Pre purchase stupid questions

[markiii]

HI Chaps
Potential new owner here. Doing some research before I buy.

I’m sure a lot of these questions are regularly asked, but I'm only up to page 39 of the forum so far so apologies if I’m repeating the same old stuff, and thanks in advance to anyone whose already answered on my similar FB group post.

Car will be my daily, I appreciate fuel consumption won’t be my friend but I’m coming from a 4,2 V8 Audi so I doubt it will be much worse all in. Either way my mileage is limited enough for me not to be particularly concerned.
Looking at an Auto Granturismo Coupe.

On paper I’m expecting the 4.2 performance to be on a par with my Audi, the 4.7 can only be better right? So the obvious first question is will I really notice a difference getting a 4.7? I believe the 4.2 s get decent results with a remap if wanted later?

I think I’m going to be a bit fussy on colour and trim options so if I can look at both 4.2 and 4.7 it opens up my options.

I do all my day to day servicing myself so consumable costs aside (I believe brakes can be pricey) that will be my plan to keep running costs reasonable Variators? Seems to be a problem confined to 4.2;s true or false? Is the Variator fix just replacing with a newer version of OEM or is it more involved?

Suspension

• I’ve had adjustable suspension on a 911 and wasn’t greatly impressed so Skyhook strikes me as more of the same. Whats the real world experience? I notice most ads don’t mention it so either not many people speced it most ads lack detail? That said I'm sure I read its hard to dind a 4.7 without?
• I see FD in the states offer a conversion kit to passives, not sure if other options for this exist?

Diags

• Anyone successfully use TEXA on the Maser ECUs?
• If looking to just reset service intervals whats the cheapest that works?
• I saw a JAyem youtube vid where he says its easy to brick teh dash if you;ve had a flat battery and reset the service light, any truth in this?

Engine and gearbox

• These sound pretty bulletproof, bar variators and some oil seals, tell me if I’m wrong?

Things to look out for

• Subframe rust seems to be the biggy, and I understand are NLA?
• ABS lights look expensive as I understand the hole hub needs replacing?

Anything else I should be particularly concerned about variators aside?

Stereo

• I believe the early cars came with BOSE as an option (not sure if that was thoughout the lifespan as I also found some mention of Harmon Kardon?), is it actually any good? I had BOSE in the 911 and was not impressed. Should I buy a car that has BOSE is it more difficult to upgrade? Do they use the MOST or similiar optical system?
• I’d be looking to update the Headunit, I’ve seen a variety of Android offerings and Carplay/AA overlays. Is there any requirement to keep the stock headunit plugged to keep other systems happy, I beleive some functions can only be done with it in place?

Boot

• I’m happy with the interior space however both I and the wife are golfers. Whats my chances of getting 2 sets of clubs in the boot?

Exhaust

• Not sure if all models have a switchable exhaust from the factory?
• Do the Granturismo's have Pre-cats? any issue with break up and ingestion?

Sure I’ll have more questions but that’s a good starting point

Thanks in advance
Mark

 

[tokyomb]

Most of these are answered by searching here - which might mean you won't get a lot of responses. Others may be along soon who can answer more than me - but I think the below is right...

Variators
- I think @dickygrace answered your question on Facebook with the engine number you need watch out for - higher than that and you should be OK. A search here will also provide. He is one of the most highly recommended independent sellers of these cars.

Boot
- If your bag of clubs isn't too big you might get two in, but certainly not with trolleys etc.

Remap
- Probably won't get you much in percentage terms (other than less money in your pocket) on a normally aspirated car.

Gearboxes (you didn't ask but I will mention)
- The Maserati terminology (MC, MC Auto Shift etc.) is confusing (and advertisers often get it wrong). If the car has what looks like a gearstick it is a traditional automatic (six speed). If it has two buttons 'R' and '1', it is an 'F1' style robotised manual single clutch gearbox - arguably more engaging, but with costs of clutch replacement (at least every 40-50k miles) to be factored in. YMMV - test drive both... The latter needs driving more like a manual (and definitely not in Auto mode to get the best out of it).

Stereo
- The Bose that you cannot apply the aftermarket (overlay) CarPlay solution to is the Bose head-unit in some Quattroportes (IIRC) - I don't think it affects the Granturismo.
- The Harmon Kardon was only offered on the post 2018 final facelift cars, which have the bigger iPad-like screens (and are likely out of budget if you are also looking at the 4.2's)

Your things to look out for don't look far off. They are sensitive to battery condition, so will throw random warning lights if the battery is poorly charged / reaching end of life - so not all warning lights are created equal.
Other things to look out for are suspension bushes - these are heavy cars and they are a wear item. You have to buy kits of upper and lower wishbones to replace them - so a lot more per corner than a few pounds for the bush alone - so on an older car worth seeing the history file and what has been done / not done.

Fuel might be on a par with your Audi, but parts prices are likely to make you wince (they reflect a c. £100k car and Ferrari/Maserati stable heritage). A look at the parts diagrams at Eurospares can be informative: https://www.eurospares.co.uk/Maserati/GranTurismo There is also a useful alternative parts thread on here: https://www.sportsmaserati.com/index.php?threads/alternative-parts-what-everyone-needs-to-know.7489/

 

[midlifecrisis]

Clubs? Night, suit of? Dunno what they are.

There isn't much difference in consumption between the 4.2 and 4.7. however since the equipment difference is greater. I think the 4.2 was the base and the 4.7 in the S and later Sport versions. Later ones have even better equipment.

I've had a flat battery and the dash has never had any issues, so that's a falsehood from Jayemm. Removing a battery means that all power is removed from the car, so any manufacturer worth their salt should be able to design a car with this consideration.

 

[zagatoes30]

There is no such thing as a pre-purchase stupid question, the more you know before you go in the better.

Variators as above there is a engine number to be aware of, subframes need to be checked, if you can get a pre-purchase inspection by a specialist it will be the best £300 you will ever spend.

Drive all the options you can, they do vary and some will meet your driving style better than others.


Golf clubs, are you sure a Maserati is the right car for you

 

[CatmanV2]

I believe the 4.2 s get decent results with a remap if wanted later?

Morning. Some vague input. I suspect the difference will be about a full tank of petrol.....

If looking to just reset service intervals whats the cheapest that works?

Autel AP200

• I saw a JAyem youtube vid where he says its easy to brick teh dash if you;ve had a flat battery and reset the service light, any truth in this?

Twaddle. If the clock is wrong and you reset the service light, there's a bit more of an issue. Well a big issue....

ABS lights look expensive as I understand the hole hub needs replacing?

Correct

Not sure if all models have a switchable exhaust from the factory?

Nope. Only the S. No reason not to fit them to the 4.2

HTH

C

 

[Steve4200]

Morning. Some vague input. I suspect the difference will be about a full tank of petrol.....



Autel AP200


Twaddle. If the clock is wrong and you reset the service light, there's a bit more of an issue. Well a big issue....


Correct



Nope. Only the S. No reason not to fit them to the 4.2

HTH

C

If the time and date are wrong a Service Token Reset will brick the dash. No further service resets are allowed, the service data will be corrupt and the time / date setting will fail. EasyMAS diagnostic has a unique function to check and inform the user of the set/time date, service token checksum and warn the user not to proceed if incorrect.

Regards

 

[Ewan]

You will notice improved performance in the 4.7 over the 4.2.
As a general rule, the later the car, the better. Improvements were made all the time.
If your budget allows, aim for a 4.7 model from 2010 onwards.
The early 4.2 auto cars are perfectly okay (after the variators have been fixed) as long as in good condition, but are more suited to a cruising style of driving. The 4.7 cars feel and look more sporty (though are still a GT style of car).

 

[CatmanV2]

If the time and date are wrong a Service Token Reset will brick the dash. No further service resets are allowed, the service data will be corrupt and the time / date setting will fail. EasyMAS diagnostic has a unique function to check and inform the user of the set/time date, service token checksum and warn the user not to proceed if incorrect.

Regards

I was thinking about this as I typed. How far wrong does it have to be before if all goes south. Do we know? Not that it's relevant I'm just curious. I would *guess* if it's before the time / date of the most recent reset as I can't think of any other sensible definition of 'wrong' in this context!

Nice feature in the EasyMAS

C

 

[MarkMas]

HI Chaps
Potential new owner here. Doing some research before I buy.

I’m sure a lot of these questions are regularly asked, but I'm only up to page 39 of the forum so far so apologies if I’m repeating the same old stuff, and thanks in advance to anyone whose already answered on my similar FB group post ....

No stupid questions, and not stupid questions, but most have indeed be answered before. Forum search is not great, so I recommend Google search.

EG:

"sportsmaserati" "fuel consumption" - Google Search

 

[dickygrace]

I don’t mind helping you out with a half hour of Q&A if you wish to call. No agenda whatsoever @markiii

 

[HenrysDad]

I don’t mind helping you out with a half hour of Q&A if you wish to call. No agenda whatsoever @markiii

Ask Dickie about an excellent 4.7 S for sale in Manchester

 

[zagatoes30]

I don’t mind helping you out with a half hour of Q&A if you wish to call. No agenda whatsoever @markiii

Take it, half an hour off Dickies time will leave you in a much clearer position reference the differences in the various versions

 

[dickygrace]

Ask Dickie about an excellent 4.7 S for sale in Manchester

I was thinking about that, it’ll be surely one of, if not, the best for sale at that price point.

 

[Steve4200]

I was thinking about this as I typed. How far wrong does it have to be before if all goes south. Do we know? Not that it's relevant I'm just curious. I would *guess* if it's before the time / date of the most recent reset as I can't think of any other sensible definition of 'wrong' in this context!

Nice feature in the EasyMAS

C

That’s a good point … What we know for sure is that the battery off system default time / date will brick the dash.

Regards

 

[CatmanV2]

That’s a good point … What we know for sure is that the battery off system default time / date will brick the dash.

Regards

Not something I assume anyone is too keen to test? I assume your checksum is based on time on the device compared to time on the car with a margin? No need to give away trade secrets, again, just curious

C

 

[Steve4200]

Not something I assume anyone is too keen to test? I assume your checksum is based on time on the device compared to time on the car with a margin? No need to give away trade secrets, again, just curious

C

We have the ability to test this and will report back later. The checksum EasyMAS uses is the date of last token compared to new token date. Also in the mix is the last service token number, the date of vehicle manufacture and no year ending with 00.
Let’s hope Maserati sort the dash firmware by the year 2100 !

Regards

 

[Sam McGoo]

Welcome, I've just copied what I put on Facebook below for continuity and to help anyone else searching. I'm glad you've found this place as a search will answer most of your questions anyway.....

Most of your questions have been answered, but just a bit more info for ya -
4.7 if in budget as its just better. I'm sure there is a difference in the auto software used between the 4.2 and 4.7 as well, as they just drive nicer in general.

MPG - over 5 years 30ish thousand miles in both my 2011 and 2013 4.7 MC-shifts I've always averaged between 17-19mpg with mixed driving all year round.

Suspension - MOST GranTurismo come with Skyhook adaptive suspension. These are black springs on silver shocks. There was a standard fixed rate option that was Green springs on black shocks and then the MC Handling pack that has been mentioned which has red springs and the MC logo shocks. This is basically the same as the Stradale set up, so also 10mm lower and comes with bigger anti-roll bars and different MSP software.
Personally, I didn't like the feel of the Skyhook. It's not a big deal to most people, but I feel it was a bit soft in normal and a bit skittish in Sport.
My 2011 had the standard fixed rate, and it was just lovely. Really rode the bumps well, but wasn't too soft. Perfect for cruising. My 2013 has the MC set-up and is definitely more sporty, but not too hard or skittish , great for fast road. I'd take either fixed set up over the skyhook, but that narrows your options a lot so don't be put off by that, they are still great cars.
I'm 99% sure you can buy and fit either of the fixed rate ones to a skyhook car, but would need to trick the ECUs with some resistors or something.

Variators- Engine number is the biggy as per Richard Grace's advice. There is a quick check if looking at adverts etc ....In July 2009 '59plate along with variators, they also updated the airbag set up, so you will notice that pre-update the passenger airbag is a large rectangle. Post update its a small slot, so easy to check.

Engine - Really very good. There was a waterpipe at the rear of the engine on the early ones, but if your going post variator, that won't be an issue. Cam cover and front engine cover leaks are common. Alternator and A/C compressor issues not totally uncommon.

Other things - As you say SUBFRAME is the biggest, particularly near the upper wishbone mounts. Wishbone bushes are very common to be worn. Parking sensors - Can use cheap skoda ones. ABS sensor = new wheel bearing and hub. £780 for OEM part. £380 for a decent pattern part. Can be DIY'd.
Clutches on an MC-shift around 40-50 k miles.

Exhausts - Not all of them operate the same. 4.2, have internal valves that work with flow, 4.7 Autos aren't always open in sport mode, only above 3500rpm (IIRC) unless it has MC auto-shift software. Early MC-shift cars are better in this respect as they are open all the time when sport is selected. So for the best sound, MC shift or post 2012 MC auto shift.

Stereo - They're all a bit ****, sound isn't great. later ones are a bit better. Upgrade to an android unit for connectivity and touch screen. But you won't care about the sound, as you won't be listening to it other than for background noise.

Boot - I can get one set of clubs and a foldable trolley in without an issue. Two sets will be a squeeze unless at least one of the bags is soft I would think, and with two, you won't get trollies in, but don't quote me on that.

 

[markiii]

Golf clubs, are you sure a Maserati is the right car for you

oh yes, great to do a touring holiday and get some golf in whilst away

 

[markiii]

We have the ability to test this and will report back later. The checksum EasyMAS uses is the date of last token compared to new token date. Also in the mix is the last service token number, the date of vehicle manufacture and no year ending with 00.
Let’s hope Maserati sort the dash firmware by the year 2100 !

Regards

so is that case of if the battery goes flat make sure you have all the time and dates reset properly before you extinguish a service light and all will be ok or is it more complex than that?

 

[Ewan]

Golf clubs, are you sure a Maserati is the right car for you

Good point. Surely he needs a JAAAAG (to quote Clarkson).