Porsche Enthusiasts Club Forum

I have an issue with the "Toothed Belt Service" light coming on in the 928. It needs investigation, and it has been like that since before the last belt change over 12 months ago. It only ever comes on when you "floor it". Stroud is a long way for me and I'm not sure I can wait until Dr A. can fit me in. I have had a very reasonable offer from the service manager in Glasgow, basically 6 hours labour at £50 per hour = £300 plus parts. While it is off I would do the cam belt again and the water pump. I think the issue is with the tensioner, so I'd get that repaired too. How many guys cars are looked after by OPC? I think £50 per hour is good, Vauxhall charge £70 per hour for the Insignia.

BTW, he did tell me that the last 928 in Glasgow to snap a timing belt cost £5000 to repair.

A lot of people dislike OPC's, my old 944S was always serviced my local OPC (Sutton Coldfield), mainly because its only 10 mins away, nearest indy is about 45 mins, but whilst it was being serviced they always rang me if any extra work was required with prices, and these prices were nearly always negotiable, sometimes upto 50% off. Now with the 911 its had the free health check back in October which was fairly painless with only 5 minor faults, they also quoted £50 an hour labour, this was previously £60, so although the 911 has been out of the OPC network since 1992 (mainly JZM) I will probably take it to the OPC. They also have a lot of technicians who have worked there for 20 years plus so know the older cars. Last time I had the 944S serviced there was a 928 up on the ramps along with a 964

Hi Lee

Take it to an OPC....not a chance !!!!!!!!

Several reasons...

1, Ask them if they have ANY mechanics actually trained on 928s (about the same chance as winning the lottery)

2, £300 PLUS PARTS = well over £1000 !!!! (or they are not doing all thats needed)... ask them EXACTLY what parts they will CHANGE ...that will tell you if they know what they are doing...and at what price....the last person I know that had a GTS Cambelt change done at an OPC around 4 years ago the cost was just under £2000 and it had to go back twice for them to get it right....

3, Paul Anderson knows more about 928s than ALL the OPC mechanics in the country

All the best Brett

Are the prices including VAT? Because if they're not then that extra 20% soon racks the bills up.

The local OPC here never quotes VAT when they give a price.

I hear what you're saying Brett, but the guy is trained and worked on many 928's. He has actually filled me with confidence.

John, you're right! I have asked and no VAT is included on parts or labour.

Here comes the cruch, I have to buy the parts off them or they will not fit them! Water pump = £150 or £400+ vat off Porsche. Cam belt is over £100 + vat off Porsche. This is where Brett has hit the nail on the head, he listed everything that should be changed for a car of my age. Parts so far = £1500 + vat, and it might need sprockets @ £300 each +vat. Parts bought from 928 Motorsport or 928'sRus = £500 + postage from the states!

I'm going to lie down.

Hi LEE

I am pretty sure Paul A will do a belt AND water pump for around £500 ish....

All the best Brett

Mid Sussex OPC let you buy the parts and will fit them. This does save you money but they won't warranty the parts. They do also have a couple of guys who have worked there for long enough to know (and love) 928's.

Maybe you could check the experience of the staff and negotiate on the parts.

Hourly rate is irrelevant. My guy charges £60 an hour. But does twice as much in that hour as anybody else! It's also done right first time. It all depends how honest they are. It's easy to say £20 an hour. But thats a bitch of a job sir it took all day.........

J.J., I was told it would be 6 hours, if he was going to go over I would get a call.

RH, the guys have been there long enough and have worked on a lot of 928's. I spent 20 minutes with them and they really did know what they were talking about.

Brett, good call, I might have to phone him. The 356 miles will add to the cost though.

I have had recommendations from a number of 928 owners in my area of another Garage. George Morrison in Rutherglen. He actually has 3 customers 928 in right now, and was OPC Glasgow chief mechanic in the 80's and 90's. I will have to go and meet him, give him a good grilling and take it from there. I can drop the car off on the way to work and pick it up on the way home. Stroud means 2/3 days off work, hotel and ££££ petrol. I know it would be worth it and it is not about the money, however would I be able to manage it?

Just to finish this off, the answer is NO!. I had no issue with the OPC capabilities, my problem was with the cost of the pump and belt from OPC since the start of the year. £400 for the water pump and £400 for all the belts! In the end I used George Morrison in Rutherglen. Ex OPC cheif mechanic and very knowledgeable guy. Car back and tested, and running very well. I spoke to him on the phone and asked a few questions, then turned up one day at the garage unannounced. There were 3 928's in at the time I turned up. The day mine was in, there was another one in too. £542 all in.

Good result