Porsche 928 Options & Equipment Codes

Every Porsche leaves the factory with a list of standard and optional equipment. Standard equipment is described by build codes and optional equipment by option codes. The codes are three or four character strings of numbers and letters. Back in the old days, all the codes started with an M and they were called as the M-codes. Nowadays they start with an I. Please note that the sticker in the service book or on the body never includes all the codes related to the car. It is a bit of a mystery why some codes are printed there and some are not.

The Porsche 928 (1978-1995) was one of the most advanced and luxurious GT cars of its time, offering a wide range of factory options and equipment upgrades. Some options were common, while others were rare and highly desirable, significantly impacting collectibility and resale value today. Below are the most sought-after Porsche 928 options, ranked by their impact on performance, rarity, and desirability.

1. M220 Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) – Essential for Performance

Why It’s Sought-After: Improves traction and handling, especially in spirited or wet-weather driving. Rare on early 928 models, highly desirable on 928 S4, GT, and GTS models. Helps put down power more efficiently from the V8 engine. Highly desirable for performance-focused buyers, particularly on manuals.

Key Features: ZF limited-slip differential (LSD). Enhances cornering grip and acceleration.

2. M474 Sport Suspension – The Ultimate Handling Upgrade

Why It’s Sought-After: Factory performance suspension upgrade with stiffer springs, larger sway bars, and sport-tuned dampers. Rarely selected when new, making M474-equipped 928s highly collectible today. Very desirable for driving enthusiasts, especially on 928 S4, GT, and GTS models.

Key Features: Sport-tuned Bilstein shocks and stiffer springs. Improved handling, less body roll compared to standard suspension.

3. 5-Speed Manual Transmission (G28) – The Holy Grail of 928s

Why It’s Sought-After: The majority of Porsche 928s were equipped with automatics, making manual models extremely rare. Found primarily on 928 GT and some 928 S4 and GTS models. Significantly improves driving engagement and collectibility. Manual 928s command significantly higher resale prices than automatics.

Key Features: G28 5-speed manual transmission (very rare). Sharper performance, preferred by enthusiasts.

4. M481 Manual Steering (Rare Lightweight Option)

Why It’s Sought-After: Deletes power steering, reducing weight and increasing road feel. Extremely rare option, found mostly on early European 928s. Preferred by purists and track enthusiasts. Very rare and sought after by collectors.

Key Features: More direct and mechanical steering feel. Lighter front-end handling characteristics.

5. M650 Electric Sunroof – Most Popular Luxury Option

Why It’s Sought-After: One of the most commonly selected luxury features on the 928. Adds resale desirability for grand touring enthusiasts. Sought after but not as rare as performance options.

Key Features: Electric tilt and retractable sunroof panel.

6. M275 Electric Adjustable Rear Axle (Rare Stability Enhancement)

Why It’s Sought-After: Adjustable rear suspension system, enhancing high-speed stability. Only available on specific later models, making it a rare find today. Rare but adds uniqueness to well-optioned 928s.

Key Features: Electronically controlled rear axle adjustment.

7. M261 Rear Air Conditioning (Ultimate Grand Touring Feature)

Why It’s Sought-After: Separate rear A/C system for added passenger comfort. Rarely optioned due to its additional cost, making it highly collectible today. Adds luxury appeal, especially in warmer climates.

Key Features: Independent climate control for rear passengers.

8. M398 Forged Club Sport Wheels (Rare Factory Upgrade)

Why It’s Sought-After: Lightweight and stronger than standard wheels. Found mostly on 928 GT and late-model 928 GTS variants. More valuable than standard cast wheels.

Key Features: Factory 16-inch or 17-inch forged wheels.

9. M437 & M438 Power Adjustable Sport Seats

Why It’s Sought-After: Adds comfort and better adjustability for long-distance driving. Found in high-end 928 models like the GTS. A popular option, but not as rare as lightweight features.

Key Features: Power-adjustable sport seats for driver and passenger.

10. Rare Paint & Interior Combinations

Why It’s Sought-After: Unique Paint-to-Sample (PTS) colors are significantly more valuable. Special interiors like full leather (M980) or two-tone designs are highly sought after. Rare factory colors include: Meteor Grey Metallic Grand Prix White Amethyst Metallic Riviera Blue Speed Yellow. Can add significant premium, depending on the rarity of the color.

Key Features: Unique PTS colors like Rubystone Red or Mint Green. M980 Full Leather Interior (dashboard, door panels, and seats).

Final Rankings: The Most Sought-After Porsche 928 Options

Best Performance Option: M220 Limited-Slip Differential & M474 Sport Suspension.

Most Desirable Transmission: 5-Speed Manual (G28) – Rarest and most valuable.

Best Luxury Option: M261 Rear Air Conditioning & M437/M438 Power Seats.

Most Unique Feature: M275 Electric Adjustable Rear Axle – Found on later models.

Most Collectible Paint & Interior: Paint-to-Sample (PTS) & M980 Full Leather Interior.

The Porsche 928 (1978-1995) was a revolutionary grand tourer, blending V8 performance, luxury, and cutting-edge technology. Throughout its 17-year production run, Porsche introduced multiple high-performance and special edition variants, some of which are significantly more valuable and collectible today. Below are the most sought-after Porsche 928 variants, ranked by rarity, performance, and desirability.

1. 1992-1995 Porsche 928 GTS – The Ultimate Evolution

Why It’s Sought-After: The final and most powerful 928 variant. Featured the largest engine (5.4L V8, 345 hp, 369 lb-ft torque). Wider rear fenders, unique “cup” mirrors, and a rear wing made it visually distinct. More refined than earlier models with an updated interior and upgraded braking system. Manual transmission (5-speed) is extremely rare, with only 406 built worldwide. Expect to pay $80,000-$150,000+, with manual GTS models commanding a premium.

Key Features: 5.4L V8 engine (345 hp, 369 lb-ft torque) – More power than any previous 928. Wider rear track and flared fenders for a more aggressive stance. Upgraded braking system and revised suspension for better handling.

2. 1989-1991 Porsche 928 GT – The Enthusiast’s Choice

Why It’s Sought-After: Lighter and sportier than the standard S4, designed as a driver-focused model. Featured a 5-speed manual transmission as standard (no automatic option). Sharper handling, with M030 sport suspension and limited-slip differential (LSD) as factory options. Only 2,078 units produced worldwide, making it one of the rarer 928 variants. Prices are $50,000-$100,000+, depending on condition.

Key Features: 5.0L V8 engine (326 hp, 317 lb-ft torque) – More power than the standard S4. M220 LSD and M030 sport suspension available. Manual transmission-only model, rare for a 928.

3. 1987-1991 Porsche 928 S4 – The Perfect Balance of Performance & Luxury

Why It’s Sought-After: The best all-around 928, combining luxury, power, and reliability. 5.0L V8 engine (316 hp, 317 lb-ft torque), significantly faster than earlier models. Available with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic (manuals are more desirable). More refined than earlier models, with improved aerodynamics and braking system. $30,000-$60,000, with manual versions worth significantly more.

Key Features: 5.0L DOHC V8 engine (316 hp, 317 lb-ft torque). More aerodynamic front and rear styling (smoother than early 928s). Stronger brakes and more reliable electronics than earlier models.

4. 1984-1986 Porsche 928 S2 (Euro Model) – The Forbidden Fruit

Why It’s Sought-After: Not available in the U.S. – Europe-only variant with a higher-performance engine. 4.7L V8 engine (310 hp, 295 lb-ft torque), making it faster than the U.S.-spec 928 S. More powerful and lightweight, making it a hidden gem among collectors. Expect to pay $30,000-$50,000, but it difficult to find in the U.S. due to import restrictions.

Key Features: 4.7L V8 engine (310 hp, more than the U.S. version). Lighter weight than later 928 models.

5. 1979-1982 Porsche 928 S – The First High-Performance 928

Why It’s Sought-After: The first major performance upgrade over the original 928. 4.5L V8 engine upgraded to 4.7L (300 hp in Europe, 230 hp in the U.S.). Rare manual transmission versions are highly collectible. More raw and analog than later, more refined 928s. Prices are hovering between $20,000-$40,000, depending on U.S. vs. Euro spec.

Key Features: 4.7L V8 engine (Euro models had 300 hp, U.S. models had 230 hp). More aggressive front-end styling compared to the base 928.

6. 1978-1982 Porsche 928 (Original Model) – The Classic That Started It All

Why It’s Sought-After: The first-ever Porsche V8 sports car and winner of the 1978 European Car of the Year award. Lightest 928 ever built, making it one of the most balanced handling variants. Early manual transmission models are especially rare. Prices are in the $15,000-$30,000 range, but increasing due to collector interest.

Key Features: 4.5L SOHC V8 engine (219 hp U.S., 240 hp Euro models). Unique early “phone dial” wheels and original interior design.

7. Porsche 928 Club Sport Prototype (1988) – The Ultra-Rare Factory Lightweight

Why It’s Sought-After: A factory-built lightweight 928 prototype intended as a performance model. Weight reduction (~220 lbs lighter than standard S4 models). Only a handful of prototypes were built, making it extremely rare. Never seen for sale, estimated $150,000+ if one surfaces.

Key Features: Stripped-down interior with fewer luxury features. M030 sport suspension and manual transmission.

Final Rankings: The Most Sought-After Porsche 928 Variants

Most Valuable & Rare: 1992-1995 928 GTS (5-Speed Manual models are the Holy Grail).

Best Driver’s Car: 1989-1991 928 GT (Manual-Only, Lighter & More Engaging).

Best All-Around Model: 1987-1991 928 S4 (Luxury + Performance Blend).

Most Collectible Early Model: 1984-1986 928 S2 (Euro-Spec Higher Power).

Most Historically Significant: 1978-1982 Porsche 928 (The Original).

The Porsche 928 (1978-1995) was available in a wide range of colors, from classic hues to bold metallics that complemented its grand touring, V8-powered presence. Some colors were common throughout production, while others were exclusive to specific model years or special editions, making them highly sought after today. Below is a breakdown of the most popular and collectible Porsche 928 colors based on production period and rarity.

Most Popular Porsche 928 Colors by Era

Early Porsche 928 (1978-1982) Popular Colors

Guards Red (L027) – One of Porsche’s most iconic colors, a staple throughout 928 production.

Zinn Metallic (L956) – A unique champagne-gold metallic, popular in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s.

Alpine White (L90E) – A clean and classic white, highly popular.

Indischrot (India Red) (L80K) – A deep red, slightly different from Guards Red.

Minerva Blue Metallic (L35M) – A striking light metallic blue, rare but popular.

Anthracite Grey Metallic (L999) – A dark metallic grey, giving a stealthy appearance.

Petrol Blue Metallic (L33X) – A deep, greenish-blue metallic, highly sought after today.

Mid-Production Porsche 928 (1983-1989) Popular Colors

Granite Green Metallic (L699) – A muted grey-green metallic, rare and very collectible.

Marine Blue Metallic (L35V) – A deep navy blue metallic, highly sought after.

Black (L041) – One of the most popular colors across all 928 variants.

Venetian Blue Metallic (L35U) – A medium metallic blue, elegant and refined.

Silver Metallic (L980) – A classic Porsche silver, seen across various models.

Prussian Blue Metallic (L999) – A deep, sophisticated blue, found on high-optioned 928s.

Meteor Grey Metallic (L961) – A darker, gunmetal grey that pairs well with black interiors.

Late Porsche 928 / 928 GTS (1990-1995) Popular Colors

Polar Silver Metallic (L92G) – A lighter silver with a slight blue tint, very desirable.

Slate Grey Metallic (L22D) – A deep grey that gives the 928 a modern and aggressive look.

Amazon Green Metallic (L39A) – A rare deep green metallic that shifts in lighting.

Cobalt Blue Metallic (L37U) – A rich blue metallic, highly collectible today.

Amethyst Metallic (L38A) – A purple-tinged metallic, rare and increasingly valuable.

Midnight Blue Metallic (L37W) – A dark navy blue, perfect for luxury-oriented 928s.

Guards Red (L027) – Continued as a flagship Porsche color for performance models.

Rare & Special Edition Porsche 928 Colors

Silver Rose Metallic (LM3Z) – Rare on Late-Production 928s. A unique silvery-rose color, similar to the 944 Turbo S Silver Rose Edition.

Riviera Blue (L39E) – Paint-to-Sample (PTS) Option. One of the rarest blues on the 928, seen on special orders only.

Speed Yellow (L12G) – Rare on 928 Models. Extremely uncommon on 928s, more common on 911 and 968 models.

Pastel Yellow (L10E) – Special Order for 928 GT & GTS Models. A subtle yellow shade, highly collectible today.

Rubystone Red (Sternrubin) (L82N) – Ultra-Rare PTS Color. One of the boldest and most striking 928 colors.

Black Rose Metallic (L40X) – Rare Deep Purple Metallic. A dark burgundy/purple shade, stunning in different lighting.

Lime Green (Paint-to-Sample) – Extremely Rare. Occasionally seen on special-order 928s, but almost non-existent.

Most Collectible Porsche 928 Colors Today

Guards Red (L027) – The most iconic and widely recognized Porsche color.

Polar Silver Metallic (L92G) & Silver Metallic (L980) – Timeless Porsche shades.

Cobalt Blue Metallic (L37U) & Marine Blue Metallic (L35V) – Some of the best blue options for the 928.

Slate Grey Metallic (L22D) & Meteor Grey Metallic (L961) – Stealthy, aggressive, and highly desirable.

Amazon Green Metallic (L39A) & Amethyst Metallic (L38A) – Unique deep metallic hues.

Speed Yellow (L12G) & Pastel Yellow (L10E) – Very rare on 928s, highly collectible.

Decoding a Porsche 928 build sheet (or option sticker) is essential for verifying a car’s original factory specifications, including paint color, interior trim, performance features, and optional equipment. Whether you're an owner, a prospective buyer, or a collector, understanding these codes can help confirm authenticity, rarity, and value.

Step 1: Locate the Build Sheet or Option Sticker

The Porsche 928 build sheet or option code sticker can usually be found in the following locations:

📌 Inside the rear hatch area – Often under the carpet, near the spare tire well. 📌 Inside the owner’s manual – Many 928s had an option sticker inside the service book. 📌 On the driver’s side door jamb – Some later models had an option code sticker here. 📌 Under the hood – Occasionally found near the radiator support or inner fender.

If the original sticker is missing, you can request a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity (COA) or Porsche Production Specifications (PPS) from Porsche to confirm factory options.

Step 2: Identify Key Sections on the Build Sheet

A Porsche 928 build sheet contains several key elements:

VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) – Identifies the production year, market designation, and build sequence.

Paint Code – Factory exterior color (e.g., L80K Guards Red).

Interior Code – Specifies interior trim material and color (e.g., LT Brown Leatherette).

Option Codes – A series of M-codes representing factory-installed equipment and special features (e.g., M030 Sport Suspension, M220 Limited-Slip Differential).

Step 3: Decode the Porsche 928 Option Codes

Below are the most important and sought-after factory options for the Porsche 928:

Performance & Handling Options

M030 – Sport Suspension Package (stiffer springs, Koni shocks, thicker sway bars).

M220 – Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) (improves traction and handling).

M474 – Sport Shock Absorbers (firmer damping for better cornering).

M481 – Manual Steering (Rare Lightweight Option).

Transmission Options

G28 – 5-Speed Manual Transmission (very rare and more valuable).

M249 – Tiptronic Automatic Transmission (offered in later models).

Brakes & Wheels

M395 – 16-inch Light Alloy Wheels (common on later models).

M398 – Forged Cup Wheels (17-inch) (lighter and stronger than standard wheels).

Luxury & Comfort Features

M139 – Heated Driver’s Seat.

M340 – Heated Passenger Seat.

M650 – Electric Sunroof (popular luxury feature).

M261 – Rear Air Conditioning (rare and desirable in hot climates).

M275 – Electric Adjustable Rear Axle (rare stability feature).

Special Editions & Rare Features

M491 – Turbo Look (Widebody) Package (very rare).

M471 – Club Sport Package (lightweight, track-focused).

M980 – Full Leather Interior (dashboard, doors, and seats in leather trim).

M718 – Special Order Package (linked to paint-to-sample or custom interiors).

Step 4: Verify Your Porsche 928’s Authenticity

To confirm that your build sheet matches your car, follow these steps: 1) Compare option codes with the car’s physical features (e.g., check if LSD or sport seats are installed). 2) Check the paint code under the hood or inside the door jamb. 3) Match the VIN with factory production records. 4) Request a Porsche COA (Certificate of Authenticity) from Porsche for official verification.