I have the itch but do I scratch?
Discussion
Go for it, I'd say. I ran a G for a year, and though it wasn't fantastic in the reliability stakes; well....let me rephrase that: though it was absolutely unbelievably fantastic in the unreliability stakes, it was still a 'must' in terms of the kick I got out of owning it. I believe the cars have become far more reliable now than they initially were. Two things are absolutely essential - 1) That you get a manual. This is a Lamborghini. It's the sort of car that wouldn't so much pat a girl cheekily on the bum as hit her an almighty crack across her arse cheeks and then grin rudely with an "Oh yeah?" look on its face. If you're not bothered to grab the big silver ball on top of the shift stick and clack it around the gate like you mean business, then you've no place in a Lambo to start with. The E-Gear isn't great in any event. I drove a couple of iterations of this box, and found them all overly clunky and jerky. They make the drivetrain feel very busy, and I was always under the impression that the car was not being kind to itself with the constant 'ker-KLUNKs' and shunts. They can be driven around to some extent, but are always present. In any event - if you have to fart-arse constantly to smooth out the gearbox's prgress, then why not get a manual to start with? 2) Get a decent exhaust. I got a Tubi for mine, and on the autobahns at night it used to spit foot-long licks of blue flame out the back. It cranked the already fantastic soundtrack up a couple of notches as well.
Despite all the theatrics, it was an easy enough car to drive and had a very forgiving nature. On a couple of boring runs, I even got 26.5mpg out of mine.
Despite all the theatrics, it was an easy enough car to drive and had a very forgiving nature. On a couple of boring runs, I even got 26.5mpg out of mine.
Edited by loach on Sunday 26th November 00:53
p4lny said:
Thanks matey
Tubi would be first on the list
Is E-gear really that bad as thats what id really set my heart on?
Andy
Tubi would be first on the list
Is E-gear really that bad as thats what id really set my heart on?
Andy
As many here might comment, I'm not pre-disposed to semi-automatic systems at the best of times. As far as gearboxes go, think of me as a straight eye for the queer guy
. However; I have had a fair few miles behind the wheel of E-Gear equipped cars and it's not great. I might entertain some debate if the Gallardo's manual box wasn't such a lovely device to use, but it is. Light and positive with a low-effort and very progressive clutch, not forgetting the yummy exposed gate and the lovely gear-lever and ball (which can flake pretty badly, btw - try to get one in carbon). Again, if you elect to saddle your Porsche or BM with a semi-automatic systemn because you're going to use the car to commute and are in such good shape you don't feel the need to burn off a few calories with a clutch, then fine. However, you did state above that you'd buy a Gallardo for occasional use, and perhaps as something to give the odd kiss when no-one's looking. Why saddle it with a "I haven't a clue" or an "I've lost the will to live it's all too much effort this life business - kill me" gearbox? Staring at my Athena Lamborghini posters when I was younger didn't send me off into daydreams where I ponced around looking at the ladies, with the car gamely trying to do all the things I was too busy to do while I texted my mates and turned up P.Diddy on the ICE. My daydreams definitely involved my driving the car, with all the old-fashioned footwork that that involves. In any event, you'll save a packet on the purchase price if you elect for the full-fat, super-hero box. E-Gear is expensive. Aside from my meanderings, you probably want to know how E-Gear actually drives. There'll be no substitute for your trying one back-to-back with a manual. Personally, I found it a pain when manoeuvering at low speeds - at higher speeds, things definitely get a bit better. Let's go for a spin - you get in, ignition on, pull both paddles towards you for neutral, press the reverse button "Ker-KLUNK". Reverse a bit and then take neutral again, or pull the right paddle for first "Ker-KLUNK". Roll forwards and apply lock....not going to make it....front axle grumbling....stop. Neutral or 'R' again - "Ker-KLUNK". Roll back and opposite lock, then Neutral and then first or straight into first "Ker-KLUNK". Now we're rolling, and because the car's a little cold we're not going to go mad, let's take second "waaahhhhWAAaahh.Ker-KLUNK". A little bit later we're in fourth and are slowing for the lights. We can let the car roll to a stop, in which case it'll take its own gears, or we can change down ourselves - either way, there'll be a little bit of "ker-klunkety-klunk....wuuhhhWWAaahhhh...klunk" going on. Not always - and the car is better when it's warm - but the drivetrain can be pretty snatchy when the E-Gear is doing its thing. As I mentioned in the last post, you can improve this by being careful and by playing with the throttle a bit - but if you have to do this sort of messing around, why not get a manual?
If you're going to buy a bull - best to make sure it's rampaging; not prancing. Leave the flappy-paddle stuff to the tap-dancing horse brigade.
Edited fur a liddle biddof spelling
Edited by loach on Sunday 26th November 18:48
loach said:
p4lny said:
Thanks matey
Tubi would be first on the list
Is E-gear really that bad as thats what id really set my heart on?
Andy
Tubi would be first on the list
Is E-gear really that bad as thats what id really set my heart on?
Andy
As many here might comment, I'm not pre-disposed to semi-automatic systems at the best of times. As far as gearboxes go, think of me as a straight eye for the queer guy
. However; I have had a fair few miles behind the wheel of E-Gear equipped cars and it's not great. I might entertain some debate if the Gallardo's manual box wasn't such a lovely device to use, but it is. Light and positive with a low-effort and very progressive clutch, not forgetting the yummy exposed gate and the lovely gear-lever and ball (which can flake pretty badly, btw - try to get one in carbon). Again, if you elect to saddle your Porsche or BM with a semi-automatic systemn because you're going to use the car to commute and are in such good shape you don't feel the need to burn off a few calories with a clutch, then fine. However, you did state above that you'd buy a Gallardo for occasional use, and perhaps as something to give the odd kiss when no-one's looking. Why saddle it with a "I haven't a clue" or an "I've lost the will to live it's all too much effort this life business - kill me" gearbox? Staring at my Athena Lamborghini posters when I was younger didn't send me off into daydreams where I ponced around looking at the ladies, with the car gamely trying to do all the things I was too busy to do while I texted my mates and turned up P.Diddy on the ICE. My daydreams definitely involved my driving the car, with all the old-fashioned footwork that that involves. In any event, you'll save a packet on the purchase price if you elect for the full-fat, super-hero box. E-Gear is expensive. Aside from my meanderings, you probably want to know how E-Gear actually drives. There'll be no substitute for your trying one back-to-back with a manual. Personally, I found it a pain when manoeuvering at low speeds - at higher speeds, things definitely get a bit better. Let's go for a spin - you get in, ignition on, pull both paddles towards you for neutral, press the reverse button "Ker-KLUNK". Reverse a bit and then take neutral again, or pull the right paddle for first "Ker-KLUNK". Roll forwards and apply lock....not going to make it....front axle grumbling....stop. Neutral or 'R' again - "Ker-KLUNK". Roll back and opposite lock, then Neutral and then first or straight into first "Ker-KLUNK". Now we're rolling, and because the car's a little cold we're not going to go mad, let's take second "waaahhhhWAAaahh.Ker-KLUNK". A little bit later we're in fourth and are slowing for the lights. We can let the car roll to a stop, in which case it'll take its own gears, or we can change down ourselves - either way, there'll be a little bit of "ker-klunkety-klunk....wuuhhhWWAaahhhh...klunk" going on. Not always - and the car is better when it's warm - but the drivetrain can be pretty snatchy when the E-Gear is doing its thing. As I mentioned in the last post, you can improve this by being careful and by playing with the throttle a bit - but if you have to do this sort of messing around, why not get a manual?
If you're going to buy a bull - best to make sure it's rampaging; not prancing. Leave the flappy-paddle stuff to the tap-dancing horse brigade.
Edited fur a liddle biddof spelling
Edited by loach on Sunday 26th November 18:48
Just to open up a few old wounds
Having been in the pleasant position of choosing between a MK1 GT3 or an M3 CSL earlier in the year, I agree wholeheartedly with everything Loach says.
I have no doubt the CSL would in most situations on the road been quicker and easier to drive.
However the driving experience was pretty much totally ruined for me by the abomination that is the SMG gearbox.
I seriously toyed with the idea of buying a higher mileage CSL and ripping the SMG system out and replacing it with a properly engineered manual short shift.
But common sense prevailed and I purchased the GT3 instead.
As Loach says, these are drivers cars and thus they're meant to be driven not just steered and braked !
Why let a computer overide/control one of the most enjoyable facets of piloting a car quickly ?
slippydiff said:
Just to open up a few old wounds
Having been in the pleasant position of choosing between a MK1 GT3 or an M3 CSL earlier in the year, I agree wholeheartedly with everything Loach says.
I have no doubt the CSL would in most situations on the road been quicker and easier to drive.
However the driving experience was pretty much totally ruined for me by the abomination that is the SMG gearbox.
I seriously toyed with the idea of buying a higher mileage CSL and ripping the SMG system out and replacing it with a properly engineered manual short shift.
But common sense prevailed and I purchased the GT3 instead.
As Loach says, these are drivers cars and thus they're meant to be driven not just steered and braked !
Why let a computer overide/control one of the most enjoyable facets of piloting a car quickly ?
Interesting that you mention the M3, slippy (Zanzibar is my favourite colour, btw
). When I head off on my little ludditic tirades against the march of technological progress in the form of various LA-Z-BOY semi-autos, I'm often accused of not having had enough experience of said devices. For reasons too lengthy to explain, I ended up with a new E46 M3 when they first came out, and it was fitted with SMG2. I was initially reluctant, but decided to approach things with an open mind when all and sundry insisted that this new 'box was the greatest thing since sliced bread. It was horrible. 15 months I suffered with that pantheon of poo. 3 gearbox sofware updates, compounded by a further 2 complete gearbox software failures resulting in almost complete shut-down of the car. Not that that really bothered me much. What killed me, was that even when it was running properly, it was shunty and jerky at the best of times; and in Pearl Harbour mode, the gearchanges would bring a tear to your eye as the drivetrain feasted on its internal componentry. As for launch control? Tried it twice, and concluded I'd rather take a hammer to the car as it would probably do less damage. Given that I'd bought the thing, I took the time to drive around these problems, and most of the time I could make smooth progress by dancing on the pedals and performing all sorts of ridiculous 'throttle on/throttle off/throttle on again gently' crapology. Why ridiculous? Because if you're going to have to do a Michael Flattley on the pedals to make these Nintendo gearboxes work adequately smoothly, then what's the big argument against saving yourself a couple of grand and just going for a manual? If you're that lazy, then why bother with a demanding car at all? I won't even go into the Porsche Carrera 4 Tip that I got stuck with for a while. That yoke made SMG look like Deep Blue.
I ordered a CSL when it was announced, and then cancelled when SMG was confirmed as standard fitment. Unless you're racing, it's just not worth the fractions of a second these things might save you around the 'Ring when they rob you of the tactile delight that is a properly executed gearchange. Equally, unless you buy a semi-auto equipped car strictly for track use, then it's not worth the frustrations they impose on a keen driver away from the circuit. I'll probably change my mind when dual-clutch systems become more widely available. I won't want one, but the smoothness of operation they promise does give cause for hope that it may be possible to have your cake and eat it to some extent.
Lambo - Yes. E-Gear - No. Colour - Pearl White Metallic with Black Leather and Carbon Pack.
Edited by loach on Monday 27th November 01:28
p4lny said:
Top wright up matey, Nearly fell off my chair laughing.
It looks as though manual may be the way to go, After driving my buddys one i was quite impressed with its ease of use, Spose i'll have to give the E-gear a run to see if it
s me off enough not to get one. 
Do try both systems. Doctors differ and patients die, after all. But as you've said yourself, the manual is lovely and easy to use. It gets better with time as you get used to it, and can be driven far more smootly and just as effortlessly as E-Gear. Think of the few quid you're saving. It'll pay for the Tubi exhaust, a nifty Lamborghini travel bag, heated seats, and some lovely carbon-fibre. Yum.
loach said:
if you're going to have to do a Michael Flattley on the pedals to make these Nintendo gearboxes work adequately smoothly, then what's the big argument against saving yourself a couple of grand and just going for a manual? If you're that lazy, then why bother with a demanding car at all? I won't even go into the Porsche Carrera 4 Tip that I got stuck with for a while. That yoke made SMG look like Deep Blue.
legendary
p4lny said:
Ive drove my friends Manual and as stated was quite imressed but im so busy at work with the run up to christmas i haven't had the time to go and test the e-gear,
im hopeful i should be able to take some time out next week to go and try one.
Ill keep you updated on my progress.
Out of curiosity i dont suppose you know the clutch life on the two, and do lambo honur them under warranty or do they take the wear and tear aproach like porsche?
Thanks again loach
Andy
im hopeful i should be able to take some time out next week to go and try one.
Ill keep you updated on my progress.
Out of curiosity i dont suppose you know the clutch life on the two, and do lambo honur them under warranty or do they take the wear and tear aproach like porsche?
Thanks again loach
Andy
Edited by p4lny on Wednesday 29th November 16:11
Actually, I've a reasonable idea. It largely depends on what sort of usage the car will get and how mechanically sympathetic you are. I know of one new E-Gear Gallardo that went through a clutch in a weekend because it was being driven by someone endowed with an inordinately large head considering them amount of material it contained. I know of another that went through a clutch in about 2000kms of relatively clueless driving of the 'watch this...shit...no - I'll try again....this...' variety. You'll do as much damage to the clutch on an E-Gear as you will a manual if you're tough on your machinery. In both instances above, the clutches were replaced under warranty. My own car was fine up to about 5,000 kms when I loaned it to someone in exchange for another car. Brilliant idea. When it came back it needed a new clutch, but that, too was replaced under warranty. The next 10,000 kms went by with no problem. Having become accepted into the brotherhood of Italian Exotic Mechanics due to the amount of time I spent in my local workshops making tea, lighting smokes and paying backhanders to the guys working on my cars (to get them to hurry the eff up), I got to see a lot of Gallardos in for clutch work. The consensus is 0-500 kms if you're an eejit. 500-10,000 kms if you're occasionally rough but mostly OK. 10,000 - 20,000 kms and above if you're gentle and aren't doing too much city driving. When the clutch is out, given that a Gallardo is powered buy a big, grunty V10, it's amazing how small everything is. The plate's about as big as one of the tiny saucers they give you at all-you-can-eat restaurants.
Can't remember how much a clutch replacement costs if you have to cough up yourself, but I think it would be about 3k? It could be less - I forget tbh.
An EVO contributor has been running a Murcie for a couple of years now. All of the reports are stored here: www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evolongtermtests/archive/4/
Worth reading...it put me off owning that level of supercar for life!
Worth reading...it put me off owning that level of supercar for life!
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