
204
Practical Tips, Emergency Service
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Quality grades can be found where applicable on 
the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maxi-
mum section width. 
Example All passenger car tires must conform to Federal 
Safety Requirements in addition to these grades. Treadwear 
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating 
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested un-
der controlled conditions on a specific govern-
ment test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one 
and a half (1-1/2) times as well on the government 
course as a tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends upon 
the actual conditions of their use, however, and 
may depart significantly from the norm due to va-
riations in driving habits, service practices and dif-
ferences in road characteristics and climate.  

214
Practical Tips, Emergency Service
Example of InscriptionInscription on radial tireATire size
Example: P 265/40 ZR 18 101 Y 
–P - The tire is designed for Passenger vehicle. 
This information is not included on all tires.
–265 - Indication of tire width in mm
–40 - Indication of tire height to tire width ratio 
in percent–ZR - code letter for radial tires for speeds 
above 150 mph / 240 km/h
There are currently no standards concerning 
tire strength at speeds above 150 mph (240 
km/h). 
–R - Belt type code letter for radial
–18 - Indication of rim diameter in inches
–101 - Load capacity coefficient
–Y - Speed code letter
–XL (Extra Load) - Tire with increased load rat-
ing
B TIN (Tire Identification Number)
Example: DOT xx xx xxxx xxxx
–DOT
The DOT symbol indicates that the tires com-
ply with the requirements of the US Depart-
ment of Transportation and provides informa-
tion about:
– first two-digit code means manufacture’s iden-
tification mark.
– second two-digit code means tire size.
– third four-digit code means tire type code.
– fourth four-digit code means date of manufac-
ture.
If, for example, the last four numbers read 
0204, the tire was produced in the 2nd week 
of 2004.
C Tire ply composition and material
The number of layers in the tread and sidewalls 
and their material composition.
D Maximum permissible inflation pressure
The maximum permissible cold inflation pressure 
to which a tire can be inflated.
fDo not exceed the permissible inflation pres-
sure. 

Practical Tips, Emergency Service
215
E Maximum Load rating
The maximum load in kilograms and pounds can 
be carried by the tire. If you replace tires always 
use a tire that has the same maximum load rating 
as the factory installed tire.
FRadial
The identification indicates if the tire has radial 
structure.
G Term of tubeless or tube tire
Identification for tubeless tires.Speed code letterThe speed code letter indicates the maximum per-
missible speed for the tire.
This code letter is shown on the tire sidewall.
T = up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
H = up to 131 mph (210 km/h)
V = up to 150 mph (240 km/h)
W = up to 167 mph (270 km/h)
Y = up to 186 mph (300 km/h)Tip on driving
Tires with a maximum speed rating that is lower 
than the specified maximum vehicle speed may be 
mounted only if they bear an M+S identification on 
the tire sidewall.
fPlease note that in addition to the winter tires, 
all-season and all-terrain tires are also subject 
to speed limits and bear this identification.
Inscription on light alloy wheelsMaintenance note
fProtect the valve inserts against soiling with 
valve caps.
Use only plastic valve caps.
Soiled valve inserts can cause a gradual loss 
of air.
Note on operation
fThe rim width in inches A and the rim offset F 
are visible from the outside. This information 
can be found near the tire valve.
A-Rim width in inches
B- Rim-flange contour code letter
C- Symbol for drop-center rim
D- Rim diameter in inches
E-Double hump
F- Rim offset in mm 

Vehicle Identification, Technical Data
267
Weights 
Dimensions Boxster Manual transmission Tiptronic S
Empty weight (depending on equipment) 2855 lbs. to 3109 lbs. 2987 lbs. to 3208 lbs.
1295 kg to 1410 kg 1355 kg to 1455 kg
Maximum gross weight 3549 lbs./1610 kg 3649 lbs./1655 kg
Maximum axle load, front* 1709 lbs./775 kg 1709 lbs./775 kg
Maximum axle load, rear* 2017 lbs./915 kg 2017 lbs./915 kg
Boxster S Manual transmission Tiptronic S
Empty weight (depending on equipment) 2965 lbs. to 3153 lbs. 3053 lbs. to 3241 lbs.
1345 kg to 1430 kg 1385 kg to 1470 kg
Maximum gross weight 3594 lbs./1630 kg 3682 lbs./1670 kg
Maximum axle load, front* 1709 lbs./775 kg 1709 lbs./775 kg
Maximum axle load, rear* 2072 lbs./940 kg 2072 lbs./940 kg
*The maximum gross weight must not be exceeded.
Note: If additional accessories are installed, the useful load will be correspondingly less.
PAS M
Length 170.4 in./4329 mm
Width 70.9 in./1801 mm
Height 51.0 in./1295 mm 51.0 in./1295 mm
Wheelbase 95.1 in./2415 mm
Ground clearance 4.0 in./101 mm 3.7 in./95 mm
Turning circle 36.4 ft./11.1 m 

Index
275
RRadiator fans .............................................. 171
Radio reception .......................................... 139
Rain sensor ................................................ 110
Range on remaining fuel ........................87
, 100
Rear fog light .....................................108, 249
Rear lid ...................................................... 132
Rear spoiler............................................62, 63
Rear view mirrors ......................................... 31
Rear window defogger.................................. 33
Rear wing
Retractable........................................... 62
Relays ........................................................ 226
Release button ........................................... 147
Remote control ............................................. 18
Replacement key .......................................... 17
Replacing bulbs .......................................... 239
Replacing wiper blades................................ 169
Retractable spoiler........................................ 62
Rims
Diameter ............................................ 215
Rim width ........................................... 215
Running in .................................................... 14
SSafety belts ..........................................42
, 199
Warning light ........................................ 43
Safety compliance sticker ........................... 258
Sealing set ................................................. 220
Seals, care of ............................................. 197
Seat ............................................................ 34
Adjustment ........................................... 34
Heating ................................................ 38Memory................................................36
Selector lever .............................................147
Selector lever position indicator ............ 81
, 149
Shifting gear ...............................................146
Shiftlock .....................................................147
Side lights ..................................................249
Side marker light ............................... 108, 248
Side vents ..................................................120
Snow chains .............................. 213
, 263
, 264
Snow tires ......................................... 212, 262
Sockets .....................................................124
Spare key .....................................................17
Spare wheel ...............................................264
Speed code letter .......................................214
Speed control .............................. 76
, 113
, 114
Speed limit .......................................... 88, 214
Speedometer................................................78
Spoiler .........................................................62
Fixed ....................................................63
Retractable ...........................................62
Sport mode ..................................... 57
, 60, 61
Sports seat ..................................................34
Stability management system (PSM) ...............58
Starting ................................................. 67, 68
Starting and stopping the engine ....................67
Steering wheel
Adjustment ...........................................39
Buttons ................................................40
Lock ................................. 67
, 68, 69, 70
Rocker switches..................................147
Toggle switches ..................................147
Stopwatch ....................................................92
Storage options ..........................................126
Storing your Porsche..................................200
Sun visors ....................................................41Switching passenger’s airbag on and off ........ 48
TTachometer ................................................. 79
Tail light ..................................................... 249
Tank .................................................. 178
, 179
cap ................................................... 179
Ventilation system.............................. 184
Telephone .................................................. 141
Temperature setting........................... 114, 117
Temperature, outside indicator ...................... 83
Test stand, measurements ............................ 60
Theft protection ........................................... 16
Tiptronic .................................................... 147
Indicator .............................................. 81
Tires ................................... 14
, 203
, 262
, 263
Checking pressure............................. 223
Inscription .......................................... 214
Loading information ............................ 216
Pressure................................ 5
, 206
, 263
Pressure plate.................................... 259
Sealant .............................................. 220
Sidewall ............................................. 214
Size .................................................. 214
Tires and tire care ...................................... 203
Tools ......................................................... 136
Towing .............................................. 254, 255
Track ........................................................ 262
Transmission ............................. 145
, 146
, 261
Fluid .......................................... 190, 266
Trunk entrapment ....................................... 132
Turn signals ......................................... 79, 109