crosson9

Hi Brian. I'm an amateur mechanic that owns a '73 BMW 2002 and a '03 911. I do my own oil changes on both cars. Replaced the cats on the 911 with an X-Pipe. Master cylinder, rotors, (assisted in) breakdown and rebuild of calipers, water pump, thermostat, electric fuel pump...ect on the '73 bimmer.
I'm looking for a 928 that needs a little love, something that I can drive, fix up and enjoy. I want to experience what a 928 is all about. Hear the exhaust note, get to know the sweet spot in that V8.
I was the kid with the 930 turbo, 935dp and 959 posters on the bedroom wall. Now I'm in a position in life to live out those childhood dreams..... on a budget.
-T.J.

Daniel5691

While I am sure that all sorts of decent 928s can be found through various sources, I bought my 928 from a Rennlist member here. I was able to search back through the car's story to a certain degree, and to get a better overall impression of the car. It would be cool if you could find one here for sale that you liked. Most of these guys REALLY know the 928, and are remarkably patient with those of us who...... don't.

medipedicman

Once you decide that you are ready then I would focus more on what type of 928.

I like the sleek design of the early cars with no spoilers. 1978-81
Some folks dig the S type. Slightly larger engine, more horsepower, better transmission and slightly larger brakes. The S spoiler is a unique look. The 83 and 84 still have the 16v non interference engine.

The 85 and 86 S model went to the 32 valve and another bump in HP.

The S4 model is a whole different world in style design and options.

I would spend some time googling the different body style and see what suites you. I would also try to hook up with a enthusiast in your region and try to go to a gathering of the sharks and take a few rides.

Over time you may end up owning several, either at the same time or as time goes by your tastes may change.

Good Luck.

GregBBRD

Find the best car you can afford, fix it up so that it reliable.

Enjoy it....these things are one of the finest GT cars ever made,

fiatrn

These cars are old. Even the best ones are still old cars. They have some fragile plastic that can crack (cf Odometer gears (since I just fixed mine)), and parts that wear out (clutches, electric switches, shocks). That's ok, it is part of the fun.

To love a 928 requires driving a 928. They are pretty to look at, but not pretty enough to justify a non-runner.

They are also complicated cars, especially newer models (from what i can tell reading rennlist - I have a mid-run model ('86)) and it is far more complex than your 2002 Bimmer, but that's not always a bad thing. Just sometimes.

So... my advice is to buy a car you can turn the key and drive. Buy a good enough car that you can get to like it before you have to take it apart. Then, when the time comes to repairs something, you'll A) have a better reason (get it BACK on the road) and B) a new level of enjoyment once that repair is finished (yes!, it is even better!!).

I bought mine in good enough shape to drive across the USA without worry, and then experienced things wearing out over the last year. That made taking apart easier and more fun, and driving it today after some repairs were finished even more fulfilling.

Randy V

If only we had a thread here to help you with your buying decision.

Good luck with your search.

The Deputy

That's funny (to me anyway), because when I showed up here a year or so ago...I mentioned I was a mechanic by trade, 36 years experience...and was immediately told "that meant absolutely nothing when it comes to these cars"...lol. Which was a lie, I've found nothing on these cars to be mystical or beyond my comprehension.

Well, this helps build an image of your abilities and financial strategies.

I guess you were lucky enough to find rennlist...before purchasing...so you're off to better start than most. Read as much as possible here, especially about the year model(s) you are considering the most. See what pitfalls others have ran into and apply that to what you think you can handle, financally and mechanically.

Then, look at more than one car. Not saying this car might not be the one you buy, but look at others first and build a mental database of questions you want to ask and answers you expect/want to receive.

QA...example...

How long has it been since you changed the timing belt...answer you want to hear..."within a few thousand miles and I changed the waterpump and changed/checked every roller, cam gear, rubber or plastic bit related to the tentioners and was reajusted after 1500 miles"...answer you don't want to hear..."I put a belt on there a few years ago (and he mentions nothing about the assoicated parts) or he has no idea". This is crucial information...since it is rarely the belt that fails. It's usually one of the related parts. Neither answer is really "that important" if you can do the work yourself later...but price paid should reflect his answer. Even doing it yourself...you will have a grand or two into the job. So, if you get answer number two...automatic price deduction.

Other questions would concern, anti-freeze changes, regular maintenance and repairs on engine, clutch and trans, front end parts (especially ball-joints), accidents, original paint or respray, etc, etc.

Things you will have to check visually...since you say you want to drive this car right away and work on it as things pop up.

First and foremost...check the rubber fuel lines under the hood and if they've never been changed...know that this will have to be done immediately.

Then check for oil leaks at the cam towers (front and rear), oil pan leaks, motor mounts, belts and hoses, etc, etc.

Make sure you drive the car. Listen for unusual noises, such as grinding or rumbling sounds coming from the drivetrain or transaxle. If it is a manual, check for smooth shifting, up and down...if automatic, check for the same issues (crisp, smooth shifts). Check to see how the car starts cold and warm. Check steering tightness and ride quality.

Once you've asked all of the right questions and looked over all of the mechanical suspects...check the exterior and interior aspects of the car. You say "this car" is a little rough around the edges in both of these departments, which both areas, can be very, very expensive to repair...especially if your mood should ever happen to change about whether or not to enhance there appearance someday. Exterior and interior repairs are extremely expensive...and sometimes...materials used are no longer available. Which is important...if by chance you should ever decide to do a restoration project out of this car.

Check everything electrical in the interior of the car, heater, radio, windows, cruise control, etc, etc, etc. These cars can be quite the nightmare in this department.

Budget...

When you mention budget...I assume this means you will be repairing the car "as needed" situation. Normally, most guys here budget about two grand, if not more, to their cars each year. Cosmectic improvement or modification can double this amount yearly.

Price point...

If you have a price in mind...go ahead and add a few thousand to that...and spend up front for condition and repairs made. Spending a few thousand more for repairs already made...properly...could and most likely will save you double in the long run.

Me, I made sure both cars I bought had been garage kept most of their lives and kept up in appearance and were as close as possible to being in original condition. Since the mechanically issues were not of great importance to me, knowing I would be doing all of the repairs or deferred maintenance myself.

Good luck, with your purchase. And again...check out a few cars before you decide on this one.

Brian.

Mrmerlin

Brian that was a nice article you wrote

crosson9

I thank you all for your feedback. I am going to do some reading and research with the information that has been given in this thread. I don't want to ask anymore questions or add anymore comments until I have gain more knowledge on this subject......i.e. waist anyone's time..
Any suggestions on shop manuals that are helpful? The 928 bible so to speak.
-T.J.

Cameron

There are some So Flo 928 Owners on Rennlist too. Like me. Depending on where you are, it might be an easy get together to talk 928's. I am on my third and would be happy to share my experiences.

hwyengr

Take a look at www.ligeti.com/928 for the free scans of the factory workshop manual, but if you end up buying you'll want to get a set of what's known as the Morehouse CDs, which is a searchable workshop manual, practically every factory tech manual, and some fun extras.

Wisconsin Joe

There's a download to the factory shop manual in the "New Visitor" sticky. It's almost complete.

Roger (at 928s R Us) sells a CD ROM set that has the full WSM, tech specs, service bulletins, updates, and a lot of other extra stuff. It's called the Moorehouse CD. Best $75 you can spend if you are going to own one of these cars.

Most of what you need you can find by searching, but you can ask the odd question here and there. Just think about it for a few minutes before you hit "post."

Edit to add: Crap! Beaten by 3 minutes.