Redstripe

Hi all, I'm Stewart from Cincinnati Ohio. I am new here. I have the bug again and can't shake it. My poor wife, you all know what I'm talking about. Anyways, I daily drove an 86.5 5 spd from 2004 to 2009 and I would like to get back into a very nice example only this time and S4. Im looking for a 5spd 87 to 89. I'm willing to pay good money for the right car. I would rather pay the seller than give BAT $1500 or so. I have done a lot of reading and have a few concerns about the mechanicals. So for starters, It seems like the 89 is the better of the 3 years? Is there any reason to shy away from the 87, 88 models? Any thoughts are appreciated. I just sold my beautiful 1970 240z and 1975 280z, they just didnt do it for me. If your thinking about selling your S4 please pm me. Merry Christmas to all.

Mrmerlin

any chance you will take an auto?

olmann

or a 90 GT?

baystate928

My early, low mileage 87 S4 is for sale. It is turnkey with all major services up to date and performed by a well known 928 mechanic. Details can be found in the 928s For Sale thread, post #7767. There is some flexibility on asking price.

-JD

worf928

https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...l#post16291749

Redstripe

Thanks for replies, I'm lousy at searching (especially on my phone). I can not do an auto, the black and mahogany looks to be a great example, I am avoiding shades of brown interior. The 90 Gt would be great if It is in the range I want to stay in. Let me know, thanks.

Redstripe

Baystate, nice looking car. It's a little more than I think I would want to go. I pulled strong money out of both of my Z's due to perfect dash boards. That's one of my hang ups. Thanks

olmann

https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...l#post16005334

SteveG

People like the '89 b/c I believe it is the last of the analog dash. I believe the '87 computers are prone to failure at age, but there is no way to screen for that nor can you predict conditions that may cause it other than damp storage; and it is not fatal nor very expensive to fix; as we ll have minor fetishes, like yours for dash work, I would obey those urges and not worry about the computer, it is too hard to meet all needs.

Jason89s4

Buy Olmann's car and don't look back!
-Jason

cali4sun

89 has Updated Back-Lit Instrument Cluster with 21-function Computer

And a few other things below - Credit David Roberts**>> 89 has the lower Euro gearing , 2.64 (89GT is 2.72) vs 88s 2.20 (auto2.54 vs 88s 2.20)>> 89 has improved cylinder heads for better breathing>> 89 has more advanced computer engine management system.>> 89 has additional timing belt idler/stabilizer
>> Electronic Information and Diagnostic Display System>> >> 89 has Standard 10-speaker Stereo system with 6-channel amp>> 89 has Anti-Theft System as standard equipment.>> 89 has "cute" little flashing Alarm LEDs in the door lock posts to warnoff intruders**>> 89 has capability of locking doors from hatch lock (some late 88s havethis feature also)>> 89 has Roof Mounted antenna (fin)>> 89 has Standard Rear A/C system

'89 S4 GP White/Black

Red Flash

Everybody has a budget. Looking at the pictures of that S4, it has obviously been gone through by somebody who knows his/her stuff and will therefore have an overall cost of ownership lower than the vast majority of others. (Ditto for Olman's GT, but you said you wanted an S4.)

Some of these cosmetic things like dashboards can be easily fixed. Things like those and the quest for wheel/tire upgrades are some of the last things I would worry about with one of these old cars. But that's me I guess.

Good luck with the hunt!

Speedtoys

6.5.0

baystate928

Redstripe - No worries. Thanks for looking.

I am not sure of the failure rate of the 87 ECUs but mine was rebuilt as a preventative maintenance item. And, as Red Flash mentioned, the dash is a straight forward fix. I may be able to help with some options for the right buyer.

-JD

worf928

’89 is the first MY with the partially-digital dash that then was used through’95.

’88 was the last MY with the analog dash.

All LH 2.3 ECUs (i.e. ‘87 - ‘95) are prone to the same materials-based failure mode. The ‘87s are simply oldest and thus failing first.