🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Maserati

Model:

Biturbo

Model Variants:

220, 222, 222 SR, 228, 418, 420, 420 G, 420 Si, 422, 424, 424v, 430

Model Years Covered:

1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993

Chassis Codes:

AM330, AM331, AM332, AM334, AM338, AM339

👋 Introduction

Manufacturer:

Maserati

Era:

Late 1980s to early 1990s

Vehicle Type:

Luxury Sports Sedan/Coupe

Competitors:

BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Jaguar XJ-S, Alfa Romeo 75 (limited overlap).

Engine Configuration:

Twin-turbocharged V6, some V8 variants.

Design Philosophy:

Italian design, performance-oriented, emphasis on luxury and sportiness.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides access to factory-level repair and maintenance information for enthusiasts and mechanics working on these complex vehicles.

📋 Manual Details

Geographic Coverage:

Global (reflecting factory service procedures)

Language:

English

Page Count:

Hundreds (specific number not stated, described as comprehensive)

Manual Type:

Factory Service & Repair Workshop Manual

Format:

PDF Download

Accessibility:

Downloadable to computer, tablet, smartphone; usable on multiple devices

Licensing:

Lifetime use, no expiry, no renewal fees

Operating System Compatibility:

Windows & MAC compatible

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine overhaul, cylinder head service, piston and connecting rod installation, crankshaft and main bearing service, timing belt and chain service, lubrication system, cooling system.

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, fuel injection system (Bosch LE2-Jetronic, Weber Marelli IAW), starting and charging systems, sensor testing and replacement, wiring diagrams.

Transmission:

Manual and automatic transmission service, clutch replacement, gear shifting mechanisms, torque converter service, transmission fluid specifications and change intervals.

Drivetrain:

Drive shafts, differential service, CV joints, axle shafts.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension component inspection, replacement (shocks, struts, bushings, control arms), wheel alignment specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system diagnosis and repair, steering rack service, steering column components.

Brakes:

Hydraulic brake system service, brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper overhaul, brake bleeding procedures, ABS system diagnosis and repair (where applicable).

Electrical System:

Complete vehicle wiring diagrams, lighting systems, interior and exterior lighting, horn, power windows, power seats, central locking, instrumentation, fuse and relay identification.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system service, refrigerant handling (R12 specified), component replacement.

Body:

Exterior panel adjustment and replacement, door and window sealing, interior trim removal and installation, rust repair guidance.

Fuel System:

Fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel lines, fuel tank service, pressure testing.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, differential fluid change.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, symptom-based troubleshooting charts, fault code interpretation (if applicable to specific ECUs).

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, reassembly, and installation.

Component Replacement:

Detailed guidance on replacing specific parts with correct torque values and sequences.

Specifications Data:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values, pressure readings.

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics.

Detail Level:

Detailed photos and diagrams, exploded views, step-by-step instructions.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Printability:

Printable (single pages or entire manual)

Binding Type:

Not applicable (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

Not applicable (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Maserati 'Tipo 182' V6, Twin-Turbocharged

Displacement V6:

2.0L (1996cc), 2.5L (2494cc), 2.8L (2790cc)

Engine Type V8:

Maserati 'Tipo 180' V8, Twin-Turbocharged

Displacement V8:

3.0L (2969cc) - often found in 430 and 228 models

Horsepower Range:

Approx. 180-250 HP (depending on displacement, turbo boost, and market)

Torque Range:

Approx. 230-300 lb-ft (depending on displacement, turbo boost, and market)

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch K-Jetronic or LE2-Jetronic (electronic injection), Weber Marelli IAW P8 fuel injection (later models).

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

ECU Types:

Bosch, Weber Marelli

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-Speed Manual (Getrag, ZF)

Optional Transmission:

3-Speed Automatic (BorgWarner, Chrysler Torqueflite)

Drive Layout:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-4 (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90, specific API rating may vary by Getrag/ZF model)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron II (or equivalent specification)

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

4-door Sedan, 2-door Coupe

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 1400-1600 kg (3080-3530 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

Not officially rated by modern agencies like NHTSA/Euro NCAP due to era of manufacture. Historically, safety was less of a primary focus compared to performance and luxury.

Passive Safety:

Three-point seatbelts, padded dashboard, collapsible steering column.

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - optional on some models, power-assisted brakes.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory fitted radio/cassette players, often with premium sound options from brands like Blaupunkt or Nakamichi.

Cruise Control:

Standard on many models.

Connectivity Features:

Limited by era; primarily focused on vehicle systems and basic entertainment.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000-7,500 km (3,000-5,000 miles) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Refer to manual; generally around 60,000 km (37,000 miles) or 4-5 years for V6 engines. V8 timing chains are generally longer-lasting.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Varies, often around 20,000-30,000 km (12,000-18,000 miles) for performance plugs.

Engine Oil Specification:

API SG or higher; Viscosity typically 10W-40 or 15W-50. Specific recommendations in manual due to turbocharging.

Coolant Specification:

Ethylene glycol based, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Refer to manual for specific type.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Electrical Reliability:

Known for electrical gremlins, aging wiring looms, and component failures (e.g., ignition modules, sensors).

Carburetor Issues:

Some early models used carburetors and required precise tuning. Fuel injection systems (Bosch, Weber Marelli) also require specialized knowledge.

Turbocharger Maintenance:

Turbocharger health and intercooler integrity are critical; requires diligent maintenance and proper warm-up/cool-down procedures.

Rust And Corrosion:

Susceptible to rust, particularly around wheel arches, sills, and underbody, common for vehicles of this era if not properly maintained.

Suspension Bushings:

Aging rubber bushings can degrade, leading to imprecise handling and noise.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Origin:

Italy

Brand Focus:

Performance luxury automobiles, racing heritage.

Introduction Year:

1981 (Biturbo platform)

Key Developments Covered:

Introduction of V6 and V8 twin-turbo engines, various chassis updates (e.g., improved suspension geometry, body rigidity), introduction of ABS, fuel injection system evolution.

Production Period:

1981-1994 (Biturbo range evolution)

Manufacturing Location:

Modena, Italy

Ownership Changes:

Significant impact from Alejandro de Tomaso's ownership and subsequent sale to Fiat.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Recognition:

While not typically winning mainstream 'Car of the Year' awards, the Biturbo range was recognized for its potent twin-turbo performance and aggressive styling in its niche luxury sports segment.