1985 Porsche 928 - Pros and Cons

I had an 89 S4 for six years ending in 2001. My answers are based on that.

Electrical. Always electrical. Never anything major, usually solved by replacing relays. I never got to the bottom of a large current drain mine developed later in its life. I also had some a/c problems, but that it because the system had been neglected.

That's how I used mine, and it was great. Very easy and practical, and fast when you want it to be.

I never had any difficulty (UK).

Apart from the electrics.

Can't help. Many people recommend changing the cam belt at 48k rather than the 60k Porsche recommend. Also changing the water pump at the same time as it is easy to get at then. Possibly not so important for you as (I believe) cars before the S4 did not trash an engine if the belt broke.

That depends on you. It is a complicated car and everything is very crammed in. I used a mechanic for most stuff, but many work on them themselves.

Good luck with it. They are great cars.

Thanks for your help paul, one more question:

-How difficult is to change the timing/cam belt? If you can thrash the engine just by just braking a belt, maybe I should change it myself. BTW, if the belt brakes, can I safely stop or is the engine inmediately shot?

In an S4, the valves hit the pistons, break and rattle around inside :-( I believe that earlier models have enough of a gap to avoid this. Unless it was done within the last 5 years or 48k miles, definitely do it on an S4. I think it is an engine-out job. From memory, Porsche shops charge about 8 hours.

The one I'm planning to buy is NOT an S4. So I should have no problem. How come changing the timing belt is an engine out job???

I would check both these points. I think I'm right, but not certain.

As others have said: Mostly electrical/relays. Other likely troubles will be assorted vaccuum leaks.

GREAT daily driver. Very capable and comfortable in all situations.

Not sure where you are located, but in the USA there are the "Big 3" suppliers of 928 parts & info:

Each are terrific to deal with & VERY helpful!

Also, stop by

and get onto the 928 mailing list!

Depends what you mean by reliable. If you are the type to buy a purple Lamborghini, then sue because the windows don't roll up/down and the door locks stick...then no, it isn't reliable. For an 18 year old car, the 928 should be very reliable if looked after properly.

All vaccuum lines, timing belt/tensioner/water pump, replace all relays, replace all hoses. Probably plug wires & a couple sensors. Most anything else needed would likely be cosmetic.

Spend the money, get the full set of factory service manuals (around $200 to $300 in hard copy, maybe $30 to $40 on cd rom on ebay).

Also: the timing belt is NOT an engine out exercise, but it is a pretty good chore. Plan on at LEAST a good long weekend project & make sure you buy or rent the belt tension tool. There are at least a couple of sites that have detailed instructions & photos of the procedure.

Lastly, in my neck of the woods, a 1985 928 that needs paint goes for anywhere from $2500 to perhaps a maximum of $7000, with auto trans models mostly towards the lower end.

Hope some of this info helps!

David Schultz

1983 Euro 928 S 5spd in Rubinrot Metallic

Just basic stuff. Leaky steering rack. Loose oil pan gasket. Being old...

If you're nice to it, it'll be nice to you.

No. Lots of places carry them. The big Porsche outfits (Tweeks, Pelican) have good selections but are pricey. Go to

Generally.

Leather interiors are trouble after a decade or two. Hoses and belts. CV joints. Regular stuff.

These are not difficult cars to work on. Porsche didn't spend a lot of time making the cheap to mnufacture, that is hard to work on. One problem is the large amount of aluminum used. After that amount of time, the steel bolts are often welded in place.

A large assortment of metric tools is essential.

Thanks for your help david. Right now I'm testing the vehicle. My neighbor wants the equivalent of 1800 dolars for it. So it's a great deal. Everything works well, It just needs paint. If I actually buy it, then I'll get all the tools I might need.