Model years: what changed when

In short: The most important dividing line is mid-1985. Later cars are often called “1985.5” in the scene; many parts do not interchange between early and late.

Mid-1985 (“1985.5”)

The changes included: a new dashboard and door panels, an embedded radio antenna, a stronger alternator (90 → 115 amps), a larger oil sump, new cast-alloy control arms and semi-trailing arms, a larger fuel tank, optional heated and power seats, revised transaxle mounting against noise and vibration, and a flush-mounted windscreen. The DME relay replaced the earlier fuel pump relay around this time.

1986

Cars built after July 1986 received a new water pump version with a guide rail for the timing belt.

1987

Revised engine management, ABS and airbags. Because of ABS the wheel offset changed; Fuchs wheels were no longer offered as an option.

1988 to 1991

1988 Turbo S, from 1989 the S2 and the 2.7-litre 944, 1991 Turbo Cabriolet and the end of production. Always give model year and VIN when ordering parts.