So I have been reading forums and looking at classifieds for a few weeks. I have read a lot of posts that talk to MY personal preferences.

I would be interested in the seasoned 928 owners opinions on the general driveability, reliability, known problem areas and DIY maintenance considerations for the following:

1979 928, 4.5 16v, automatic (assume 3 spd), 87K miles
1983 928S, 4.7 16v, 5 spd manual, 117K miles
1986.5 928S3, 5.0L 32v, atomatic (assume 4 spd), 150k miles

Thanks
Jim

 

"1986.5 928S3, 5.0L 32v, atomatic (assume 4 spd), miles not yet provided"

32v means more power, but it's an interference engine, which means if the TB breaks the engine gets damaged (16v cars don't have this issue). If it's a late 86.5 then it has the S4 Brembo brakes, ABS, and S4 suspension. The late 86.5 is very popular. Check the VIN, if the last 4 digits are higher than 1000 then it is a late 86.5.

 

Check the 83 and the 86.5, drive them and decide> Good luck

 

I have both an 82 five speed and an 86.5 auto. Both are fun but very different. The 82 feels lighter but also feels more nimble. The 86.5 feels heavier but is much more powerful and faster. At first I was skeptical about an auto but think I like it better.

The 82 will run on regular but the 86.5 wants premium.

If I were asked to compare the two, I'd say it's like a Sportster vs. a Road King.

Most important is probably the mechanical condition and what will need to be done.

Gook luck and have fun.

depami

 

IMHO 83 is the easiest to work on.

Buy the best car you can afford. PPI?

 

The '83 will be the best to drive.

The '86.5 will be the best to ride

The '79 will be the cheapest.

Anyone really needs prices, pictures and records to make a recommendation. And to be you to know your personal preferences, budget and goals.

 

If I were you I would hold out until I found an '85-'86.5 5-speed.

Dan
'91 928GT S/C 475hp/460lb.ft

 

I would decide whether I wanted a 5 sp, or an auto first. I'm a manual tranny guy, but was pleasantly surprised with how much I liked my '85 auto.

I love the S4 5 sp though.

Then I'd look for the best one in my budget, get the ppi, etc.

Good luck and keep us posted. -Ed

 

If you are after a 5-speed, then regardless how good of a 928 you run into, hold out till you find one with a manual transmission or else you'll regret it really soon.

The 16Vs are also prone to valve damage when the T-belt breaks. Ask me how I know! If the pistons have any carbon build up, the piston will touch the valves. I know this from first hand experience. Also, the Euro 16Vs might be interferance too but I don't know this for sure.

My '85 32V 5speed can run circles around my old '83, 4speed auto. Manual is the way to go if you know how to drive one.

 

Drive,Drive, Drive EM.

tino

 

Did the rear suspension change on an s4?

 

Lots of good model year info here:

http://www.928s4vr.com/

 

Of the choices, assuming equal condition, 83 5 speed (I drive an 84 5 speed and both 85 and 86 automatics almost daily)

Building on your post, I'd also suggest post-84 5 speed, though.

Superior transmissions.

 

From S to late S with S4 brakes only small changes. Within S4 MY's few times but only to accomodate changes like RDK sensors. Basically entire '78-95 production used same rear suspension setup. All changes done to individual parts of it were done for different reasons than wanting to change actual Weissach suspension setup.