Market Position:
The Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 represents the pinnacle of Italian supercar engineering, blending extreme performance with exotic styling. This manual is targeted at owners, specialist workshops, and enthusiasts who demand the highest level of detail for maintaining and repairing this iconic vehicle.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed against other V12 supercars of its era, such as the Ferrari Enzo, Pagani Zonda, and McLaren SLR. The LP640 variant offered significant improvements over its predecessor, focusing on enhanced power and revised aerodynamics.
Key Features:
The LP640 designation signifies the increased horsepower and a wider body. Key features include a naturally aspirated V12 engine, advanced all-wheel-drive system, and a focus on driver engagement and exhilarating performance. This manual provides the technical foundation to keep these features operating at their peak.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine disassembly, assembly, overhaul, component testing, timing, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system components.
Engine Management:
ECU diagnosis, sensor testing, actuator testing, ignition system, emission control systems.
Transmission:
Manual and E-Gear (Automated Manual Transmission) repair, clutch replacement, gearbox overhaul, hydraulic system.
Drivetrain:
All-wheel drive system, differentials, driveshafts, CV joints.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, alignment procedures, hydraulic suspension systems (if applicable).
Brakes:
Brake system diagnosis, hydraulic lines, calipers, rotors, brake pad replacement, ABS system components and diagnosis, parking brake.
Steering:
Power steering system diagnosis, steering rack, tie rods, steering column.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starter motor, lighting system, wiring diagrams, fuse and relay locations, body control module (BCM).
HVAC:
Air conditioning system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, blower motor, climate control unit.
Body And Interior:
Body panel removal and installation, doors, windows, mirrors, seats, dashboard, trim components.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system diagnosis and replacement, seatbelt mechanisms.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for virtually all vehicle components.
Disassembly Assembly:
Detailed procedures for removing and reinstalling parts and components.
Adjustments:
Calibration and adjustment procedures for various systems.
Specifications:
Torque values, fluid capacities, wear limits, diagnostic data.
Depth Of Coverage:
Highly detailed, bumper-to-bumper coverage suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY enthusiasts.
Illustrations And Diagrams:
Includes detailed pictorial diagrams, exploded views, and photographs to guide repair procedures.
Special Tools:
References and illustrations for necessary special service tools.
Diagnostic Information:
Includes diagnostic flowcharts and testing procedures.
Engine Type:
60 Degree V12
Displacement:
6.5 Liters (6498 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
88.0 mm x 89.0 mm
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder (48 valves total)
Engine Code Identifier:
L539 (While the LP640 is an evolution, it's closely related to the L539 family)
Horsepower:
640 PS (631 hp; 471 kW) at 8000 rpm
Torque:
660 Nm (487 lb-ft) at 5500 rpm
Fuel Induction:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium)
Engine Management System:
Bosch Motronic (specific variant typically detailed in the manual)
Transmission Type:
6-speed E-Gear (Automated Manual Transmission)
Transmission Type Optional:
6-speed Manual Transmission (Less common for LP640)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated, twin-plate clutch (for E-Gear and manual)
Gear Ratios E Gear:
Specific ratios provided in manual, typically optimized for performance.
Transmission Fluid Specification:
Specific Lamborghini-approved ATF or specialized manual transmission fluid (refer to manual for exact part numbers and specifications).
Length:
Approx. 4600 mm (181.1 in)
Width:
Approx. 2050 mm (80.7 in) (excluding mirrors)
Height:
Approx. 1135 mm (44.7 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2665 mm (104.9 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1740 kg (3836 lb) for E-Gear, slightly less for manual.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Specific GVWR typically found in the manual's specification tables.
Safety Ratings:
As a low-volume exotic, official crash test ratings from agencies like NHTSA or Euro NCAP are often not conducted. However, the vehicle is engineered with advanced safety features for its class.
Active Safety Features:
All-wheel drive system, advanced ABS, EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), traction control (often integrated with stability control).
Passive Safety Features:
Reinforced safety cell, front and side airbags, three-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners.
Infotainment System:
Basic infotainment system for its era, typically including an AM/FM radio, CD player, and navigation system. Specific features vary by trim and option packages.
Driver Assistance Features:
Traction control, stability control, ABS, power steering. Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control or lane keeping assist were not common on supercars of this period.
Connectivity Options:
Limited by modern standards. May include basic auxiliary inputs for audio. Bluetooth and advanced connectivity features are generally absent.
Lighting Technology:
HID (Xenon) headlights, LED daytime running lights (DRLs) introduced with the LP640, LED taillights.
Major Service Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or 1-2 years, with specific checks at shorter intervals. The manual will detail the exact schedule.
Oil Change Interval:
Refer to manual; often annually or based on mileage.
Engine Oil Specification:
High-performance synthetic oil, typically 5W-40 or 10W-60 depending on climate and manufacturer recommendation (e.g., Mobil 1, Castrol EDGE, or specific Lamborghini spec).
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Specific type recommended in manual.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 high-performance brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid Specification:
Specific hydraulic fluid, consult manual for correct type.
Known Issues:
Clutch wear (E-Gear), potential for aging seals and gaskets due to exotic materials and age, electrical gremlins common in low-mileage or infrequently used vehicles, early models may have experienced issues with the E-gear hydraulic pump. The manual will provide detailed troubleshooting for these and more.
Parts Recommendation:
Use of genuine Lamborghini parts or high-quality OEM-equivalent parts is strongly recommended for reliability and performance.
Brand Heritage:
Lamborghini has a rich history of producing high-performance, exotic sports cars since its founding in 1963 by Ferruccio Lamborghini. The Murciélago lineage traces back through models like the Miura, Countach, and Diablo, embodying the brand's commitment to V12 power and dramatic design.
Model Evolution:
The Murciélago was introduced in 2001 as the successor to the Diablo. The LP640, launched in 2006, represented a significant update, featuring a more powerful engine, revised styling (including larger air intakes and improved aerodynamics), and updated interior. Subsequent variations like the LP640-4 Roadster and the limited edition Reventón were also based on this platform.
Production Period:
2001-2010 (LP640 specifically 2006-2010)
Manufacturing Location:
Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy