Paul in the UK writes:

RE: Whooshing sound:

"Hi Enrico,

I've just bought a 4200 GT Manual after a brief dalliance with a 550 Maranello after my previous 3200 GT. Have to say I'm very impressed with the 4200, much better car all round than the 3200 and I don't suffer the annoying abuse from other drivers that I encountered in the Ferrari.

One minor query which I'm not sure is normal or not, when changing gear at high revs there is a whooshing sound, almost like the hiss from a wastegate on a turbo car, occasionally there is a similar sound when I depress the clutch when stationary. It doesn't always do the latter but always the former when changing above 4000rpm. Am I being paranoid or is there a problem with the clutch release bearing?

Many Thanks,

Paul."

Reply from Myles:

"Hi Enrico,

Difficult to say for sure on this one, the clutch can make a moaning noise when pulling away but mainly with Cambiocorsa models or if the clutch is new then a hissing noise is common while it beds in which can take a couple of hundred miles or yes the bearing is on the way out.

Maybe have it looked at for peace of mind.

Best regards,

Myles."

Nic in the UK writes:

RE: Brake squeal:

"Hi!

I've just bought an '03 4200CC with only 1700 miles. However, the brakes squeal loudly every time they are lightly applied (ie in London traffic), which is very annoying. I was hoping that this was due to lack of use of the car and would go away over time but it seems to be getting worse.

I've taken the car back to the main dealer but the problem persists and they are saying that brake squeal is not unusual for this car when the brakes are used gently as the materials used are harder than normal. Can this be true? Does anyone have a solution?!

Thanks,

Nic."

Darren in the UK writes:

RE: Loud noise:

"Many thanks for your previous reply.

I seem to have developed a rather loud vibrating sound or humming sound quite difficult to describe,which is coming from the rear of the vehicle.

It is also very prominent when you have the window down and can be heard from outside.

To a novice like myself it sounds very much like a hydraulic sound or pump which is definitely worse at slow speeds although can be heard during most driving conditions.

This seems to have developed after I had used the 'Sport Mode' for the first time.

The car is two and a half years old and has only done 6,000 miles and in my opinion has not been driven hard.

Any ideas what this may be?

I am due to take it to the dealer I bought it from.

Hope you can help.

Look forward to hearing from you.

REGARDS,

Darren."

Reply from Robbie:

"Hi Enrico,

I've been checking your website for some answers to questions that are bothering me regarding my Coupe, and I've seen one that I might be able to offer assistance...

"RE: Loud noise: I seem to have developed a rather loud vibrating sound or humming sound which is coming from the rear of the vehicle."

Mine does this too, releasing the fuel filler cap stops this, it's probably one of the breather tubes for the fuel tank, but I understand it's a big job and it's generally only apparent in higher temperatures.

There are also some that are bugging me about my car, so I'll keep checking for updates!

Great site though!

Robbie."

Reply from Myles:

"Again difficult to say without hearing it but if the noise is there all the time should be straight forward to diagnose when in a workshop. It could be the clutch hydraulic pump if it is Cambiocorsa or maybe a fuel pump.

Regards,

Myles."

Ronnie in the UK writes:

RE: 4200 gear selection:

"Hi Enrico,

I've been running a six speed manual 4200 Copue since November 2005. Wonderful car and immense power ! Just recently gear selection has become excessively heavy and reverse very difficult.

Are there any common / known issues here /

Thanks,

Ronnie."

Mark in the USA writes:

RE: 4200 issues:

"Hi there,

I'm a Brit living in Orlando, Florida. Have a 4.2-litre GT Maserati that's spent as much time in the dealership as it has on my driveway!! They have just agreed to install a new engine at 16,000 miles (under warranty!).

I was trying to see if anybody has posted any info on a couple of issues; premature clutch wear in earlier models with cambiocorsa and also sudden death of the engine.

Is there any way of searching your records? I can't seem to find any search options :( .. and it would take a lifetime to search all those pages :)

Best Regards,

Mark."

Adrian in the UK writes:

RE: 4200 Info centre:

"Dear Enrico,

I am looking for help on a problem I have with my 2002 Coupe Cambiocorsa. Car drives like a dream but the hi-fi (including satnav) cuts out after one hour. The info centre all works, just no audio. After leaving the car parked up for a while the problems goes away.

I can live with this until I take the car in for service at the end of the year, but it would be interesting to hear if anyone else has experienced this problem. My wife says the car is doing it deliberately to force us to listen to the engine, not the radio!

Regards,

Adrian."

David in the UK writes:

RE: 4200 workshop manuals:

"Good Morning.

Do you know where I can obtain service workshop manuals for my car?

I presume they come in sections i.e. engine, gearbox, body etc...

I would be gratefull if you can help with this.

Oh... and I am based in the UK.

The cambiocorsa gearbox took about two days to get used to, and the car appears to have a lot of the characteristics listed on some of the other member's cars.. (slight noise when pulling away etc) but I have concluded they are things you just live with!! Unless you have substantialy deep pockets!

Thanks in advance,

David."

Vince in the USA writes:

RE: 4200 Cambiocorsa clutch:

"Hello Enrico,

You have an excellent site. Keep up the super work. Please post this and I look forward to responses.

My question has to do with 100% clutch wear as indicated to me by my local Maserati dealer on a 2002 Coupe Cambiocorsa with 14,000 miles on it.

The car has been driven gently, no track days or hot rodding-about 50% city and 50% highway.

The transmission shifts well when the car is moving. However from a standing stop when gently depressing the throttle the car starts up slowly as if the clutch was slipping while engaging. When down shifting to 1 at very low speeds, around 5mpg, there is a strong hesitation and jerkiness in moving forward.

Is this normal? A clutch repair, the dealer tells me will cost $5000.

Love driving the car and glad to pay for maintenance but this has me a little steamed!

Thanks!

Vince."

Ian in the UK writes:

RE: 4200 clutch groan:

"Dear Enrico,

I am the owmer of a 2003 (September) 4200 Cambiocorsa with approximately 39,000 miles.

I bought this car from a Maserati main dealer in October 2005 and have only covered around 750 miles over the past 7 weeks.

The clutch has developed a groan when pulling away from stationary. This does not happen between other gear changes and is also less noticeable when pulling away more quickly. The clutch appears to engage at low rpm and doesn't slip and my local dealer confirms this is only arround 64% worn.

However I have been informed that to investigate, the clutch will need to be stripped which may or may not be covered under warranty depending on the actual fault. This means that I am now faced with a potential bill for £2,500.

The dealer from where I purchased the car (not my local dealer) was less than interested and said if is worn then it not our fault. I was surprised at their attitude as I bought from a main dealer expecting better support and piece of mind when buying a used car.

So before I book it in for a potentially expensive repair I would appreciate some help and want to know if other owners have experience of similar groans with their clutch and could suggest possible causes?

Regards,

Ian."

Reply from Joel in the USA:

"I have a 2004 USA model coupe with 4000 miles. I bought the demonstration model which was also used as a loner. I have driven the car about 4000 miles in the 5 months I have owned it. The odometer had 8200 miles when I began experiencing clutch squeal in first and second. When I brought to the dealer they said the clutch was 100% worn. I was under warranty but they consider this a wear item. I protested and the dealer contacted Maserati NA and they covered the repair.

The fact is premature clutch seems to be very common in early models. It is greatly accelerated in the automatic mode. Many drivers do not shift to neutral at stop/traffic lights, this wears the clutch prematurely. I rarely use automatic for this reason.

Advice complain to the dealer and Maserati UK. Organize with other owners who have had this experience. They want to expand the brand here in the US so they maybe more accommodating than in the UK.

Good luck

Joel. Ps I love the car I use it as a daily driver."

Michael in the UK writes:

RE: 4200 questions:

"I am very interested in buying an early 4200 or late 3200, either privately or from a dealer. I have read a few reviews but still feel I don't know enough about what sort of pitfalls to look out for eg mechanical or other potential problems/traps for the unwary. Any feedback from owners or purchasers would be greatly appreciated, as would any advice on warranties.

Thanks,

Michael."

Ravi in Canada writes:

RE: 4200 Coupe 'smoke signals!':

"Hi,

I've had my '03 Cambiocorsa Coupe for about a week. Every 10-15 starts or so I see a bluish smoke blow out ofthe exhaust (have seen it 3 times now).

What could be causing this? It does not happen the first start of the day necessarily, or with any particular pattern.

Many thanks,

Ravi."

Reply from Andrea:

"I think that there is something wrong with this as blue smoke means you are burning oil. It could have too much oil in it – more difficult to check with a dry sump engine but check you must. Or it could have a more serious problem. Either way, you need to get this checked out as if you burn too much oil in the exhaust, it will ruin the catalysts, compounding the problem.

Regards,

Andrea."

Guy in the UK writes:

RE: 4200 Cambiocorsa "Clutch wear":

"Hi,

I bought a 4200 Cambiocorsa in middle of May 2005, just over two years old, with (as I was assured by the authorised Maserati dealer, which I have no reason to doubt) one careful owner, and only 8,200 miles on the clock.

Three months later, with 11,500 miles now on the clock, the gearing, when in 4th or 3rd, occasionally flipped itself into neutral, and I would then have to use the 'UP' paddle to bring it back into gear. I assumed it was a software problem and booked it onto my local authorised Maserati dealer (not the one I bought it from). They ran their diagnostic tests and rang to say that the clutch was 100% worn, and shouldn't be driven any further. Because the wearing has been deemed normal wear and tear, it is outside the warranty, and was calmly advised that the new clutch, with labour would be £3,000. I have not tracked the car and would consider it to of been used quite conservatively by myself, as I was still getting used to the car.

Obviously disgruntled somewhat, I rang Maserati UK customer service who said they would ask their technicians as to the normal life of a Cambiocorsa clutch, and they rang back and said 12,000 miles was reasonable.

The dealer who sold me the car has advised that their charges for fitting a new clutch would be £1,500. whoop de wooh! I will ring Carrs of Exeter and see what their estimate is, but my questions are:

1. Is 12,000 miles reasonable for a clutch on this model? What have other owners got out of their car's clutch?

2. If so, when I advised the dealer I would be doing approx 12,000 miles a year in the year, should I not of been advised that I would need a new clutch a year, if the above mileage is correct, and that the current clutch is 2/3rds worn, and that I'll need a new one in 4,000 miles.

Your early advise would be much appreciated. The car itself is lovely but this episode has really tarnished my ownership of it. When purchasing the car I was ready for expensive tyres, brakes, service costs, but not this.

Cheers,

Guy."

Reply from Enrico:

"Hi,

As your dealer has already pointed out 12,000 miles is reasonable wear for a clutch on a 4200 Cambiocorsa. I remember that at one time Ferrari would automatically change a clutch on my 308GTB (manual) when it came in for a 10,000 miles service. Their argument was that, whilst they were servicing the car, I would never be stuck on the roadside with a worn-out clutch.

I have continually warned enthusiasts that when they buy a used Maserati 4200 for say £35,000 (the approximate going rate at present), or in some cases less, that they are buying a car that new cost around £70,000 and MUST expect any repairs or replacement parts to be expensive. If you are tempted to have your car serviced outside the Maserati dealer network, make sure you do your homework on them!!

I can't imagine any car salesman telling a customer what the exact cost of maintenance will be, it would depend so much on the individual driver. Has any owner when selling a car ever told the prospective buyer that he flogged the hell out of it? Or for that matter, why would anyone buy a 370 bhp car in the first place, certainly not just to get from A to B?

By and large the 4200 is pretty reliable, especially the later cars, but they are a complex bit of kit and from time to time problems will arise.

In these 'Can You Help?' pages, I only publish emails that I recieve from owners with a problem, there are many owners out there who seem quite happy with their 4200s.

I often wonder why owners of these expensive cars don't join the Maserati Club. By joining you will get to know other owners who are bound to have had similar experiences. They will have already experienced good and bad servicing practices and you can always learn a lot from talking to them.

Regards,

Enrico."

Will in Switzerland writes:-

Re: Problem with a GrabSport

"Hi,

I’ve recently bought a new GranSport and have two problems:

1 - The engine management warning light (ODBII) keeps on appearing. I’ve had the car for two weeks and it’s been back to the garage four times so far without the problem being resolved. The error number is p1427: a carbon canister problem. However, they’re replaced the carbon canister (with integral sensor) so that can’t be the cause.

2 - It is very sluggish when moving away from traffic lights. For the first half second very little happens and then whoosh the acceleration appears. My other car (Caterham, 1600cc) can beat it hands down. It’s a bit like the turbo lag that I got from my old TVR Taimar (but of course that didn’t happen when moving-off) and gives you a similar loss of control feeling once the acceleration comes in; thrilling when overtaking at 60 mph, but dangerous at the lights when a small child might step off the pavement.

I suspect the engine management software / map table data. Does anyone have details about the versions numbers? Perhaps, I just need to ask for a new chip to be blown. Many years ago I worked at Magneti Marelli writing this sort of software so I hope they’ve improved things since those days! Any other advice gratefully received.

I’m now living in Switzerland. Can I join the club as an overseas member?

Will."

Reply from Will:

"Hi,

I haven’t received a reply, but thought your members might like to know the cause of my problems. It appears that the car was loaded with the US version of the engine management software rather than the European one. Now that the correct software has been installed its performance is much improved, particularly at low speeds. The car was manufactured in February 2005, so anyone having similar problems with a new GranSport might be advised to get the version number of their software checked.

Regards,

Will."

Reply from Enrico:

"Hi Will,

Thank you for your emails. Sorry I couldn't reply any sooner but I have been away on a short break to Italy to attend a factory visit and a Maserati meeting at Mirandola, near Modena.

On my return, having spent 14th July to 19th July in Italy, I had over 1400 emails to sort through.

I'm delighted that the problem has been sorted now and I thank you for the information/tip that I can pass on to other owners. One of my greatest regrets since starting Enrico's Maserati Pages has been the reluctance of most owners to pass on any advice or help for other enthusiasts. They seem to be very quick to ask for help, but are very reluctant to offer any help to others.

The GranSport appears to the car that the new Coupe should have been all along, just as the 90s Ghibli is what the Biturbo should have been.

Rather surprisingly, Top Gear - a British TV motoring programme, rated the GranSport very highly. They usually never have a good word to say about any modern Maserati.

You will be made very welcome as an overseas member. Simply contact Dave Smith, the membership secretary, at admin@maseraticlub.co.uk

Regards,

Enrico."

Noname in the USA writes:-

Re: Maserati 'choice'?

"Enrico,

I am very much interested in the Maserati Coupe. Do you recomend the Cambicorsa over the manual?

I live in New York City but 60% of driving will be on the highway. Also, do you think the Cambiocorsa is reliable?

I will be purchasing a Maserati Coupe soon. I would like a picture of the 2006 model and specs so I could make a choice between 2005 and 2006.

Noname."

Reply from Enrico:

"If you can't be bothered to give your first name then I can't be bothered to post a reply!!

Regards,

Enrico."

Tom in the UK writes:-

Re: Maserati 'servicing costs'?

"Having just had the 1st 6000 mile service on my 4200 Coupe Cambiocorsa, I thought it may be of interest to report on the variation in service prices. The dearest quote I got was M******** at £880 plus VAT. Next was S********* followed by G*******.

I got the job done at Carrs in Exeter for £416 inc VAT, a whopping £618 cheaper than ********* which not only left me feeling smug but paid for a great couple of days in Devon.

Just shows it pays to shop around.

Tom ."

Reply from Enrico:

"Hi Tom, Thank you very much for your informative email. With reference to M********, S********* and G******* and the difference in their servicing costs, I do believe that it is impossible to have the same service costs nationwide.

I am sure you will agree that due to the great difference in labour rates, rents and general overheads in various parts of the country.

Regards,

Enrico."

John in the UK writes:-

Re: Spyder wind deflector

"I'm a new Maserati convert since only January this year. I look now in my drive and see a fabulous Spyder that was born in October 2002. My days of overpriced German recycling are now well behind me!

As the summer is now hear I need to buy a wind deflector/blocker for the car (not of course for any short journeys) but was astounded when a UK dealer quoted me £650 plus VAT.

Is it possible to but this item either from Italy or second-hand from anywhere?

John."

Peter in the UK writes:-

Re: Spyder user's manual

"Hi,

I have recently bought a 2003 Spyder which sadly came to me without an owners manual.

Do you have any Idea where I might obtain one at a reasonable cost .. I would be happy to pay well for a photocopied one .. Or if someone would loan me a manual for a few days I could copy it .. (getting a bit desperate)!!

Peter."

Gary in the USA writes:

Reply from Andy:

"Not really my area of expertise but I think that the reason the gearbox doesn't work properly is connected to the fact that the hood won't close. You need to make sure that all doors are fully closed and that the hood is either fully open or fully closed before the car will select gear properly.

The burning clutch is because it is fighting you all the time! As to why the hood wont open/close on the switch, don't know.

Regards,

Andy."