The Ultimate Guide to Porsche Boxster 987 Body Parts: What You Need to Know

If you own a Porsche Boxster 987 (model years 2005–2012), keeping its body in top shape or upgrading its appearance requires knowing which parts fit and where to source them. Whether you're repairing collision damage, refreshing worn panels, or converting to a 987.2 look, this guide covers the key body parts you'll encounter. We'll explain the differences between OEM, OEM-equivalent, and aftermarket options, and give practical advice on choosing the right parts for your budget and goals.

Key Body Panels and Components

Front Bumper and Fascia

The front bumper on the 987 Boxster is one of the most commonly replaced body parts. It's prone to road debris, parking scrapes, and the dreaded front lip scuffs. Three main options exist:

• OEM Porsche bumper – Exact fit, factory finish, expensive (often $800–$1200 new).
• OEM-equivalent (e.g., Kesseböhmer, Dectane) – Made to OE specifications, slightly lower cost, good fitment.
• Aftermarket/Replica – Cheaper (under $400), but fitment can vary; some require adjustment or trimming.

For 987.1 (2005–2008) and 987.2 (2009–2012) models, the bumper shape differs slightly. The 987.2 has a wider lower intake and different fog light locations. If you're swapping to a 987.2 front end, you'll need the corresponding headlights, hood, and fenders as well.

Hood (Bonnet)

The aluminum hood on the 987 Boxster is lightweight and can dent or suffer stone chips. Replacement options:

• OEM – Genuine Porsche hood, perfect fit, but costly (around $1,500).
• Used OEM – Sourced from salvage yards, typically $300–$600, but check for damage.
• Aftermarket steel or fiberglass – Less common; steel is heavier, fiberglass may need painting and fitment tweaks.

Most owners stick with OEM for the hood due to hood alignment and latch mechanisms. If you're building a track car, a carbon fiber hood saves weight but can be expensive ($800–$1,200).

Front Fenders

The front fenders on the 987 are often damaged in front-end collisions. They are bolt-on parts, relatively easy to replace. OEM fenders run $400–$700 each. Aftermarket fenders from brands like ECS Tuning or Dectane are available for around $200–$350. Watch out for the side marker cutouts: 987.1 has a side marker on the fender; 987.2 moved it to the bumper. When replacing, ensure the part matches your model year.

Rear Bumper and Diffuser

The rear bumper is another common replacement. It includes the lower diffuser section. 987.1 and 987.2 rear bumpers differ in the shape of the exhaust cutouts and reflectors. OEM rear bumpers are around $700–$1,000. Aftermarket replicas exist but may have poor alignment around the exhaust tips. A popular upgrade is the 987.2 rear bumper on a 987.1 for a cleaner look – that swap requires the bumper, diffuser, and sometimes the tail lights.

Side Skirts

Side skirts (rockers) on the 987 Boxster are often damaged by jacking in the wrong spot. OEM replacements are available but expensive ($500+ each). Aftermarket options from brands like TechArt or RennLine are available, and some offer carbon fiber or extended designs for a sportier look. Fitment aftermarket can be imperfect – look for parts with positive reviews on forums.

Doors

Door skins or complete doors are needed if you have major door damage. OEM doors are heavy and costly (over $2,000 bare). Used doors are a smart choice, often $500–$800. Aftermarket door shells are rare. If the damage is just a dent, consider PDR (paintless dent repair) instead.

Convertible Top Frame and Latch Panel

The convertible top mechanism and its surrounding panels are specific to the Boxster. The latch panel in front of the windshield is often where leaks develop. OEM replacements are recommended for weather sealing. For the top frame, only OEM or high-quality used parts should be considered due to complexity.

Lighting and Trim

Headlights

987.1 Boxsters have projector halogen headlights. 987.2 models have bi-xenon with DRL strips. If you want to upgrade your 987.1 to 987.2 headlights, you'll need the bumper, hood, and possibly some wiring adapters. Aftermarket brands like Depo or Eagle Eyes offer LED/halo alternatives that fit the 987.1 – they plug and play but may require coding for xenons.

Tail Lights

Tail lights are a common upgrade. 987.1 tails have clear turn signal lenses; 987.2 tails are red with LED. You can swap 987.2 tails onto a 987.1 with an adapter harness (available from Rennwagen or DIY). Alternatively, aftermarket LED tails from brands like Spyder or VLAND give a modern look without OEM cost.

Side Markers and Trim

Small parts like side markers, front turn signal lenses, and door trim pieces are inexpensive and easy to replace. OEM is best for fit, but aftermarket clears or smoked lenses are popular for cosmetics.

Materials and Quality Considerations

• OEM (Genuine Porsche) – Guaranteed fit, quality materials, but high price. Best for safety components like bumpers and hoods.
• OEM-equivalent – Manufactured by OE suppliers for the aftermarket. Often same quality as OEM at a lower price. Good for most panels.
• Aftermarket (budget) – Variable quality. Some are decent, others require a lot of bodywork. Suitable if you plan to paint and modify anyway.
• Used OEM – A great value if you can find parts without major damage. Check for cracks, rust, and missing brackets.

Where to Buy Body Parts

While we don't mention specific retailers, consider these channels:

• Specialized Porsche parts websites – They stock both OEM and aftermarket parts, often with fitment guarantees.
• Local auto body supply stores – Can order parts for you.
• Salvage yards (e.g., LKQ, Car-Part.com) – Great for used OEM parts. Just verify the part number.
• Private sellers on forums (Rennlist, Planet-9) – Often selling parts from parts cars. Verify condition and ask for photos.
• Paint suppliers – If you buy an unpainted aftermarket panel, you'll need a local painter.

Installation Tips

• Bumpers and fenders usually require painting and blending. Factor in $300–$600 for paint per panel.
• Ensure you have the correct hardware – Many parts, like bumper covers, come without bolts or brackets. Reuse your originals or buy a hardware kit.
• Alignment is key – Aftermarket panels may need slotting of holes. Do a dry fit before painting.
• For lights, check connector compatibility – Some aftermarket lights include wiring adapters; others don't.
• Use forum guides – Detailed DIYs exist for common swaps like the 987.2 front end.

Final Recommendation

For most Boxster 987 owners, the best balance of cost and quality is to buy used OEM for major panels (hood, bumpers, fenders) and OEM-equivalent aftermarket for small trim and lights. Avoid ultra-cheap replica body panels – they often fit poorly and cost more in body shop labor than the savings. Always prioritize proper paint matching and installation by a professional unless you have experience. If you're planning a visual upgrade (like facelifting a 987.1), do thorough research on all the parts needed to avoid surprises. Your Boxster will look great and stay reliable with these well-chosen parts.