90 or 87-89 S4 , which to buy?
05-13-2005, 01:53 PM
#16
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The 'electrical complexity' issue for '89+ is, IMO, FUD (Fear Uncertainty and Doubt). It is without much objective basis. Any basis is, again IMO, offset by the ability to plug a Hammer or JDS Spanner into the diagnostic port.
The only significant difference, as far as I am aware, is the digital dash. All the other electrical differences between '89 and pre-'89 are essentially improvements to the electrics that are already extant on '87 and '88.
But, with the '90+, you do add the complexity of airbags and the PSD system. So, given the choice between two otherwise totally identical 928s (condition, color, price, etc..) , one an '89 and one a '90 or '91 I would tend to favor the '89.
The only significant difference, as far as I am aware, is the digital dash. All the other electrical differences between '89 and pre-'89 are essentially improvements to the electrics that are already extant on '87 and '88.
But, with the '90+, you do add the complexity of airbags and the PSD system. So, given the choice between two otherwise totally identical 928s (condition, color, price, etc..) , one an '89 and one a '90 or '91 I would tend to favor the '89.
05-13-2005, 02:50 PM
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I opted for pre digital dash S4 in part due to a preference for the "less to go wrong argument" and my wanting to fit later model wheels without the issue of tyre pressure sensors. I can plug in a bosch / jds diagnostic tester with the correct plug so definitely a bonus.
As for aesthetics of the dash - i figured the basic design of the car included the dash and that the later dash added little to a very complete package....... just my opinion.
As for aesthetics of the dash - i figured the basic design of the car included the dash and that the later dash added little to a very complete package....... just my opinion.
05-13-2005, 07:15 PM
#20
One of the first thing I learned when buying my 928 was to drive as many different types as you can and then buy the latest model that you can afford.
In this instance this theory would suggest you buy the 1990 S4 Auto.
I have had mine for 5 and half years, done all my own work except for the initial timing belt change, water pump etc., when first purchased by independent Porsche mechanic, and I like my electronic dash etc,. which basically has been OK except for one fault.
The electronic brain and the MAF are probably a latent problem for eventually failure, but we had a specalist supplier in the UK who is a sponser on this forum, so go for the 1990.
You can get Jim Morehouse's CDs for a very reasonsable price and you are on your way. He has/had a supplier in Adelaide, SA so you should be able to get them relatively quickly.
Prior to purchase I would suggest that you visit the Porsche Club UK web site, that has an excellent write up on what to look for when purchasing a 928. If and when you buy look out for when your are getting a wheel alignment that it is done without lifting your car.
The 1990 also has louver fitted to the grill, tyre pressure sensors and the PSD. the Louvers and the tyre pressure sensors were later removed (suggested as being too complicated), however, mine work OK and the PDS can be serviced without specalised equipment. There are two writeups for the PSD, one on Jims CDs and one on the Porsche Club of America web site.
Tails 1990 928 S4 Auto
In this instance this theory would suggest you buy the 1990 S4 Auto.
I have had mine for 5 and half years, done all my own work except for the initial timing belt change, water pump etc., when first purchased by independent Porsche mechanic, and I like my electronic dash etc,. which basically has been OK except for one fault.
The electronic brain and the MAF are probably a latent problem for eventually failure, but we had a specalist supplier in the UK who is a sponser on this forum, so go for the 1990.
You can get Jim Morehouse's CDs for a very reasonsable price and you are on your way. He has/had a supplier in Adelaide, SA so you should be able to get them relatively quickly.
Prior to purchase I would suggest that you visit the Porsche Club UK web site, that has an excellent write up on what to look for when purchasing a 928. If and when you buy look out for when your are getting a wheel alignment that it is done without lifting your car.
The 1990 also has louver fitted to the grill, tyre pressure sensors and the PSD. the Louvers and the tyre pressure sensors were later removed (suggested as being too complicated), however, mine work OK and the PDS can be serviced without specalised equipment. There are two writeups for the PSD, one on Jims CDs and one on the Porsche Club of America web site.
Tails 1990 928 S4 Auto
05-13-2005, 08:34 PM
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There are two writeups for the PSD, one on Jims CDs and one on the Porsche Club of America web site.
05-14-2005, 12:19 AM
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Tails & All
thank you very much for the info.
I was looking at a 83-85s about two years ago but circumstances were agaainst me so I am trying again.
I have read and put into place all the info when looking at cars and with this knowledge you can remove most of them before going further.
The pre purchase inspection sheets avilable from various sites are fantastic and also make you orderly when comparing one to another.
Early on I nearly purchased a what I thought was a 928S in S4 body and I forgot to check the engine number. When I did I found it to be a 4.5lt car! The seller wasn't about to tell me and I had asked if it was a "S".
The cars I am looking at don't have air bags so I am fine with that as I believe they have a shelf life and are very expensive to replace. Besides we in Australia wear our seat belts so they do help but not to that same degree as when seat belts aren't worn of course.
A 90 it will be if I get lucky!
thanks again for everyones help
regards
Nigel
thank you very much for the info.
I was looking at a 83-85s about two years ago but circumstances were agaainst me so I am trying again.
I have read and put into place all the info when looking at cars and with this knowledge you can remove most of them before going further.
The pre purchase inspection sheets avilable from various sites are fantastic and also make you orderly when comparing one to another.
Early on I nearly purchased a what I thought was a 928S in S4 body and I forgot to check the engine number. When I did I found it to be a 4.5lt car! The seller wasn't about to tell me and I had asked if it was a "S".
The cars I am looking at don't have air bags so I am fine with that as I believe they have a shelf life and are very expensive to replace. Besides we in Australia wear our seat belts so they do help but not to that same degree as when seat belts aren't worn of course.
A 90 it will be if I get lucky!
thanks again for everyones help
regards
Nigel
