crumbum

I recently bought a 2000 Boxster S. When I went to look at it, I had sensory overload. I immediately fell in love with the thought of having a Porsche. When I test drove it, it was crisp and strong.

However, after I bought it and the adrenaline settled down, I noticed a few issues:
It GRINDS into second gear when the car is cold and only rarely when it is at operating temperature.

The left headlight bracket is missing.

While driving, there is a strange noise in the front right wheel (almost like a wheel out of balance/out of round).
I looked up the underlying causes of these issues and I am SICK TO MY STOMACH. Seems that I bought me a huge hole in my pocket.

I replaced the transmission fluid, but the 2nd gear shifting issue still remains. From what I can see on the web, it seems that a new transmission or rebuild are my only options. Wow $3500!!!!

When I grab the left front wheel and move it, there is a definite wiggle. Seems like I need either a new front end or at least an overhaul. Control arms & Tie-Rods = $1000!!!!

I know you guys are probably sick of hearing about the 2nd gear issue. Is there anything else that I can try before the tranny rebuild?

BTW, I am a newbie here. Included is a picture of my (sick) baby.

Does anyone know of a Porsche recycler in Charlotte? How about a Porsche specialist in Charlotte?

curt_928

try dcauto.com

Phi1720

Vertex auto also does remanned transmissions. They have a core charge that they return to you when you ship them your old trans.

pl

Go to pca.org, and find nc, then go to their website, there should be some Indy shops listed.

Macster

My advice would be to ensure that the Porsche transmission fluid is in the transmission. I just had my 02 Boxster's 5-speed fluid changed. The dealer charged nearly $50/liter (3 liters) for the fluid and 0.3 hours labor. The cost came in under $200 IIRC.

The idea of my recommending you do this, even though you just had the fluid changed, is to ensure the proper fluid was used. I have found over the years that the Porsche transmission fluid delivers the best over all shift performance/behavior. A grinding from 1st to 2nd when cold and yet not when up to temp is based on my experience a fluid problem.

Before I had the tranny torn into I'd gamble a few hundred dollars to see if a fluid change didn't help.

Then be sure the clutch hydraulic system is properly flushed and bled. This is often done at the same time (after) the brake hydraulic system is flushed and bled.

Another possibility is the shifting linkage is out of adjustment (due to wear or abuse from the previous owner). I've never had any problems in this area with my car and I have to point out I have driven it nearly 250K miles with just the occasional tranny fluid service and periodic brake/clutch hydraulic system flush/bleed jobs.

Only if the shifting abnormality remained after doing the above would I then think about a transmission rebuild/refreshing.

Unless, you seek out a qualified Porsche tech's opinion as to whether the symptom you are experiencing is obviously severe enough has the characteristics of something obviously wrong in the transmission that is not due to fluid, adjustment, or hydraulics.

Sincerely,

Macster.

dallison28

I had the same grind on my o2s. I noticed that if i was trying to shift too quickly into 2nd it would grind most of the time. Try shifting slower and make sure the clutch is all the way to the floor before shifting.

I second dcauto, they have great prices and inventory.


Whenever i purchase a used car and get it home, i remove the wheels and do an inspection of my own. I write down all i need to do. It may be something simple or require more work. Before you freak out and are capable of doing the work yourself, get it jacked up and take a look.