GT Newbie with questions. What a surprise :-)

[stteale]

Hi all, after much lurking around the site and doing all the research I'm afraid I did the usual and just bought the first one at Maranello's!! A couple of questions to you all if i may, as there are some things to clear up before I actually hand over the hard earned. The car is a 2008, but they have put the later "Neptune" wheels on it as the Birdcage originals were very ropey. Does this make a difference to desirability? When driving the car it feels very jittery, and not planted. Is that just because I'm used to a very heavy merc CL or is this down to the Wheels? This car has a parrot bluetooth fitted even though it has the original bluetooth? were the originals that bad?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Steve

 

[dickygrace]

Steve, congratulations on your purchase. There are a few folk who fit a Parrot, as some don't think the original's great. Neptune wheels are far more desirable on the whole. As far as the jittery feel, it may need laser wheel alignment or balancing, but it may just be that you've got out of a Merc and in to a proper sports car Enjoy the ride.

 

[ratbag]

These are big heavy cars and need proper 4 way wheel alignment fairly frequently. It should NOT feel jittery...They ride and handle very well......proper alignmentt tranforms these cars......take it back!

 

[conaero]

Welcome Steve and congrats.

The built in BT is rubbish and the Parrot is a far better option.

The Neptunes are way more desirable, well done.

The handling, that does not sound right. I would have that looked at b4 you buy.

You can upgrade to the Stradale suspension for under £3k and that is night and day over the standard setup.

All the best you lucky fella.

 

[bigbob]

Welcome Steve and congrats.

The built in BT is rubbish and the Parrot is a far better option.

The Neptunes are way more desirable, well done.

The handling, that does not sound right. I would have that looked at b4 you buy.

You can upgrade to the Stradale suspension for under £3k and that is night and day over the standard setup.

All the best you lucky fella.

Agree with Matt.

Suspension choices depend on use. I can understand putting the Stradale suspension on an MC Shift used as a weekend car but it's fixed rate set up would be too firm for me on a daily basis, as many autos are driven. I like the fact that with Skyhook, the normal setting is fine for everyday motoring but when the road clears up you can use sport, flick it into manual and have a laugh. Careful if it's raining mind!

 

[Felonious Crud]

Hi Steve, congratulations. Was the jitteriness in Sport or Normal? These cars are certainly more lively than a Merc. I went from a E-class ("sport" they called, it without a hint of irony) which rode appallingly on all but the smoothest roads. The GTS is streets ahead (literally!) in terms of handling but I wouldn't call it jittery.

As for the bluetooth, oddly enough I seldom use the phone while I'm driving since I got the Maser; nothing is so important that I can allow it to interrupt the joy of driving!

 

[VMSRTI]

As for the bluetooth, oddly enough I seldom use the phone while I'm driving since I got the Maser; nothing is so important that I can allow it to interrupt the joy of driving!

Couldn't agree more Adam, same with the stereo/speakers in my GS, at first I considered replacing because I love descent quality music played loud but 99% of the time I drive it with the windows down, stereo off or very low and don't even look at the phone if it rings.

 

[Torenno Performance]

The original bluetooth system is shocking. In my GTS, the person on the order side just cant here me when im doing over 20mph.

Its been to the dealer to investigate but they cant find anything wrong, they did a test run using an Iphone and it was all fine. I use a HTC phone, so the system might be sensitive to the phone being used. Either way i will have to order a parrott.

Noor

 

[stteale]

Thanks all, it's in the shop today/tomorrow for prep. They have strict instructions to check alignments!

 

[Andyk]

Hi Steve and a big warm welcome to the forum...

 

[hodroyd]

Steve,
Welcome to THE forum, great choice of car, any issues as all take it back to the dealer and get it sorted before handing over all the cash.
Cheers
R

 

[stteale]

Ok, so the workshop report came back. All alignment was out and the tyre pressures were wrong. They have said I shouldn't have been allowed to drive the car until it was prepped. But everything is ok. Delivery time has unfortunately slipped to late next week as they need to fix all the bits I pointed out inc a trip to the body shop for a dent in the door. No other mechanicals were found to be an issue. Once painted they have said a full day getting detailed. This week is going to last forever!

 

[Felonious Crud]

It is actually and officially the longest week ever, Steve. Say goodbye to sleep or any thought beyond your imminent GT. But it will be well worth the wait. And perhaps by the time you get it spring might even have arrived.

 

[hodroyd]

The wait for your beast is a good way to build the adrenalin tolerance in your body, you will need extra tolerance once you start to actually drive her..!!

 

[Parisien]

Ok, so the workshop report came back. All alignment was out and the tyre pressures were wrong. They have said I shouldn't have been allowed to drive the car until it was prepped. But everything is ok. Delivery time has unfortunately slipped to late next week as they need to fix all the bits I pointed out inc a trip to the body shop for a dent in the door. No other mechanicals were found to be an issue. Once painted they have said a full day getting detailed. This week is going to last forever!

....takes you back to your childhood....bet you never dreamt of having such an exotic car in your garage when you were ten!


P

 

[cobratwin]

Welcome Mate just remember Good things come to those who wait!

 

[hodroyd]

Alignment and tyre pressures are pretty important with these cars. When I picked up my 4200, on the first day I had it in a sideways drift, all down to tyre pressures, nearly pooed myself as another vehicle was coming the other way...!!!

 

[bigbob]

GranTurismo service pricing includes alignment. Mine tracks very true but I won't go up kerbs. Some people do mind.

Personally I check pressures all the time - 32 to 34 psi cold.

 

[Parisien]

Alignment and tyre pressures are pretty important with these cars. When I picked up my 4200, on the first day I had it in a sideways drift, all down to tyre pressures, nearly pooed myself as another vehicle was coming the other way...!!!

...that because you were focused on lighting a Cohiba no 12 and not watching the road!!!!!





P

 

[drewf]

Ok, so the workshop report came back. All alignment was out and the tyre pressures were wrong. They have said I shouldn't have been allowed to drive the car until it was prepped. But everything is ok. Delivery time has unfortunately slipped to late next week as they need to fix all the bits I pointed out inc a trip to the body shop for a dent in the door. No other mechanicals were found to be an issue. Once painted they have said a full day getting detailed. This week is going to last forever!

I drove a CL600 as a daily driver when I bought my QP5, and kept it for a couple of months overlap. No question, the QP is considerably more lively than the CL, but like you, the alignment was all over the place when I bought it (sorted by Shiltech). It also failed a recent MoT with a worn rear tie-rod ball-joint, allowing some play in the rear wheel alignment. Replaced by Shiltech last weekend, and the handling is transformed. Totally planted on the road now - it's like a different car. Looking forward to being able to drive it again, now the weather is improving, and I'm back in the country. Hope you get out in yours soon!