Boxster 718 (982) 2017>>

Boxster 718 (982) 2017>> Parts & Guide

The Porsche 982, marketed as the 718 Boxster, is the fourth generation of Porsche's mid-engined roadster. This guide brings together its history, important variant differences, commonly reported symptoms and popular refreshes, backed by the product knowledge of the Porsche specialists at Design911.

Model Background

Introduced in 2016 for the 2017 model year, the German-built 982 succeeded the 981 as the fourth-generation Boxster. Porsche changed the marketing name to 718 alongside the move from naturally aspirated flat-six engines to newly developed turbocharged flat-four units in the original Boxster and Boxster S. The name refers to the lightweight mid-engined Porsche 718 racing cars that won the Targa Florio in 1959 and 1960, outmanoeuvring larger and more powerful competitors. Six-cylinder power later returned in the 718 Spyder, GTS 4.0 and Spyder RS while the core mid-engine balance remained central to the range.

Generations And Variants

Not every Boxster 718 (982) 2017>> is the same car underneath. Knowing which variant you own matters when choosing parts and when weighing up which one to buy.

• 718 Boxster: The original entry model uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged flat-four engine, with six-speed manual and PDK versions offered.
• 718 Boxster S: The S moved to a 2.5-litre turbocharged flat-four with a variable-turbine-geometry turbocharger, alongside corresponding chassis and brake specification differences.
• 718 Boxster GTS: Introduced in 2017, the first 982 GTS retained the 2.5-litre turbo flat-four but added revised intake and turbocharger hardware, plus a more focused standard chassis specification.
• 718 Boxster T: The T paired the 2.0-litre engine with a driver-focused equipment package including lowered adaptive suspension, torque vectoring and a mechanical rear differential lock.
• 718 Spyder: Revealed in 2019, the Spyder introduced a naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six, GT-derived chassis hardware, stronger brakes and a lightweight manually operated roof.
• 718 Boxster GTS 4.0: This model replaced the turbocharged GTS engine with a naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six while retaining a more road-friendly Boxster roof and cabin than the Spyder.
• 718 Spyder RS: Introduced in 2023, the range-topping RS uses the high-revving 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-six associated with the 911 GT3, a short-ratio PDK transmission and extensive lightweight components.

Why Owners Love It

The 718 keeps the Boxster's defining mid-engine balance while adding a more modern, torque-rich character in the turbocharged four-cylinder models. Its accurate steering, compact proportions, open roof and useful front and rear luggage spaces make it both involving and usable. The later GTS 4.0, Spyder and Spyder RS add naturally aspirated flat-six character for owners who prefer a more linear response and a stronger motorsport connection.

Common Issues And Symptoms

With age, most problems show themselves gradually rather than dramatically. These are common symptoms owners report; use them as guidance and confirm fitment and diagnosis before ordering parts.

• Owners report knocks or creaks over uneven roads, which can point to worn suspension arms, joints or bushes.
• Tramlining, an unsettled steering feel or uneven tyre wear can point to tyre condition, suspension wear or incorrect wheel alignment.
• Brake squeal or judder can develop through wear, deposits, corrosion, use patterns or prolonged storage; pads, discs, fluid and calliper condition all merit inspection.
• Weak air-conditioning performance can point to damaged or corroded front condensers, refrigerant loss or related air-conditioning components.
• Higher operating temperatures or noisy cooling fans can accompany blocked, corroded or damaged front radiators and restricted airflow.
• On turbocharged flat-four cars, hesitation, inconsistent boost or warning lights can point to plugs, ignition coils, sensors or boost and vacuum leaks in the pipework.
• Early turbocharged cars can show ignition coil or associated connector deterioration, sometimes noticed as rough running, hesitation or warning lights.
• Low-use cars can display several unrelated electrical warnings when battery condition or charge level has deteriorated.

Popular Upgrades And Refreshes

Most owners aim for a strong baseline rather than chasing numbers. These themes reflect the areas people commonly refresh to keep the car consistent and confidence-inspiring.

• Suspension & Axle refresh: Renewing tired arms, bushes, joints and dampers helps preserve the crisp handling and sharp steering on which the 718 depends.
• Tyres and alignment: A well-matched set of tyres and accurate geometry can reduce tramlining, uneven wear and nervous road manners.
• Brake refresh: Fresh pads, discs and fluid are popular where owners want braking to remain smooth and consistent during enthusiastic use.
• Cooling and air-conditioning: Radiators, condensers and associated fittings are often renewed when road debris, blockage or corrosion begins to affect operation.
• Ignition and boost control: OE-quality plugs, coils, sensors and pipework help restore everyday reliability and avoid chasing intermittent drivability faults on turbo cars.
• Exhaust and intake changes: Carefully selected components are commonly fitted for more sound and response, with road manners and unwanted drone kept in mind.

Parts To Check First

When something feels off, experienced owners usually start with the fundamentals before swapping expensive components. This checklist is general guidance to help you prioritise checks.

• Tyre age, condition, pressures and wear pattern
• Wheel alignment and evidence of damaged or worn suspension hardware
• Suspension arms, bushes, joints and damper condition
• Brake pad and disc condition, fluid age and free calliper movement
• Front radiator and air-conditioning condenser faces for debris, corrosion or damage
• Battery condition and charging performance, especially on low-use cars
• Spark plugs, ignition coils and their connectors on turbocharged variants
• Boost and vacuum hoses, joints and clamps where hesitation or inconsistent boost is present
• Sensor connectors and stored fault information before replacing components

Practical Tips

A methodical approach usually saves time and avoids unnecessary replacements. Use fault information as a guide, then confirm with basic checks before changing parts.

• On a recently purchased 718, establish a baseline with the tyres, alignment and brakes before assessing more subtle handling concerns.
• Inspect the front radiators and condensers because trapped road debris and corrosion can restrict airflow or damage the cores.
• When power delivery feels inconsistent, include ignition maintenance and boost or vacuum pipework in the initial checks.
• Keep the battery properly supported when the car is used infrequently, as low voltage can trigger multiple warning messages.
• Choose proven exhaust or intake components that suit road use and minimise unwanted cabin drone.
• Confirm the precise model year, engine, transmission, brake specification and option-dependent fitment before ordering.

Explore Parts At Design911

Design911 offers one of the largest ranges of Boxster 718 (982) 2017>> parts anywhere, with genuine, OE Match and quality aftermarket choices side by side. Filter by model and category, use the notes above as a starting point and confirm fitment from the details shown for each item. If the specification is unclear, support is available from people who know these cars.