Customer Reviews

Porsche Boxster Service Manual: 1997-2004 Boxster, Boxster S (Robert Bentley)

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I've been working on cars since I can remember and can do just about anything, but the mid engine layout of the Boxster has made it a little more challenging. This manual is the best I've ever seen, even better than Chilton's series. It shows clearly how to perform simple (change oil) and complex (change clutch assembly) maintenance, how to access the darn motor, etc. Pictures are clearly labeled, anyone could pick up this book and do most any procedure. Complete electrical diagrams are a nice touch too. Lots of nice extras include full specs, year to year changes, performance specs, part #'s, etc. If you have a Boxster, you know how much they charge for basic maintenance, buy this manual and save yourself a bundle. Put that $$ you saved into some performance parts :)

Don't expect this book to go into intimate detail on all of the topics that it covers; it is mainly about getting you familliar with the 97-2004 models. The book is big and contains good pictures. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about their car. If you just want to learn how to do regular maintenance, grab this. If you want to learn how to do more complex things, like replacing your convertible top, you will need the porsche tech manual.

Fortunately, I have had to use the book only once so far and as simple as it sounds, I couldn't have replaced the headlight bulb without it. But I think the authors should make note that the low beam/high beam bulbs are reversed, depending on which side of the car you are working on. Little details like that can waste an hour or two trying to diagnois a problem that can't be fixed with their illustration. Low beam is the lower bulb on the left side of the car but on top on the right side of the car. Having said that, the book paid for itself with this one repair, the dealer wanted $95 (1 hour labor) and $18 for the halogen replacement bulb to complete the repair.

I have always done my own brakes, but I hadn't done them yet for the Boxster. The dealer quoted me over $800 to just change pads/sensors. The book gave me all the info I needed to do the job for $139. Worth every penny.

As an aside, I have never changed brakes that were so simple.

Manual is very helpful, but not terribly complete for a DIY.

Examples include: Pictures not always clear enough or numerous enough to see process being presented (eg. exactly where do you place jack or jack stand under engine to support car, where are suspension alignment adjustments?), too many things left to reader to figure out (such as how to read computer codes and what to do about them when disconnecting battery and EXACTLY what you should do after reconnecting battery, precisely what are the tools needed to remove interior panels?).

Overall, it is a good manual and I am glad I got it, but you should not expect to start a project without first doing some further research.

I have not used this manual to rebuild the transmission or any other extensive repair, so I cannot comment on it's usefulness in that respect. Although the manual does contain detailed repair procedures. I wanted a manual primarily to understand the design and construction of the car, and to be able to do maintenance and light repair if desired. Also, it's good to know what's involved in a repair even if someone else does it. For my needs, it's an excellent manual.

Offers very informative information and highly descriptive . Even though I wouldn't perform an engine overhaul, this manual offers descriptive details (inlcuding photos) for each step... not only for overhauls, but nearly every faccet of Miantenance upkeep and repairs of the Porsche Boxster. I would highly recommend this manual!!!! Just performing the regular routine maintenance on my Porsche utilizing this manual essentially paid for itself in it's first use (if anyone has ever owned a Porsche and was accustomed to bringing it to the dealership, should know what costs are associated with regular routine maintenance at a Porsche dealership). Just keep your receipts for repairs and bring your vehicle in for it's regular 30k/60k routine check-ups and your warranty should still remain in effect. This will also give you in-sight to any problems caught early and you can perform the repairs yourself.

I love Amazon but don't know what happened on this product. I guess they can't be the best at everything. Amazon is still the best generally. In this case however, there is a company by the name of RennTech which has forums about Porsche. People who bought this manual from Amazon in Dec '05 did so at a third of what it is today for this same manual. The author makes the same manual available directly today (do a search) at a relative bargain (about 60%). Other than that, being more specific would be against the posting rules.

The book is all I expected it to be. There is no record of picking up the first book from the shipper. However after a report to the shipper, the follow-up book came in due haste. The photo illustrations are a little hazy, but the text explains in detail the procedures required to replace and or repair parts of the Porsche Boxster. Models for various years are covered in sequence as one reads the text. The Amazon price was right and cost less comparable to other sources. A good book, and a great car.

A great technical aide for your Boxster; supplements the owner's manual nicely and is MUCH cheaper than the $600.00 factory repair manuals. Caveat: watch for innacurate details in the instructions; amount of top retraction required to access engine compartment was way off.