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    Franck
    An official recall, reference C24000078, has just been launched this week by Ferrari regarding a potential problem with the brakes on the Ferrari 458 and 488. The brakes are an important safety element of your Ferrari, so it is essential to find out if your Ferrari is affected, and notify owners you know who could be affected.
     
    Which models are affected? What are the symptoms of the problem and what to do if it occurs? What exactly is this recall? We will attempt to provide you with all the information in this article, the purpose of which is to serve as a reference for the owners concerned (current and future).
     
    What is the history of this problem?
     
    This problem was announced in November 2021. It is a brake fluid leak.
    At the time the cause was not known even if the master cylinder was suspected by Ferrari.
    A potential recall campaign was then mentioned, but first Ferrari had to find the origin of the problem to offer a solution.
     
    Example of articles that appeared in the media at the time on the subject:
    https://www.autoblog.com/2021/11/01/ferrari-brake-failure-recall/
    https://fr.motor1.com/news/544892/ferrari-problème-frein-458-488/
     
    Which Ferrari models are affected?
     
    There is talk in the published articles of around 10,000 Ferrari, and even 9,985 to be precise. This is a figure to be confirmed because transmitted before the problem is fully analyzed. The affected models are:
     
    - Ferrari 458 Italia produced between 2010 and 2015,
    - Ferrari 458 Speciale produced between 2014 and 2015,
    - Ferrari 458 Speciale A produced in 2015,
    - Ferrari 458 Spider produced between 2012 and 2015,
    - Ferrari 488 GTB produced between 2016 and 2019,
    - Ferrari 488 Spider produced between 2016 and 2019.
     
    Knowing that around 25,000 Ferrari 458s were produced, this means that not all copies are affected.
     
    What are the symptoms of the problem?
     
    If the brake fluid leak occurs and less than 48% of the expected volume remains, a "Brake fluid level low, go to dealer slowly" message will appear on your dashboard. The brake pedal will then not have much response.
     
    What should I do if my Ferrari encounters this problem?

    If this happens to your Ferrari, then Ferrari advises you pull over and contact Ferrari Roadside Assistance to have you towed to the nearest Ferrari dealership.

    Your brake pedal should not have much response, so it is advisable to use your engine brake, or even your electric parking brake to stop your Ferrari (see message from Ferrari USA below).
     
    How do I know if my Ferrari is affected by the recall?
     
    Recall C24000078 was just issued this week. The parts concerned are being sent to the dealerships. For the moment, it is via your "MyFerrari App" that you will see if your vehicle is affected.
     
    You can also enter your Ferrari's VIN here to find out if your Ferrari is affected: https://www.ferrari.com/en-EN/auto/car-part-services
     
    We can imagine that Ferrari will then send a letter to all the owners concerned. Here is the mail already received by some owners in the United States:
     
    We wanted to inform you that Ferrari is investigating whether a problem exists in certain Model Year 2010-2015 458 vehicles. The vehicles involved are equipped with a braking system that could potentially leak brake fluid, which may lead to a total loss of braking capability, and result in an accident. We want to assure you that your safety is our priority, and we are committed to correcting this condition in your vehicle if it exists.

    Our records show that you are the owner of this vehicle. Ferrari is conducting further research to determine the root cause and possible scope of this problem. We will contact you as soon as we have further instructions for you. In the meantime, if a message appears on your dashboard, “Brake fluid level low, Go to dealer slowly”, please pull off the road as soon as it is safe to do so. Then contact Ferrari Roadside Assistance at 1.866.788.6760. Your car will be taken to the nearest authorized Ferrari dealer and inspected free of charge. If necessary, Ferrari will perform any necessary repairs to your vehicle for free.

    Note: The vehicle’s electric parking brake can be used as an emergency brake when the vehicle is in motion. See your Owner’s Manual for further information.

    If you have any questions, please contact your local authorized Ferrari dealer. You can find a listing of them at https://www.ferrari.com/en-US/auto/dealers

    Sincerely,

    Ferrari North America, Inc.
     
    What items are replaced during this recall?
     
    The cause of the problem would be the brake fluid cap that would leak liquid. It will therefore be replaced. In fact, when the brake fluid heats up, the pressure rises and the current cap does not allow it to be evacuated. The tank container takes up more space and escapes. The design of the new cap should allow pressure to escape.
     
    The reference of the new cap, now black, is 000810768.
     

     

     
    The biggest change from the previous cap is that the cap now also consists of a transparent flexible diaphragm instead of just a solid plastic part. The black cap is clipped on.
     

     
    A sticker will be placed in your owner's manual indicating that the recall has been carried out. This sticker bears the reference 079641778 (at least for the American model pictured below).
     

     
    SAFE4NOW photos posted on FerrariChat.
     
    The operation would also include erasing any stored errors related to this problem, as well as updating the software to take account of the changes made. The operation would take about two hours in all.
     
    Have you been contacted about this recall by your dealership? Or were you able to check using the information provided in this article if your Ferrari was affected? How soon will your Ferrari be picked up? What items have been indicated to you by Ferrari as needing to be replaced? Do you need more information about this recall? If you are concerned with your Ferrari, please share your feedback with this recall in the comments.
     
    If you liked this article, you may also like:
    - How to buy and maintain your Formula 1
    - Where should you have your Ferrari serviced?
    - Long term test: Mika 348's Ferrari 512 TR
    - Long-term test: Tifosi's Ferrari 360 Modena
    Mika 348
    The Ferrari Testarossa is a myth, an icon of the 80s. The subject of strong speculation at the death of Enzo Ferrari, its poster adorned the walls of many rooms of young enthusiasts at the time. Young enthusiasts who would scale it well 1:1 in their garage today. Which model of Ferrari Testarossa to choose? What to expect behind the wheel? What are the maintenance costs for this old Ferrari? The best is to ask an owner, and precisely, @Mika 348 has owned both models, the Ferrari Testarossa and the Ferrari 512 TR so can tell you about their differences.
     

     
    @Franck What is your automotive background and why did you choose this Ferrari? What is your use of it? Since when ?
     
    @Mika 348 My first Ferrari was a Ferrari 348 GTS in 2013. Then the Ferrari F355 Berlinetta in 2014, which I still have. Then in 2019, I sold my Ferrari 348 for the 1991 Ferrari Testarossa, so with 5 nuts and 2 mirrors. In 2020 the Ferrari 512 TR replaced the 1991 Ferrari Testarossa. I also have a 1962 Austin Healey that I completely rebuilt. 3 and a half years of work!
     
    The Ferrari Testarossa is first and foremost its line. Impressive. And then it's his engine. A couple / a sound. We always have the feeling that he does not force. Even at 7000 rpm, it feels easy, without forcing, that it still has a huge margin.
     
    My use is 100% geared towards weekend outings, ride mode, pleasure. A privileged moment that makes me forget everything for thirty minutes, a day, a weekend.
     

     
    @Franck What were your purchase criteria for this Ferrari and how did you find this copy?
     
    @Mika 348 For the Ferrari Testarossa, it was with a tracking, a history. I don't mind having to take it to a professional for work, but I want to know what has been done to the car since new and therefore deduce what remains to be done. That goes for any Ferrari for that matter.
     
    I found it at De Widhem Automobiles in Paris . It had 27,000 kilometres. it had its notebook, a history. it was going to Fiorano Racing before delivery for a review and various checks. So I was quite reassured. The price was right for the time.
     


    @Franck Immediately after the purchase, what struck you the most at the wheel of this Ferrari?
     
    @Mika 348 Immediately, after a few kilometers I thought that she did not have the physique of her use. It's a GT with a supercar physique. That's what makes it interesting. GTs are often discreet (Ferrari 550, Ferrari 412, etc.), this one is exuberant.
     
    Then comes the total pleasure of feeling these 12 atmospheric cylinders push, with their atypical sound, all with the manual gear lever. I'm daydreaming!
     


    @Franck Can you tell us about the costs incurred for normal use of this Ferrari (insurance, annual maintenance, major overhaul, contingencies, etc.)?
     
    @Mika 348 Insurance: 850€ per year, in all risks, at Allianz, but I insure 3 cars so that plays a little.
    Revision every 18 months: around 750€
    Distribution every 6 years: approximately €6,500
    Tyres: €1,200 for 4
     
    The weak points of the Ferrari Testarossa:
    1/ The differential block: it cracks according to use and in any case because of its alloy. You have to fix it before it breaks. On the Ferrari Testarossa, I did not have time to do it but on my Ferrari 512 TR it was done as a preventive measure by Toni Auto in Maranello (€2,500 the intervention).
    2/Gearbox sprockets: they wear out in 1/2/3 ratios due to the enormous torque passing through them. The wear obviously depends on the user. It's 1,500€ per sprocket but that's not necessarily a problem. It is related to the use made of the car.
    3/ The electric plate: it is imperative to send it to a specialist to make it reliable. The intensity passing through it is too high and, even with 27,000 kilometres, you can see that the lugs are blackened and the electrical problems then follow in a cascade, with power cuts: fuel pumps, ignition coil, fans , etc
     


    @Franck And if you had to do it over again, what would you change? What advice would you give to someone looking for this Ferrari?
     
    @Mika 348 First thing would be to take a car that drives regularly. We say it all the time but in the end I succumbed to the siren songs with this 27,000 kilometers Ferrari Testarossa and finally I spent my time correcting and controlling what had not been done by my predecessor, who drove too little. In particular, the electrical problems that I spent my time getting repaired.
     
    This one-year adventure in a Ferrari Testarossa allowed me to have certainties:
    1/ I love this unique and extraordinary line. Ferrari Testarossa and Ferrari 512 TR. I have a hard time not to say that I don't like the Ferrari 512 M which loses all the original design of the Ferrari Testarossa.
    2/ Its engine, by its torque and its sound, is a Holy Grail that I want to keep.
    3/ The Ferrari Testarossa doesn't brake, it slows down. This is because of its 16-inch wheels which cannot accommodate large discs and therefore beware of emergency braking!
    4/ The Ferrari Testarossa drives like a GT and it's hard to exploit its monster heart because of its stiffness and braking.
     
    So I drew the conclusion that became obvious: buy the Ferrari 512 TR! This is the best Ferrari Testarossa in my opinion. We keep the extraordinary line of the Ferrari Testarossa, with a few details: front and rear bumpers, body-coloured sills, design and size of the rims, design of the interior cabin.

    We sublimate the road behavior. It's not the same car to drive. The 12-cylinder gives even more from low revs and even higher in the towers. Always with this impression of never forcing.
     
    The chassis is welded and no longer bolted, which makes the body much more rigid. The 18-inch wheels can house large perforated disc brakes, which makes it possible to slow down this time. The center of gravity of the TR is lower which allows it to have, in addition to the welded chassis, a much better handling in curves. The TR's seats and steering wheel are top notch. We sit lower than in the Ferrari Testarossa, the small steering wheel identical to that of the Ferrari 348 is perfect.
     

     
    In summary, the Ferrari 512 TR is a better Ferrari Testarossa. We keep what is great about the Ferrari Testarossa and improve the weak points.
     

    The different models of Ferrari Testarossa:
    - 1984 to 1986: the highly sought-after mono-retro. Beware of TRX tires that cannot be found! And not easy to maneuver the machine with a single retro highly perched. But I must admit that it is sublime!
    - 1986 to 1987: The mono-nut and 2 mirrors. Some are in TRX tires but not all. 
    - From 1988, they have 2 mirrors and 5 nuts, and frankly, in use, it is the best. Affordable with available tires, easy to disassemble unlike mono nuts. Two mirrors are better for maneuvering.
     
    The Ferrari Testarossa is the icon of the 80s. The Ferrari 512 TR keeps the DNA and becomes, for me, the last still affordable Ferrari supercar. Since the Ferrari 512TR / Testarossa, all 12 Ferrari cylinders are in the front position. The only ones with a 12 cylinder in the rear center position are overpriced cars for me: Ferrari F50, Ferrari Enzo and Ferrari LaFerrari.
     


    @Franck  How do you use Ferrarista for your experience with your Ferrari? What does the Ferrarista community bring you?
     
    @Mika 348 I read Ferrarista almost every day. On all types of subjects: watches, other brands, the economy, purchases / sales, presentations of new enthusiasts, outings, etc.
     
    Ferrarista quite simply allowed me to become a Ferrari owner by desecrating this act of purchase which seemed improbable to me. The many enthusiasts are full of good advice. This exchange of experience is constant and wonderful. I met people through the outings that I enjoy seeing again on each outing. Generous, approachable, passionate, friendly, of all ages, from all walks of life...
     
    Hoping that my feedback will help some to take the plunge!
     
    If you own or have owned a Ferrari Testarossa, what additional elements could you bring to help future owners? If the Ferrari Testarossa interests you, what did you learn from this article and what else would you like to know? What does the Ferrari Testarossa represent for you?
     
    If you liked this article, you may also like
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    - Long-term test: Glyde's Ferrari 348
    - Long-term test: Tifosi's Ferrari 360 Modena
    Franck
    The Ferrari 360 Modena is a classic at Ferrari, especially for first-time buyers. It remains modern, accessible, reliable... and like any car, there are certain points that are more to watch than others. Looking back over the years, what are these points to look at if you own or plan to acquire a Ferrari 360 Modena? @tifosi101 has had one for about ten years, and as an engine engineer carrying out the maintenance himself, he has the experience to keep a Ferrari 360 Modena in top condition. Here is his exciting feedback, full of references and advice, with your Ferrari 360 Modena.
     

     
    @Franck : What is your automotive background and why did you choose this Ferrari? What is your use? Since when ?
     
    @tifosi101 : My journey is very quickly summarized. I have always been Ferrari by "confession" and in fact owning a Ferrari and even working for Ferrari were the driving forces of my youth and my studies.
    From my first job after finishing my engine engineering studies, I treated myself to a Porsche Boxster 986 2.5. A very affordable car, with a real engine with the typical sound of the brand, and a sporty and healthy behavior, which gave me a lot of pleasure. With her I made my first steps: access to a specific universe, rides with other prestigious GTs, circuit outings and first mechanical experiences because I am autonomous on this point.
     
    But as soon as the opportunity to offer me MY Ferrari presented itself then I took it immediately. It was 2012, the "good old days", when we went shopping in Italy and brought back a Ferrari 360, a Ferrari 550 and a Ferrari Testarossa for the price today of a Ferrari F430 Spider...
     
    My initial wish was the Ferrari F355 for its typical Ferrari line, for its F1-sounding engine and because rocked by the legendary video game "F355 Challenge". But the period also allowed me to consider a 360 so the question arose seriously and the decision was quickly made to go for the latter for the modernity of its chassis, its neo-classical line, its supercar size (which with hindsight is a constraint on small roads with its long wheelbase), its easier maintenance on the distribution side and especially its engine under the glass, which for an engine enthusiast like me was a shocking argument.
     
    The engine being the same as the Ferrari F355, I didn't draw a line under the F1 sound. Better still, it is the culmination of this V8 block with complications - to draw a parallel with watchmaking - which make it even more sharp and characterful. A real racing engine! You have to whip it high in the revs to take advantage of its character and its power and I love that unlike the majority, who with dieselisation, today only know how to appreciate the big torque.
     

     
    With the hindsight of the years of ownership, almost 10 years, I am a big fan of the mix between modernity and classicism that is the 360. The years go by, the generations of cars, which succeeded it, both at Ferrari and at the competition, modernize, become "sped up", become more complex, but aseptic because the very good becomes perfect and even too perfect. Coming out of a test at their steering wheels, I always end up telling myself that the Ferrari 360 still does the job very well, that of offering pleasure and sensations on all levels. Maybe also because I improved my Ferrari 360 to make it to my liking, i.e. more sporty.
     
    If when I started driving it, I happened to go with it to the port of Saint Tropez just for the pleasure of having a drink there after a sporty drive in the famous Dom forest, or even leaving the department with (!), today I refocused on the essentials, sport. And so I take it out only to get my adrenaline shot on a small winding road in the middle of the Var scrubland and enjoy the Formula 1 vocals, which come to my ears against the rock walls. Pure fun plus it's a Ferrari! And since racing is Ferrari's reason for existing, every year I treat myself to one or two runs on the legendary Paul Ricard circuit, which is still on the F1 world championship calendar.
     
    @Franck : What were your buying criteria for this Ferrari and how did you find this example?
     
    @tifosi101 : It was the heyday of announcements on AutoScout24.it, which made us all dream in the evening before going to sleep full of projects. I almost signed for a yellow manual Ferrari 360 in Milan. But the first Ferrari must be red! So I finally set my sights on a red 360, black leather, manual gearbox, which was on sale at Castauto, a prestige vehicle dealer located very close to the village of Don Camillo.
     
    My first criterion was to find a healthy, healthy and healthy Ferrari 360 because everything is repairable except the irreparable or the inconceivable. I was not fixated on the history of previous interviews, stamps, notebook. I leave that to people who don't have the option of buying this kind of car "safely". Because when I buy a used car I redo from the start the maximum of maintenance by myself to leave on a known basis and as a bonus to appropriate and understand the car in its operation and in its design.
     
    My second criterion was a manual gearbox to maximize reliability. My final criteria was that she would make my jaw drop with its photos on the ad! Mileage was therefore not a criterion.
     
    For its purchase in Italy, I took my mechanic uncle with me (talented and experienced, with whom I do the maintenance), I let him judge for himself both for the static visual checks (we put it on the bridge of the first garage nearby) and for the test drive (if the timing or another component has to give way now was the time!). I got his green light! The beautiful story could begin and dreams could come true. Before heading back to France, we stayed overnight in nearby Maranello to capture the moment forever. A big moment !
     

     
    @Franck : Immediately after the purchase, what stood out to you the most at the wheel of this Ferrari?
     
    @tifosi101 : First, you have to understand, even if it may seem incomprehensible, that I did not try my Ferrari 360 once before even becoming its owner. As I didn't have a cool head, I preferred to let my uncle do it during the first trip to go and see it and even when the keys were handed over during the second trip for the purchase, it was him who took the wheel.
     
    I took it in hand, very feverishly, only to enter in Maranello, just to mark the occasion. This car impressed me a lot, both because I was realizing MY lifelong dream and because it was very intimidating. It was very low (too low), wide and had a sound to wake up the dead with its Tubi and catalyst bypasses. An F1! I can still hear at the Stop the cries of amazement and excitement of the children in the playground on the edge of the village that we were leaving to reach Maranello... On the way back, when I was following my Modena at the wheel of my car, I was surprised by the immense yellow flames which came out of the exhausts and by the amazement of the other motorists who attended the spectacle. I was also marked by the enthusiastic solicitations of the Italians in the motorway tunnels that I guessed were saying "Forza!" raising their fist to encourage me to drop three gears and gratify them with the F1 melody. I was marked by the Carabinieri on the side of the road, at the entrance to Maranello, with a thumbs up as I passed while I felt guilty (of nothing…).
     
    In short, I understood very quickly that driving a Ferrari was going to be a very different experience from anything you can imagine behind the wheel of any other car brand. For some it's Italy, which passes before their eyes, for others it's a big dream toy or even the Virgin! Since then, I have not missed an opportunity to share my pleasure, such as letting the children sit behind the wheel to take the souvenir photo and reward them with a "work well at school" which always pleases the parents...! And I never have negative reactions
    .
     

     
    @Franck : Can you tell us about the costs incurred for normal use of this Ferrari (insurance, annual maintenance, major overhaul, contingencies, etc.)?
     
    @tifosi101 : For insurance, I would say that it is the fairly standard rate for this type of car, around 1000 euros for 8000 km/year in all risks. But in the end, I don't do a lot of kilometers in a year because I don't need to accumulate any to be happy behind the wheel and the "pleasure" roads or circuits are in the immediate vicinity, so no or very little of what I call "useless miles" add up on the odometer.
     
    I'm not the best example to talk about cost because in addition to not being a big wheeler, I'm not a customer of garages since I do everything myself. This aspect is also a good point for this model because it means that it is an "accessible" Ferrari for a do-it-yourselfer. The annual or even biannual maintenance depending on the intensity of use is very reasonable and classic for this type of car. The "big overhaul", which has become technically easier compared to the F355, is a selling point so that says it all.
     
    Now there is all the feedback, which is by definition outside the manufacturer's schedule, but which with hindsight due to the years and kilometers accumulated by the 360 Modenas should be taken into account by the maintenance program in 2021. Ferrarista.club is very powerful for this because many are the owners of 360 and, among them, many are those who share the technical facts encountered.
     
    My January 2000 Ferrari 360 Modena, acquired in 2012 with 56,000 km, now totals around 75,000 km. It sleeps in a closed garage (therefore in the shade) and temperate and at each stop in the sun I install the sun visor for the leathers and it hibernates in July-August to protect it from the heat of the South (the engine compartment says thank you!).
     
    For the inconveniences I have experienced on the interior side, I would cite the classic sticky plastics, which can be treated very well with isopropyl alcohol, elbow grease and patience. The exterior door opening control cables (ref. 68602600) which get stuck in their sheath. The headliner peeling off. The air conditioning button that no longer held in the OFF position (repaired for zero euros). The gear lever foot ring (ref.174967) which becomes oval over time and affects the gear change manoeuvre. The plastic of the ashtray is of poor quality and becomes brittle over time. The door seals settle over time, creating a leak in the upper part of the window and air noise in the rear view mirror. The most annoying was the potentiometer of the accelerator pedal (ref. 170038), which makes the engine amorphous when the feedback of the depression of the pedal is no longer operational (unlike the F355, there is no no more connecting cable between the accelerator pedal and the throttle valves on the engine side, everything is electric like a Playstation pedalboard!), a classic fault on the 360, which is very easily repaired.
     
    On the engine compartment side, my only real failure was the left exhaust manifold which cracked. I had it initially re-welded by a pro but I have since switched to aftermarket collectors from the Italian specialist Supersprint, designed to last. I also experienced the classic cracking of the support brackets of the Tubistyle pot and the connecting bracket of the dual exhaust outlets. The two large water hoses (ref.181742), which carry the coolant to and from the radiators located in the front bumper, have cracked over time. I found after opening the air intake plenum for a completely different reason, the air compensation butterfly (ref. 182092) which had disappeared and fortunately the two small screws, which fix it on its axis, have not been sucked in by the cylinders! Finally, seeing frequent "slow down" alerts while it was inconsistent with the conditions of their appearance ("cold" engine for example), I replaced the two centraline (catalytic temperature control station) by the signal decoys of the catalyst thermocouples from Technistrada.
     
    The air conditioning compressor has died, most certainly a victim of the heat radiating from the engine, but its replacement is a formality starting from an Opel Vectra B air conditioning compressor base (ex ref. 8FK351102-001).
     
    On the running gear side, I experienced the suspension fault reported on the dashboard. It was the vertical acceleration sensor (ref. 232690) located in the engine compartment (also a victim of the surrounding heat).
     
    When I took my engine out at 67,000 km and 16 years old to give it a nice overhaul with a lot of preventive, I could see that the two engine silent blocks (ref. 182142) were in fact out of service but their configuration makes it hard to see and they know how to hide it! While the silent block of the gearbox (ref. 186698) is easily noticed when it is out of order. When the latter is replaced, I advise to insulate it thermally by offering it the dedicated heat shield (ref. 67912300). I took the opportunity to replace the clutch (which was not HS) and in fact I mounted a Hill Engineering thrust bearing. I replaced all the oil, DA, water and fuel hoses that I had the chance to do. At the same time, I took advantage of the easier access by removing the engine to thoroughly clean the engine and the engine compartment, redo the thermal insulation and add some where I thought it would be useful (DEI plates ref. 634162) and finally redo the paint (expansion tank, oil deaerator, cylinder head covers, intake plenum, etc.). The list of parts replaced during this operation was quite substantial (for around 6000 euros of parts) and justified by the combination of their age/dilapidation and their easy accessibility: universal joint boots, complete distribution, water pump, chain tensioner oil pump with its shaft (tensioner in poor condition...a recurring topic on the forum), numerous engine ball bearings, engine thrust bearing silent blocks, engine gasket kit, gearbox oil cooler (another topic recurrent on the forum), revision of the starter and the alternator by the specialist Var Electric Auto, etc. Beforehand, I had checked the compressions of the engine because if a cylinder was sick it would have been a good opportunity to take care of it!
     
    Before or after this major overhaul, I did preventive replacement of the thermostat style (ref. 183758), expansion tank cap (145030), richness regulation lambda probes (before catalysts) (Bosch 0 258 007 001) , catalyst efficiency diagnostic lambda probes (post catalysts) (Bosch 0 258 006 196), flow meters (Bosch 0 280 218 012), ignition coils (Bosch 0 221 504 015), spark plugs (PMR8B), battery ( Varta E44), etc.
     
    Finally, my last technical fact dates back to the beginning of this year when I noticed that the front right water radiator fan was out of order. I wrote a topic on the forum entitled "Fan out of order on 360 Modena" and the important thing is to remember that a small pebble can get lodged between the blades and the strapping around them and thus block the propeller and burn out the electric motor.
     

     
    @Franck : And if you had to do it over again, what would you change? What advice would you give to someone looking for this Ferrari? What are its flaws? What to pay attention to? What improvements can be made?
     
    @tifosi101 : Coming from an Italian family, my 360 is really considered a full member by my close family circle. Only Ferrari can do that. Hence my motto, which signs each of my posts on Ferrarista: “No man shall completely own a Ferrari. He will just be its guardian, for future generations...". So if I had to do it again, I would do it again a thousand times as this car is a source of happiness for me, my loved ones and a majority of those who will approach it or see it during its outings.
     
    Admittedly, this Ferrari model enjoys a reputation for reliability, but if you are a purist in its condition and/or in its operation (in the performance sense) then it is a car that requires a lot of attention. And I love it, because like other Ferrarista who will recognize themselves, I like to maintain it or even improve it when possible and justified, as much as driving it. On the other hand, it requires a lot of time and reflection by immersing myself in the various technical documents about it and the various Ferrari forums around the world. At the end, I know my Ferrari a little better each time, which is an exciting model because it was innovative for its time and still relevant in its design and architecture that is still up to date.
     
    So my advice for anyone looking for a Ferrari 360 goes against what is usually said because I recommend finding a mechanically sound car rather than a car with good detailing and nice stamps in the logbook. This then makes it possible to pay less to invest the savings made immediately in a major overhaul integrating everything recommended by the feedback from Ferrarista subjects. You only need to have relative confidence with the "it's been done" or "it will be done for sale"... Thus made reliable, it will be possible to use a Ferrari 360 without a second thought.
     
    Now, I talked about reliability and not performance, nuance... Because many 360s are in "very good condition", but do not work like when they left the factory. They say you don't see your child grow, it's the same for the power on a 360 that you don't see degrading with age (like all cars).
     
    I therefore strongly advise replacing the lambda probes of the richness regulation (before catalysts) (Bosch 0 258 007 001) around 50,000 km. Ditto for the ignition coils (Bosch 0 221 504 015) as long as they are hot! For spark plugs (PMR8A or better and cheaper PMR8B) I would say maximum 15000km. Finally, and because it ruined my life, I now consider the Ferrari 360 to be very sensitive to battery amperage. You therefore need a battery that is always in top shape to have a motor that performs well (unexpected complete discharges have irreversible consequences on the battery). To do this, I recommend letting your Ferrari 360 sleep on CTEK charge maintenance or failing to cut the circuit (but this resets the learning of the engine ECUs each time). For Ferrari 360s that drive too little, I recommend having the injectors serviced by a specialist (with new seals) to correct the phenomenon of lacquering of the injector nose and restore good spraying. All these initiatives will have a beneficial impact on the running of the engine and therefore on its performance.
     
    Because the engine compartment is a furnace, I recommend fitting a Challenge grille to evacuate the heat and opening the engine bay at every opportunity to evacuate the calories produced by the engine as quickly as possible. Otherwise the sensors, plastic parts, rubber, alternator, starter, air conditioning compressor, etc., will suffer. In the same vein, redo the thermal insulation and add wherever possible (DEI plate ref. 634162).
     
    Finally, I strongly recommend keeping a small ELM327 type OBD diagnostic reader in the glove box at all times, which only costs 5 euros, but which, combined with the very easy-to-use Piston smartphone application, will allow you to check the fault codes when the engine light is on on the dashboard. It is always simpler, more efficient and more pleasant to immediately know the nature of the fault and thus to be able to judge whether you are returning by your own means while driving or whether you are calling a repairman as a precaution. Much more effective than calling a friend in stress or throwing a bottle overboard at Ferrarista from the side of the road without being able to give useful technical details. At least, the response will be accurate. In addition, this small OBD reader will make it possible to control the richness corrections (LTFT and STFT), very important indicators, which reflect the proper functioning of the organs that I recommended replacing previously.
     
    Naturally, the Ferrari 360's 40-valve V8 is a very weather-sensitive engine. Certainly it is atmospheric but it pays the price for its high specific power and therefore its small displacement. Living in a region which can be very hot, I noticed big differences in motor character depending on the weather. In the summer when the weather is dry and hot, my engine is anemic. It always has "enough" power (according to Rolls-Royce) but for me its use is without interest, without pleasure. On the other hand, in cool weather (like 20°C) and slightly humid (the day after rain for example) my engine has lightning to the point of giving me chills! That sharpness is exactly what makes me love the Ferrari 360 but it can be a big flaw for others and that's in my opinion why Ferrari increased the engine capacity by 700cc of the V8 of the F430 when it took 20 years for the block of the 360 to go from 3.0l on the 308 to 3.6l... CQFD ("thank you" the dieselization of the car fleet).
     
    The 360 has few or no faults strictly speaking, it is a Ferrari and a sports car, which improves over time both in design and in driving pleasure. Nevertheless, if it is lighter than an F355, its supercar size and its long wheelbase are not the most suitable for the small roads of the Var.
     
    I consider there are three swords of Damocles above the engine of the Ferrari 360 Modena:
    The inevitable death of the engine control units (ECU), which had the bad idea to lodge in the engine compartment which is a furnace. Consequence: an inoperative engine. The broken oil pump chain. Consequence: an out of order engine. In reality, it is the rupture of the pawn ref. 169594, which acts as the axis of rotation of the chain tensioner. There is a reference evolution so everything is said. If it breaks, the tensioner shoe is placed across the pad, which will wear out prematurely. The chain will play until it breaks. The oil pump will no longer be driven and therefore engine lubrication will be immediately interrupted… Corrosion drilling of the engine water/gearbox oil tube heat exchanger which is located in the engine V. Consequence: broken gearbox. Unlike the F355, which has the same part but not the same problem, no longer having to drop the engine to do the timing no longer necessarily involves draining the coolant. And so over the years, the latter becomes corrosive to the point of piercing one or more tubes of the exchanger and the pressure being stronger on the water side then it will pollute all the gearbox oil, making mayonnaise ( regularly check the surface of the water in the vase, drain the coolant at each distribution and replace the exchanger asap)  
    On the improvement side, I adopted a philosophy for more sportiness because I wanted a more sensational Ferrari 360. Originally the 360 is a compromise between comfort and sportiness, as always with this type of car, and past the first emotions behind the wheel, I found the model too wise. To gain sensation, I opted for:
    A geometry typed "trackday" to gain incisivity. It is successful but in return the car reads the road more. Short H&R springs (ref. 29405) to firm up the damping, combined with a Ferrari Challenge Stradale height type (no problem with killer speed bumps). 19-inch OZ Ultraleggera HLT rims (thanks @oliv!), stronger and lighter than Ferrari Challenge Stradale rims and yet cheaper. This gave me access to a wider range of tires on the market and I opted for the Michelin Sport Cup 2s (thanks @oliv!) for maximum grip. On the braking side, grooved discs on aluminum bowl from PFC in original size to keep a hint of the vehicle's homologation... which I associated with yellow Pagid type RS29 pads (ref. 1408), avia hoses and brake fluid Motul RBF600. The result is excellent and - with my level of driving - I can testify on the track of Paul Ricard of brakes still and always on top even after 40 minutes of non-stop driving. Inside, I bought the magnificent Sparco Carbon Evo monocoque bucket seats from @canadifucile's monstrous Diablo 6.0 Edo Competition. I didn't want Ferrari's "fake" optional bucket seats, I wanted monocoque to have a "rigid" connection of my buttocks with the body to better feel the movements of the car. It's successful and as a bonus, their black leather upholstery with red stitching went automatically with my cabin and the harness passages are strictly the same as those of the Ferrari bucket seats. To this, I added the red Sabelt harnesses (tribute to the F40) delivered with the seats but it is only for circuit use to gain front-rear support and even if the assembly is carried out according to ORECA specifications, I always add the seat belt ("belt and suspenders" as they say). On the engine side, the reprogramming of AV Engineering catches my eye, but in the meantime I have only installed K&N sports filters for the pleasure of hearing the air intake whistle at low load. On the other hand, I am a fan of 10W60 grade oil, recommended by the manual for intensive use or in hot countries and I regret seeing 5W40 in the majority of engines (admittedly it is cheaper…). Finally, last but not least, the "free" exhaust to enhance the naturally F1 sound of the 40-valve block. I would be interested in an exhaust (by abuse of language) type X-pipe but already with the Supersprint exhaust manifolds (large diameter), the bypasses and the Tubi pot, the sound is enjoyable! But tiring… And the surges of the engine at high revs even more furious, to the detriment of a degradation of the times under 4000 rpm.  

     
    @Franck : How do you use Ferrarista for your experience with your Ferrari? What does the Ferrarista community bring you?
     
    @tifosi101 : Ferrarista is much more than a web forum. It is above all a virtual club where you can very quickly and very healthily make buddies and friends in real life, it's a Wikipedia of the Prancing Horse brand, it's a workshop manual with an infinite number of pages. Ferrarista is even addictive for many of us, just seeing the daily attendance. Ferrarista allows you to precisely target your need, your choice before purchase. Once implemented, Ferrarista allows you to live your passion with other Ferraris during outings but also to experience a technical problem as best you can thanks to the natural and spontaneous mutual aid that reigns there.
     
    Because for me, clearly the strong point of Ferrarista is the richness and technical precision of the information shared there. The experience feedback is very great on this forum, many owners share, without snobbery and without hiding, their disappointments and explain them to prevent others from suffering the same mishap. There are technicians - in the noble sense of the term - of great talent on this forum, who share their knowledge, explain and even play down to help better live with a breakdown. Others come to their senses when the quotes are crazy or offer to help in real life. It's very powerful and the amount of useful information on Ferrarista will help keep our Ferraris running for a very long time. This site should never ever close! Without forgetting the 2nd Ferrarista National Meeting, which I had the pleasure of organizing with other members of the forum with whom we formed the "Squadra du Sud" and which was a great moment of passion and sharing.
     
    Forza Ferrarista ! And thank you to all those who make it live whether with a simple remark, a beautiful photo or a scholarly calculation.
     
    @Franck : Thank you @tifosi101 for your fascinating feedback to read, a real bible! What did you learn from reading this article? What additional details would you like? If you own a Ferrari 360 Modena, what could you add?
     
    If you liked this article, you might also like :
    - Long-term test: Glyde's Ferrari 348
    - Long term test : SPDK 90's Ferrari 488 GTB
    - Long-term test: Ferrari F12 Berlinetta by Trois Cinquante Cinq
    Glyde
    The Ferrari 348 is sought after as a first Ferrari, for its relatively low cost, its look of a small Ferrari Testarossa, but also for its modernity, while avoiding any electronic aid. It is an accessible Ferrari but it is also its weak point: maintenance could have been neglected, because the maintenance costs remain those of a Ferrari. Finding a good copy then requires you to be even better informed. How do you know if the maintenance has been done? If the copy is in good condition? What to watch? What are the known issues? The best is to check with the owners. @Glyde is pleased to give us his feedback, with his Ferrari 348 TB that he has owned since 2014.
     
    @Franck: What is your automotive background?
     
    @Glyde: I have loved cars since I was a kid. I was born in 1966, as the name of a famous road. At that time, we could experience the nascent passion of a whole generation of young drivers, on the way to progress according to the various and numerous possibilities of that time: Elf steering wheel, Formula Ford, Renault, F3, F2, etc. Motorsport was booming at the time and we can even say that a lot was done to find and train young talents. Moreover, in the eyes of the general public, it also represented a certain freedom of action and one was far from the current ecological sarcasms vis-à-vis the automobile. Right or wrong.
     
    It was in this atmosphere that my first automotive emotions were forged in me. My parents didn't hesitate to take me to the car circuits when I was barely 6 months old. On the Linas-Montlhéry circuit, there were races almost every weekend, and we had family very close to the circuit. My uncles even managed to "infiltrate" the grounds of the road circuit while Alfa Romeo was conducting private tests there! In short, a good time, and at the age of 2 my favorite costume was a pilot's outfit.
     
    The Ferrari passion came the day I saw one. Finally seen, of course, my height, relative to my age, did not allow me to see her as she passed in the street. But I heard my uncle cry out, “Oh a Ferrari! ". In the evening, in my room, I then took all my little cars and turned them all over to read the marks and finally hold one in my hands! And yes, I already had a Ferrari, like almost all the little boys back then.
     
    This is how my passion for this brand was born. I documented myself, I learned the history, the stories, the models, in short all the publications and the miniatures relating to the brand captivated me. My holy grail at the time was to be able to buy the two volumes of Antoine Prunet (Ferrari of roads and dreams, Ferrari of sports and prototypes). And then very young, we make a promise full of hope: "One day I will have one!" ". Like a goal in life because it is so inaccessible. Then when I became an adult and financially responsible, it was time to build my family, but always in mind this idea of a child.
     

     
    My first old car was my grandfather's Opel Kadett B Olympia, which I put back on the road. Then my very modest means allowed me to buy my first "sports car", an R5 Alpine Turbo. These cars are still in my possession. This R5 was coursed but it still lacked a little power. I bought all the parts or had the mobile unit redone at the Ferry workshops. So I have a real Ferry engine on this car, developing 140 hp at best, instead of the original 110.
     
    Then a Renault 5 sports fan, my goal was to own, in addition to this Alpine Turbo, an R5 Alpine and the holy grail of the Renault 5 Turbo. I found an R5 Alpine called Atmo in excellent condition, then I went looking for a Renault 5 Turbo in the early 2000s. The expected budget was in the order of 10 to 13 k €, for a car. rolling and in very good condition. We were very far from the current coasts! I almost bought one for 8,500 €, but to restart completely and put back in civilian version. I went to see the car in the depths of Brittany and we did not come to an agreement with the seller for 500 €. When I returned home, a large part of this budget urgently had to be absorbed by replacing the home boiler.
     
    Much later I was lucky enough to own one for a few months because I couldn't keep everything, and in 2017 this car was a big investment. Bought from a friend, the car had not started since 2008. A big restart carried out by myself and the injection revised by a specialist indicated by a member of the Ferrarista forum ( @Eric77), I resolved myself to resell it, because that was among other things the objective during the purchase. In a way, Wheeler Dealer at my level!
     
    Over time, I saw the trade-in value of these cars grow beyond my savings. I decided to do it again differently, by buying an Alpine V6 Turbo from a popular auction site, with a little mileage but € 3,000 to € 4,000 below the market. The car needed some attention but was an excellent base for restoration. Decision and bid lifted, I go with a friend to look for the beast near Longwy. This GT finally remained in my garage for 7 years, from 2007 to January 2014. A real 2 + 2, practical for our family trips with my 2 children, and then reliable from the moment you respect the mechanics.
     
    @Franck: Why did you choose this Ferrari 348 afterwards?
     
    @Glyde: This idea of owning a Ferrari was still running through my head. In the meantime the car book shelves had filled up well as were the miniature display cases. It was during our change of residence that I announced to my wife that I wanted to reserve a certain budget which, plus the sale of this Alpine GTA, would finally allow me to make this dream come true.
     
    I was studying the market then. My focus was on a Ferrari 308 GTB carbu or Quattrovalvole. The prices of these cars hovered between 25 and 30 k €, depending on the condition and other characteristics. It was before the bubble of the 2015s. The Alpine with its original 157,000 kilometers took a long time to sell, but it found an enthusiast, with whom I am still in contact, and this car delights its family. also since February 2014.
     
    Then the doors of Ferrari opened to me. But the prices of a Ferrari 308 were skyrocketing and history repeating itself, my savings were still insufficient to access a 308, except in injection, which did not suit me at all. I then looked at the Ferrari 308 GT4 or Mondial, but without real and great convictions.
     

     
    That’s when I got interested in the Ferrari 348, which I admit never appealed to me when it first came out. A line that seemed bland to me compared to the sensual curves of the Ferrari 308 and 328. Perhaps also this incredible and unfounded feeling that it had come out too quickly after the disappearance of the Commandatore. In short, this model did not mark me, and yet! By studying its technical characteristics, it corresponded in all points to what I was looking for, with a few more, such as the longitudinal position of the engine, a dry sump, sufficient power, then finally an attractive line, racy, and all in all very Ferrari in blade.
     
    It was part of my specifications to be able to take care of the maintenance on my own. Apart from owning these cars, I also like to maintain them and build them on my own, firstly for economic reasons, then also to understand and know the mechanics of the car I drive. I assure you that many breakdowns are avoided, as long as you are interested and find simple small improvements that make a car more reliable.
     
    The Ferrari 348, in terms of maintenance, is known for its high costs. So I studied this aspect and consulted several specialists to determine an average cost of use. So I began to search. I subscribed to several forums including obviously Ferrarista. But I have to admit that I was very discreet at the start, because not having a Ferrari, I did not allow myself to participate.
     
    I went through the ads, I compared the offers, I visited the specialists to see the few cars on sale. I want to stress that this step seems fundamentally essential to me, as with real estate, it sharpens our opinion, what we want and what we don't want.
     
    It was on May 1, 2014 that I was picked up for my Ferrari 348, without seeing it firsthand. My ambition was right in this choice and the 500 kilometers of the return trip did not scare me. The moment of discovery was even more magical because the salesman left it to me to remove the protective cover and discover this car inch by inch. I also own a 1973 Mini 1000.
     
    @Franck: What is your use with this Ferrari?
     
    @Glyde: I use this car sporadically:
    - For short Sunday walks, alone or with other enthusiasts,
    - To go to certain events (LMC, etc.),
    - For weekends with my wife, who has endured this passion since we have known each other, we even went on vacation with this car,
    - And of course the greatest moment I spent in and behind the wheel of this Ferrari was taking part in the incredible Ferrarista trip to Maranello in 2018.
     

     
    @Franck: Since when ?
     
    @Glyde: Since May 1, 2014. The history of this model is unique. It was delivered new by the PAGANI Frères concession in Marseille to an inhabitant of Cassis on 07/30/1990. This first owner kept it for 10 years and traveled just under 40,000 kilometers with it, before replacing it with another model. Sold by the same dealer to a Swedish collector who owned a castle and an enormous collection of automobiles in the Lot, it remained there for a little less than 10 years. It was maintained by the mechanics in charge of this fabulous collection of more than 100 cars.
     
    Bought by an enthusiast in 2009 with 47,000 kilometers, it has kept it for 5 years and 2,700 kilometers of asphalt on the roads of Limousin. It was this last owner who contacted me when I posted a message on a forum about my intention to buy and things to watch out for about this model. My message ended with "if you are a seller of this model, please do not hesitate to contact me ...". It was then following an exchange of detailed emails and embellished with many photos, and other documents, that we found an agreement, having never seen this car, nor tried, before May 1 when I took the road at 5 a.m. in the morning to pick up this 348.
     
    @Franck: What were your criteria for buying this Ferrari and how did you find this copy?
     
    @Glyde: My purchasing criteria were varied:
    - A berlinetta, so Ferrari 348 TB exclusively,
    - Respect of the budget devoted to the purchase. I didn't want to deviate too much from it, so that I had a reserve in case of the unexpected. So I forbade myself GTB versions,
    - That the car be complete and as close as possible to the origin, or even to the absolute origin,
    - Preferably a car of French origin,
    - Updated revision and in perfect working order,
    - A car pampered by its owner (s),
    - A consistent history in terms of the interviews carried out. These models are too old to hope for traceability in the network, especially since since its marketing, the network has evolved greatly. The dealership that delivered this copy no longer exists today.
     
    @Franck: Immediately after the purchase, what did you like the most about driving this Ferrari?
     
    @Glyde: Its driveability, known to be hard to use, the 348 struck me as pleasant over the long haul, with 500 kilometers to return from Limoges at the wheel. And above all, it should not be forgotten, my last reference in terms of sports cars was my Alpine V6 Turbo. It has a much more rigorous behavior in all respects, real effective brakes, a firm car but delicious to drive, a reserve and a surprising power extension.
     
    The sympathy of people crossed here and there, the astonishment also of some because, on the return trip, on a motorway rest area, to see a family station wagon with the cooler in it and the Ferrari next to it during the picnic on the road. grass surprised more than one !!!!
     
    @Franck: Can you tell us about the costs incurred for normal use of this Ferrari (insurance, annual maintenance, major overhaul, unforeseen events, etc.)?
     
    @Glyde: I am poorly placed to provide real information on this point. Since the beginnings of this project, I had opted to take on the maintenance myself. Certainly with a reservation all the same. But the passion having been transmitted to my son, he chose competition mechanics as his profession. So his knowledge gave me comfort in this choice, since he maintains a lot of Ferraris, including several from the forum.
     

     
    We carried out the "big overhaul" in 2017, the main investment was the purchase of a lift. The total of the coins is around € 2,500, I did not count the MO. We removed the engine on December 30, 2016 and restarted the car at the end of March 2017.
     
    However, certain operations have been entrusted to specialists, such as the replacement of tires, the geometry of the running gear, engine adjustment on the bench.
     
    Regarding insurance, my Ferrari 348 is insured in a collection with theft options (depending on appraisal value, it has been appraised for 83k €), fire, broken glass for around 510 € / year. The first year I only had the RC collection which is 100 € / year. It is therefore not a prohibitive expense item.
     
    @Franck: And if it had to be done again, what would you change?
     
    @Glyde: My answer is very simple: Nothing, I have no regrets through this experience. But I admit I was very lucky, and then there is this famous intuition in front of the car, intuition which tells us "It's her ...".
     
    Why I love my Ferrari 348 so much:
    - It is the last Ferrari equipped with the legendary grid with the first at the bottom left,
    - It has no driving assistance except ABS,
    - Its firm direction keeps great precision and brings back a lot of valuable information to its driving
    - She drives with the driver's full attention and you have to, as some pilots say, "drive her with your buttocks",
    - Its modest power compared to more modern productions is more than enough to extract the quintessence,
    - The roof line strangely resembles the F40, just like its mirrors a little less prominent all the same,
    - The extension of its engine is incredible.
    - Its behavior combines both relative comfort on long journeys (the journey from Paris to Maranello and its 1,093 kilometers have convinced me), and sportiness in more sustained driving,
    - Its consumption, even if this is not a criterion, does not put off with use: around 10L / 100 km in smooth driving ... and much more if you tickle the switch
     
    This is what a 348 is ...
     

     
    @Franck: What advice would you give to someone looking for this Ferrari?
     
    @Glyde: As with many important decisions, take your time, see several copies, learn more and more.
    Do not blindly buy the first car that comes along, which is not my case even though it was not the first I saw.
     
    @Franck: What are its faults? What to pay attention to?
     
    @Glyde: The Ferrari 348 or rather its image suffered from several bad reviews in the year of its launch, including by Luca di Montezemolo on the lack of engine power.
     
    His behavior is not bad, it's just rigorous, very rigorous. This Ferrari does not drive like a 328, it sits like a kart. You need a lot of vigilance at the wheel when you force the pace a little, she does not forgive the roughly, both in her driving and in the monitoring of sensitive points, tire wear, air pressure , monitoring of levels and of course warming up before intensive use (this is valid for all mechanics!)
     
    Moreover, with this model was born the "Ferrari Challenge", a minimalist kit offered by the factory and adaptable to production models, including TS. The first year of the challenge, it even seems to me that the cars were running on the standard tires!
     
    @Franck: What improvements can be done?
     
    @Glyde: I am convinced that all improvements must be made in making the car more reliable. Regarding the 348, as long as the mechanics are sound and regularly maintained, the modifications are minimal. There are known failures in the electrical wiring, personally I adapted a starter relay which greatly facilitated the wake-up of the 8 cylinders. Likewise, I encountered some problems with the original circuit breaker socket, this was solved by removing this socket and replacing the engine and chassis earth cables which pass under the exhaust manifold. My Ferrari 348 being of the first generation, the battery is installed in the rear left, which is very nice to connect the charge maintenance.
     
    I also replaced the original silencer (permanently stored) with a stainless steel model. The vocalizations of 3.4 are doing better. Likewise, I cannot say whether or not this copy was catalyzed during its manufacture, developments being quite vague on the assembly lines. In any case, if there were catastrophes, it was before ...
     

     
    My concerns relate to the choice of future tires because the elements approved by the factory are no longer available, so we must focus on new generation tires but not easy to choose given the 17/18 fit and the behavior of the car.
     
    @Franck: How do you use Ferrarista for your experience with your Ferrari? What does the Ferrarista community bring you?
     
    @Glyde:  By exchanging tips and advice, by tasting to learn new technical information or not, on this model as on others.
     
    Ferrarista is a huge source of information about the brand, about models, about owner feedback, about meeting other people, about this incredible community of enthusiasts. Everyone contributes a stone to the building, some are very sharp on historical facts or certain models, others share their driving experience, still others quite simply share with us their daily life as an employee at Ferrari (and of having had the chance to meet them in 2018 at the factory).
     
    I have met a lot of very nice people. I interact with members on a regular basis without seeing each other first-hand. No judgment, general benevolence, some have opened their homes or rather their garage to me, even before meeting elsewhere, if only to admire their cars and in the greatest and natural simplicity. This sharing of passion is fundamental. You only need to attend a Ferrarista event to realize this. In the end, everyone asks for more and there is no differentiating between members.
     
    @Franck: Thank you @Glyde for this very interesting feedback, with this detailed history which allows you to project yourself as a future buyer of this model. What other questions would you like to ask @Glyde? If you own a Ferrari 348, what elements would you find interesting to add for those who are interested in this model?
     
    If this article appeals to you, you may also like:
    - Long term test: Guillaume84's Ferrari F430
    - Ferrari 308 and 328 buying guide
    - Long term test: Matmatlr's Ferrari 348
    - Long-term test: Riton's Ferrari 430 Scuderia
    Franck
    What do you think is the pinnacle of the sports car? What ideal car would you like to own and drive if your wildest dreams of speed could come true? You may not have the same answer as me, but it seems obvious to me that the most challenging motor competition is Formula 1. Getting behind the wheel of a Formula 1 is probably what is the most difficult and the most exclusive. I remember the TV journalists who barely managed to keep their Formula 1 on the track. And other journalists who spoke of a black veil as a passenger, in certain corners.
     
    How is it possible to realize your dream of owning a Formula 1? Can you acquire one of the most prestigious, namely a Ferrari? What are the costs involved? Under what conditions can you then benefit from it?
     

     
    How many Ferrari Formula 1s are available to customers?
     
    By browsing the Ferrari website, you will discover that nearly 200 Formula 1 produced by the prancing horse brand are now owned by customers. 200 really? How is such a figure possible?
     
    In fact, Ferrari builds up to 8 Formula 1 chassis per year. In 2001, 10 chassis had even been produced. You can find on the internet the list of names, serial numbers and chassis numbers built by Ferrari each year since 1948.
     
    In 1970, Ferrari started a new numbering of its Formula 1 chassis. This year, chassis numbers 275 to 279 are used in the championship. Ferrari sells its Formula 1 cars to its customers two years after production to make sure that no important secrets go to the competition in this way.
     

     
    How does Ferrari take care of your Formula 1?
     
    The department at Ferrari dedicated to the sale and maintenance of old Formula 1 cars is called "Ferrari F1 Clienti". Around 200 Formula 1 Ferraris are stored and serviced in Maranello. A specific warehouse, representing incredible value, contains these Formula 1s.
     
    When you buy one of these Formula 1s, specific settings may be requested, a seat is molded to your dimensions and training on the Fiorano circuit is provided.
     
    It is then former mechanics present at the edge of the Formula 1 tracks who take care of these very special cars. Outings on prestigious circuits are organized by the "Corse Clienti" department.
     

     
    What are the costs of owning a Formula 1 Ferrari?
     
    It is only possible to give you an idea because the costs vary a lot depending on the copies and their use. To my knowledge, the most recent Ferrari Formula 1 cars sell for between 2 and 2.5 million euros. The prices vary according to many parameters such as the prize list of the considered copy.
     
    In addition, there is an annual fee to store, maintain and offer you some circuit outings during the year. If my information is correct, these costs represent between 100 and 200,000 euros per year for a Ferrari. Obviously these cars are not under warranty. Any accident during an exit from the track results in a substantial check to restore your Formula 1 to its original state.
     
    If you also want to use your Formula 1 Ferrari on a particular circuit, near your home for example, Ferrari will ask you for 40,000 euros. This includes a full support team that travels for several days from Maranello with your Formula 1. If you find other Ferrari Formula 1 owners to tour with you on this circuit, you can share the costs.
     

     
    Which cars represent for you the pinnacle of sports cars? Would you buy a Formula 1 if you could afford it? If so, which model? Did you know that Ferrari has produced so many Formula 1s and that they are maintained in Maranello for its customers? Have you had the opportunity to watch Formula 1 cars run by the F1 Clienti service? Have you ever driven a Formula 1?
     
    If you liked that article, you may also like reading :
    - Where should you have your Ferrari serviced?
    - 50 Ferrarista members at the 70th anniversary of Ferrari in Maranello
    - 5 reasons to choose the Ferrari F355 against the 360 Modena or vice versa ...
    spdk 90
    The Ferrari 488 GTB made a lot of noise with the arrival of the turbo on Ferrari V8 engines, with the fear that noise, precisely, there is no more, or at least not enough. However, the turbo V8 was nothing new at Ferrari since the legendary Ferrari 288 GTO and Ferrari F40, no less, are also equipped with a turbo V8. So how does it compare to the Ferrari 458 Italia it replaced? Are anti-pollution standards killing fun and ultimately brands like Ferrari? We have a lot of feedback on Ferrarista on Ferrari that are no longer produced, but this is rarer on Ferrari that are in production at the time of writing. Also a big THANK YOU to @spdk 90 who gives us here his feedback with his Ferrari 488 GTB, which he can compare us with the Ferrari 468 Italia he previously owned.
     
    Franck : What is your driving history and why did you choose the Ferrari 488 GTB?
     
    SPDK 90 : My car background: Renault Clio 16s, Renault Clio Williams, VW Golf cabriolet GTI, BMW Z3 2 liters and BMW Z3M, Porsche Boxster 2.5, and 3.2, Porsche Cayman S PDK 320ch, Audi R8 V8 and Audi R8 V10 spider , Ferrari 458 Italia and now Ferrari 488 GTB.
     
    Why did I choose the Ferrari 488 GTB? The Ferrari 458 Italia was for me the best of all my cars. Regarding the Ferrari 488 GTB, I basically hated turbos because of the wind tunnel sound and the acceleration response time. But Ferrari Strasbourg / Mulhouse left it with me for a weekend and ... I had a hard time returning it. Ferrari has reinvented the turbo! The Ferrari 488 GTB has all the best features of the Ferrari 458 Special: it couldn't be missed.
     
     
    Franck : What were your criteria for buying a Ferrari 488 GTB and how did you find this one?
     
    SPDK 90 : My purchasing criteria were absolutely a Race configuration, so leather and alcantara racing seat, a carbon steering wheel, stripes, anthracite rims, etc. The problem was that a lot of the cars were under-equipped. Suddenly the purchase of a new one, with a wait of 11 months, was imperative. 
     
    Mr. Olivier Beaune of Ferrari Sausheim took over the Ferrari 458 Italia from me two years after its purchase and with 16,000 kilometers traveled without problems at the same price, subject to consignment. My beauty has since gone to Corsica. I recommend Mr. Olivier Beaune for listening, advice, take-over values and very good customer support. 

    The configuration of my Ferrari 458 Italia was more the one of a GT car: Rosso Scuderia with full beige leather, Diamond rims, etc. While my Ferrari 488 GTB is ultimately more racing with carbon, Goldrake seats, Alcantara, the Led steering wheel, in Rosso Corsa color, with the camera, etc.
     

     
    Franck : Immediately after the purchase, what did you like the most about driving your Ferrari 488 GTB?
     
    SPDK 90 : The Ferrari 488 GTB is a real glue, it is taped to the bitumen. At the wheel, you are glued to the seats and the acceleration is stratospheric. On the other hand, it is really very wide. But seeing the big intake vents in the mirrors is pure bliss. 
     
    By comparison, the Ferrari 458 Italia is a marvel, plus the sound and minus the jerkiness, braking and some assembly faults.
     
    In the Ferrari 488 GTB, the build quality is worthy of a German car. It is a real glue stuck to the ground, with no response time from the turbos. The sound for a turbo is great, it is huge compared to the Ferrari 458 and the braking is awesome.
     

     
    Franck : Can you tell us about the costs incurred for normal use of a Ferrari 488 GTB (insurance, annual maintenance, major overhaul, unforeseen events, etc.)? 
     
    SPDK 90 : For the moment, I have driven 7,000 kilometers at the wheel of the Ferrari 488 GTB, no problem to report, a super reliable vehicle still so wonderful, always so bestial.
     
    For insurance, I am on a budget of 1,900 euros per year, which includes a replacement cost option for 600 euros per year. For the rest, I get the 7 year maintenance, but I think you have to plan a good tire budget compared to the Ferrari 458 Italia.
     

     
    Franck : And if you had to do it again ?
     
    SPDK 90 : I would do the same thing again: the same model in the same garage. Olivier Beaune from the Ferrari Sausheim dealership does his job very well.

    What about you, do you have any more questions for @spdk 90? And if you also own a Ferrari 488 GTB, what could you add to help other members get to know this model better? What are the big pluses of the model from your point of view? Why did you choose the Ferrari 488 GTB?
     

     
    Si cet article vous a plus, vous aimerez aussi :
    - Long-term test: Ferrari F12 Berlinetta by Trois Cinquante Cinq
    - Long-term test: 458's Ferrari 458 Speciale
    - Long-term test: Riton's Ferrari 430 Scuderia
    - Long term test: Calif38's Ferrari California
     
    Trois cinquante cinq
    The Ferrari F12 Berlinetta and its fabulous V12 engine is very desirable, with its 740hp, the magnificent sound of the V12 and its agility of berlinette. It has been awarded by numerous magazines, among others with the prize for the best engine of the year in 2013.
    But what is the reality over the long run when you own it? Is there fun at each outing? Aren't the costs excessive to drive regularly? And how do you find a good copy? To find out, here is the return of @Trois cinquante cinq, a big fan of Ferrari and who is not in his first Ferrari.
     

     
    What is your history with cars and why did you choose the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta?
     
    My first car was a white Peugeot 205 GTI, followed by an almost brand new VW Corrado VR6, 2 years after its release, and which I had bought from a notary at the end of my studies. I have great memories of it. Its 6 cylinders in line was fabulous for the time!
    My third sports car was the culmination of a dream with the 13,000-kilometer Ferrari F355 Berlinetta, with which I traveled 49,000 kilometers behind the wheel. It was almost yesterday, yet 14 years have already passed.
    For the past year and a half, I've been driving my Ferrari F12 Berlientta, a real achievement for the enthusiast attached to the history of the brand that I am.
    As you know, after looking in vain for a Ferrari Challenge Stradale for almost 2 years, I ordered a Ferrari 488 GTB at the Geneva Motor Show in 2016. The latter was luckily never delivered on time, despite my patience. The loan of a Ferrari F12 on a spring afternoon on the back country roads sealed my decision, no hesitation, it represents everything I liked and everything I like about Ferrari !!!
     

     
    What were your criteria for buying a Ferrari F12 Berlinetta and how did you find this one?
     
    I wanted a Ferrari F12 Berlinetta as close to new as possible, and with as many options as possible. No Rosso Corsa, no black. But I was open to yellow and other shades of gray, and more particularly the Grigio Ferro.
    She arrived in Rosso Berlinetta and it's perfect. I couldn't have asked for more except the Rosso Fuoco which is a slightly more orange shade in the color codes. I acquired it by word of mouth as soon as it entered the Ferrari dealership after a new purchase from its previous owner.
     


    Immediately after the purchase, what impressed you most at the wheel of your Ferrari F12?
     
    Honestly, this is the best engine / gearbox assembly I have ever seen! The V12 is from the Enzo XX program !!!
    It is a real block from the race, placed in the central front position, no inertia, an incredible extension and climbs in regimes where the longitudinal G takes your breath away. The sound emits different vocalizations every 1000 additional turns. It's ecstatic sound !!!
    It is also the engine that will be used in the LaFerrari and to which we simply added the KERS. The extension is amazing, giving the feeling that the acceleration is endless. The plateau from 5500 to 8500 turns is really physical!
    The gear changes on the climb and on the descent smack like shots. It's so addictive !!!
    To ride, the instructions are simple, you have to apply a light pressure on the brakes and the nose goes straight to the rope. Weight is not felt in most circumstances, even if it is there and you should keep this parameter in mind. I find the car agile, and the ultra direct steering contributes to this vocation affirmed by its name of berlinette V12. At this level, it is very different from a Ferrari 599 whose size somewhat limits the use.
    Each time I turn the key, and the V12 suddenly wakes up, it's an incredible sensation, namely the promise of having all 5 senses fulfilled by the ballad that will follow. Always with humility, because the violence of the accelerations and the thrusts of the engine torque do not forgive anyone who is behind the wheel. Important thing to know with the Ferrari F12, it is the imperative to heat the gums well to pass the power on the second gear. 740 hp on the rear wheels require this manual!
    The F12 offers so much, whether in terms of physical, sound or visual sensations! Its design is very pure, with subtlety and strength ... The car has an incredible presence !!!
     

     
    Can you tell us about the costs involved in normal use of a Ferrari F12 (insurance, annual maintenance, major overhaul, contingencies, etc.)?

    I benefit from free maintenance for 7 years following delivery of the car to its owner. I have covered 10,000 kilometers since its purchase and are gradually completing the break-in!
    Nothing to report on this side. Distribution by chain, double clutch gearbox made to last the life of the car, wear-resistant carbon-ceramic discs on open roads ... All you have to do is drive !!!
    Reliability feedback on the F12 is excellent. It is a well born car!
    Regarding insurance, I pay € 150 / month including all risks.
     
    And if it had to be done again, what would you change?
     
    I would buy the same Ferrari F12, it corresponds to my dream, to the conception I have of the brand's history and to the relationship I have with it.
    Besides, it should have been called the LaFerrari, as it brings together the fundamentals and perfectly symbolizes the history of Ferrari.
    When you have tasted the V12 of the Ferrari F12, it's hard to imagine driving with anything else, except a Ferrari F12 TDF (which will remain a dream due to its current and future pricing).
    The future of the brand's road cars does not inspire me, I like mechanics, not electricity, and the kilometers of electric cables associated with the exclusively turbocharged engines of future models leave me cold. Also if a day arrives when we have to turn the page, I would probably leave the brand that has lived with me since I was 16 years old.
    My only regret is to have missed the Ferrari Challenge Stradale by not being able to find a copy that meets my expectations, as you know, but the F12 remains the guardian of the temple.
     

     
    How do you use Ferrarista for your experience with your Ferrari?

    I try to share my experiences and learn from that of others. I learn again and again about the history of the brand, the subtleties of the different models, mechanically or historically. It is a group of enthusiasts who eat and sleep Ferrari, and I recognize myself well in this approach which naturally leads to sharing and meetings. Very beautiful meetings and many people have become friends! Besides Franck, I think it's been almost 15 years that we have been friends !!!
    Eternal recognition to @eric355 who throughout my Ferrari experience (especially with my ex-Ferrari F355) often reassured me technically and allowed me to sleep on my two ears!
     

    THANK YOU @Trois cinquante cinq for this very detailed and passionate feedback on the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta! Do you have any other information you would like to know about using the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta? Or if you own a Ferrari F12 Berlinetta, what information would you like to share?
     
    If you liked this article, you might also like :
    - Long-term test: 458's Ferrari 458 Speciale
    - Long-term test: Riton's Ferrari 430 Scuderia
    - Long-term test: 20 months and 14,000 kilometers in a Ferrari 550 Maranello
    - Long term test: Calif38's Ferrari California
    458
    The Ferrari 458 Speciale has the most powerful V8 atmospheric engine ever produced by Ferrari. As such, and because it is part of the line of special series like the Ferrari Challenge Stradale and Ferrari 430 Scuderia, it retains a very strong rating.
     
    Is it the right time to buy a Ferrari 458 Speciale? Should you keep it? What to expect at the wheel and in terms of cost of use? You will get the most relevant information from an owner. @458, member of Ferrarista, who has had one for several years, gives you his experience feedback with his Ferrari 458 Speciale.
     

     
    Franck :  What is, quickly, your car experience and why did you choose the Ferrari 458 Speciale?
     
    458 : My first sportscar was a Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9L: it represented in 1986 the small sportscar that was ideal by its size, its performance and its reasonable price (93 200 Francs).
     
    After the Peugeot 405 Mi16, the BMW M3 marked my career by their performance likely to compete with the Porsche and their versatility, allowing you just as much to turn on the circuit as to go on weekends.
     
    Then the attraction of driving on the track made me choose a Porsche 997 GT3 then a Nissan GTR.
     

     
    Franck : What were your criteria for buying a Ferrari 458 Speciale and how did you get that copy?
     
    458 : I was very satisfied with my Ferrari 458 Italia: it marked a considerable progress in terms of reliability and finish at Ferrari until the day (March 13, 2015) I tried a Ferrari 458 Speciale. The exceptional handling, the surgical direction, the V8 of anthology developing 135cv / l at 9000 r / min, associated with a gearbox as fast as effective immediately conquered me.
     
    I decided to order one and configure MY Speciale! Rosso Corsa, NART bands, harness ... It was delivered to me on July 11, 2015.
     

     
    Franck :  Immediately after the purchase, what was you fiordt feelingwhile driving your Ferrari 458 speciale?
     
    458 : The feeling of having the chance to own an anthology Ferrari in the line of the Challenge Stradale and 430 Scuderia: the culmination of this line of exceptional sportscars with a rear central atmospheric engine.
     
    The sensation of being in osmosis with this Speciale is enjoyable: the instinctive steering places the front without latency, where the eyes are placed. The engine without any inertia responds to the slightest solicitation of the right foot and climbs to the red line at 9000 rpm in an inexhaustible breath and the pilotsportcup2 tires, once at temperature, provide an impressive grip.
     

     
    Franck : Can you tell us about the costs involved for a normal use of the Ferrari 458Speciale?
     
    458 :  Ferrari offers free maintenance for 7 years.
     
    I had no problems, neither mechanics nor electronics, and the finish is at the level of what we can expect from a sportcar today.
     
    There is no depreciation since the rating of the Speciale is high. Its value will only increase in time.

    The very reasonable usage costs are therefore limited to insurance costs (2000 Eur / year), fuel (20l / 100KM) and consumables if used on circuit.
     
    Franck : And if you had to do it again ?
     
    458 :  Without hesitation, I would order again a Ferrari 458 Speciale. I do not intend to part with it!
     
    Franck :  Thank you @458 for these very interesting returns!
     

     
    If you own a Ferrari 458 Speciale, what other information would you add to those who want to buy one? If you are thinking of buying a Ferrari 458 Speciale, what questions do you ask yourself about it before taking the plunge?

    If you like this article, you will also like:
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    - Long term test: Guillaume84's Ferrari F430
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    - Long term test: Riton's Ferrari 430 Scuderia
    - Long term test: one year and 6000 kilometers with a Ferrari Challenge Stradale
    Franck
    The Ferrari 430 Scuderia is one of the most desirable recent Ferraris, for its lighter, stripped-down, track-oriented side, with performance up from the Ferrari F430 and an aggressive look of its own. With a production reduced to just over 2,000 cars, a fine copy remains difficult to find and its cost remains high. Under these conditions, the more you know the model, the more you will be able to make a quick decision not to miss the gem.
     
    How to find the best information on buying a Ferrari 430 Scuderia? What should you look out for before you take the plunge and sign your check? What to expect in terms of user costs? The best is to ask an owner, who has already followed the same path. Riton was kind enough to answer my questions regarding the purchase of its Ferrari 430 Scuderia and its long-term use. You will find in this interview interesting information, for you to access the dream and acquire your Ferrari 430 Scuderia too.
     

     
    Franck: Hello Riton. What is your history with cars quickly and why did you choose the Ferrari 430 Scuderia?
     
    Riton: Hello Franck. First, offering myself a Ferrari 430 Scuderia at 40 is the culmination of a long journey for the Cavalino Rampante enthusiast. My automotive journey has always been part of this logic because even when I bought a Renault Sport Spider with my first salaries, even when I became a member of Club Lotus France, even when I had the opportunity to drive in a Porsche I knew deep down that the ultimate goal was to own a Ferrari, the bella macchina par excellence. The 430 Scuderia was obviously part of this logic for me because I wanted a modern car, not being a mechanical professional, but also a stripped down car closer to the image I had of a Ferrari. The Ferrari Challenge Stradale would have been another possibility, but the tighter lines of the Scuderia made the difference.
     

     
    Franck: What were your criteria for buying a Ferrari 430 Scuderia and how did you find your copy?
     
    Riton: For me, the essentials were the harnesses, the roll bar, the LED steering wheel, the fire extinguisher, the calipers in red and the original racing stripes. I wanted an interior in technical fabric or Alcantara, more consistent in my opinion with the vocation of the car. Two other points were imperative in making a dream come true: Rosso Corsa and full service history in the Ferrari network. It was therefore natural that I found my car at Pozzi, where I went very regularly for two years, before taking action.
     
    Franck: Immediately after the purchase, what impressed you most about your Ferrari 430 Scuderia?
     
    Riton: My apprehension concerned the Superfast 2 gearbox, or more precisely the use of pallets. As soon as I left the dealership, on the day of delivery, I forced myself not to switch to auto mode, including on the Paris ring road, and since then I enjoy each change of gear.
     

     
    Franck: Looking back, what are the good sides of your copy of Ferrari 430 Scuderia and the possible problems or faults encountered?
     
    Riton: I have owned this Ferrari 430 Scuderia for 7 months and it would be presumptuous to say that I master it perfectly, that I know all its strengths and all its weaknesses. Among the good sides, I will mention the sound and the gear changes, brutal and terribly addictive. Harnesses are not a constraint with an electronic toll system and, in my opinion, fully participate in the spirit of the car. Its only defect is related to the technical fabric which wrinkles a little when it is exposed to too strong heat. I also found the rear aesthetically too heavy, with badly "finished" exhaust tips, but by opting for titanium tips in Ferrari accessories, I solved the problem.
     

     
    Franck: Can you tell us about the costs involved in normal use of a Ferrari 430 Scuderia?
     
    Riton: I chose a specimen benefiting from the Ferrari Approved guarantee, certainly a little more expensive but psychologically very reassuring. Over the first two years, I therefore plan to spend between 1,000 and 1,500 euros per year for the annual review. My only concern is the wear on the clutch. So I strive to respect the advice found on the Ferrarista.club forum.
     
    Franck: What advice would you give to someone looking to buy a Ferrari 430 Scuderia?
     
    Riton: It is very easy to crack on a Scuderia. Before buying it is better to draw up a very precise list of the configuration chosen and stick to it. I would tend to prefer a model equipped with a harness and a roll bar, very expensive to install as an aftermarket, and in my opinion completely consistent with the spirit of the car. They will add value to the car in the event of resale. Finally, it is necessary to check, of course, the percentages of wear and have the suspension arms assessed, a recognized weakness of the Ferrari 430 Scuderia. After that ... it's only happiness!
     

     
    A big THANK YOU to Riton for all this information. What drew you the most from reading this interview? What other questions would you have liked to ask? If you also own a Ferrari 430 Scuderia, what other advice would you give?
     
    If you liked that article, you might also like :
    - Long-term test: 20 months and 14,000 kilometers in a Ferrari 550 Maranello
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    Franck
    The Ferrari 550 Maranello had been voted best sportscar of the decade in its time by the very famous English magazine EVO! Its price has never been so affordable, for a beautiful V12 in the purest tradition of the GT Ferrari. But what should you expect if you buy it? How will you find a beautiful example? What are the things you need to look at specifically before signing your check? What costs should you anticipate? Ideally, a Ferrari 550 Maranello owner will tell you about it. Precisely Bernard, owner of a Ferrari 550 Maranello for almost 2 years, agreed to answer my questions. Read his answers and you will learn a lot if you would like to purchase a Ferrari 550 Maranello.
     

     
    Franck : "Hello Bernard, what is your history with cars and why did you choose the Ferrari 550 Maranello?"
     
    Bernard : "When I was young, I had the chance to participate in various car races and to rub shoulders with Ferraris. Later, when the Ferrari 456 was released, I was impressed by its line and character. I thought that if one day I had to own a Ferrari, it would be this one!
     
    I was reading your blog, I had to change my car, and given the budget of a new Volvo C70, I said to myself why not keep my old one and devote this budget to a Ferrari? The hardest part was convincing my wife.
     
    At the start of my research, I saw some Ferrari 456! And I had to see that a 456 in good condition greatly exceeded my budget. By browsing the forums, I realized that the Ferrari 550 Maranello presented, for a lower budget, a great opportunity to acquire a Ferrari. With the manual gearbox, its legendary grille and its V12, it was just missing the two rear seats ... Too bad! "
     
    Franck : "What were your criteria for buying a Ferrari 550 Maranello and how did you find your copy?"
     
    Bernard : "The first Ferrari 550 Maranello I saw at a Volvo dealership impressed me and I took the necessary steps. I did not want a red because I felt that this color was reserved for sportscar. A fortnight later I was going down with my Ferrari 550 Maranello to Aix en Provence for a Ferrari concentration."
     

     
    Franck : "Immediately after the purchase, what impressed you the most about your Ferrari 550 Maranello?"
     
    Bernard : "From the start, at the wheel I was amazed by its comfort, precise steering and a very good driving position, even for tall people.
     
    The torque and flexibility of the V12 engine allow sporty driving without surprise, with an ideal weight distribution. I used to start in second, and if the highway is his favorite terrain, it is also comfortable in small mountain bends. The city is not his favorite territory. With its original exhaust and its "Grigio Nurburgring" color, it is discreet. "
     
    Franck : "Looking back, what are the good sides of your Ferrari 550 Maranello and the possible problems encountered?"
     
    Bernard : "First small concern, it is in June in Provence, the air conditioning does not work. We take advantage of good weather to rediscover the Cévennes and the Causse. No time to enjoy the scenery, but I discovered a real GT, as comfortable on small winding roads as on the highway.
     
    On the return I have the air conditioning repaired at the Ferrari dealer in Waterloo. Verdict: a new air conditioner. In my opinion the problem is specific to cars that stay a long time without driving, and first invoice. After that, I decided to have the bodywork detailed at Swissvax in Arlon. The investment is worth it, the Ferrari 550 Maranello found a new youth.
    Then I take advantage of a trip to Maranello with Ferrarista.club to visit Maranello, the Ferrari factory and especially the garage of Toni and its treasures. For me, these are unforgettable moments for any Ferrari lover. Before winter I have the maintenance of the 50,000 kilometers carried out and we notice a faulty distribution bearing.
     
    The Ferrari 550 Maranello will remain immobilized for more than a month while waiting for the bearings. The work is done by a former mechanic from the workshop of Jacques Swaters. This is my opportunity to discover the exposed Ferrari 550 Maranello. There are a few small problems: a servo brake hose to replace and a repaired radiator which will have to be monitored.
     
    After winter, a year already, 13,000 more kilometers and a passage to technical control without any problem! I replace the four tires, with a date of manufacture (DOT07) with new, more recent Michelin!
     
    A brief stay at Lake Como to discover the Villa d'Este and its wonders during the annual competition. A getaway to Deauville for baptisms in favor of Make A Wish, with visit to Etretat. I accumulate the kilometers with the Club Ferrari Belgio and decide to do an annual maintenance, engine and gearbox change! The Ferrari displays 60,000 kilometers on the odometer, it had 48,000 when I acquired it!
     
    During maintenance, it is noticed that one of the shock absorber sensors is defective. At Ferrari I am offered the replacement of the whole shock absorber (around 850 €). You can find a much cheaper solution, thanks to the American forums, by replacing only the defective part, a small gear, costing $ 31.
    We take this opportunity to check the four shock absorbers and we discover a fitting tinkered with glue on the radiator of the gearbox, which forces us to replace it (380 € + VAT).
     
    I participate in a final concentration with the Club Ferrari Belgio and I note at the end that the clutch stop has decided to manifest. Upon my acquisition, I anticipated this problem. This will be the biggest intervention, in parts alone, almost 3000 €. We replace the clutch thrust bearing and the complete mechanism, about 10 hours of labor. "
     

     
    Franck : "
    Can you tell us about the costs of using a Ferrari 550 Maranello?"
     
    Bernard : "My Italian car, born in 1997, had 48,000 kilometers on the odometer and two previous owners. The notebook was up to date. After my acquisition in May 2011, we had to replace the air conditioner and during the maintenance of the 50,000 kilometers in September 2011, we detected a defective bearing in the distribution.
     
    In June 2012 I replaced the 4 Michelin tires, more for safety reasons than for wear (at 50%). Cost of the operation: € 1,420. In September 2012, I drained the 60,000 kilometers and detected a faulty suspension actuator. Normally at Ferrari we replace the complete shock absorber. But it is possible to replace only the defective part.
     
    When I last went out, the clutch release bearing started to show signs of fatigue. I took the opportunity to replace the complete clutch (€ 3,000 of parts). The odometer now shows 62,000 kilometers. I plan to change the belts at the end of next year and take the opportunity to replace the rear brake discs, which were probably corrected by the previous owner. The registration fees and the traffic taxes in Belgium condemn the Ferrari 550 Maranello to migrate to other skies. Despite everything I plan to keep it for a long time, and I was lucky to find the mechanic that allows me to keep it healthy without too much cost!"
     
    Franck : "What advice would you give to someone looking to buy a Ferrari 550 Maranello?"
     
    Bernard : "For those who would be tempted to acquire a Ferrari 550 Maranello, it is not easy to check certain organs because the flat bottom prevents having a view of the state of the car. The elements which can cause problems are the suspensions, check the actuators, the clutch and the engine supports, as well as the drain plug of the radiator on the models before 2000. The air conditioning also must be well checked."
     

     
    Thank you Bernard for all your advice and information! I don't know about you, but I learned a lot about the Ferrari 550 Maranello. And you, what struck you the most when reading this discussion? What other questions would you like to ask Bernard? Do you own a Ferrari 550 Maranello and what additional advice could you give us?
     
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