Help - Cannot Make my Mind...928 vs. 540i

[cheburator]

Hi everybody,

I decided to add a bit of Real Omph in my garage. In the Blue Corner - My brother' s landlord in Koln (Germany) is selling a 1990 white 928 GT with 80,000km on the clock. The guy has a Hill Climb 911 RS and two race prepared 914s so I guess you can imagine the condition of his daily driver-the 928 He is asking for EUR 16,000 as he is a nice guy. And I don't want a RHD !

In the Red Corner - A 1993 Dinan chipped BMW 540i with FSH, 140,000km on the clock and the 6-speed gearbox. Every conceivable option is there, including the TV and the Sat Nav The BMW is going for EUR 11,000.

Insurance in the UK will be roughly the same...Performance in a straight line is actually very similar, given that the BMW is close to 310PS. The Porsche topped out at 275km, whilst the BMW hit 274 according to the OBC. Did not have the chance to take them to Nurburgring, but I don't think I will be allowed before I buy anyway.

I would like to see honest opinions by both Porsche and BMW fans. As you can see from my profile I have a number of BMWs, but the Shark has taken me with the sound and the looks. The BMW has taken me with performance and the Q-look. Practicality maybe too?

Thanks in advance.

[AJLintern]

Looks like your garage could do with a little variety - go for the Porker It will make driving more of an occasion - the driving position, the looks, the noise, the pop-up headlights

[kevinday]

For me the choice would be simple, 928 every time. Great presence, a superb GT in every way.

[M@H]

Twist his arm for one of the 914's instead.. I really enjoyed mine

(other than that get the 928)

Cheers,
Matt.

[andrewiz]

I bought a 928 s4 recently, 1 owner, 27k miles - it feels virtually brand new. I absolutely love it. In terms of value per pound spent, nothing comes close - build quality is exceptional,performance more than adequate, topped off by a real sense of occasion driving it. If it matters to you, it's also a genuine head turner, which surprised me no end.

I also now understand the old v new Porsche thing - I've owned a 996 C2 and currently own a Boxster S - the difference in build quality between these and the 928 is tangible.

There's no question I'd go for the 928. You will not regret it.

[williamp]

Is the 928 a manual or the auto??

There are other cars- an old performance car magazine road tests the 928 against the 850 against an XJR-S.

The Jag won...

[ninemeister]

Got a 96 RHD 540i Touring myself cause I can't fit the labrador into the back of the 928. Seiously fast, 289 bhp on alpina suspension and wheels. Cheaper to run that the 928 and like you said a hell of a Q-car. I may swap mine for an Audi S6 but in the meantime it suits the purpose. Watch out for the price though as they cheaper in the UK in RHD, if you can find one. I paid just over £6k for mine with 121,000 miles with FBDH so be careful.

Love the 928 but I would never own one, too thirsty and expensive to fix and I run a Porsche garage!

[mikeylad]

williamp said: Is the 928 a manual or the auto??

There are other cars- an old performance car magazine road tests the 928 against the 850 against an XJR-S.

The Jag won...

???
was this the inestimable Stoners Motors Monthly? or the fascinating Geriatric Golfers Carriage World?

[cheburator]

Thank you for the replies. It seems that it will be the 928 GT, although my wallet says the 540i.

ninemeister, could you make a comparison on the running costs for both cars. Your help would be much appreciated.

[ninemeister]

My only comments are that I have every bill for the 540 from 40,000 miles, ant is it has had nothing apart from routing servicing at a very reasonable price from a BMW agent.
Unlike every 928 I have ever known....

[TheBishop]

Drive them before finally deciding - 928's vary - even good ones can feel lumbering & heavy others are great.
Had a 540 Touring great car lots of space better economy than the 928. Only major problem around 93/94 was excessive bore wear due to high sulphur content in the fuel - most with the problem should have been fixed by now, but be careful - not something you'd want to pay for.
TB