Hi Folks,

Well here it is..

Bought a Es Series 2 TW magna expecting that it'd last 3 years with just servicing minus a good initial service. Body wise it is as new and interior has no real issues or serious ware. Well thats now flung out the window engine wise.
The timing tensior snapped in half (not on the thread part and yes the thread works;) the other day and I'm up for a engine replacement. Thing is the car isn't the best color ( brown) nor is it manual nor is it AWD and it is the poverty model. If it had one or two of these going for it I wouldn't be too worried as I am now.

So question is:
If I put the 380 engine in it, bar having zip traction on funky no-name tyres would I get my money back or would it be better to just put another bog standard engine back in it and sell it?

How long ago did you buy it? Was a dealer bought car? Is it still under dealer warranty?

buy something different is my vote...

Stock engine for value sake.

I got it for $5500 with full log books (Private purchase) and have spent $1400 on a major service and minor services so far in 8 months I've had it. So call it $6,900 which aint too bad.
(Basically it has had everything done to it; Platinum spark plugs x6, Bendix Brade pads x4, New rotors x4, Water pump, Power Steering and AC belt, Power steering rack, CV boots, Re-gas, Radiator flush, Gearbox Flush, Timing belt kit, Oil filter and serviced every 5,000k's which is amazing that the something went wrong)

The engine will be replaced free of charge but only 3month wrnty on the engine.

I guess the verdict is pretty good however. Which that being said I think it's time to say good bye to it.
To upgrade to who knows or a cheaper car for the time being. :)

Woob: You say stock engine for value sake why is this just curious?

Woob: You say stock engine for value sake why is this just curious?
You never get your money back on modifications.

The 380 motor is a good upgrade but unless you were going to keep it for a couple of years, I wouldn't bother. Whack another 6G74 in and either drive it to the ground or flog it off.

The engine will be replaced free of charge but only 3month wrnty on the engine.

Do this and decide what you want to do with it during that three months.

If you are going to keep it I'd negotiate to install the 3.8 if unsure just get the free 3.5.

Since you are getting the engine for free just put it in and drive it for a while, 3 years / six oil changes should be easy for an 3.5 engine and it sounds to me like the timing tensioner was just a freakish occurance that doesn't happen very often. Also i see you had the timing belt done - good move - would the tensioner be part of the "hardware" that should normally be replaced along with the timing belt, water pump, pulleys etc? (see Dayco video about timing belts: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNop7Zr-AAs )

To put typical 3.5 ownership into perspective, I've owned a KF Xi for 8 years and when I bought it it had 160K on the clock. I change the engine oil every 6 months (which works out to every 7500-10000km approx.) and I changed the timing belt and associated hardware at 276K. Car is now on 293K and I'm looking at not replacing the belt or major problems until nearly 400K. These are actually long lasting engines and I would not hesistate to buy one with 250K or more as long as its been serviced regularly and the belt and hardware were changed every so often.

Also on the subject of the brown duco, its funny what goes in and out of style... I do a lot with 70s Mercedes-Benzes, in the 80s and up until only a couple of years ago, the brown cars were the least value. Nowadays as an icon of 70s styling cues, the 'milan brown' MBs are very soughtafter. I know your TW isn't a 70s car but it must be one of the rarer colours, I'm sure it will be just what unconventional people want one day.

My 2c worth.

Brown/beige can look just as good as any other colour as long as it is modified to suit.

get the engine put in it .and see how you feel in 3 month when the warranty runs out .