4200gt questions

[JDM]

After setting my heart on a 3200gt manual, i then decided an auto would suit the car better. I've now gone another step further and decided I want a 4200gt.

The 3200 is a fantastic machine but they're showing their age now and for not a lot more I can get what I see as a more balanced, useable, modern, refined and reliable car. Just a couple of questions regarding the 4200 though.

-Do they suffer from throttle issues like the 3200?
-What is the service schedule? Does the cam chain last the life of the engine?
-Is it easy to spot if a F1 pump is jammed on due to a dodgy relay?
-Does it have obd2 to give basic codes, and is there any way to tell how much life is left on the clutch without sd2/3?

I've read as much as I can find on the 4200, but any further buying tips welcomed.

 

[Brendan]

Not sure how long the timing chain lasts but never heard of anyone changing one/its not on the service scehdule

You will hear if the F1 pump is on, its quite noisey when you unlock/open the door

Regarding the clutch, the percentage reading is more a guide than gospel, my first was done at 19k then second at 62k

 

[Parisien]

No to number 1

2. Service schedule annually and or mileage based. Not got a chain to change

3. Usually there are warnings, some time a light or popping out of gear/failing to engage

4. Yes OBD connection, can use simple code reader....yes need an SD2/3 to read approx clutch wear


The newer replacement clutches do seem to have a much longer life.....but as always.....NEVER drive in auto, use sports as much as possible and avoid reversing up inclines too!!!!



P

 

[Parisien]

See service schedule below from an MD with 2009/10 prices

http://www.sportsmaserati.co.uk/showthread.php/7076-4200-service-schedule?highlight=schedule


P

 

[mondie]

The newer replacement clutches do seem to have a much longer life.....but as always.....NEVER drive in auto, use sports as much as possible and avoid reversing up inclines too!!!!


P

Is sport kinder on the clutch - less slipping I guess? Dealer we bought our GS from told me the opposite, dont use sport as its harsher on the clutch which didn't really ring true

 

[JDM]

I have read elsewhere that the auto mode is harder on the clutch. It sound like a car more suited to my needs, but it was the twin turbos and boomerang lights that reeled me in to begin with!

I was also wondering about the in car entertainment? Did they update it when they did the facelift? What are they like to use? I'd want to connect my iPod at some point but I can see that being a chore

 

[mjheathcote]

The info centre did not change on the 4200.
To connect an iPod you need the 'loudlink' module that replaces the CD multichanger (if fitted) and plugs into the back of the info centre box in the armrest. This adds a SD card and aux-in instead to emulate the CD changer. They also do a version that adds Bluetooth for Bluetooth audio from say an iPhone and also microphone for calls.

 

[Parisien]

Is sport kinder on the clutch - less slipping I guess? Dealer we bought our GS from told me the opposite, dont use sport as its harsher on the clutch which didn't really ring true

In sport mode the change is quicker, less contact between plates...or go whole hog and get a DBW up-rate


P

 

[2b1ask1]

I really beg to differ that auto is that bad for the clutch; it is heavy traffic and dithering that rides the clutch in manual just as much as auto....

 

[Parisien]

Talking about driving in auto all the time Newton.......how bad it actually is needs to be fully researched especially in slow urban traffic.....but like lots on here I go to neutral when coasting to a halt, or at traffic lights and then wait for a bit of a gap before setting off as 1st fully engages and not merely trickling along


P

 

[mjheathcote]

The problem is, sport, non sport, manual or auto, nobody really knows. The improvement might be 5%, might be 25%.
Just drive it how you like, but one things for sure, reversing up a hill often will kill the clutch. The smell tells you this!
What is surprising, talking to friends with various robotised gearboxes, M series BMW's and Masers, they all drive them in auto. It's only enthusiasts that actually 'drive' them!

 

[philw696]

Fools Mike missing out on the best part of the car. Phil.

 

[mjheathcote]

Fools Mike missing out on the best part of the car. Phil.

I know.
Before I bought the Maser was looking at the V10 M6 with SMG gearbox.
A friend had the V8 M3 with SMG gearbox and I asked how he got on with it. "Yah it's okay it's in Auto all the time!"
...the same friend now has a dual select quattroporte, but again it's never out of auto.
Same in the Porsche world, another friend with a 997 Turbo, the first generation with tiptronic not PDK unfortunately so it is an auto, however he never drives it in 'manual'.
I get so much pleasure flicking up and down the gears, when I want it to change, they don't know what they are missing!

 

[mondie]

Agree if you are driving an SMG type box in auto you are missing out and the compromise that SMG brings as an auto would kill the car for me. Our M5 is always driven as a manual (except when Mrs M is driving) But then that's why these SMG boxes can be a very good comprise for people with different preferences from the same car

In sport mode the change is quicker, less contact between plates...or go whole hog and get a DBW up-rate


P

Confirms my thoughts really, t bad either way, Sports mode it is unless the roads are very wet.

 

[Elliott653]

I find the gear change when not in sport mode to be so slovenly as to almost be embarrassing. I always drive in sport. I had the clutch replaced a couple of weeks ago @ 30,000 miles. Apparently, the car spent its first 12k in auto driving in central London. So, make of that what you will.