Here at the RainyDayGarage, we believe that everyone has the ability to work on their cars.  All that is needed are good, clear, step-by-step instructions and a willingness to get their hands dirty. The Bentley Boxster Service Manual will go a long way in giving Boxster owners the confidence to tackle a wide range of projects.  The service manual covers model years 1997 to 2004.

When we got our Boxster five years ago, we pretty much experimented on our own whenever we wanted to to anything to the car.  The questions tended to be...how does this piece come off? Which one is the ground wire?  What does that OBDII code mean?  All of those questions are answered in the Bentley manual and more. 

One of the first project we did way back when was to replace the brake pads.  The biggest problem we ran into in the course of the project was removing the retaining pin...after an hour of messing around we finally whacked it with a hammer.  When we checked Bentley's instructions on replacing the brake pad...what did we see?  A photo showing that one should whack the retaining pin to get it out :-)  Sure made us wish we had the manual 5 years ago!!!

The Bentley service manual provide clear step-by-step instructions for all kinds of repair projects, such as doing an oil change, putting in a new air filter, and replacing the brake pad and rotors.

Most of the instructions are accompanied by photographs of the actual work done by the Bentley mechanics.  Diagrams are used to provide clarity where necessary.

In addition to the standard repair and maitenance jobs, the manual also covers some of the more difficult tasks such as clutch adjustment, rear main seal replacement, and even pulling the engine.

We know that not all projects are appropriate for everyone.  Nor will these instructions turn a novice mechanic into a seasoned Porsche technician.  We tend to think having the Bentley Service Manual is more like having a friend who knows all about the Boxster and can answer questions at any time :-) 

This "friend" also gives warnings about potential hazards associated with a given project.  This is particularly welcomed since Porsche parts are not cheap and some are hard to come by.

One nice feature of the Bentley Porsche Service manual is the full listing of all of the OBDII error codes, their Porsche equivalent, and what they mean!  There is also a complete set of electronics wiring diagrams and schematics for those interested in working on the Boxsters's audio system (among other things).

This quick overview was meant to point out some of the more notable features of this service manual.  It is by no means trying to be exhaustive.  Go here to see the complete Table of Contents and Index of the Boxster Service Manual.

In our FirstLook, we found the manual to be a well produced and comprehensive collection of Boxster technical information.  We think any Boxster owner who is interested in what makes their car tick will find it a worthwhile reference source.

In the FirstUse review, we'll do a rotor replacement using the instructions outlined in the service manual.  We'll report back our experience on the completeness, clarity, and accuracy of the steps provided by the manual.   Check back with us and see how we did!

The Porsche Boxster was an instant hit when it was introduced back in 1997.  Since the car was produced using a brand new design and manufacturing process, it had the inevitable problems that only surface once the car went into production.

It was no surprise that fixing common Boxster problems and upgrading various components were discussed online and at regional Porsche gatherings.

By the year 2000 model most of the flaws were corrected.  The Boxster quickly became one of Porsche's most popular models, and developed a devoted following.

Until now, the only comprehensive source of technical information available to a Boxster owner was the $1500 Porsche Workshop Technical Manual, but owners could wait to 10 weeks for delivery after ordering it from Germany!

The good news is that Bentley Publishers has just released their much anticipated Boxster Service Manual.

RainyDayGarage will do a complete series on the manual.  If you don't want to wait for us (we are slow readers), then just click on the Amazon link below and order your own copy today!

Review:

1. FirstLook

2. FirstUse

3. InTheWild

Review Summary:

Initial Impression- Quality Doc

Usability- Logical layout

Durability-

Price- $100

Boxster Projects:

- Mac mini Carputer installation

- PVC Rear Speakers installation

- Aluminum Pedals installation

- Radar Detector installation

- iPod installation

- Brake Pad Replacement

Boxster Events:

- 2006 NE Boxster TechFest