1985 Maserati Biturbo E 2.5 twin turbo

Summary:

A quick car off the line that is very hard to beat

Faults:

The fuse box is the only problem I have had with this car.

General Comments:

This is the high performance "E" model which was only produced for a single year in 1985.

It has shorter and stiffer springs and the factory shocks are re-valved.

It has wider (6.5 inch) wheels versus the stock (6 inch) wheels.

The tires are 205VR55 instead of the stock 195VR60.

The anti-sway bars are thicker than the stock bars.

The leather interior is unsurpassed by any with the possible exception of a Rolls-Royce.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th May, 2001

1985 Maserati Biturbo Twin turbo, six cylinder

Summary:

A very affordable entry level exotic

Faults:

Let's see...

1 "minor" bearing had to be replaced within the 5 speed transmission.

Complete new brakes (rotors, pads, etc.)

Some ignition problems and now there is a problem with the car cutting out at 55/60 mph (roughly @ 3000 rpms).

Also the usual fuse box "headaches" (i.e., having to slam the glove compartment lid which in turn causes something in the fuse box to make a better connection?)

General Comments:

Well, I've owned quite a few cars and am known to be some what of a Mercedes-Benz fanatic (I have a 1959 220s and have owned a number of various Merc's over the years). So, it was a bit out of character for me to take a chance on an Italian car with dubious reliability fame. (I have also owned a Slough built Citroen Traction Avant and I am not new to cars that require bit above normal attention in general).

I have to admit, cosmetically the Biturbo leaves much to desire and the interior is a bit "too much" in some aspects. It would be difficult to call the Biturbo a beautiful car yet it is a comfortable car. Perhaps it is somewhat unrealistic to call the biturbo an exotic yet, the general consensus seems to be that it is an exotic; an entry level one at that. So in this same breath, it would be fair to say though in comparison to the Germans, the car "fails" in reliability and handling characteristics, etc. when one considers this car with other "exotics", the story is somewhat different altogether; here then is a car that is the least costly exotic to run and among the most dependable exotics to run. Again, one must admit, this car sits on the outer fringes of the exotic market (if at all!).

My car, (Tatiana) has presented me with mostly superficial problems and has been fairly reliable otherwise. Would I buy another Biturbo? Possibly... (basic looks - not mechanicals/design - being the stumbling block) Would I buy another Merc 220s or another Citroen Traction Avant? YES!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th January, 2001

14th Sep 2001, 16:34

Your cutting out problem at 3000rpm sounds like my car. The problem was simply the hose that goes from the pressurized plenum chamber to the fuel pump - this had split, so the fuel pressure stayed at 2.5lbs. Once the boost pressure went over 2.5, it forced the fuel back into the tank.

The proper action of this tube increases the fuel pressure so it always stays 2.5lbs above boost pressure.

Just trace it through, blow through the tubes, and change tube if necessary.

1987 Maserati Biturbo 425 2.5L twin turbo

Summary:

You could actually rationalize the ownership of this Biturbo

Faults:

Amazingly enough, absolutely NOTHING!! I did have to replace the fuse box when I first got it, but have had to replace nothing since. This is VERY atypical of Biturbos.

General Comments:

An understated, slightly more mature version of the in-your-face 2-door model. It's a little slower, a bit roomier, and you can actually carry more than one bag of groceries in the trunk.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th August, 2000

1987 Maserati Biturbo Si 2.5L twin turbo

Summary:

I own 4, 'nuf said!

Faults:

Fuse box, relays, engine crank sensor, speedodometer sensor.

General Comments:

Extremely fast, very Italian. Certainly not for everybody, but an absolute joy to drive when it's working right.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th August, 2000

7th Mar 2001, 04:43

I've got 13 Ferraris, 'nuf said.

27th Jul 2001, 18:46

Isn't it a little childish to to argue about how many cars you own?

28th Oct 2001, 03:26

I don't think this guy was showing off. I took it to mean that he loved these cars and that they are very cheap to buy. A 1987 Bi-turbo in good nick is only about 3000ukp!!!

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1986 Maserati Biturbo 425 2.5 V6 Twin Turbo

Faults:

Fusebox, steering rack, transmission, water pump, timing belt, electrics, and all this before 29K miles!

General Comments:

Actually a very reliable example of the breed, and on a good day will outrun most anything.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st March, 1998

27th Jul 2001, 18:36

How much do Maseratis cost and where can you get them?