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To all intents and purposes this is my first post here.
For the past few months I have been contemplating the purchase of an early 1986 928 S - Euro [also known as S2]., advertised here: https://suchen.mobile.de/fahrzeuge/d...?id=355066420&
Problem is I am living in Greece, the [very helpful and understanding] owner lives in Switzerland whilst the car was in Tubingen - Germany. Not to mention that this is my first endeavour into the 928 world. Anyway, lately the car has been transported to the workshop of Mr Juergen Auer in Bavaria [ [url]https://www.auer-automobile.de/%C3%BCber-auer-automobile/ ] for inspection. Now, Mr Auer was the person actually servicing the vehicle in the past and I understand that he is enjoying a very good reputation in Germany. His opinion is that the car is in a "better than average" condition and in no immediate need of serious work. He also sent me this video I am attaching - I hope that I am not violating any personal data information here!
Any thoughts on the condition of the car based on the video? I understand that, no matter the condition, a minimum of 10,000 euros will be required to cover immediate work and parts in the next year or so and as such I am prepared to initially live with a less than perfect car that will have to spend quite a lot of time in the garage. Having two left hands myself will certainly not help, but I want to believe that I have done my due diligence in this great forum with regard to potential problems.
Thanks in advance!
From the video it looks like an excellent candidate. I love the interior. The color looks like ruby red metallic, the same color as my firrst 928. It looks like a garnet red in the pictures (color of my last 85). It is also a twin dizzy high hp car. The miles are high, so you will want service records, but the condition looks very good. I love the interior - looks like a Jubilee interior without the signature headrest. Price looks okay to me.
Read through the FAQ thread at the top of this forum - all the way through, so that you have a very good foundation for things to look for and think about. Good luck.
Although having zero prior experience with a 928 myself, this is the impression I have got as well. Plus, both the owner and the engineer have proved helpful and cooperative. I have thoroughly reviewed the FAQ section and as such, I feel that I am somehow prepared on the potential [eventual?] surprises.
Auer is one of the few shops with great reputation in the 928 world here in Germany.
The price is low for the look and the old odometers are often broken and this car is maybe one of the few S with it real km.
If you want a late Euro S 5 speed with big brakes and no sunroof the market isn t big. Paint, interieur and mechanic looks ok!
I know. I have checked Auer's reputation in the pff.de forum. I believe that the car is [all things considered] in a relatively good condition. I am not sure that it is one of the big brakes models. Purchased in early '86 may mean that it was produced in '85. I will ask Auer for the VIN. The fact that he was servicing the car before is an added benefit and somehow an assurance to to me.
In general, you don't want to take a car for a PPI to the shop that's been doing the maint for a couple of reasons. (1) There's a chance they'll advocate for the seller since the seller is their customer. You want the shop doing the PPI to be YOUR advocate. And (2), if they've been doing the work, are they going to properly critique it?
It may be hard to find a 928 specialist for an inspection and your hands may be tied in this situation. Hopefully the shop will give you an honest appraisal due to their good reputation, just keep in mind there may be some leaning towards the seller in this transaction.
Of course you are right and I gave it a lot of thinking but I decided to take the risk and rely on the engineer's actually stellar reputation both for competency and honesty as well; this based on unrelated comments from third parties in the last 15 years or so. Moreover my due diligence extended to the seller and I discovered that, apart from him being a nice person, he appears to have promptly taken all the right steps, maintenance - wise. Having said that, it is a plunge into the unknown as the title of thread implies.
I don t like the color but for 16.000 € I had bought it blind 6 month ago but I purchased the the meteor metallic one.
In January the owner wanted 22.000 € or so.
The owner in the video sounds like a steam train, I think he sell it because he is ill.
What do you expect for 16,000 €?
Rare model
Paint ok
Interior ok
Engine and gearbox ok
It will cost 10.000 € to make it great again but it is a bargain.
Actually Herr Auer is in the video! @Darklands I have read your great post in the meteor metallic car and I have to say that it influenced my decision.
This is sad news. I was counting on him for the future as well since I understand that Juergen is a great source for spare parts.
Actually this is my intention: once I have made sure that everything is OK I will take a flight and collect the car to drive it back to Greece. Of course this may be a bit risky [approx. 2,500 kms!] but Juergen assured me that the car will make the trip.
Thank you. I am waiting for Herr Auer's initial findings next week. Expect to have the VIN for check soon. I still am a bit worried about not being able to physically inspect the car but, as you said, the specific model is special and from the moment I decided against the later versions due to looks [primarily] and complexity, my budget options were limited. The seller seemingly been a honest and nice person is an added plus.
High mileage but offset by such a low price and for a good looking example of a 5-speed S2. They are monsters to drive, I hope you purchase it and we see it again here! Good luck.
OK, i have had a long duration phone call with Juergen Auer. His opinion is that, considering age and mileage the vehicle is in a very good condition. No oil leaks, engine is working fine as is the gearbox. Tires and springs [rusty] will be required. Fuel lines are not new but not in immediate necessity of being replaced, TB has another 2-3 years of life. Bodywork is fair [paint good, scratches and blemishes] and the interior needs some work but is tidy.
Juergen's September 2022 TUV report [will have to translate!]
Interior:
07-26-2023, 06:34 AM
1986 928S Euro: Taking the plunge...
