 (Cayman S first, base Cayman for 2007). The generation was replaced by the 981. Unlike the 981, the 987 uses hydraulic (not electric) power steering, so it takes a fluid.
The two eras
The single most important distinction when buying or servicing a 987 is which era it belongs to.
- 987.1 (MY2005-2008): engines are the M96 (2.7 base) and M97 (3.4 S). The Boxster S launched with a 3.2 M96 and moved to the 3.4 M97 for 2007 (the Cayman S was 3.4 from its 2006 debut). These engines carry the classic flat-six worries: IMS bearing, cylinder bore scoring, RMS, and air-oil separator. Transmissions are a 6-speed manual or the 5-speed Tiptronic S automatic.
- 987.2 (MY2009-2012): all-new DFI 9A1 engines (2.9 base, 3.4 S) with direct injection. There is no intermediate shaft, so no IMS bearing, and bore scoring is far rarer. Transmissions are a 6-speed manual or the 7-speed PDK dual-clutch. The 987.2 introduced a high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) as a new wear point.
Special variants
Late in the run Porsche added focused models on the 987.2 platform: the lightweight, hardtop Cayman R and the stripped-back Boxster Spyder (both 2011-2012), each with more power, less weight, and a lower ride height.
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