INTRODUCTION
Porsche unveiled the Cayman to the world in 2005 and went on sale to the public later in that year. The Cayman was initially only available in 'S' guise with the 3.4 litre engine carried across from it's then a more junior sibling, the Boxster. The following year, in 2006 Porsche released the base model Cayman with a 2.7 litre engine and 5-speed manual gearbox.
The Cayman was widely praised by the motoring press taking the mid-engine concept from the Boxster with increased performance and better chassis dynamics, leading many to suggest it was a more accomplished car than it's bigger brother, the 911 Carrera.
KEY FEATURES
Variocam Plus engine
Active pop-up rear spoiler
18" wheels
Red brake callipers
SPECIFICATION
987 3.4 'S'
Engine Configuration
Flat 6
Engine size (cc)
3400
Max power (hp)
295
Torque (Nm)
340 @ 4,400 - 6,000
Type
Mid-engine, Rear-wheel drive
TRANSMISSION
No. of gears (Manual/Automatic)
6 speed / 5 speed Tiptronic S
Top speed (mph)
171 / 166
Acceleration (0-62 mph)
5.4 / 6.1
Combined (mpg)
26.6 / 25.7
CO2 emissions (g/km)
254 / 264
PRICE AT NEW
£43,930
Unlike most models from the marque, Porsche released the more powerful version of the car, the Cayman S first in 2005 boasting 295hp which delivered 0-62mph in 5.4 seconds and a 171mph top speed for the manual and 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds and a 166mph top speed for the Tiptronic S. Transmission was a choice between a six-speed manual and five-speed Tiptronic.
OTR price, devoid of any options, for the Cayman S in 2006 was £43,930.
The Gen1 Porsche Cayman S currently looks like a very good used proposition in terms of price and represents the entry level into Cayman ownership. Used prices start as low as £11,9501 for a relatively low spec, high mileage example from an independent dealer. Caution is always advised of course as with any Porsche at the bottom rung of the ladder, so in terms of what to look out for when hunting down your bargain Cayman read on.
Type
Flat 6
Engine size (cc)
3400
Max power (hp)
295
Torque (Nm)
340 @ 4,400 - 6,000
Type
Mid-engine, Rear-wheel drive
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The engine used in the Gen1 Cayman S was the M97.20 3.4-litre unit, using 24 valves and the VarioCam Plus variable valve timing cylinder heads borrowed from the 997 S 3.8-litre engines.
The most well-known issue affecting these engines is that of bore-scoring. A term not foreign to those familiar with previous Porsche models, but in the case of the Gen1 Caymans became more prevalent, although the numbers of affected cars is still a relatively low percentage. The issue of bore scoring was most common on pre-2007 engines, though it has affected some later engines. Affected engines will require a strip down and partial rebuild, the extent of which can depend on how many cylinder bores are affected and how far you want to extend the engines life. For owners fortunate enough to have a cast iron warranty, generally from Porsche, they may be lucky enough to claim the cost of a rebuild, or likely a replacement under warranty, for those not so lucky the cost can extend into many thousands of pounds.
Signs to look out for can be excessive smoke on start-up and excessive oil usage. A borescope inspection can be performed on cars prior to purchase by most reputable inspection agents to identify if the car is affected – which if so is best avoided unless the cost of a new engine is factored into the price.
Another fault of Porsches of this generation and much like the previous generation Boxsters, not just the Cayman, is the rear main seal (RMS) which will make itself known by small patches of oil leaking from under the engine. As problems go this isn’t a particularly worrying issue and is best left to be rectified at the same time as a clutch replacement, provided the leaking is not excessive.
Something worth considering if you are planning on using your Gen1 Cayman S regularly on track is that the engines have only two oil pick-ups and the cylinder head can become starved of oil under during hard cornering. Later cars were modified to include 4 oil pick-ups to prevent this issue.
The engines much like most Porsches do not sit and purr at idle like a 4 cyl from a modern car, there are noises and anything from sounding like a sewing machine to more irregular ticking noises can be heard. Most are nothing to worry about and can range from sticky lifters to exhaust gaskets starting to deteriorate, so if you’re worried it’s always best to get it checked out by your local Porsche specialist.
Aside from the issues noted above the Gen 1 Cayman engines and gearboxes tend to be quite strong and reliable.
SERVICING
Porsche state the following servicing schedule for the Gen1 Cayman. Although there is certainly no harm in performing mid-schedule oil changes, especially for cars used regularly for short trips and/or regular track use.
2 years / 20k miles - MINOR
8 years / 80k miles - MAJOR
4 years / 40k miles – MAJOR
10 years / 100k miles – MINOR
6 years / 60k miles - MINOR
12 years / 120k miles - MAJOR
In terms of costs of servicing prices quoted are as follows2
DEALER - PORSCHE OPC
Minor Service - £450
Major Service (including plugs) - £925
Brake Fluid Change - £180
REPUTABLE INDEPENDENT - PARAGON GB
Minor Service - £396
Major Service (excluding plugs) - £528
Brake Fluid Change - £111
Some elements of servicing and repairs are no more challenging than most other cars and can be undertaken by competent home mechanics, for instance brake pads and discs are a relatively easy job provided you have some basic knowledge, follow the guide and possess some basic tools. Sourcing the parts and undertaking these kinds of jobs yourself can save significant sums over dealer prices.
CHASSIS AND BRAKES
The Cayman’s steel monocoque chassis is very rigid having been developed directly from the Porsche Boxster but stiffness of the overall structure due to the integral roof was increased by around 150% over that of the Boxster. This additional inherent stiffness allowed Porsche to tweak certain aspects of the suspension giving the Cayman a more compliant ride whilst delivering possibly one of the sweetest handling sports cars they have produced to date.
Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) was available as an option on the Cayman and whilst seems to be a generally reliable system is not always praised by owners. The choice of wheel size also comes into play when deciding on whether to source a car with or without PASM. Ultimately it will come down to personal opinion and we very much recommend if you can, sampling a selection of cars with or without and with 18”/19” wheels.
The Cayman S has the usual addition of slightly bigger brake callipers, emblazoned with the signature “S” model red paint. The standard brakes for road use are generally very good and it’s not until more regular track work that owners should really need to consider upgrading pads, master cylinders or a number of other upgrades discussed in Cayman owner’s circles.
For higher mileage cars the main issue to watch out for when sourcing a used car, particularly on cars over the 50k mile mark is deteriorating suspension parts. Steering should feel sharp and connected to the road, any vagueness or ‘floaty’ feeling to the car could be down to a number of things, including tyre wear, geometry misalignment and suspension component wear. A higher mileage but well-maintained car should have paperwork to support replacement suspension parts, otherwise factor in £1,000 for undertaking a bit of an overhaul yourself; you want your Cayman to display the handling characteristics it is legendary for.
BODYWORK
The Gen1 Cayman S bodywork is a fully galvanised steel affair and shouldn’t suffer from corrosion if you see a car with any signs then walk away. It is not uncommon on these cars, indeed most Porsches, for the front bumper and bonnet to have been re-sprayed to rectify the numerous stone chips that the cars pick up over their life. This in itself is not a problem unless the work has been undertaken to a poor standard, check the leading door shuts, around the black plastic trim under the bonnet and wheel arches for overspray and poor fitting plastics.
Whilst inspecting any front end paintwork, also ensure the front radiators and condensers are free of debris, are not visibly damaged or leaking.
INTERIOR
Check window operation, as faults are known with the window mechanism and is both fiddly and relatively costly to repair.
The Gen 1 Cayman S interior is now looking a bit dated compared with the latest Porsche models, but should still hold up to high mileage and function in all respects. Seat bolsters are the normal area where you would expect to see wear and they are the not toughest of leather so don’t be surprised to see signs of wear on a car with 50k miles or even less.
Check equipment levels in the cabin, importantly understanding the difference between the lesser spec air conditioning and more desirable climate control, many Gen1 Cayman S were specced with just air conditioning. Gen 1 Cayman Satnav (PCM) is now a bit long in the tooth compared to modern satellite navigation systems and generally is not worth a premium over the standard CD player in our opinion, but some owners still like a big screen. Be warned though that integration with modern gadgets is basic at best.
MODIFICATIONS
Many owners will consider an upgraded exhaust to improve the rather benign sound of the stock Cayman, retrospectively upgrading to the Porsche Sports Exhaust is rather costly so many owners have gone the route of a Carnewal upgrade. Gert Carnewal is based in Belgium and is very well known in Porsche circles with very good feedback from his service and the work he does. The Carnewal GT exhaust gives a much more sporting note at high revs and deeper tone at idle, and importantly not introducing any notable boom during normal driving.
Brakes are another area where some owners like to improve their cars, in this case the brake pedal feel has sometimes come into question. A common modification is retrofitting a master cylinder from a 997 GT3 to address the pedal feel coupled with a set of aftermarket brake pads, usually the Pagid RS-29 but there are others. Brake fluid is a good item to change also if you going to use the car on track.
DIMENSIONS
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OPTIONS
The Gen1 Cayman S came with a number of standard features but as with any Porsche, the list of options was fairly exhaustive and potential owners may wish to check the factory fitted options before purchasing a vehicle. For instance, does the car have the standard lower spec air conditioning or was climate control optioned from the factory. The options codes are listed on the identification sticker on the car and also inside the front page of the car’s service book.
The following list is a worldwide list of the possible options available on the Gen 1 Cayman S.
FACTORY OPTION CODES
008 S-model
009 Basic model
022 Black instrument dials
023 Silver instrument dials
024 Version for Greece
025 Black faced stopwatch
026 Silver faced stopwatch
027 White faced stopwatch
029 Standard chassis
030 Sports chassis
032 Touring suspension (higher suspension for USA)
034 Version for Italy
058 Impact absorbers, front and rear
061 Version for Great Britain
062 Version for Sweden
063 Version Luxemburg
064 Version for Netherlands
065 Version for Denmark
066 Version for Norway
067 Version for Finland
068 Right-hand drive version for Asia Pacific
069 Other country version
071 EU country version
072 Version for Mexico
073 Version for Russia
074 Left-hand drive version for Asia Pacific
075 Version for China
098 Left-hand drive version
099 Right-hand drive version
111 Version for Austria
113 Version for Canada
114 Version for Taiwan
119 Version for Spain
124 Version for France
126 Control and indications in French
127 Control and indications in Swedish
130 Control and indications in English
150 Operates with leaded gas
159 Curbed engine 155kW
193 Version for Japan
194 Battery 60 Ah
195 Battery 70 Ah
196 Battery 80 Ah
197 Stronger battery
198 Stronger starter 1.7 kW
199 Battery disconnection switch
200 Battery 95 Ah
210 Licence plate space Europe and RoW (Rest of World)
211 Licence plate space Europe and RoW (Rest of World)
215 Version for Saudi Arabia
218 Licence plate space North America
219 Without limited slip differential
220 LSD Limited Slip Differential
225 Version for Belgium
233 Internal production code related to tyres
235 Internal production code related to tyres
242 Internal production code
245 Internal production code
247 N1 tyres
249 Tiptronic transmission
267 Automatically dimmable mirrors
268 Rain sensor
270 Door mirrors electrically adjustable and heatable, driver's side flat
271 Door mirrors electrically adjustable and heatable, driver's side aspherical
273 Door mirrors electrically adjustable and heatable
274 Illuminated vanity mirror
277 Version for Switzerland
288 Headlamp washer
301 Longer transmission ratio
305 Alcantara gear lever
308 Alcantara selector lever
325 Version for South Africa/New Zealand
342 Seat heating
369 Standard seat, left
370 Standard seat, right
375 Sports seat, left
376 Sports seat, right
377 Adaptive sports seat, left
378 Adaptive sports seat, right
388 Foldable bucket seat, left
389 Foldable bucket seat, right
393 17" Boxster 987.1 wheels
397 18" Boxster 987.1 S wheels
398 17" Cayman 987.1 wheels
401 18" Cayman 987.1 S wheels
403 19" 911 Carrera S wheels
404 19" 911 Turbo 3.6 wheels
405 19" Carrera Classic wheels
407 19" SportDesign wheels
424 CD compartment
425 Rear window wiper
426 Without rear window wiper
431 Multifunction steering wheel
432 Tiptronic buttons on steering wheel
433 Alcantara sports steering wheel
434 Work instructions for cars for overseas
435 Steering wheel with round center
436 Steering wheel with triangular center design
437 12-way electrical seat incl. lumbar support, left
438 12-way electrical seat incl. lumbar support, right
440 Windscreen antenna
441 Radio preparation
444 Wheel locks
446 Wheel caps with colored Porsche crest
447 Emergency wheel
450 PCCB Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes
451 Makassar multifunction steering wheel
452 Sycamore multifunction steering wheel
453 Carbon multifunction steering wheel
454 Automatic speed control
459 Smooth leather steering wheel with triangular center
460 Smooth leather steering wheel with round center
461 Rod antenna
465 Rear fog light, left
466 Rear fog light, right
475 PASM Porsche Active Suspension Management electronic damper control
476 PSM Porsche Stability Management
479 Version for Australia
480 Manual gearbox, 6-speed
481 Manual gearbox, 5-speed
482 Tyre Pressure Monitoring 433MHz
483 Tyre Pressure Monitoring 315MHz
484 USA symbols and lettering for switches and instruments
488 Stickers in German
490 Sound system A.S.K.
492 Headlamps for left-hand traffic
498 Without model designation on rear end
499 Version for Germany
501 Car cover
502 Produced at Valmet plant in Uusikaupunki, Finland
507 Internal production code (External component manufacture)
509 Fire extinguisher
521 Tilt sensor
524 Immobilizer 433 MHz
525 Immobilizer 315 MHz
532 No alarm
534 Alarm 433 MHz
535 Alarm 315 MHz
536 MY2005-07 Alarm siren and tilt sensor, 2008 alarm siren
537 Seat memory, left
538 Seat memory, right
539 Mechanical seat-height adjustment, left
540 Mechanical seat-height adjustment, right
544 Anti-theft protection without infrared monitoring 433 MHz
545 Anti-theft protection without infrared monitoring 315 MHz
549 Roof rack
553 Version for USA, Canada
555 Black seat belts
556 Seat belts in standard colors
557 Internal production code
560 Knee airbag
562 Front airbags
563 Side airbags
566 Fog lights
567 Top-tinted windscreen
568 Windscreen without green top-tint
571 Activated charcoal filter
572 Manual air conditioning
573 Automatic AC
574 Without air conditioner
575 Luggage compartment cooling system
580 Luggage barrier
585 Leather covered luggage shelf
592 Standard fabric rooflining
594 Alcantara rooflining
601 Xenon
602 Raised stop lamp
606 Daytime driving lights
607 Garage door opener 315 MHz
608 Garage door opener 433 MHz
610 Navigation DVD Europe
611 Navigation DVD South Africa
612 Navigation DVD Middle East
613 Navigation DVD Australia
614 Navigation DVD Asia-Pacific
615 Navigation DVD North America
616 Navigation DVD Russia
617 Navigation DVD China
618 Preparation for telephone installation
619 Bluetooth
635 ParkAssistant
639 Sport Chrono
640 Sport Chrono Plus
641 Electronic logbook
660 OBD 2 On-Board Diagnostics
661 Stricter emission-control concept
664 ORVR Onboard Refueling Vapor Recovery
665 PCM 2 Porsche Communication Management incl. radio, CD
666 Telephone module for PCM
668 Telephone handset
670 Navigation module for PCM
672 Navigation + route backtrace for PCM
674 Preparation for Vehicle Tracking System
675 Without radio preparation (Japan navigation system)
677 Driver card antenna
678 Alarm system connection
679 Restart inhibitor
680 Bose sound system
689 Preparation for CD changer
692 CD changer
694 CD-radio Porsche CDR 24
706 Internal production code
755 Porsche Design Edition 1
758 Cayman S Sport
760 Internal production code
762 Internal production code
789 Color to sample
796 Natural leather
798 Special leather
799 Leather color to sample
801 Makassar interior package matt satin finish
802 Sycamore interior package matt satin finish
803 Carbon interior package
810 Floor mats
900 Accession of the car at the factory
912 Without European ID plate
946 Leather seats with leatherette rear side
950 Alcantara seat covers
951 Seat covers Alcantara/leather/leather
970 Two-tone full leather interior
981 Leather dashboard and door panels
982 Centre part of seats in soft ruffled leather look
983 Leather seats
985 Seat covers, leather/leather/leatherette, 2
990 Seat covers cloth/cloth/leatherette
998 Natural leather
CCP Alu-look PCM, vent slats, AC panel
CCR Alu-look telephone handset
CDA Alu-look air vent slats
CDC Black painted door openers
CDD Alu-look Y-part on steering wheel
CDE Alu-look dashboard trim strip
CDF Alu-look gear lever column trim
CDJ Gear lever column strip painted in car color
CDM Dashboard trim painted in car color
CDN Air vent slats painted in car color
CDP Instrument frame painted in car color
CDZ Leather gear lever trim
CDT Leather covered seat belt buckles
CDW Leather covered Y-part on steering wheel
CEA Leather covered telephone handset
CED Carbon telephone handset
CEF Illuminated door pockets
CER Telephone handset painted in car color
CES MP3-player connector
CET Door opener trim painted in car color
CFA Leather covered Tiptronic gate
CFC Sycamore telephone handset
CFH Makassar telephone handset
CFP Aluminium gear lever with stitching in deviating color
CFX Leather edged individual floor mats
CGA Headlamp washer cover painted in car color
CJX Leather edged floor mats
CLA Thicker Alcantara steering wheel
CLE Alcantara dashboard trim strip
CLF Alcantara door details
CLG Alcantara storage compartment lid with PORSCHE
CMC Door openers painted in car color
CMF Black painted PCM
CMJ Black painted gear lever column trim
CMK Black painted door opener trim
CML Black painted telephone handset
CMM Black painted dashboard trim
CMN Black painted air vent slats
CMP Black painted instrument frame
CMX Decorative side stickers with model name
CNA Leather covered defroster trim
CNB Leather covered defroster vents
CNW Alu-look mirror lower parts
CPA Thicker steering wheel
CPT Storage bin lid with Porsche crest
CPU Leather key pouch
CRX Wheels painted in deviating color
CTG Leather door sills
CUA Door entry guards with personal logo
CUC Model designation painted in car color
CUF PCM, vent slats, AC panel painted in car color
CUJ Leather covered fuse box cover
CUR Leather covered PCM
CUV Storage bin lid with model name
CVP Leather dashboard trim strip
CVV Leather two-tone sunvisors
CVW Leather covered mirror casing and mounting
CWV Leather covered instrument frame
CWW Alu-look instrument frame
CVY Leather covered clothes hooks on seat backrests
CXB Illuminated stainless steel door entry guards
CXC Individual illuminated stainless steel door entry guards
CXD Illuminated carbon door entry guards
CXE Individual illuminated carbon door entry guards
DAD Aluminium shift/handbrake levers
DAE Alu-look body parts
DAG Additional body parts painted in car color
DAT Alcantara gear/handbrake levers
DAU Alcantara Tiptronic/handbrake levers
DAV Tiptronic/handbrake lever leather color to sample
DAW Individual gear/handbrake levers, leather color to sample
DAX Individual gear/handbrake levers, leather color to sample
EAK Leather covered A-pillars
EBA Leather dashboard package extended
EBB Makassar dashboard package extended
EBC Sycamore dashboard package extended
EBD Carbon dashboard package extended
EBE Alu-look dashboard package
EBF Leather package
EBJ Alu-look door finishers
ECA Aluminium gear/handbrake levers
P01 Option package incl. 377 378
P03 Option package incl. 388 389
P04 Option package incl. 475 480
P12 Option package incl. 267 268
P15 Option package incl. 437 438
P23 Option package incl. 665 670
P74 Option package incl. 288 601
P77 Option package incl. 375 376
X45 Instrument dials in interior color
X46 Aluminium Tiptronic selector lever
X47 Carbon gear lever knob
X48 Carbon Tiptronic selector lever
X58 Carbon handbrake lever
X69 Carbon door entry guards with logo
X70 Stainless steel door entry guards with logo
X97 Gear lever knob with aluminium inlay
X98 Handbrake lever with aluminium inlay
X99 Natural leather interior
XAM Aerokit Cayman
XCG Alu-look sports seat backrest
XCK Galvano Silver center console
XCL Alu-look instrument frame
XCZ Short shifter
XD9 Wheels painted in body color
XES Preparation for illuminated door entry guards
XFD Instrument dials in Beige
XFE Instrument dials in Terracotta
XFF Instrument dials in Brown
XFG Instrument dials in Red
XFH Instrument dials in Yellow
XFJ Instrument dials in White
XJT Makassar rear center console
XJU Sycamore rear center console
XLA Polished stainless steel exhaust end
XLF Sports exhaust system
XME Centre console in car color
XMJ Carbon centre console
XMP Leather sun visors
XMZ Leather centre console
XNG Leather instrument surround
XNS Leather steering column
XPA Thicker steering wheel
XPD Carbon steering wheel
XPT Centre console storage bin lid with Porsche crest
XPV Alu-look multifunction steering wheel
XRP 5mm spacers for all wheels
XRR 19" Carrera Sport wheels
XSA Painted sports seat backrest
XSB Sport seat backrests in leather
XSC Porsche crest embossed in headrest
XSH Silver gray seat belts
XSW Blue seat belts
XSX Red seat belts
XSY Yellow seat belts
XTL Carbon door panel parts
XTT Makassar door panel parts
XTU Sycamore door panel parts
XTV Leather door panel parts
XTW Alu-look door panel parts
XUV Centre console storage bin lid with Porsche logo
XV1 Leather defroster trim
XVP Leather dashboard trim strip and cupholder cover
XX1 Leather edged floor mats with Porsche script
XXF Red tail lights
XXZ Footrest
