Vilhuer

Its fairly safe to presume change to fixed wing was done at same time in ROW cars as it was done in US. As ROW '87 MY production was 2108 and US production was 2421 cars made its likely ROW folding wing limit is somewhere between VIN HS841100 and HS841250. What is known for certain is that early ROW cars have them too but ones made in late spring 1987 and later do not. So total number of folding wings is very likely around 2500 S4s.

heinrich

I can tell you guys one thing for sure: It was not designed to flap against the rear window. The wing is cable-inhibited to not flip higher than straight up.

heinrich

As I've said, I owned simultaneously, 1385 and 1401 (both US models). The 1385 had many of the early 86.5 engine features, 1401 does not. 1385 came with a folding wing, 1401 came with a fixed wing.

Vilhuer

According Porsche, US model change point was VIN HS861297. Number is from factory document included in Morehouse CD's. If this is correct, last ROW car was very likely done before VIN HS841100 and total number is under 2300 wings since bot VIN sequences started from 0061. Any US model which has higher VIN might have received early style wing as replacement.

545svk

I have what looks like a flip up wing on my '87 s4. Is there a release catch to flip it up or some trick?

Thanks

Hilton

Just grab the rear edge of it, and jerk it upwards. Usually if they haven't been opened for a few years (likely) they're a little stiff the first time.

gruffalo

My car has the folding wing. As stated above, it will slam down and lock with a loud BANG if left resting unlocked on the latches. That is very scary! When you start going really fast, the last thing you want is surprising noises...

I think this pretty much proves the down force. The bang when it slams down is so profound that anyone experiencing it would agree that there are major forces involved.

Andy Kay

This must be "Let's resurrect old threads" week!

Mongo

My folding wing appears to be stuck. In order to get it loose in the past, I had to whack it fairly hard with the palm of my hand. Now, I can't even get the sucker off.

auzivision

I find it easiest to reach under wing and grab the leading edge with my hand. Then pull up with my forward and down with my hand to rotate the wing and not stress the fasteners.

Haven't found any real value in it other than maybe easier to insert key or clean lower section of window.

Mine sometimes pops loose when closing, and just like gruffalo mentioned can really startle you when is snaps back (mine occurs around 45 or 50) so it's 'pretty loose'.

abcdefgene

In the picture a nice user posted with the wing flipped up, it does give you great access to the key hole for the hatch.