missyb

Please can you offer any advise to me, I'm just about to buy my first Subaru wrx sti a 2008 new shape 3rd generation I think they are called. As far as I know they are supposed to be 296bhp standard but I have noticed when I have done a hpi it says 276bhp and has im5 typed next to the impreza Sorry if this is a stupid question but what does the im5 mean and should it have 296?? Your advise is appreciated thanks

TonyBurns

iTrader: (3)

Hi and welcome
It probably means impreza 5th generation which is right
Are you buying private or from a dealer??
There is a lot to look out for on these cars so take your time choosing the right one
I would also suggest getting the car checked out by a dealer/specialist if it's a private sale.

Tony

missyb

Hi Tony thanks for your reply, it's from a dealer but not a subaru just a performance cars one. Yeah I have been holding out for sat nav and the recaro seats and the pro drive alloys it doesn't have the pro drive engine tuning but was going to see if that can be done at anytime, so when did the im6 start as I have seen a private sale one which is also 2008 saying its an im6? I think that is what has made me question it and the fact that its giving me different figures for torque bhp top speed and 0-60 figures on pistonheads in the technical spec down the side, as this is automatically pulled in from the reg number. Another 2008 ones are showing different figures Is there a reason for this did they change the engines at all? Thanks

Infected by sti

iTrader: (6)

Save your money on the prodrive stuff and go after market if it don't effect any warranty you may have, you will get a lot more bang for your buck that way IMO

missyb

Thanks just a bit concerned about this difference on the bhp etc can anyone help on the im5 im6 front as when I search im5 it pulls up the Hawkeye shape? But I'm looking at the hatchback shape thanks

TonyBurns

iTrader: (3)

It depends if they classed the facelift as im2, but you have classics, bugs, blobs (or they could have classed the widetrack differently), hawks and hatches.
Power is correct for that year of car, 300ps, so you dont need to worry
Also you dont need the PPP, your car is out of warranty and a bespoke remap may be better for you as its designed to suit the car, Prodrive had their hands tied by I.M. when they did the PPP for the hatch, they normally do a full remap but I.M. didnt let them do that, so any underlying issues these cars had with piston rings was carried over.
It was "fixed" with a ecu flash upgrade, you will need to take the car to a dealer (I would suggest Prosport in Stockport, 0161 432 9999) as Pete knows what he is doing

Im in the same area as you so if you get stuck just give me a shout

Tony

TonyBurns

iTrader: (3)

Just to be on the safe side
You are not buying anything from Keighley trade centre in yorkshire are you??!!!

Tony

dsemuk

I wouldn't get too hung up on IMx,

You should be more concerned about the history of the car you are buying. The 2008MY STi hatch has known engine issues, as Tony suggests you need to know if the software update has been applied to your ECU.

Plenty of 2008MY cars for sale, make sure you don't buy a lemon

TonyBurns

iTrader: (3)

Think ive just found the one you are buying, they are very expensive there, ensure you knock them down about 3k off that price!

missyb

No I've already heard of that place!
But the bhp is listed on hpi as 276 but others show 296 on pistonhead specs why the difference The car has full Subaru service history owned by one 56 year old man so I think it's been looked after well Where can I check if it's had that ecu upgrade? Thanks for all your help

TonyBurns

iTrader: (3)

A main dealer can check if the ecu has been reflashed, its F.O.C. so dont pay for it if they say you have to!
Power was upped on the Hatches over the Hawks, so 300ps is correct
You can check out the subaru website and find the PPP for that year of car.
Looks like the ppp is no longer available for your car...

Tony