NEW every week, Boxster Haus shares a story about 2-3 Porsches that have visited us. These cars, just like our customers, become friends. Each one has its own story to tell.

Week 1 August 2025: 1998 Porsche 911 (996)
3.4 6 Speed Manual. One of our own.
Starter motor issues. 180,00k

As is often the case, we are happily working on other Porsches and tend to delay our own tasks! Starter motor issues on 20-25-year-old (996/997/Boxsters/Caymans) are common, typically due to the starter gear not disengaging. The clattering sound is quite annoying and, at times, embarrassing! It was time to correct it! The starter motor, whilst not conveniently located, does provide the opportunity to clean and lubricate parts that are generally not accessible. See image.

Week 3 August 2025: 2004 Porsche Boxster (986)
2.7 / 5 Speed Owner Kieren G. 70,000k
Back for Stage 2. Suspension work.

Kieren asked Boxster Haus Julian if he could take him for a drive in his well-sorted Boxster. Julian had fitted Bilsteins, KYB heavy-duty springs (standard height), OE-matched top mounts, and bearings. We have a favourite testing ground (Curves) close to our workshop. That drive was enough to show Kieren the remarkable handling capabilities of Boxsters. He wanted the same! After all tasks were completed, he picked up his Porsche. After a quick run on the same testing ground, Kieren sent a text, ‘WOW! ’ Most appreciated!

Week 1 September 2025: 2000 Porsche 911 Cabriolet (996)
3.4 Tiptronic Owner: Peter H. 71,000k
Oil analysis and inspection.

Quite a unique 996. Imported from Hong Kong and currently for sale. Full Gemballa kit; Peter mentioned that the kit would cost $27,000 to replace today. He asked us to thoroughly check his car before the sale, including the all-important oil analysis. We dropped the oil and sump (Bore check) removed the oil filter, and opened it for inspection (see below). The results came back, all clear. Peter is happy! Replaced an ignition module, spark plugs and sleeves. Sorted other issues. Ready for it’s next owner.

Week 3 September 2025, 1999 Porsche 911 Cabriolet (996)
3.4 6-Speed, owned by Steve A. Currently 121,000k
Soft Top issue, LH Door Glass not calibrated. Inspection.

Steve & Karen own a very cool 996.1 Cabriolet, just like themselves, a cool couple! This 996 is charcoal grey and much loved. It’s a stablemate to their 997 Turbo. Karen will be using the 996.1 for motorway journeys. The soft top issue was caused by leaking rams (LH/RH) and a dry motor, mainly due to lack of use. The hardtop is used most often and looks quite sharp. Aside from a slow starter motor and the usual strut bump stop (front) deterioration, she is in great condition.

Week 3, October 2025, 2001 Porsche Boxster (986)
3.2 6-Speed, owned by Dragan K. Currently 149,000K
Preparing for sale.

This was a Boxster we previously sold to a mate in Melbourne. Dragan’s situation changed temporarily, and he asked Julian and me if we could sell it (which we had stored here for several months). It was effectively sold within 24 hours, attracting interest from all over Australia. Most likely, we could have sold five of them!
Our brief is to roadworthy the Boxster, price suspension upgrades (Bilsteins) for a new local Sunshine Coast owner. Exciting. Watch this space.

Week 2 November 2025: 1998 Porsche 911 (996)
3.4 Tiptronic. Owner Joshua O. 80,000k
CV Shaft & Brakes

Joshua’s 996 was back. A lovely car, so well preserved by its previous owners in Hong Kong. Very straight body and superb paintwork. Mechanically, issues noted during an earlier visit at Boxster Haus included brakes, pads & sensors, and a CV rebuild. Other issues were faulty wheel bearings (front) and worn ABS wiring harness (rear), a common problem on Boxsters & 996/997 models over 20 years old.

Week 1 December 2025: 1977 Porsche 911
2.7 - 5 Speed. Owner Ryan K. 100,000k
Hot-starting issue, brakes, suspension, and bibs & bobs.

Another interesting project. Enthusiastic owner in Ryan. Considerable work has been done before visiting Boxster Haus—a rare Sportsmatic gearbox (semi-auto). We love these old 911’s, actually love them all. Something special about the air/oil-cooled models: we will create a separate blog for the oldies. So much to discuss and share. The oldest here is over 50. Extraordinary how good they are.

BOXSTER HAUS WEEKLY

Week 1 August 2025: 2004 Porsche Boxster (986)
2.7 5 Speed Manual. Owner Kieren G.
Major service. 69,000k

Kieren is a proud (first-time) Porsche owner, having driven an NB MX5 for 10 years. Although a low-kilometre car, the Boxster had been sitting for approximately 2 years and needed some work. The body and interior are first class. After thoroughly inspecting the 986 a week earlier, we decided to split the work into two stages. The first stage included Zimmermann discs and Textar pads (most urgent since the current discs were undersized). A power brake bleed flush was also necessary.

Week 3 August 2025: 1999 Porsche 911 Cabriolet (996)
3..4 / 6 Speed. Owner Greg L. 234,000k
Major Service, Suspension, Engine Mounts, Brakes, Coolant Leak.

Week 1 September 2025: 2004 Porsche Cayenne S (955)
V8 Auto. Owner Tom S. 160,000k
Extensive Wiring Issues.

This particular Cayenne has been a labour of love! Extensive repairs to the wiring harness have been carried out. There are some repair jobs that one cannot charge for the hours spent. We got so deep with Tom’s car, there was no turning back! Determined to wire as per the original, there was no bypass of wiring looms to correct a problem (Not in our DNA!) It was done correctly. Corrosion of the engine wiring harness was rampant. Fortunately, we had success; now running beautifully, followed by an engine and coolant flush.

Week 4 September 2025, 2005 Porsche Boxster S (987)
3.2 6-Speed, owned by Bruce A. Currently 106,000k
Minor Service and Inspection.

Boxster Haus assisted with this particular sale. Bruce’s Boxster S will be delivered to Tom in WA. Bruce has maintained his Porsche well and kept it in excellent condition. The pre-sale routine service included a cabin filter, our recommended Liqui Moly engine flush, and a magnetic sump plug (a must-do) for these cars. Despite the Boxster passing a roadworthy inspection (before visiting Boxster Haus), Julian noticed that the front suspension bump stops were damaged. Tom was happy for us to replace them. A precise wheel alignment ensured the Porsche was well planted—another win for all.

Week 3, October 2025, 2005 BMW E85 Z4
2.5 Auto, owned by Boxster Haus (Trade). Currently 110,000
Preparing for sale.

Long story short, we have a soft spot for Z3 & Z4 models. Magnificent engines, just lacking the finesse (And sound of a Porsche sports car). This particular example is low-k, but suffered from the problematic soft-top motor and pump issue. BMW located the part in a water channel, doomed to failure. The Z4 has been sitting around the workshop for too long. Time to recommission. Replaced the cooling system, cam cover oil leaks, plugs, and a bunch of other things. Drives very nicely. Happy to work on these models.

Week 2 November 2025: 1974 Porsche 911S
2.7 - 5 Speed. Owner Simon A. 140,000k LHD
Engine out, replace with 3.0L. serious wiring

Long-term project. A dedicated owner, car enthusiast, and a regular at Boxster Haus! The scope grew from starting the 911 to an engine bay rewire, an MSD Ignition Unit install, to a 2.7 Engine removal and 3.0 replacement—a fascinating project. Simon prefers that the Porsche remain LHD, preserving its original purity as an investment, a wise move.

Greg’s first Porsche. Lovely condition. Had a new engine replaced approximately 15k ago. Our brief was extensive (Major service, brakes, suspension, engine mounts and more). Having just fitted the iconic Porsche Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, the morning she arrived. We inspected the car a week prior; our primary concern was the coolant leak. Possible radiator leak; after a pressure test, we discovered a small leak in the hose and junction pipe. No stock (new) in Australia; ultimately, one was found in the US— Expect to complete in week 4.

Week 2 August 2025: 2004 Porsche Cayenne S (955)
V8 Auto. Owner Tom S.
Will not start. Towed. 160,00K

A complex project. All signs pointed to a faulty fuel pump—one of two—in Cayenne’s fuel system: a primary pump (where the fuel filter is situated) and a secondary pump. This pump activates once the fuel reaches a certain low level. All tests were fine, but there was weak cranking and no power to the spark plugs. Long story short: severe wiring harness issues, on the LH sill area and beneath the engine fuse box. Nasty corrosion, especially on the crucial wiring nodes. Service due and brake overhaul.

Week 4 August 2025: 2000 Porsche Boxster (986)
2.7 / 5 Speed Owner Mo M. 134,000k
Stage 2 Suspension work.

Second stage of work for Mo. New Brembo discs, rebuilt the top strut mounts and bearings, replaced bump stops and boots. Full safety check. Discovered loose calliper bolts and others. Booked for a much-needed wheel alignment and balancing. Mo had previously fitted a set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres. Work is in progress with Mo, sourcing various missing trim parts. A 2k a year Boxster. Golf and back! Our goal is to see this particular Boxster return to its former glory. The engine is in excellent condition, despite having little use.

Week 2 September 2025: 1991 Porsche 911 Cabriolet C4 (964)
3.6 5 Speed Owner David Y. 145,000k
Brake Issues / Engine Flush Full Service

Another complicated project! A beautiful 964, owned long-term by the same owner, has a brake issue. Another workshop initially diagnosed an accumulator problem, but we later found the real issue was a pressure line in the Diff Lock module (Pool of brake fluid, see image below). Unfortunately, David had already bought a new accumulator (famously known as the ‘bomb') from Porsche. The C4 has 13 bleeder points; it will be replaced anyway.

Week 1, October 2025, 2007 Porsche Cayman S (987)
3.4, 6 Speed, owned by (Simon A) 106,000k
Brakes & Suspension

Simon is a very passionate about his newly purchased Porsche. The brief was simple: get her right (suspension & brakes). We fitted Bilsteins, Brembo discs, Textar pads, sensors, and anti-rattle springs where required. This particular Cayman is one of the quickest we have driven. A little rocket ship; the previous owner drove her as designed. Sorting the Cayman was a lot of fun. Awesome result. We love our Bilsteins!

Week 4, October 2025, 2004 Porsche Cayenne (955)
4.5 V8 Auto, owned by Tom Shaw. Currently 161,000
Brake work

Tom brought his very nice Cayenne back for new discs, pads, and sensors. Since the wiring overhaul and service, she has been running really well. These OG Cayennes are something special, effortless to drive. This one now stops as intended, having exhausted the life of the existing Textar brake pads. With rural land, the 22-inch turbo wheels are not so practical; considering changing to 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tyres. Dirt roads pending!

Week 3 November 2025: 2003 Porsche Boxster (986)
2.7 - 5 Speed, Owner Boxster Haus. 121,000k
Recommission.

A Boxster Haus Porsche, a genuine barn find, located in our backyard of Tanawha. Has been sitting in a shed for 8 years (on a 50-acre property). Owned by a true gentleman, now in our care and tasked with recommissioning to a high standard. We advertised at a very reasonable price ($21k) and a roadmap—over 30 enquiries in 48 hours, from all over Australia. Our preference is for the Boxster to remain on the Sunshine Coast. A local Noosa gentleman purchased first first-time Porsche. Very exciting. The refresh is coming along nicely. So striking in red!

Week 2 August 2025: 2000 Porsche Boxster (986)
2.7 5 Speed Manual. Owner Mo M.
Soft Top cannot open. 134,000K

Mo has owned his Boxster for 15 years; his previous Porsche was a 996 4S (Dubai). He never regarded the Boxster as a true Porsche until he drove one! The task was simple: get the soft top to operate! The solution was complex. Julian is a master at the intricate work. Having tested all sensors and the usual suspects like ball joint sockets and motors, the issue appeared to be in one of the transmission gears. The breakage was found in both LH and RH gears. The plastic gears, which are part of a watch-like mechanism, had split.

Week 4 August 2025: 1998 Porsche 911 (996)
3.4 Tiptronic. Owner Joshua O. 80,000K
Idler Pulley Bolt had broken. Towed. in.

Joshua’s very low k 911 was towed in. As noted, the Idler Pulley (deflection) bolt had snapped whilst driving. Due to minimal workspace whilst the engine was in situ, it was a challenging job. It was a perfect opportunity to replace all pulleys/bolts, the tensioner and auxiliary belt. Great result. A very low-mileage car, and another Hong Kong import in fantastic condition.

Week 2 September 2025: 2007 Porsche Cayman S (987)
3.4 6 Speed Kevin S. 106,000k
Oil analysis, service, suspension, brakes

A NZ import. Lovely condition. The car was sold while at Boxster Haus. The brief went ahead. Oil analysis, bore inspection, front bump stops/boots, wheel alignment, and, for the new owner, Simon, front/rear discs, pads, anti-rattle springs, and sensors. A super clean example, grossly undervalued Porsche. Our choice of discs is Zimmermann or Brembo. Front pads for us, has to be Textar.

Week 1, October 2025, 2010 Porsche Panamera 4S (970)
4.8 V8 PDK, owned by Mark & Karen A 160,000k
Oil Leaks, Engine & Auto Service, Brakes and Bump Stops

Another lovely couple! We are blessed here at Boxster Haus; all our customers become like family to us. Mark & Karen’s Panamera had been on blocks for 18 months whilst travelling. Auto (PDK) was sketchy, needed servicing. As discovered, the gearbox oil change was well over due. Mark loves his Porsche, and it is well cared for. As expected, everything has to be right. There were bad leaks from the engine sump and plug, rear bump stops were in poor shape, and the electronic handbrake cover required replacing. A wonderful cruiser, and highly advanced for a 2010 Porsche. Another precise wheel alignment improved the drivability.

Week 1, November 2025, 2010 Porsche Panamera 4S (970)
4.8 PDK Mark & Karen A. Currently 161,000K
Back for a Tie Rod replacement and checking rear strut sensors.

The Panamera was back, with two new tasks: RHF tie rod replacement, a new electric handbrake panel, and checking on previous work related to the rear struts. A repair was carried out on the LHT top electrical socket. This was part of the PSM (Porsche Stability Management) system, which was now causing issues. There was concern that the repair was not successful. Upon inspection, it was found to be successful; the problem was with the other LHS, where the strut had effectively lost its rebound, causing the top electrical socket to disconnect. Another repair was implemented and appears to be successful, but over time, the strut will likely need to be replaced.

Week 4 November 2025: 2004 Porsche Boxster (986)
2.7 / 5 Speed Owner Kieren G. 73,000k
Air Conditioning

Summer is here! Time for an air conditioning refresh for Kieren’s lovely Boxster. The Porsche required two new condensers, dryer (filters), and new refrigerant. The old filter had broken down, clogging up pipes, nasty. It appears the air conditioning has not been working for many years. The compressor was old, albeit serviceable. Kieren rarely has the top up, 99% open-air motoring. Still nice to feel some cool air from the vents!