QP Duoselect and Variators

Alan Surrey

Member
Messages
990
Is it the case that the variator problem only affects cars with the ZF gearbox and the wet sump engine? Should my first Maserati be a duoselect to avoid the problem?
 

Ewan

Member
Messages
6,756
Your first Maserati should be a duo select because they are more fun. The fact that they don’t have the variator problem of the auto is purely a financial bonus.

.
 
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makeshiftUK

Member
Messages
1,089
I think your decision to choose a transmission style should be based on how you’d like to experience your QP, versus choosing a path to mitigate a potential future issue.

Someone more knowledge around variators will be along shortly to advise on which engine(s) are affected...
 

Keano

Member
Messages
287
Check the engine number to confirm if variators will be a possible issue - see attached. If they have been done then you should not have any issues.
 

Attachments

  • BULLETIN  07-09 QP Auto -  Variator Issue.jpg
    BULLETIN 07-09 QP Auto - Variator Issue.jpg
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conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,593
Is it the case that the variator problem only affects cars with the ZF gearbox and the wet sump engine? Should my first Maserati be a duoselect to avoid the problem?
The Duo Select basically is the dry sump 4200 engine so not affected by the specific wet sump variator issue yes.

The dry sump DS/4200 engine has non return valve on the back of the cam cover.

Being the dry sump engine, it runs the same remote oil canister system so check the brass oil nut to the tank is not cracked

It’s £100 parts and an hours labour to fit. You do have to drop the oil so best to do the oil and filter change at the same time.

I would imagine most wet sump variators have been done so check and make your decision on which transmission suits you best.

Its £1550 plus vat to have them done and you get new cam cover gaskets and oil and filter change inc in that so solves the other issue of weeping gaskets too.

Negotiate the cost off the price if evidence of the work being done cannot be proved.
 
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Motorsport3

Member
Messages
868
As the others say it depends what you want from the driving experience.

Personally coming from an E46 M3 with DSG box I found the QPV DS more spacious, comfortable and with better leather leather seats.

I guess if you are coming from an S class or 7 series experience you might find the QPV w ZF right for you.
 

Phil H

Member
Messages
4,107
Your first Maserati should be a 3200gt; if the turbos don't give you an adrenaline rush the sleepless nights will. After that everything else is a breeze.

:)

PH
 
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rs48635

Member
Messages
3,181
The Duo Select basically is the dry sump 4200 engine so not affected by the specific wet sump variator issue yes.

The dry sump DS/4200 engine has non return valve on the back of the cam cover.

Being the dry sump engine, it runs the same remote oil canister system so check the brass oil nut to the tank is not cracked

It’s £100 parts and an hours labour to fit. You do have to drop the oil so best to do the oil and filter change at the same time.

I would imagine most wet sump variators have been done so check and make your decision on which transmission suits you best.

Its £1550 plus vat to have them done and you get new cam cover gaskets and oil and filter change inc in that so solves the other issue of weeping gaskets too.

Negotiate the cost off the price if evidence of the work being done cannot be proved.

Glad I called in, now understand the "oil nut". :D

Reference the original post. Looking to avoid problems? Choose a nearly new toyota or honda.
It is the tolerance to problems possessed by the owner that is significant. Some buy their <prestige car> and take fear after a couple of issues and run. Others stay with it and ride the wrinkles. Do some research and chat to folks here to get real world idea of ownership. Sounds trite but unless you accept spending money ( hundreds to £1500 every year) you might be unhappy. Sure there will be someone along who runs their car on next to nothing, but they own a car I would be unlikely to buy.