How bad is the clutch on the DuoSelect gearbox?

[300bhp/ton]

Just watched this, which is well worth a watch in its own right.



However, he mentions the issues with the F1 DuoSelect gearbox eating clutches. Are they really this bad?

Looking on Autotrader, you can get the Quattroporte for quite attainable money these days.

Looks lovely.


https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207217...

Obviously, anyone paying this kind of money for a car, probably isn't going to be able to afford regular expensive clutch replacements.

I guess my question is. Should cars like this be avoided? Or is the issue with the clutch a little overdone on the internet?

[jet_noise]

AIUI it's about how mechanically sympathetic you are. You might wear them in 10k miles, with moderate care they'll do 30k or more.

Don't reverse slowly uphill regularly and for long distances. Slip the clutches for the minimum amount - allow gears to engage fully and quickly.
Much like you would sensibly treat the pedal under your left foot.
Some say use sport manual mode (flappy paddle ) for longest life.

If it has been specialist serviced there ought to be a clutch wear % reported. There's a separate gearbox interrogation socket/tool needed for this over and above the regular OBD interface. Ask the seller to review the paperwork.

[DevonPaul]

I bought a Gransport with the clutch showing 95%, so obviously fairly new.

After 22,000 miles of going to various GPs and race circuits, including several 30 to 60 min queues to get in, ad 90-120 mins to get out of Le mans, plus some commuting and mixed use, I sold it with 55% left. If you drive it carefully, 30k+ is not uncommon. Just make sure it 'bites' rather than slipping it going slowly - you'll feel it when it does, unless you're my wife

[300bhp/ton]

Thanks. What sort of money is it to get the clutch replaced? Guessing you’d probably need some special tools/software and not really a home mechanic kind of task?

[fflump]

I owned a Coupe Cambiocorsa and did not get on with the gearbox. I do not believe there were any massive changes when it became DuoSelect in the QP Mk V.

I would buy another Coupe but only a manual.

A Mk V QP is a nice proposition but would strongly recommend one with a ZF box.

[300bhp/ton]

fflump said:

A Mk V QP is a nice proposition but would strongly recommend one with a ZF box.

I don't doubt it. Although looking on Autotrader, the 6 speed auto ones are 2 1/2 times more money...... which is a pretty big step up in outlay if you are considering something of the value I posted in the opening thread.

[fflump]

300bhp/ton said:

fflump said:

A Mk V QP is a nice proposition but would strongly recommend one with a ZF box.

I don't doubt it. Although looking on Autotrader, the 6 speed auto ones are 2 1/2 times more money...... which is a pretty big step up in outlay if you are considering something of the value I posted in the opening thread.

What was the cost of the Duo-Select ones you were looking at?

This is an auto for £14k
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208038...

This is a facelift auto for £13k
https://www.carandclassic.com/car/C1465616

Another auto-£12k
https://www.gumtree.com/p/maserati/maserati-quattr...

This is a facelift era ZF version with the 4.7L engine for £12.5k-i.e the ideal spec. The larger engine does not have the variator issue AFAIK.

https://www.gumtree.com/p/maserati/2009-maserati-q...

[MGDavid]

The automated manual is essentially the same as the Ferrari F1 gearbox.

On Youtube there is a Samcrac video where he converts an F1 to a conventional manual change.

I was wondering about the possibility of converting a QP MkV to manual.

Does anyone have any knowledge that would be helpful.