2019/20 Porsche Macan S - thoughts/experiences

[x622]

Originally Posted by chassis

The EA837 3.0TT cold vee engine is known for oil leaks. The replacement EA839 3.0TT hot vee engine is solid. I am not sure which year was the last one for EA837 and which is the first year for EA839.

Macan is well known for small rear seating area.

Overall it’s a nice entry in the segment. But the X3M40i is a good one also, with a lower price and more interior space.

If you buy any Porsche, buy a CPO unit. Porsche stands behind the CPO warranty in nearly all cases.

The EA839 is not the same in the Macan, it's in the S4, SQ5 etc and has ring failures it seems. I'm not sure if the forged bottom end in the 2.9L variant has these issues, but there are serious issues with the S4/SQ5 platform. I have a buddy who dropped cylinder 4 and 5 just recently. Tuned ones have a tendency to drop #6. Call any local audi shop and ask them what they think of the EA839.

Edit: Here's some info form 034;

Their tune in particular seems to pop #6.

[dgoldenz]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

Air suspension is a pleasant luxury but not critical and could bump the Porsche price beyond consideration. Steel suspension compared favorably to BMW steel suspension, if not better.

You can get a CPO GTS that includes air suspension and then you don’t have to worry about it. Can add third year of CPO warranty for like $2500-3000. GTS is the way to go anyway.

[c1pher]

I owned a 2017 Macan Turbo I loved, but was offered a sweet deal on a 2020 Cayenne Turbo Coupe. While it was also awesome, it was just a bit too big for me, so I ended up with a 2023 Macan GTS. She’s definitely a keeper.

[Burrcold]

Originally Posted by x622

The EA839 is not the same in the Macan, it's in the S4, SQ5 etc and has ring failures it seems. I'm not sure if the forged bottom end in the 2.9L variant has these issues, but there are serious issues with the S4/SQ5 platform. I have a buddy who dropped cylinder 4 and 5 just recently. Tuned ones have a tendency to drop #6. Call any local audi shop and ask them what they think of the EA839.

Edit: Here's some info form 034;

Their tune in particular seems to pop #6.

The EA839 has two variants (3.0L single turbo and the 2.9 twin turbo). The former is found in the 2019 Macan S and pre-facelift (2018-2019) B9 S4/5 and SQ5. Those pre-facelift 3.0L (CWGD GP) models did experience some ring and rocker arm failures. The facelift 3.0L (CWGD GP1) have not. It's the same story with the EA839 2.9L (DECA) found in the early 2018/2019 RS5's...the revised engines in later models, the RS5 facelift (B9.5), and 2020+ Macan GTS models have not experienced the same failures.

[x622]

Originally Posted by Burrcold

The EA839 has two variants (3.0L single turbo and the 2.9 twin turbo). The former is found in the 2019 Macan S and pre-facelift (2018-2019) B9 S4/5 and SQ5. Those pre-facelift 3.0L (CWGD GP) models did experience some ring and rocker arm failures. The facelift 3.0L (CWGD GP1) have not. It's the same story with the EA839 2.9L (DECA) found in the early 2018/2019 RS5's...the revised engines in later models, the RS5 facelift (B9.5), and 2020+ Macan GTS models have not experienced the same failures.

Yes correct. Just wanted to be sure that people were aware of this. Have one friend right now with a blown s4 motor, cost is $10k and that's with a hookup.

[RM7]

I know what the macan can do at autoX first hand and its mind blowing. Itll do sports car stuff better than a lot of sports cars. It was on my short spring list for cars and I decided I needed max off-road capability instead, but its the real deal in “sporty crossover” IME.

[KevinC]

Tarted-up VW with Porsche angina-inducing price tag. Hard pass.

[RPM33]

Originally Posted by KevinC

Tarted-up VW with Porsche angina-inducing price tag. Hard pass.

You probably think a Lamborghini Urus is a tarted-up VW as well. What car does the immortal KevinC drive?

[Burrcold]

Originally Posted by RPM33

You probably think a Lamborghini Urus is a tarted-up VW as well. What car does the immortal KevinC drive?

I like Audi (VW/VAG Group) and I'll be the first to say the Urus is a tarted up VW. It's built on VW's MLB EVO platform (same as the VW Toureg, Audi Q7/8 (and RS variants), the Porsche Cayenne, and Bentley Bentayga). It even shares switch gear and the same engine (slightly detuned on the RSQ8).

[eliphil]

I had a 911 for 10 years and had to sell because the engine had a fatal flaw that caused a class action law suit. Porsche didn’t do the right thing. They seem to have to many major engine flaws plus ownership costs are to high

[chassis]

Air suspension is a must.

[chassis]

Originally Posted by x622

The EA839 is not the same in the Macan, it's in the S4, SQ5 etc and has ring failures it seems. I'm not sure if the forged bottom end in the 2.9L variant has these issues, but there are serious issues with the S4/SQ5 platform. I have a buddy who dropped cylinder 4 and 5 just recently. Tuned ones have a tendency to drop #6. Call any local audi shop and ask them what they think of the EA839.

Edit: Here's some info form 034;

Their tune in particular seems to pop #6.

No.

All EA839s are the same in the same way all B58s are the same.

EA839 comes in 3.0T and 2.9TT variants.

Vehicle applications have obvious differences for example intake ducting, exhaust routing, and tuning. Standard practice for all brands for decades. Old news.

Early EA839 Audi builds had cam roller failures. After MY19 nearly zero of these failures have been reported on Audi or Porsche forums.

[chassis]

Originally Posted by RPM33

You probably think a Lamborghini Urus is a tarted-up VW as well. What car does the immortal KevinC drive?

Tarted up Touareg.

[chassis]

Anyone shopping Porsche and comparing other brands on price is barking up the wrong tree.

Regarding service, Porsche service is easily double the BMW price for the same service. Double MB service price for spark plugs, for example. It makes no sense, other than some people pay it. Indy or DIY are the obvious options.

Parts bought OTC at the dealer are double the price they can be purchased online and delivered, from an authorized Porsche dealer.

[chassis]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

Reminder, I own both marques so have no biases.

The Macan engine is notorious for shitting itself and there's another very expensive drivetrain issue, forgot what it is but it's massive dollars. Porsche SUV are notorious wallet drainers, it is cheaper to maintain a 911. The 2T Alfa engine in the Giulia/Stelvio has been rock solid.

There is turbo lag but sticking the thing in Dynamic mode helps a lot, "Normal" adds a healthy dose of throttle lag to make things worse.

I'll never understand the criticism of the Alfa interior on a forum where we all complain about the intrusion of tech and touch screens etc. It's a bit old school but fit, finish and reliability has been excellent though we did opt for the "leather everything" package I suspect most do not have (Lusso Trim).

In saying that, OP wants less SUV/more sporty hatch so the Macan may be a better fit. TBH I'd save 50 grand and find the absolute best 35i original X1 I could find and run that thing in all it's analog glory. Newer cars are generally hateful things to drive with the beeping and screaming and warnings etc.

Transfer case failure. No one on rennlist can with certainty say Porsche has solved this yet. Warranty replaced t/cases have been reported to fail. Drivetrain is a weakness for Porsche with the front engined PDK and transfer cases on Macan and Cayenne. Plus lash and clunk in the propshafts.

[gatorfast]

I have loved the Macan every time I have driven one. It handles better than the majority of sports sedans and the added ride height is nice to have. As others have mentioned, the back seat is definitely on the smaller side so if you regularly have passengers that it definitely something to consider. it is ultimately what steered me away from the Macan and to the Cayenne I currently own.

As for the maintenance cost - everyone is spot on Porsche maintenance is $$$$. Yes, an indy shop will definitely save you a good chunk over the dealer but they are still pricey too. If you can DIY work thats great, otherwise be prepared for much higher costs than you are used to with BMW.

[x622]

Originally Posted by chassis

No.

All EA839s are the same in the same way all B58s are the same.

EA839 comes in 3.0T and 2.9TT variants.

Vehicle applications have obvious differences for example intake ducting, exhaust routing, and tuning. Standard practice for all brands for decades. Old news.

Early EA839 Audi builds had cam roller failures. After MY19 nearly zero of these failures have been reported on Audi or Porsche forums.

I agree and disagree. It's like saying the S63TU2 is the same as the S63TU4

I was not aware of 2020's seeing the ring issues fixed that is good. Do you per chance know what the actual root cause of lean conditions in cyl 6? I've heard from other tuners that it'll just randomly pull 5-8 degrees of timing from that cylinder normally.

[chassis]

Originally Posted by x622

I agree and disagree. It's like saying the S63TU2 is the same as the S63TU4

I was not aware of 2020's seeing the ring issues fixed that is good. Do you per chance know what the actual root cause of lean conditions in cyl 6? I've heard from other tuners that it'll just randomly pull 5-8 degrees of timing from that cylinder normally.

No. There has been only one generation of EA839, with multiple applications. Like B58 in X3M40i and X5 xDrive40i.

The early EA839 issue was cam roller, not rings.

No idea on tuning and timing. The intake manifold is overly simplistic imo and air enters from one end and needs to reach the rear cylinders. I can imagine distribution is not the best in naturally aspirated mode. In max boost it probably doesn’t matter.

[/ / / M3]

I test drove a Macan S a few years ago. I remember pronounced turbo lag and driving dynamics that didn't feel much different form the car it was based on (first gen Q5). All in all, a rather unspectacular vehicle.

[x622]

Originally Posted by chassis

No. There has been only one generation of EA839, with multiple applications. Like B58 in X3M40i and X5 xDrive40i.

The early EA839 issue was cam roller, not rings.

No idea on tuning and timing. The intake manifold is overly simplistic imo and air enters from one end and needs to reach the rear cylinders. I can imagine distribution is not the best in naturally aspirated mode. In max boost it probably doesn’t matter.

Interesting, I'm talking specifically about seeming ring destruction. Supposedly this is not just on tuned cars either.

[pbonsalb]

Originally Posted by / / / M3

I test drove a Macan S a few years ago. I remember pronounced turbo lag and driving dynamics that didn't feel much different form the car it was based on (first gen Q5). All in all, a rather unspectacular vehicle.

Do you know which engine? It changed a few years ago. The 2.9L twin turbo is quite lively. I have a slightly higher output version of that engine in a 21 Cayenne S and do not notice turbo lag. Maybe the detuned Macan version has lag?

[/ / / M3]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

Do you know which engine? It changed a few years ago. The 2.9L twin turbo is quite lively. I have a slightly higher output version of that engine in a 21 Cayenne S and do not notice turbo lag. Maybe the detuned Macan version has lag?

Pretty sure it was a 3.0L single turbo.