1986 Maserati Biturbo Spyder from Italy - Comments

Replaced the steering rack.

Changed the fuel filter.

Bouncing speedo needle.

Fan relay switch replaced.

Fuse box replaced.

Front struts replaced.

I think that this is one of the most exiting, passionate and powerful cars I've ever driven!

Although this car has gremlins of a sort, I'm still not convinced that this is a "problem car". I say this because a lot of the repairs I listed can be done by anyone who is half way mechanically inclined (except maybe changing the timing belt and other highly technical adventures). I must admit that the best way to enjoy these bahn stormers is to stay under the hood looking for preventive maintenance tasks (such as making sure the hoses are new and keeping fluids filled).

I like the Biturbo series so much that I will purchase another one (perhaps a 4-door coupe) as soon as I locate one that has a respectable service history.

Lastly, in terms of looks, I feel like a celebrity in this car because of all the attention it garners. If you don't like to be winked at, envied, gawked at, admired or challenged by every boy racer this side of speed demon then don't own this beautiful Italian exotic!

In my humble opinion, the Maserati Biturbo is not a true exotic. Rather, it is a semi-exotic along with the DeLorean and other wannabe cars of mid-level performance.

With performance ranging from 6.something for the older biturbos to 4.8 for the Karif, I fail to see how you can class it as a 'wannabee' sportscar.

Moreover, if you look at overall performance and not just at 0-62 (which is for barroom boasting only anyway) it actually outperforms many a Ferrari out of the box.

I am lucky enough to own a Maserati 4.24v and a Ferrari 308. I must say that the Maserati is simply the better car of the two, and the most pleasant to drive.

The Ferrari does turn more heads though, if that is your objective for owning a car.

Owning a 1987 Bi-turbo for the last 6-7 years, it has been nothing short of fantastic and reliable even though I pamper it and put about 1k miles on a year. At first I was going to use it as a trading tool for a Ferrari, but I quickly fell in love with it and will own it as long as it lasts. The Bi-turbo Spyder is truly an exciting exotic.

I own a 1989 automatic 228 coupe and have done so for the past 8 years. Performance wise it does 0-60 in about 6 seconds, which is good enough for daily use, and it's got excellent torque for overtaking. I use it as a daily driver during the snow-free season which is about 7-8 months of the year. Maintenance wise over these 8 years I've suffered a burned air condition panel, a broken hose to the radiator, a turn indicator contact that is physically weakened by age requiring me have to adjust it every now and then, a speedometer which works intermittently, a broken a/c bearing, and a noisy differential which is due to poor cooling or wrongly specified oil from the factory (according to the mechanics). TVR uses the same diff, but has more efficient cooling for it. That's it. No electrical gremlins, which I hear have bothered another 228 owner.

I went to test drive a Ferrari 456, which obviously is on a higher level in terms of outright performance and construction quality. When I returned to my 228 I felt I was going to miss it's luxurious cabin, and its softer springing which is better suited for daily driving, and the difference in money simply wasn't worth the gain. Even if I were to get the Ferrari I'd keep the 228 for my wife because it's an excellent combination of performance, discrete style, luxurious interior, and practicality - after all it seats 4 in comfort. We did a two-week 5500 mile tour of Europe a few years ago with the boot fully stuffed. Absolutely wonderful.

That's good to know some of them are remotely reliable. On my first job the president of my company had one and I remember when he turned on the headlights the windshield wipers came on.

I love the concept (small, but powerful) and wish Maserati would offer such a model today in a Quattroporte - 3 series-sized, but 400 hp.

I have 5 Maserati Biturbos: 1986 425, 1985 coupe, 1986 Spyder and 1987 Si coupe, plus a 86 Spyder (parts). The cars are fantastic, but require careful maintenance. I have had the 425 for 16 years now and intend to keep it forever.

Out of the total 16 cars I have, 4 come always as keepers: the 425, the 73 Pantera, the 86 Mercedes 300E and the 2001 Hummer H1.

The 425 will give the Pantera a good run for the money, although the Pantera will beat it in the long run due to its better shape and handling.

WOW, some of the comments I see posted on this site looks like a 6 year old sat down, and punched the keys. A Biturbo is far from a wannabe sports car. In the 80s, pushing 0-60 in less than 6.5, and the refinement level was quite exotic. Sure, 6.5 isn't killer in today's standards, it sure was in the 80s. Use your heads for thinking, not a hat rack.

Hi there im cesare I just buy an maserati biturbo I live in italy but theres not so many parts for tunning this car so I wanna know if somoone can help me like for exemple a stage 4 for remplace the turbos stock well if someone know where to buy a kit for this pleace send a mail to icedevil_5@hotmail.com it doestnt mather if is in states I mean if I can pay with paypal no problem thamks a lot from now.