2002M3Drew

Hey all,

Finally had a break in the weather and my schedule, and I was able to work driving the 928 into most of the weekend. I'm still just getting to know the car, and I realized, too, that most of my early drives were on nice days with the top an windows open. Driving in the dark, however, with doors and windows closed, I noticed a few things. I thought I'd ask the group...

1. My drivers side door window/moulding has a a plastic-y creaking going on while driving at just about any speed, even over roads with just mild bumps. It's almost like the trim of the door is pressing too tightly against the mating trim on the edge of the dash, or maybe that there is some stress where the window and door are rubbing. If the window is all the way down, it's much better, but not completely gone. I've had the interior door panel off (for the speakers), and this creaking happened before and after, about the same amount.

2. The rear hatch is also making some noise, kind of high pitched. I have the new replacement bearing installed for the center latch already, and it seemed to help at first. Any other adjustments I can make?

3. Are all of the switches around the instrument pod supposed to illuminate when the lights are on? I don't have a light in my headlight switch or foglight switch.

4. The headlights (sealed beam originals) truly do suck! I can do 7" H4 for around $100 for the pair, or Euro 8" H4s for about 7 or 8 times that number. Any sage advice about going with either option?

Thanks in advance...

OTR18WHEELER

As for the squeaky noises, apply a liberal amount of silicone lubricant to a rag and then rub the seals with the rag to work it in without making a mess on the glass or paint.
As for the creaking rear hatch, the main cause is a missing lower hatch latch receiver grommet.
Also the guides in the hatch drip rail may need adjusting, silicon will also quell any sqeaky noises temporarily.

77tony

and as for the 7" vs 8" H4's much depends upon your budget. IIRC performance wise the 8" H4's are just slightly better than the 7" sealed beam H4's. Most think the 8's look so much better including myself. Keep an eye out for 8" H4's on eBay for 1/2 the cost of new, just be sure the refractors(?) are in good shape before bidding. Stay away from the later 8" 87+ H5's if planning on night time travel.02 T

MainePorsche

All of the pod switched should illuminate when light switch is turned on to either position I or II (full headlights). The headlight switch remains illuminated at all times, that is even when lights are off.

granprixweiss928

I run these lights in the 7" frame, they work very well. the lense is more flat also, looks better than bugeye sealed beam

2002M3Drew

Thanks all!! How great is this forum??

Joining as a member...keep putting it off but I have received so much help! Thanks!

drew

Michael Benno

I can share some info on headlight upgrades as I have just gone through a similar evaluation for my s4.

I had USA spec 8" (H5 or 9004) lights on my car and found it difficult to drive on unlit roads.

I started out with changing bulbs: I first tried higher power LED lights These are the latest generation LED technologies using Philips ZES chipset and range in outputs from 3500 to 5000 lumens per bulb. FYI at 3500 lumens you are 65% brighter than the stock halogen and less power. The results were good, however, the fundamental problem with the USA spec light is the Lens. It has more diffusion and subsequently you get a light cloud in the distance and too much illumination up high and not enough down low (in low beam mode). These bulbs range in price, you can find them on eBay for as little at $50 or from a reputable vendor with a good return policy for $150. I believe 928ms sells these. Depending on the driver used LED bulbs will have some variation of issues that need to be sorted out, usually a reputable vendor can help you understand the specific resolution, in some cases you will need to replace the fog light relay with a regular relay and some cases you may need to ground the fogs separate from the headlights. https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...led-bulbs.html

A second option that I considered was to retrofit better lenses to USA spec housings. 928srus sells a replacement polycarbonate lens. You will be required to remove your existing lens that is bonded to the reflector using some sort of grey silicone and then rebound the new lens in the same manner. The price of the lenses are less than new or used assemblies and offers the best fitment since H4 lenses are not an exact fit on USA spec cars. I have not seen these or heard any reviews. Roger himself will tell you that 8" H4 lights are the better option if you can find them. Otherwise this a great option.

I was lucky enough to find a set of H4's locally and decided to go that route. The installation is straightforward but euro spec cars have driver controlled height adjustors that have slightly different headlight mountings than USA spec lights. It's not a big deal to work around. Just do some searching on the forums. I was able to exchange my H5/9004 bulbs for the appropriate H4 bulbs for the H4 housings and I have plenty of light now. It is certainly the most expensive option but the results look great inside and out.

One path I would not recommend, is to put brighter halogens in. The stock wires to the headlights use very small gauge wires and they will not be able to handle the extra load from higher watt bulbs.

hb253

I'm planning on buying these [ and using LED bulbs.

Hugo

VanD

Bus depot has them for 79.99/pair...true German Hellas...

http://www.busdepot.com/0301600118

and even cheaper e-code h4 at 34.95/pair! - I've bought both - the hellas are way nicer bit these throw a ton of light as well...

http://www.busdepot.com/nl910ch4

2002M3Drew

Thanks everyone. For bulbs for H4s, can I safely do 55/100 with stock wiring, or should I stick with 55/60 bulbs?

Jim Chambers

Just ordered the Hellas from Bus Depot. Thanks for the tip Alex.

Drew, I would not use 100W bulbs without installing a relay and appropriate wiring. I purchased a relay kit for an old 912 once and it was an easy install. Not sure about 928. Given the potential for electrical issues on a 928 I would be hesitant.

hb253

Thanks for the link! I placed my order for the German Hellas.

Hugo

Jim Chambers

Bus Depot must be wondering why the sudden up-tick in H4 orders.

2002M3Drew

Thanks again, VanD - I ordered those 7" Hellas. I have them on my 944 so I know they're good lights. I'll stick with 55/60 for the time being..,