[demoe]

seeing that there is considerable about the clutch system on our vehicles in regards to life, adjustment, launching issues, etc etc, ...do any of you have experiences with the other systems? If so, are they plagued with the same isssues? Are they worse/better performance wise?

I have driven my buddys Porsche with Tiptronic and to me it was a very smooth system. He has never informed me of any issues.

I understand Lexus is using paddle shifting in their newer IS series vehicles.

 

[M!]

i'd like to know how the CC or DS compare to Ferrari's F1 systems in all their cars.

demoe, paddle shifting can be just paddles or buttons to go + or - on an AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, as such in the tiptronic (Porsche, Audi), or steptronic (BMW), or "Super Electronically Controlled Transmission (Super ECT) " ECT-i (Lexus), AMG-enhanced 5-speed automatic with AMG SpeedShift™ programming and fingertip manual mode.

I think it is better to compare apples to apples with other Manumatic boxes, or ones with Roboticized Clutches (SMG, DSG twin clutch)

 

[STARDOC]

I agree with M!. My wife's Infiniti has "tiptronic" too, but much like the Porsche system, its just a slush box with a manual option. I've driven the M3 SMG and it is smoother and quicker shifting (75ms) than the Maserati. My only complaint with Maserati system is the speed (or lack of) the shifts. According to Michael Schumaker he liked the Maserati shifting better than the Ferrari.

 

[maserati of minneapolis]

Personally, I prefer the CambioCorsa over BMW's SMG. The SMG is definately faster shifting under power, and I do prefer its setup under hard driving, but for everyday driving - it sucks. I don't understand how this system is still produced if people complain about the Maserati's transmission being rough...

Also, the SMG kind of sounds like it is hurting itself and the rear suspension under the hardest shifting mode.

As for tiptronic, steptronic, and the rest of the manumatics, they are slushbox automatics, with torque converters that in my oppinion are no substitute for a clutch based manumatic. For cars like an Sbody benz, audi a6, the tronics are fine as long as they have a sport mode. Especially with the transmission computers being tied into the ECU with electronic throttle, accelerometers, etc, they are becoming much more predictive rather than reactive in operation, but still can't match my pre-emption.

- Mark

 

[surfnirnava]

I've recently changed from an 03 4200 Coupe to an 05 version. The 05 gearchange is a lot better than the 03. It is quicker and a lot smoother. Bearing in mind my 03 had the latest software, I can only assume that some of the hardware is different too.

 

[Toffe]

surfnirvana, that is probably the single most interesting comment about CC revisions that I have read. Everybody I have spoken to before have assured me that 2002-2006 are mechanically identical, only difference in software revisions. However with this logics, why cannot Maserati load GS software in a Coupe?

- Toffe

 

[Eric]

I found a big difference between '04 and '05

I recently bought a 2005 CC 90th Anniversary. Before buying, I had only driven a low mileage 2004 CC that had all the campaigns done. I test drove it in all three modes. I do not know how the two cars differ but my 2005 shifts faster but still smoother in Sport mode than the 2004 shifted in non-sport mode.

I think the shifting in sport mode on my 05 is perfect. It is the right blend of agressiveness without being too abrupt. When you push the revs it is more agressive ( as it should be ). When you lay back and shift sooner, even in sport mode, I find it comfortably smooth.

The car is a blast...

 

[LeoNewland]

BMW SMG vs CC

I purchased my '05 CC Coupé after spending 4 years and 1 month driving an '02 BMW SMG M3. During the 28,000 miles (~45,000 km) I put on the car, I read, and occasionally contributed to the Roadfly M3 Message Board. There may have been an occasional post about the clutch in the M3, but in 4 years, I never saw a single comment about 'shortened' clutch life (vs. manual) of the SMG. I know of others on the M3 Message Board with 60,000-70,000 miles, and no mention of clutch replacement. Replacing my M3's clutch was a subject that I never gave a single thought to - now, after a little over 2 months on Maseratilife, it seems that the CC clutch life is a significant issue - significant not only because of the inconvenience of the repair, but the not-so-insignificant cost ($2,000-$4,000 depending up dealer and other repairs conducted at the same time).

It is my opinion that the BMW SMG software (and perhaps related to hardware for all I know about it) is much smoother and easier to operate, especially at low speeds. I live at the end of a short cul du sac where children play almost every day. In the 2 1/2 months I've owned the Coupé, I have found no combination that allows me to drive slowly and *smoothly* through the children playing when I come home. I've tried sport setting in 1st gear, no sport setting in 1st gear - sport setting, no sport setting in 2nd gear. It is jerky no matter how I 'feather' the gas or hold the gas steady. Previously, I never had this problem with the M3's SMG - yes, I know that I have more hp (only ~35-40 since I had the Dinan airbox and exhaust system) and more torque (~40 KW) in the Coupé, but I would think that this would not completely account for the jerkiness in the F1

Please don't misunderstand, I love the Coupé... I love the power... the torque.... the beautiful lines of the car... and the magnificent quality and design of the interior materials; but, IMHO, the BMW SMG is superior to CC's operation. And yes, I drove an F1-equipped Maserati before buying, so I knew in part the difference in smoothness and shift speed. However, I attributed part of the lack of smoothness to my unfamiliarity with the CC. If I had it to do all over again, I would still trade for the Maserati - I love it; I am just disappointed that Maserati (presumably, with help and information from Ferrari who has been in the F1 transmission business a long time) does not have smoother software and software that does not significantly shorten clutch life. We can only hope Maserati will make future changes in the transmission's software, improving the performance and maintenance of the F1.
Leo Newland

 

[Toffe]

...or Maserati could just cover any clutch replacements forever. That would give then an incentive to improve the wear. Problem solved!

- Toffe

 

[SJP63]

I purchased my '05 CC Coupé after spending 4 years and 1 month driving an '02 BMW SMG M3. During the 28,000 miles (~45,000 km) I put on the car, I read, and occasionally contributed to the Roadfly M3 Message Board. There may have been an occasional post about the clutch in the M3, but in 4 years, I never saw a single comment about 'shortened' clutch life (vs. manual) of the SMG. I know of others on the M3 Message Board with 60,000-70,000 miles, and no mention of clutch replacement. Replacing my M3's clutch was a subject that I never gave a single thought to - now, after a little over 2 months on Maseratilife, it seems that the CC clutch life is a significant issue - significant not only because of the inconvenience of the repair, but the not-so-insignificant cost ($2,000-$4,000 depending up dealer and other repairs conducted at the same time).

It is my opinion that the BMW SMG software (and perhaps related to hardware for all I know about it) is much smoother and easier to operate, especially at low speeds. I live at the end of a short cul du sac where children play almost every day. In the 2 1/2 months I've owned the Coupé, I have found no combination that allows me to drive slowly and *smoothly* through the children playing when I come home. I've tried sport setting in 1st gear, no sport setting in 1st gear - sport setting, no sport setting in 2nd gear. It is jerky no matter how I 'feather' the gas or hold the gas steady. Previously, I never had this problem with the M3's SMG - yes, I know that I have more hp (only ~35-40 since I had the Dinan airbox and exhaust system) and more torque (~40 KW) in the Coupé, but I would think that this would not completely account for the jerkiness in the F1

Please don't misunderstand, I love the Coupé... I love the power... the torque.... the beautiful lines of the car... and the magnificent quality and design of the interior materials; but, IMHO, the BMW SMG is superior to CC's operation. And yes, I drove an F1-equipped Maserati before buying, so I knew in part the difference in smoothness and shift speed. However, I attributed part of the lack of smoothness to my unfamiliarity with the CC. If I had it to do all over again, I would still trade for the Maserati - I love it; I am just disappointed that Maserati (presumably, with help and information from Ferrari who has been in the F1 transmission business a long time) does not have smoother software and software that does not significantly shorten clutch life. We can only hope Maserati will make future changes in the transmission's software, improving the performance and maintenance of the F1.
Leo Newland

Sorry to hear your having trouble with the shifts.....I replaced my M3 SMG with a Coupe CC and yes its not as "foolproof" as the SMG but I have no trouble with seamless smooth shifts on the Maser. Try lifting of the throttle just a little as you shift. The M3 has the paddles on the wheel so going round a corner out of a junction, the shift to second was impossible on the paddles as up and down were reversed. Also no hill hold on the SMG.....well there was but it only operates on steep hills, the Maser is much better in that respect.

 

[LeoNewland]

Low Speed Jerkiness/Stainless Steel Brake Lines

Sorry to hear your having trouble with the shifts.....I replaced my M3 SMG with a Coupe CC and yes its not as "foolproof" as the SMG but I have no trouble with seamless smooth shifts on the Maser. Try lifting of the throttle just a little as you shift. The M3 has the paddles on the wheel so going round a corner out of a junction, the shift to second was impossible on the paddles as up and down were reversed. Also no hill hold on the SMG.....well there was but it only operates on steep hills, the Maser is much better in that respect.

SJP, I'm with you - I love the fixed paddles on the steering column as opposed to BMW's paddles that turn with the steering wheel - that is why I used the console gearshift probably 80-90% of the time when I had the M3. I did use the paddles some and the auto mode rarely in the 4 yrs I drove the SMG.

With regard to my post, I'm not having a problem with smooth shifting upon acceleration, and yes, you are correct when you suggest lifting slightly. I've been lifting off the gas when shifting since the second week of ownership and get those same smooth seamless shifts as you. The biggest problem I have is the jerkiness at low speed when pulling into my neighborhood.... and the same jerkiness when going up the driveway into the garage. The SMG was always very smooth at low speed and the F1 isn't, or at least so far. I'll ask the dealer about it first time I'm there, but he's some 50 miles away - not a trip I make very often.

I had a Brembo big brake kit (with SS hoses) on my M3 and had wonderful brakes. I like the Brembo brakes on the Maser but would like to firm up the 'top end' when they are first applied - anyone have any thoughts as to whether or not SS brake lines would improve that on the Coupé? I've been looking for a source for the Maserati SS braided lines, but so far have not found one.

 

[haha]

rough is good I like.

 

[Steeldream]

I've got Brembos and SS lines on the Porsche so I'm used to the stopping power available. I wouldn't want the Spyder to brake any more strongly. The first couple of days I was driving it I had to make a conscious effort to moderate my braking because it came on SO suddenly.

 

[bundas]

brakes

i could have more brakes on track day 02cc spyder