The MY11 engines appear to have suffered less, but that could be related to the variance in map supplied for the different model variants over the base, in other words the stock model and the 320, 340 versions.

 

I found out about the previous engine replacement from the staff at Subaru which occured before I bought it:

Date of failure: Sep 2012
Mileage: 26000
Outcome: big end bearing failure and engine knocking, replaced short motor under warranty


And the second failure:

Date Bought: 12/6/2013
Mileage: 29999
Date of failure: 15/10/2013
Mileage: 33491
Outcome: pistons 2 and 4 ringland failure and scored crankshaft, being rebuilt by API Impreza with forged pistons and getting a remap with ecutek.

I've ended up with my credit card company paying the full amount for the repairs because I paid the deposit with my cc!

 

That's disgusting to hear.
What MY car and standard or modified?
It is strange the big ends went first as they are supposed to be strong in newage cars. I wonder if it has been serviced/maintained well from its previous owner(s) ?

 

Thank God your credit card saved the day.

 

Indeed. I just hope they now chase the mercedes dealer who sold me it.

My car has FSSH but was ina bad state when i bought it IMO.

 

2010 plate 330s.
Big end went the second time too forgot to mention that.

 

where was it from originally?
what colour is it, do you know where the previous owner was from?

 

I can just see Subaru now with this new Model

Ok checklist

150 cars for Uk....Check
300 Spare Engines....Check

Its sad, it really is....... the car was good when I had it, but its so close to being a great car its daft. They obviously don't do much reading as to what we the consumers need.

Wonder what the strategy is behind deploying a new car on an engine that in states is like Glass. They blow like hell over there...

 

It's ok, they have upgraded the gearbox apparently

(i.e. the strongest part of the car)

I will never be going near any Subaru with a standard 2.5 in it ever again (it took 3 engine failures on my 08 STI before I finally threw in the towel)

Just give the UK the 2.0 JDM car and be done with all this 2.5 rubbish please Subaru (the yanks can keep the 2.5 if they want)

 

I think IM must have panicked when they saw the success of the Litchfield Type 25's and thought it would be a good idea.

The 2.0 JDM version in any format is a far superior bit of kit and they would be well advised to return to a proven format.

The 2.5 is crap in standard form and only by chucking serious money at one can it be made good. [ Sort of ]

David APi

 

It's silver with the dark grey wheels and comes from the Sheffield area. 2 previous owners.

Looking at the dates on my v5 the previous owner bought it just after the first engine replacement and sold it 6 months later. Mercedes did tell me it was a middle aged guy and his wife hated it so traded in for a CLK or something like that. probably a loads of ***** I bet he found out it had issues!

 

I was about to pull the trigger on a 330s, but having seen this I am avoiding and back to the drawing board for a new run about.

I am aware the internet is not always accurate, but this seems to affect 75% + of cars.

What's the cheapest way of prevention?

 

Other than avoid them there isnt unless you buy one that has been remapped and forged by a decent tuner already.

 

The cheapest way that works, is:

Forged pistons - We use Mahle 4032 series for road cars very quiet and extremely durable. If the engine mileage is reasonable, we use drop ins as they just need a quick hone to be correct bore clearance. We've managed to do that at up to 55,000 miles. Successfully. If not, we bore 1st oversize .25 mm - which dies not threaten the strength of the very flappy cylinder walls.
11mm head studs by ARP to stop the heads lifting.
Then better head gaskets from the Httch range : 770's I think they are.
New oil strainer in the sump, as they have a habit of cracking.
Precautionary change of the big end shells to ACL tri-metal [ stronger ]

Done here that is £2300.00 + VAT [ £2760.00 inc ]

Best to get it remapped properly after running in for a bespoke map using licenced Ecutek. Then drive and forget about anything for however long you keep the car.

Call to chat it through if you wish,.

David APi

01926 614333

 

Thanks David, Wow. 25% of my proposed purchase price. I think I'll buy a Evo X or S3.

 

Buy a forged one or just don't buy one in the first place!
if you do buy one ensure you pay the deposit with your credit card :P

I'm selling a forged one soon for a reasonable price

 

How soon? And what is it? I'm driving a 2000 Wagon around so need to get in something soon

 

So, having had it forged - why sell??

 

Sent you a PM.

 

I've not got the car back from API yet so my decision is not based on having it forged. I'm sure it will be a harder decision once I've got it back though!

If you read back through this thread I've been without my car since October. I took the decision to have the car forged so I could sell it and get my money back and so the next owner does not have to fit yet another new engine

Modifying the car also means existing insurance needs cancelling and a new policy taking out, coupled with me moving house next month and also starting a new business venture then something has to give, the car has to go unfortunately.

 

So I bought one, took out a warranty and put £3k aside just in case.

Wish me luck! I'll report back.

 

Good luck!

 

what you bought?

 

So here's an interesting scenario and I'd like to hear your thoughts, my father's 330S went in to have new disks and pads fitted at the dealership, after they'd completed the work the mechanic took the car out to "test" the brakes, no doubt on a cold engine and quite likely thrashed it - the engine went (not sure on details but I'm assuming the same as everyone else with a 330S has suffered) but seeing as the car was fine going in and the engine went whilst the car was in the garage what's the situation with putting it right - any thoughts?

Also, they claim they've taken a whole lot of data from the car which has been sent to Subaru UK / Japan for them to see if the engine was on the way out before it went into the dealer or was it down to how it was driven whilst with the dealer that caused the issue. I know very little about how cars actually work and I know they're very sophisticated these days and plugging a laptop in tells them a lot but can they really see if the engine was on the way out?

 

I'm so glad I got shot of mine when I did, I know there not all bad but jessssssus its like a lottery with these engines ........:

 

but you never had any problems with your WRXs did you Hughy?

 

Need to dig your heels in wrcdaf. How long had your father owned the car and what mileage were you on ?

 

This engine config is a piece of ****. My mates hatch has just rumbled the bottom end. I'll put money on the strainer cracked!

 

330s, 39k, 2 Owners, FSSH.

APIDavid. Pencil me in, I could be coming to you soon!

Are there also options to upgrade at the same time? Maybe I'll give you a bell to discuss.