Patrizio in Germany writes:

"Dear Enrico,

I have a question about my 3200 GT age 1999.

When it has an cold engine, the check engine light on the dashboard lights up. And, when I drive the 3200 GT warm, and turn the engine off, after a few seconds, the lamp is out!!!! What is the problem of this?

Can you help me?

Regards,

Patrizio."

Regrettable reply from Enrico

Re: Maserati mechanical problems:

"Dear Patrizio,

I'm sorry but I can no longer offer any mechanical assistance to Maserati owners.

This is entirely due to a lack of response from fellow Maserati enthusiasts. They appear to prefer Forums these days.

My mechanical knowledge is limited, and I have always relied on help from a couple of Maserati mechanical experts here in the UK, unfortunately these experts who have assisted me in the past appear to be too busy to help these days.

Emblem Sports Cars still offer me help when I have asked, but I cannot keep asking them alone, as they do, after all, have a very successful business to run.

Recently, Emblem Sports Cars very kindly replied to a query from an enthusiast in Canada who had a problem with his Maserati. They asked for further information so that they could fully understand his problem. I emailed the owner asking for further information in order that they could help. This request was greeted without even the courtesy of a relpy from the owner who had asked me for help in the first place.

It is for this reason, that has happened only too often in the past, that I am no longer prepared to embarass myself with requests for help. I hope you understand.

Warmest regards,

Enrico."

27-06-2010 - Man-Shun in Canada writes:

"Dear Enrico,

I love your website! It has certainly provided me with much useful information.

I am the new owner of a 1984 Maserati Biturbo. ZAMAL1107*EB319953*.

It is my first car which is NOT a Jaguar – from my first car to my 9th and most recent car have all been Jaguar XJ-series cars!

Always dreamed of the day when my next car wouldn’t be a Jaguar! Ha! Ha!

My car is based in Vancouver, so I understand one of the only specialists is probably Milo’s European Cars (incidentally they have been servicing this car since 1994), and have been servicing my mother’s 1995 Alfa Romeo 164LS since new.

My car needs a new water pump, and I would like to acquire a service manual to understand how to install the pump, so I can do it myself. I wondered if there is a CD-rom version.

As listed on www.maserati-alfieri.co.uk/trident10.htm. I think you are in the UK right? I have a London address I can have the item sent to, how shall I pay?

Some photos of the car attached for your viewing pleasure! There is some rather serious rust on the front wing, but I do hope to deal with it – a bit of new metal welded in should do. The door bottoms are also rusted.

I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.

Best Regards,

Man-Shun."

27-06-2010 - Reply from Enrico

Re: Maserati Biturbo Workshop Manuals:

"Hi ManShun,

Thank you for your email and the photos therein.

Please send me your address in Canada and I will happily send you the Biturbo Workshop Manual CD-rom F.O.C.

Best regards from the UK,

Enrico."

27-06-2010 - Man-Shun in Canada writes:

"Hi Enrico,

Thanks so much for your email. Thank you for agreeing to send me the service manual, I really appreciate your kind gesture.

I have reason to believe my Biturbo is one of the two or three carbureted Biturbo’s still in running condition in Vancouver.

Are you aware of any makers of body panel repair pieces for the Maserati Biturbo’s? As for doors – I may look for some used doors from parts cars.

Surprisingly the interior of my car is in decent condition, although I will probably re-dye it in its original colour as the dye has faded and rubbed off in a few places. (see photos)"

Also, are you aware of any english-speaking Maserati Biturbo forums? I need some guidance for removing and replacing the water pump!

As originality goes, do you know if the wood steering wheel is aftermarket, or was it a dealer-installed or factory option?

The alloy wheels are made by Cheviot, I’m assuming these are period-aftermarket.

Cheers,

ManShun."

27-06-2010 - Reply from Enrico

Re: Maserati Biturbo Workshop Manuals:

"Hi ManShun,

You're welcome.

Just a little time before I'm off for the next major sporting event of the day, England vs. Germany in the World Cup.

A very good contact for Maserati Biturbo used parts here in the UK is David Askew. You can reach him at david@davidaskew.co.uk.

He is a very nice chap, veery helpful and reasonable with his pricing. He ships parts worldwide and has a very good reputation within the Maserati community.

A very good forum for the serious Maserati owner is the Bitubo Zentrum at http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/BiturboZentrum.

They are a very knowledgeable and friendly group. You won't find any "my car is faster than your car" comments in this group, only serious discussion here!!

Your wood-rimmed steering wheel, which I suspect is a Nardi wheel, was fitted standard to the later Biturbo Si models in the USA. But I am not sure if they were fitted standard on the early Biturbo. It could have been available as an optional extra for cars sold in North America.

Your Chevliot wheels are definitely an after-market accessory.

Can I ask a small favour ?

Could you please send me a close-up photo of your VIN plate ?

Thank you.

Regards,

Enrico."