First impressions of 4200 ownership

M

maserati300

Junior Member
Messages
78
Well....

To say it's a joy to own and drive my dream car is an understatement, however there are a few things that become apparent - but more niggly than anything.

Im not scared to floor it now....but there has been a "brown pants moment or two" when the car tramlines at times...WHOA!!! but i expect that's just down to having WIDE tyres....brakes aren't sh!t but seem to just about cope with my driving although i still dont drive HARD point to point....to be fair i live in london and to get above 40mph anywhere is a rarity these days.

She makes lots of noise on start up not bad noises - just lots of whiring etc- feels quite jerky in first gear (when cold) and the throttle is super sensitive at times but then dull at others. on to this Cambiocorsa thing! Still haven't quite got the knack of reversing SLOWLY and gradually...it's like the clutch engages sharply ON/OFF and when it's ON she flies backward....same with being in first gear and trying to park or move forward slightly. She's very ON/OFF in that respect. but i suspect it just takes more getting used to how i need to drive the car.

Very Thirsty car...thank god it's a weekend only thing...in fairness it's not too disimilar to my Fiat coupe 20VT so no BIG surprises there - still getting used to the attention it gets/i get fromt he public. Not sure if i like/dislike it yet but i better get used to it!!!

Is there a better software update for 05/06 model CC's? mines an 03 plate but 04 model....has small aerial on the roof.

All in all im still in LOVE with the thing!!!

oh one more question - where can i buy the F1 Pump relay from that's about £8 (the Afla one)?

That's it for now......more to follow

Marcus
 
conaero

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,631
Well, I am glad you are pleased with it an everything in your post appears totally normal and many the observation of many new owners.

The CC software should have been updated, if not, you need to take it to an main dealer or indie if you want to pay half the labour rate.

Thirsty they are, but on a motorway run at a constant 70-80mph they will return about 400 miles per tank, thats about all you can expect from a 4.2 V8. Normal mixed driving consumption should be in the region of mid to late 200's depending upon how hard you gun it.

The CC in revers will eat your clutch, its best to be very firm and positive with the accelerator, reversing slowly up an incline is considered the easiest way to nail your clutch. Many have proven, the harder you drive it, the longer the clutch lasts. Always keep it in SPORT mode. Being aggressive with the gas results in the clutch slamming shut, slow changes labour and wear the clutch as the system slips the clutch to gain smoothness.

Enjoy, feel dead jealous you are embarking on your first 4200 Maserati ownership!
 
Parisien

Parisien

Moderator
Messages
34,927
Marcus....welcome to our very own "Band of Maseratistis".....

Great to hear you're in love......wonderful feeling...huh........you do have to acclimatise/make allowances...

The 4200 is like no other girlfriend you've had before.....:)

Depending on what you've driven before and how hard/good you are as a driver, she will eventually reward you.....with many moments of excitement and fulfillment.

She does like to be handled carefully when ..wet......;)......., and on putting down your manful right foot when entering a bend.........but other than that.....shes a PU55Y.....aaaahheeemmm.....

Other guys will be jealous of your new love..........but if you give her the attention she craves then you'll be in 7th heaven for sometime to come.



Also, when coming to a halt...put her into neutral last few metres and went stopped...all helps clutch wear.

Be sure to get the correct relay matched to the pump you've gotten on car, the later newer models have an unrated relay....do double check!!

Do enjoy and keep posting!


P
 
Last edited:
BennyD

BennyD

Sea Urchin Pate
Messages
15,006
Marcus, so glad you are enjoying ownership of your 4200, we all do! Could be a good idea to get your parameters reset at your local Indie, I did, and it smoothed everything out and made it nicer to drive. Enjoy!
 
M

maserati300

Junior Member
Messages
78
Benny D - yes i was thinking about doing that. on the indie check said the gear change wasn't as sharp as it should be... Whilst im there i'll prob get the Relay sorted as well.

Conaero - sport is BLOODY stiff - so many speed bumps where i live in shep bush...i'll try it a bit more though, if it helps prolong the life of the clutch. i do the flip to neutral when coming to a halt so almost there with the little nuances.

Parisien - can you get the relay from Alfa directly? I've tried googling but after reading a post about incorrect rated relay being used and another chap having to fiddle with the pins im slightly worried about being able to source the right one even with the correct parts code. i've seen 2 so far 30 amp rated and 50amp...it's 30amp for 4200 is it not?
 
Parisien

Parisien

Moderator
Messages
34,927
Marcus, I stand to be corrected on this, but my understanding was that when they introduced the new up-dated pump a while back they also up-rated the relay.......so you'd need to know which pump you have......alternately....ring Marios at Autsoshield...he will confirm or direct you on this concerning the Alfa part.

0161 881 3463


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conaero

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,631
maserati300 said:
Conaero - sport is BLOODY stiff - so many speed bumps where i live in shep bush...i'll try it a bit more though, if it helps prolong the life of the clutch. i do the flip to neutral when coming to a halt so almost there with the little nuances.
Click to expand...

I bet you are running Pilot Sport or Pirellis, what you need are Falken 452's they dont have the reinforced sidewalls and the drive is soooooo much better and they are cheap too, about £500 a set fitted, and the grip is astonishing.
 
M

maserati300

Junior Member
Messages
78
yes - it's one of the 2....but plenty tread left. being a tight **** i'll have to wear them out a bit first! Falken 452's then - best do a search on hear to see what people (who have them) say about them

Cheers!
 
Parisien

Parisien

Moderator
Messages
34,927
Be sure to check inner shoulder wear......maybe need a geometry alignment.....on mine.....worn to canvas on shoulder....5mms on the rest!!

Falkens do seem to be the choice.........

P
 
conaero

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,631
Agreed, you wont find anything but praise for the F452's fabulous tyre. I changed to them after hitting a pot hole and splitting the side wall of a new Pilot Sport, very annoying and happens alot. Loz's went in France whilst cruising at over a tonne (private track of course) and the back blew out. He hit a pot hole in MK on the way down, so some 1-2 hundred miles later....BOOM!!! very dangerous.
 
conaero

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,631
Very good point Miles, I remember that either my fronts or rears, not it was the rears....the anti curb did not go over the wheel very well, so definitely go up on the width there
 
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