I have owned 2 84 928s models. Now I am looking at an 85. Have a few questions.

Are the 32v engines considered as robust or tough as the 16v motors...as far as longevity...what is considered the end of the line. Does a realitivly well kept 150,000 mile motor have a future?

Are the 32v power plants more high maintenance motors? Do things go bump more often than the 16v motor?

Where are frequent trouble spots to look for under the hood?

Is timing belt service any more complicated or expensive than the 16v procedure? What about motor mounts and such?

The rear seats have an awfull lot of crud underneath the rear seat cushions...and they come up easily. The material under them that they mount to is soft, is that supposed to be metal...or fiber board?

What is the life expectancy of clutches?

Any other 85 related trouble spots? On a 150k car?

Chris Magid
1984 928s
camdsl@swbell.net

 

Chris,

928 blocks are supposed to be good for 300k miles. I don't think there is any major difference between 16v and 32v in terms of reliability or maintenance cost.
At 150k I'm pretty sure the clutch is not original anymore. Maybe somebody else can comment on the life expectancy.

 

I think that the 16v motors are simpler, and a bit more room in there to work on things.

The more moving parts = more things to break.

And also, the fact that some of the 16v engines are non-interference, whereas all of the 32v are interference.

But for all the benefits of a 16v engine, I still think that age is a factor.

The older cars have more time and wear on the parts, and I think there is more chance of things starting to break and fail...

True also with high mile cars.

I think if you want to avoid maintainance costs, get a newer s4 with low miles...

 

Chris,

I've never owned an '84 so I can't compare, but I'm sure you'll love the extra 54 HP!

1984 928 S2 234 HP@5250 RPM
1985 928 S3 288 HP@5750 RPM
<a href="http://www.928s4vr.com/928s4003.htm" target="_blank">http://www.928s4vr.com/928s4003.htm</a>

I can't say enough good things about my '85. It's been a VERY dependable beast.

Good luck with your search!

Don
'85S3 5spd

 

I have 103,000 miles on the original clutch. Never been touched yet. I'll probably be doing an adjustment this summer and if the restoration on the '86 is done by next year, I'll be looking to replace it.