Porsche 928 928
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
350 PS
5.4L V8 Benzin
The masterpiece — 18 years of development, distilled
Legendary!301 PS
4.7L V8 Benzin
11 weaknesses
Stay Away!Engine Overview
The Porsche 928 928 is available with 5 engine variants — from 241 to 350 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Porsche 928 (Benziner, 240–242 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M28.01 (1977–1982, Stay Away!) und M28.19 (1983–1986, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 928!
The Porsche 928 GT (Benziner, 330 PS) has the M28.47 (5.0L V8) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
The Porsche 928 GTS (Benziner, 350 PS) has the M28.49 (5.4L V8) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
The Porsche 928 S (Benziner, 300–310 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M28.11 (1979–1983, Stay Away!) und M28.21 (1983–1986, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 928 S!
The Porsche 928 S4 (Benziner, 320 PS) has the M28.41 (5.0L V8) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Wiring Harness Deterioration (Engine Bay + Vehicle Network) Cable insulation and connectors throughout the entire wiring harness become brittle and cracked after 30–40 years. High contact resistance at corroded terminals causes multiple intermittent faults. Symptoms: Obscure starting problems, fluctuating instruments, false warning lights, ignition misfires without clear cause. | High | |
| Instrument Cluster — Circuit Foil and Solder Joints Faulty The flexible circuit foil in the instrument cluster cracks with age. Over 30 bulbs in the cluster; failed solder joints cause partial loss of individual gauges. Refurbishment by specialists is possible. Symptoms: Individual instruments non-functional, flickering displays, speedo or rev counter jumping or dropping out. | Medium |
Top Reported Issues
Alternatives
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 71 weaknesses have been documented for the Porsche 928 928 (1977–1995) — 59 engine-related and 12 vehicle-related. 3 problem engines: M28.01 (4.5L V8), M28.11 (4.7L V8), M28.21 (4.7L V8). Typical issues affect Electronics, Suspension, Brakes, Body.
928 (M28.01, 1977–1982) — Stay Away!: Timing belt camshaft drive wear, Camshaft and flat tappet wear due to incorrect oil viscosity, Water pump must be replaced at every timing belt change. Power: 240 PS.
928 (M28.11, 1979–1983) — Stay Away!: Head gasket — critical on overheating, Timing belt camshaft drive 32-valve interference engine, Camshaft 32V flat tappet wear due to ZDDP deficiency. Power: 300 PS.
928 (M28.21, 1983–1986) — Stay Away!: Timing belt failure — interference engine, Head gasket failure on overheating, Timing belt 32V interference engine every 50,000 km. Power: 310 PS.
928 (M28.19, 1983–1986) — Be Careful: Timing belt age-related failure — non-interference engine, Camshaft flat tappet ZDDP deficiency in modern oil, Water pump and cooling system age-related damage. Power: 242 PS.
928 (M28.41, 1986–1991) — Be Careful: Timing belt failure — 32-valve interference engine, Thrust bearing wear (automatic) — crankshaft damage, LH-Jetronic: airflow meter and throttle body. Power: 320 PS.
928 (M28.47, 1989–1991) — Be Careful: Timing belt failure — 32-valve interference engine, Thrust bearing wear (automatic) — crankshaft damage, Camshaft sprocket wear at high revs. Power: 330 PS.
928 (M28.49, 1991–1995) — Be Careful: Timing belt failure — 32-valve interference engine, Thrust bearing wear (automatic) — crankshaft damage, PSD/ABS hydraulic pump — GTS-specific. Power: 350 PS.
What to watch out for with the Porsche 928? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Porsche 928 928 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Porsche 928 928? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Porsche 928 928 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Porsche 928 928 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Porsche 928 928? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee