🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Porsche

Model:

928

Year:

1983

Market Variant:

Euro S

Model Code:

Type 928

Engine Code Prefix:

M28

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 1983 Porsche 928 Euro S represented the pinnacle of Porsche's front-engined Grand Tourer (GT) offering, positioned as a sophisticated, high-performance luxury coupe designed for comfortable long-distance travel with potent acceleration and handling.

Competitors:

Competed against other luxury GTs and performance coupes of its era, including models from Ferrari, Aston Martin, BMW (like the 6 Series), and Mercedes-Benz (like the SEC coupes).

Features:

Transaxle drivetrain (engine front, transmission rear), V8 engine, advanced (for its time) suspension, aerodynamic styling, and luxurious interior.

Manual Purpose:

This owner's manual is essential for understanding the unique features and operating requirements of the 928, ensuring proper care and maximizing the ownership experience of this iconic Porsche.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Vehicle operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting for the 1983 Porsche 928 Euro S model.

Secondary Coverage:

Vehicle systems identification, dashboard indicators, driving techniques, lubrication, fluid checks, tire care, and emergency procedures.

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 100-150 pages (typical for period owner's manuals).

Type:

Owner's Manual / Driver's Handbook

Language:

English

Format:

Printed Booklet (Original Equipment)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Brief overview of engine operation, oil level checks, and basic maintenance points. Detailed mechanical repairs are typically in a separate workshop manual.

Transmission:

Operation of the automatic transmission, fluid level checks, and parking procedures.

Brakes:

Brake fluid level checks, pedal feel, and basic safety advice.

Electrical:

Identification of fuses, basic operation of lights, wipers, and power accessories. Battery care and jump-starting advice.

Body And Trim:

Operation of doors, windows, mirrors, seats, and interior amenities. Fuel filler flap and trunk operation.

Climate Control:

Operation of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

Wheels And Tires:

Recommended tire pressures, wheel nut tightening torque, and basic tire care.

Maintenance:

Regular checks (oil, coolant, brake fluid), tire pressure adjustments, and washer fluid replenishment. Recommendations for professional servicing.

Troubleshooting:

Explanation of dashboard warning lights and basic steps to take if a warning light illuminates.

Emergency:

Procedures for flat tires, jump-starting, and basic roadside assistance advice.

Operation:

Detailed instructions on starting the engine, shifting gears, using the cruise control, and parking.

Depth:

Covers essential owner-level information for daily use and preventative maintenance. Does not include in-depth diagnostic procedures, component removal/installation, or detailed repair sequences, which are found in a Porsche factory service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Details:

Original printed booklet, typically saddle-stitched or perfect bound.

Quality:

High-quality paper stock with clear text and legible diagrams typical of Porsche publications of the era.

Binding:

Saddle-stitched or Perfect Bound

Paper:

Glossy or semi-gloss coated paper

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Type:

Naturally Aspirated V8

Displacement:

4.7 Liters (4664 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

90.0 mm x 92.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Valve Train:

SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 2 valves per cylinder

Horsepower:

306 PS (225 kW; 302 hp) at 5500 rpm (Euro S specification)

Torque:

412 Nm (304 lb-ft) at 4000 rpm (Euro S specification)

Induction:

Bosch L-Jetronic Fuel Injection

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Premium Gasoline (98 RON recommended for Euro S)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22)

Type:

5-speed Manual (Getrag G28/15, typically for non-Euro S models or specific markets)

Transaxle Layout:

Rear-mounted transaxle (engine front, transmission/differential rear) for optimal weight distribution.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Porsche recommended ATF or equivalent (e.g., Dexron II)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4654 mm (183.2 in)

Width:

1775 mm (69.9 in)

Height:

1280 mm (50.4 in)

Wheelbase:

2500 mm (98.4 in)

Front Track:

1500 mm (59.1 in)

Rear Track:

1544 mm (60.8 in)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 1540 kg (3395 lbs) for automatic transmission

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approximately 1960 kg (4321 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

Specific crash test ratings from independent agencies like NHTSA or IIHS for the 1983 model are not as comprehensively documented as modern vehicles. Porsche vehicles of this era were built to high structural integrity standards.

Brakes:

Four-wheel disc brakes (internally ventilated front discs), power-assisted.

Steering:

Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering.

Suspension:

Independent suspension with front MacPherson struts and rear trailing arms; adjustable dampers available on some models.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts for front occupants.

Structure:

Reinforced safety cage, impact-absorbing steering column, and crumple zones.

Lighting:

Halogen headlights, front and rear fog lamps (market dependent).

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Original Porsche branded radio/cassette player, often with 4 or 6 speakers. Some cars may have had dealer-installed or aftermarket upgrades.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control system.

Headlights:

Pop-up halogen headlights with integrated fog lamps.

Connectivity Features:

No modern connectivity features (e.g., Bluetooth, USB) were available in 1983. Connectivity was limited to basic antenna power for the radio.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first. Check owner's manual for exact interval.

Timing Belt:

Crucial: Timing belt replacement recommended every 30,000-50,000 miles or 3-5 years due to the SOHC design. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.

Major Service:

Significant service checks (e.g., cooling system, brakes, suspension) often recommended at 30,000-mile intervals.

Engine Oil:

SAE 20W-50 or 15W-50 (preferred for higher temperatures/performance) API SG or equivalent.

Coolant:

Porsche specified coolant or a high-quality ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixture (50/50 ratio with distilled water).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 recommended.

Power Steering Fluid:

Porsche approved hydraulic fluid or ATF (check manual for exact spec).

Common Problems:

Electrical gremlins, aging wiring harnesses, HVAC system components (blower motor, climate control unit), fuel accumulator issues, rear main seal leaks, and the critical need for timely timing belt replacement.

Maintenance Tip:

Regularly inspect cooling hoses and the cooling system as these V8s can be susceptible to overheating if not properly maintained.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage Context:

Porsche, renowned for its sports car engineering and racing pedigree, introduced the 928 as a departure from its traditional rear-engine layout, aiming to capture a more luxurious and modern GT market segment.

Development:

The 928 was conceived in the early 1970s as a successor to the 911, though it ultimately co-existed with it. The 'S' designation indicated upgraded engine performance and often cosmetic enhancements over earlier models.

1983 Updates:

The 1983 Euro S model received the larger 4.7-liter V8, increased horsepower, revised suspension tuning, and updated styling cues compared to the 1980-1982 US-market 4.5L models.

Production Period:

1978-1995

Manufacturing Location:

Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Awards:

While specific awards for the '1983 Euro S' variant are hard to pinpoint, the Porsche 928 lineage was widely recognized for its innovative engineering, design, and performance. It was often praised by automotive journalists for its comfort and speed.

Design Awards:

The 928's styling, penned by Wolfgang Möbel, was considered groundbreaking and contributed to its enduring appeal.