Lamborghini Murcielago : Service Guide
The Lamborghini Murcielago was Lamborghini’s V12 flagship model during the 2000’s. Starting production in 2001, it spanned a total of 9 years in production, ending in 2010 before being succeeded by the Lamborghini Aventador in 2011. In total, there were 4,099 Murcielago variants made during its production cycle.
Variants include the original coupé, with a roadster variant being introduced in 2004. The LP640 coupé and roadster replaced the original Murcielagos in 2006, with a final hardcore LP670 (SV) SuperVeloce variant being the finale to the production cycle.
Damon added a very special and rare MANUAL “GATED” Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 to the DDE Garage a year ago and have been restoring it back to mint condition as they bought it with some minor issues.
This is Damon’s prize possession out of all of the exotics in the DDE garage. This is for good reason, not only because it continues to appreciate, but because it is one of the rawest most analog Lamborghini’s every built and delivers one of the most incredible V12 engine sounds under load!
Designed by Belgian Luc Donkerwolke, the Murcielago has sharp lines the harkens back to the Diablo and Countach models that proceeded it. Continuing the tradition of naming their cars after famous fighting bulls, the Lamborghini Murcielago was named after a bull that survived 24 sword strokes in a 1879 fight.
The name also means “bat” in Spanish, referring to the “bat”- like engine air intakes that resemble bat ears. This name sets a precedence for the general aggressive theme of the car.
This DDE Garage Lamborghini Murcielago Service Guide is meant as a reference guide for owners, potential owners, to understand when and what service is recommended during the lifecycle/ownership of this fine Italian automobile. It will detail the recommended maintenance schedule to keep the performance and life of your Murcielago at its full potential.
Engine, Oil, Transmission, Clutch
The Lamborghini Murcielago uses the famous Bizzarrini-designed V12 that can trace its origins back to the 1960’s Lamborghini 350 GT.
The original Murcielago coupe and roadster used a 6.2L variant that produced 580 hp 479 lb-ft of torque, while the LP640 and LP670 variants used an updated 6.5L version of this engine with 631 hp & 661 hp respectively, both with also 487 lb-ft of torque. Each version (excluding the LP670) can be had with either a 6-speed gated manual transmission, or a 6-speed E-Gear automated single clutch manual transmission.
The Lamborghini Murcielago Service Guide recommends these service intervals for all variants of the Lamborghini Murcielago:
Every 7,500 Miles:
-Engine oil & filter change (annually)
-Clutch wear check (E-Gear)
-Check level and clean filter for gearbox
-Check steering components
-Check front and rear suspension components
-Check brake wear
-Replace brake and clutch fluid (annually)
Every 15,00 Miles: (Includes 7,500 Mile service in addition to)
-Inspect valve clearance and adjust if necessary
-Check coolant level, top up if necessary
-Front & rear differential fluid change
-Inspect and top up E-Gear fluid
-Replace Spark Plugs
-has Headlight Aim Check
Every 30,000 Miles: (includes 15,000-mile service in addition to)
-Inspect power steering fluid and replace if necessary
-Inspect brake clearance and handbrake tension (adjust if necessary)
-Replace engine accessory belt
-Check engine idle speed
-Inspect play and clearance on u-joints, steering boots, levers, and shafts inspect suspension articulation joints, check torque is correct
Every 37,500 miles (includes 7,500-mile service in addition to)
-Replace clutch (Manual & E-Gear)
-Replace air-conditioning system dust filters
Every 45,000 miles (includes 15,000-mile service in addition to)
-Replace oxygen sensors
-Replace active charcoal trap
Every 60,000 miles (includes 30,000-mile service in addition to)
-Injection system cleaning
-Replace fuel filter
-Replace air filter
-Inspect fuel evaporative system
The Lamborghini Murcielago is not a maintenance heavy car. However, due the complex nature of a high-output V12 engine, regular service is key to maintaining a trouble-free lifetime.
Proper and routine maintenance drastically reduces the chances of even more costly repairs in the future. Even if the car sees little yearly mileage, it is recommended to have an annual inspection to keep an eye out for potential wear and tear items. This includes inspecting the air filter, suspension system components, steering components, brake pads and disks, differential fluid, coolant, and tires.
Brakes, Rotors, Pads, Fluid
The Lamborghini Murcielago is a very fast exotic car that needs sufficient brake force to keep it in check. Lamborghini thankfully has fit some serious brakes to its 2000’s flagship. The Murcielago is outfitted with 355 diameter rotors on all four corners.
The optional carbon ceramic rotors (standard on LP670 SV) are even bigger at 380 mm in diameter at each wheel. The brakes should be inspected at every service.
This includes checking the rotors and pads for corrosion, uneven wear, and amount of pad material.
The fluid should also be changed every year to remove any moisture or particles that could have gotten in the system.
Tires, Suspension & Alignment
Tires are also wearable items that need to be checked at every service interval.
Unfortunately, many owners tend to ignore their tires. As they are the only part of your vehicle that are in contact with the ground, they affect handling, acceleration, braking, and crucially, safety.
Wear will vary depending on driving conditions, driving style, and whether or not the vehicle is all-wheel drive or not. The Lamborghini Murcielago comes with these tire sizes (applies to every variant):
Front: P245/35ZR/18
Rear: P335/30ZR/18
Alignment can seriously affect both tire wear as well as the handling characteristics of a car. Therefore, it is imperative that the alignment is checked on a regular basis.
The Lamborghini Murcielago Service Guide recommends checking camber, castor, and toe for tolerances within factory specification, or a custom specification if deemed necessary.
The suspension’s job is to not only keep a comfortable ride; it is also to provide optimal handling characteristics. Properly functioning suspension will keep alignment within specification in a straight line as well as in the corners.
Moreover, this keeps the tires from wearing unevenly. At each service interval, it is recommended to check the suspension components for any squeaks, rattles, leakage, or play.