Service Bay
2010 Porsche Cayman 987
CM reader, Ian Thow, services his Porsche Cayman and tells us that most tasks can be completed with a standard toolkit.
Most maintenance and service work on popular Porsche models can be completed without specialist skills or equipment. With the exception of replacing electronic modules, most repairs can be carried out by any competent garage or home mechanic with mostly a standard toolkit. The mid-engined Cayman and Boxster are seen as challenging to many because access to the engine bay is not as simple as on front-engined cars. This is true, but the reality is that all modern engine bays come with some access problems. 2006-2008 Porsche 987.1 models (Gen 1) inherited a reputation for engine problems from the previous 986 range (extensively publicised online, and well out of proportion to the actual incidence). For 2009 (987.2 or Gen 2), a completely new engine was introduced. In addition to being more reliable, the later engines have lower emissions and improved fuel economy due to direct-injection fuelling. Routine servicing and repair schedules however are the same for all years.
Specified service intervals are every two years, with a major service every four years. Porsche sports cars tend to cover fairly low annual mileages, with many sitting idle for long periods, often unused over the winter months. Engine oil absorbs contaminants, including fuel, and will degrade over time due to oxidation. Old oil film on bores and other exposed working surfaces will thin more rapidly, leaving surfaces unprotected on the next start up. Condensed moisture and other contaminants can allow corrosion to set in on these surfaces during periods of inactivity. For these reasons, most specialists recommend an annual oil and filter change. If a car is being laid up over the winter months, change the oil ahead of the last run before laying up.
Buying parts need not be expensive. If you are a member of Porsche Club GB, most Official Porsche Centres (OPC) will discount parts and can be cheaper than reputable motor factors or online suppliers. If there is an OPC nearby, it is well worth checking their prices.
A full parts list, in PDF format, can be downloaded from Porsche UK at www.porsche.com/uk/accessoriesandservice/classic/genuineparts/originalpartscatalogue
The images used below are for a 2010 Cayman. The 987 Boxster models have the same service requirements, but will differ in the steps to access the engine. Only manual transmission models are covered here. I have used time-based intervals. For distance-based servicing, 15,000Km is equivalent to one year.
SERVICING MINOR SERVICE
(at two years then every four years).
FAULT CODE ANALYSIS Professional OBD tools are NOT required to read and clear Porsche fault codes or reset the service interval. Tools are available under £200, including iCarsoft P
