| Author | Message | ||
| Stephen Patterson (Srpatterson)
Junior Member Username: Srpatterson Post Number: 176 Registered: 11-2001 |
Thanks for all the input. I checked on the recall and yes, all three have been done. I did not ask if the car received new tires when the wheel recall was done, but I will check on that. If not, it's probably time for some fresh rubber (remember, Chris Parr test drove this car also. That pretty much guarantees it needs tires  ). The dealership I'm using is Autosport Gallery, here in Kansas City. They are very reputable, and stand behind their work. Chris Hill advises that 5 years for belts is the norm, but he likes to be cautious. | ||
| Jeffrey Robbins (Teachdna)
New member Username: Teachdna Post Number: 33 Registered: 9-2001 |
Besides the wheel recall that I mentioned, the car should be checked for the following two recalls (which apparently did not apply to all units). NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 98V268000 Component: FUEL:FUEL LINES:HOSES:NON-METALLIC Year: 1997-98 Make: FERRARI Model: 550 Recall Date: 10/29/1998 Potential Number of Units Affected: 275 Manufactured: 01/1997 - 07/1998 Defect Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FUEL SUPPLY AND RETURN LINES CAN LEAK WHERE THE FERRULE OF THE UNION MEETS THE FLEXIBLE PIPE ALLOWING FUEL LEAKAGE. Consequence Summary: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN FIRE. Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL SUPPLY AND RETURN LINES WITH NEW UPDATED LINES. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 99V166000 Component: STEERING:POWER ASSIST Year: 1997-98 Make: FERRARI Model: 550 Recall Date: 07/01/1999 Potential Number of Units Affected: 118 Manufactured: 01/1997 - 09/1997 Defect Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE STEERING MAY BECOME STIFF DUE TO OVERHEATING OF THE POWER STEERING FLUID CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE HYDRAULIC SEALS IN THE STEERING BOX AND STEERING PUMP. Consequence Summary: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE DECREASED STEERING ABILITY DURING PARKING PROCEDURES. Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER STEERING COOLING COIL, OIL TANK, OIL LINES, PUMP, AND BOX. | ||
| Manu Sachdeva (Manu)
Member Username: Manu Post Number: 257 Registered: 2-2002 |
The final line's suppose to read: It gets better the faster you GO. | ||
| Manu Sachdeva (Manu)
Member Username: Manu Post Number: 256 Registered: 2-2002 |
Stephen, Congratulations on your purchase - 550's look decidedly MEAN in black - fantastic. Have to agree with Kevin there on a proper exhuast issue. (Tubi too loud for some, so check the alternatives too) Stephen, did you get it inspected by taking it to a dealer, because if you do they usually offer a warranty you can buy for piece of mind. Also - no stone chips on the bonnet? 550's pick up scratches all over the bonnet, which can sometimes be a little tricky to see (depending on the colour), so have a damn good look over the front end of the car. Sometimes the front splitter gets cracked (really fine cracks which widen at speed) after hitting a curb/rock etc so check that out too. VERY IMPORTANT: A few 550's were recalled after they were found to be leaking fuel (I think it was fuel - it may not be). This sounds bad but it wasn't a serious problem (tiny fabrication error I think) and may have affected Euro cars (specifically UK cars) only and was easily fixed - check that out too. Manu P.S. I love this car. Enjoy it and drive it hard - it gets better the faster you. Congratulations! | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Member Username: Whart Post Number: 294 Registered: 12-2001 |
Welcome to the black, post modern front engined v-12 club. Who will do your service? I've always been a fanatic about fresh tires, assuming everything else is squared away; with modern ferraris alot that goes wrong seems to be electronic, and that really can't be fixed until it breaks. If the belt thing is ok, change the oil and filters, check your tread (as already pointed out make sure all updates, including wheels, were done) and have a blast! | ||
| Bill Sawyer (Wsawyer)
Junior Member Username: Wsawyer Post Number: 188 Registered: 2-2002 |
Congratulations Steve! Sounds like you've had a year to remember. Enjoy! | ||
| Jeffrey Robbins (Teachdna)
New member Username: Teachdna Post Number: 32 Registered: 9-2001 |
I guess the only thing that I would check would be the alignment and to make sure that all of the updates have been done. I believe that there are three fixes mandated by FNA on the car, two are minor but the last one, which just came out this year, requires a wheel changeout-which FNA covers. Call FNA with your VIN and they can tell you if its been done. Congrats-wonderful car: I just got back from a 250 mile drive with mine and there's nothing like it for a GT this side of heaven. | ||
| Kevin Johnson (Jammy)
New member Username: Jammy Post Number: 17 Registered: 3-2002 |
This is a stunning colour combination for a stunning car. Well done. It doesn't sound like you got the car from a main dealer, since I would have expected them to fettle the car prior to delivery. So it's either a private sale or non-specialist? If this is so, it would be prudent to get it serviced/checked out before you really pile the miles on. May be worth ringing the garage that last serviced it- check if anything you should know about. Advice in the UK is to do the belts every 3 years regardless. The only thing the 550 lacks IMO, is a decent exhaust sound (at least, one that's louder than an angels' fart). Manu is sure to be along shortly to advise you to de-cat it, immediately, and put on a Fuchs/Koenig/Hamann. | ||
| Cmparrf40 (Cmparrf40)
Member Username: Cmparrf40 Post Number: 257 Registered: 3-2002 |
Steve, we talked about belts today, but I was preoccupied on getting the cars ready for LA. Your 550 is only 4 years old and very lightly used. The generally accepted rule is 15,000 miles or 5 years which ever comes first... I would be comfortable driving it through the summer and do belts this winter. Had I bought that car, that is what I would have done.... Congratulations, perfect car for you... Chris | ||
| Stephen Patterson (Srpatterson)
Junior Member Username: Srpatterson Post Number: 173 Registered: 11-2001 |
After I got the 275 I really wanted a different kind of Ferrari. One that wasn't red/tan. Having the 275 let me make the mental leap to a more "civilized" Ferrari IMHO. Two red/tan Ferraris in the garage was just a little much for me. As for service, I have always understood that it should be based on time, more than mileage. I know Chris Parr just found belt wear on his F40, and quickly had the belts and tensioners replaced. Come on now, I'm not THAT smug | ||
| Andrew (Mrrou)
Member Username: Mrrou Post Number: 321 Registered: 3-2002 |
Dont you have to do the major service at 15,000 miles? If you bought the car from an authorized dealer..the car should be upto date..id wait until after the summer when you put another 5k miles on it | ||
| Jack (Gilles27)
Member Username: Gilles27 Post Number: 298 Registered: 3-2002 |
Stephen, unfortunately I have no advice for you, but I was just curious how difficult, if at all, it was for you to let go of your red 355. Granted, it's not like you traded it in for a minivan, but you just look so happy in your photo, you smug, bragadacious...just kidding | ||
| Stephen Patterson (Srpatterson)
Junior Member Username: Srpatterson Post Number: 171 Registered: 11-2001 |
I posted last month about how I was considering trading the 355 for a 550. Well, I did it today. My top 5 reasons were: 1. Front engine V-12 reminded me of modern 275 2. Torque 3. Black/Tan was beautiful, subtle color combo 4. Torque 5. Torque The car is a '98 with 8500 miles. Been inspected, and no issues found. My question is would you do the major service right away or wait until winter? Also, I would appreciate any inspection advise from other 550 owners. I kinda hate to take it out of commission for a week or two, now that the weather is getting so nice, but I want to be prudent. Also, the above thread is in no way meant to be considered bragging or being smug. If it has offended anyone, I am truly sorry. |