The Porsche Cayman I (987), produced from 2005 to 2013, brought a fresh dynamic to the brand’s mid-engine lineup. Introduced as a coupe version of the Boxster, the Cayman combined sleek design with outstanding handling, offering a pure driving experience that quickly won over enthusiasts. Its well-balanced chassis and precision steering made it a joy to drive on both twisting roads and racetracks. Beyond performance, the Cayman also required carefully matched components to ensure everything functioned at its best—including the car’s battery.
For this generation of the Cayman, choosing the right battery is essential, not only to meet the performance demands of its petrol engines but also to support its electrical systems without compromise. All variants of the Cayman I—including the 2.7 and 2.9 versions, as well as the more powerful 3.4 models in the S and R versions—were built without Start-Stop systems. This simplifies the selection process, as standard lead-acid batteries are sufficient for all these configurations.
The battery requirements vary slightly depending on the engine version. The 2.7 and 2.9-liter models typically need a battery with a capacity between 74 and 78 ampere-hours (Ah) and a cold cranking amp (CCA) range of 680 to 780 A. These specifications provide the necessary starting power and reserve capacity to handle the demands of the vehicle’s onboard electronics and ignition system. For these versions, examples of suitable batteries include the Bosch S40 08, Bosch S50 08, Exide EA770, Exide EB740, Halfords HCB 096, Lucas LP096 and LS096, as well as Varta E11 and E44.
Things become more specialized when we look at the Cayman S 3.4, S 3.4 Sport, and R 3.4 variants. These performance-oriented versions require a slightly larger battery, with a capacity between 80 and 85 Ah and a CCA range from 700 to 800 A. What sets them apart even further is the need for a battery with reduced height—specifically one that does not exceed 175 mm. This detail is essential because of the design of the battery compartment in these models. Batteries like the Bosch S40 10, Bosch S50 10, Exide EA852, Exide EB802, Halfords HCB 110, Varta F17, and Varta F18 are examples of options that meet both the power and dimensional requirements.
It’s worth noting that in high-performance vehicles like the Cayman, the condition of the battery has a direct effect on overall performance. A weak or failing battery can lead to slow engine starts, erratic electrical behavior, and even warning lights that could mask more serious issues. As such, investing in a high-quality battery is not just about reliability—it also helps maintain the driving character Porsche engineered into the Cayman.
One interesting detail about the Cayman I is that while it shares its roots with the Boxster, the Cayman’s closed body structure provides greater rigidity, which contributes to its sharp cornering ability. That extra rigidity also means slightly different vibration profiles under the hood, making a tightly fitting battery essential to avoid unnecessary wear or disconnection issues during spirited driving.
In conclusion, selecting the right battery for the Porsche Cayman I (987) involves more than just matching numbers. Whether you’re driving a 2.7-liter base model or pushing the limits in a Cayman R, the battery must meet both power and size specifications. Choosing a high-quality, lead-acid battery with the correct capacity and cold cranking amps will ensure that your Cayman remains ready to perform every time you turn the key. Ensuring compatibility in both function and fitment is key to maintaining the car’s iconic balance of precision and power.
Porsche Cayman in version I (987) was produced in the years 2005 – 2013. The following table presents information about batteries that match each of the engines available on the market.
Basic parameters of batteries suitable for Porsche Cayman (2005-2013):
| Layout | Terminal types | Base hold-down |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – positive on the right side | 1 | B13 |
Porsche Cayman I (987) – petrol engines:
- 2.7
- 2.9
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S4 S40 08 | 74 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S5 S50 08 | 77 Ah 780 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB740 | 74 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Premium EA770 | 77 Ah 760 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Standard HCB 096 | 76 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Premium LP096 | 75 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Supreme LS096 | 78 Ah 780 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic E11 | 74 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic E44 | 77 Ah 780 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
Porsche Cayman I (987) – petrol engines:
- R 3.4
- S 3.4
- S 3.4 Sport
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S4 S40 10 | 80 Ah 740 A | 315x175x175 mm | More |
| Bosch S5 S50 10 | 85 Ah 800 A | 315x175x175 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB802 | 80 Ah 700 A | 315x175x175 mm | More |
| Exide Premium EA852 | 85 Ah 800 A | 315x175x175 mm | More |
| Halfords Standard HCB 110 | 80 Ah 760 A | 315x175x175 mm | More |
| Lucas Premium LP110 | 80 Ah 800 A | 317x175x175 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic F17 | 80 Ah 740 A | 315x175x175 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic F18 | 85 Ah 800 A | 315x175x175 mm | More |
If you’re still unsure which battery fits your Porsche Cayman , or if you want to help others in their selection, please send us a photo of your current battery in the comment section at the bottom of the page. You can also send the picture to contact@whatbattery.co.uk (we will place it in the comments to also help other users). Be sure to specify the car model, year, type, as well as the engine capacity and power. We’ll do our best to assist you!