daffodildeb

I'm new to the Boxster world, but not to Porsches. I just bought a 6-speed 2002 S and haven't seen it yet. I did have a PPI done by a local independent high-end shop, and it checked out in all respects. Hubby went up today to complete the deal and bring it home, which was his first time to lay eyes on it. He reports that the shifter is "tight," especially when cold. Is this a common issue? And does it require a trip to my Porsche whisperer when I get it home? Understand that I haven't driven it yet due to illness, but apparently it's tighter than our 997. It's had a new clutch/IMS within the past 20,000 miles, along with other maintenance and upgrades.

Thoughts?

Anker

If it doesn't grind or pop out of a gear it is very common. My S is hard to shift into 2nd the first time when cold, but as soon as it has driven 1/4 mile it is fine. I am going to try adjusting the shifter when I replace the shifter bushings soon. If that fails I'll replace the cables.

paulofto

dr914

We installed a six speed in a normal Boxster (long story) and it is tight shifting too but had heard that it was common with the six speed over the smooth shifting five speed

Jim 'n' SC

My 2007 Carrera had a 6sp and it was tight into 1st & 2nd. I believe it's because it has steel syncros in those gears instead of brass. The 6sp in my 2013 981 is silky smooth. It's the best I have ever driven.

daffodildeb

Thanks, guys! I've now driven it and don't see any huge issues. It's tighter shifting than some of my other cars, but there's no grinding, nor does it pop out of gear. Nice car! It replaces a classic Mini, which I have listed for sale. but it's certainly a lot easier to steer and to drive. Hard to believe this car is 16 years old!

Macster

If it hasn't been done or you don't have paperwork it has been done arrange for a brake fluid (and clutch fluid) flush and bleed. This is scheduled to be done every 2 years. While my experience in letting this go -- just lost track of time -- around 2.6 years didn't notice any issues with the braking system the clutch hydraulic system was acting up. The clutch was hard to engage smoothly and shifting was crunchy. After the fluid service clutch engagement was once again smooth and shifting lost the crunch.

This might not probably won't address a tight shifter but it can certainly help the drivability of the car and help prolong the clutch and transmission life. That crunchy shifting could only have accelerated transmission wear.

Also, I had the transmission/diff fluid changed in my 2002 Boxster at between 60K and 90K miles. I had this done at the dealer: Labor was 0.3 hours. Fluid was a bit pricey but at 317K miles the transmission was still fine so the fluid appears to be up to the task. A few dollars for fluid vs. a few thousand dollars for a transmission rebuild? I know what I'd do.

Geof3