What is a 2001 model 3200?

[BuckRog64]

All,

I'm hopefully going to be viewing and putting a deposit on a manual 2001 registered 3200 this week. Will be armed with Contigo's excellent Buyers Guide plus knowledge built up following threads on this forum over the last few months. That said, will not buy without a specialist inspection. Or unless it has had a replacement clutch on the understanding new clutches are no longer available (car has covered 50k miles).

Does anyone know how I can readily determine that the car is the improved 2001 version please and not a 2000 model that didn't get registered until 2001? Are there any distinguishing features or VIN range or shape/location of diagnostic socket?

Many thanks.

 

[conaero]

Yes if you locate the OBD socket under the steering column knee roll. If it's a smaller one than this it's pre update:

 

[jluis]

The last 4 digits of the VIN should be higher than 4000 if I recall correctly (Mine is 48xx and is one of the last AC to roll out of the factory)
If you email Maserati the complete VIN number they will give you the date of manufacture.

 

[davy83]

What he said ... and also might have the newer wheel style, i have a 2001 model and it has the full ODBII socket under the dash and also the 4200 style wheels (see avatar thingy on the left here)

Yes if you locate the OBD socket under the steering column knee roll. If it's a smaller one than this it's pre update:

View attachment 43062

 

[alfatwo]

They also have a different part number on the TRW Italia supplied steering rack, not sure that makes any difference to the driving feel though..

It also has the later emissions air pump system

Regarding Sach's clutch component's, there still available if you search but there getting very expensive..

Dave

 

[urquattrogus]

The later emissions air pump system means more hoses and gets in the way!

But the ODB socket is a blessing!

 

[alfatwo]

The later emissions air pump system means more hoses and gets in the way!

But the ODB socket is a blessing!

Just getting into the latest euro 3 emission's reg's all those years ago might be the old cars saving grace!

Even so you aint going to be driving those old cars around the London area from October without paying a huge amount of wonga and its only going to get worse!

Dave

 

[urquattrogus]

I like cars most when they have no cats!

Less to worry about and more power, more sound! Always a bonus when you are buying a pre 1992 car! Enjoyed that in the urquattro, a 3" exhaust with only one silencer and no cats

I've heard of all those stories about XJS etc and other cars that have cats but are pre the mandatory time, rip them out and hey presto, more power!

Cat's have got a lot less restrictive since then, but I do like the analogy that it's like removing a pair of socks from the exhaust for those early, cobbled together ones.

2001 cars also supposed had improved throttle response? and extra levels of quality control....

 

[greeny12]

The last 4 digits of the VIN should be higher than 4000 if I recall correctly (Mine is 48xx and is one of the last AC to roll out of the factory)
If you email Maserati the complete VIN number they will give you the date of manufacture.

Might be a little leeway in the numbers though - mine has the later OBD socket and is a 2002 registered car, but has a 39xx VIN number.

 

[BuckRog64]

Many thanks for the helpful replies gents. I know that condition and maintenance history is now much more important than model year, but at least its a negotiating point if car turns out to be a 2000 model registered in 2001. That said, I just know that ODBII socket will be useful!