456 what years to avoid or any known issues with them

Burrino, you may want to post this issue on the 456/550/575 section.

 

The only big issues I have read about is the window guides needing repair which is a $5-8k fix and the auto transmission is impossible expensive to replace ($30k-ish). The most desireable to me is the 1997 6 speed.

BT

 

1995 was the first MY to be imported into the US. It came with OBD-I diagnostics, under-engineered rear windows, a ghost of some sort in the passenger seat motor and a "parking brake" instead of a parking brake.

There was no '96 as it took Ferrari a very. long. time. to sort out the diagnostics.

In 1997 the factory swtiched to OBD-II, which is supposed to be better. Most of the other gremlins were still around, but with more experience the techs got better at fixing the windows and diagnosing the seat motor issue. '97s and '98s have very good reputations for reliability despite the gremlins.

In '99 Ferrari did a mid-model cleanup that was called the 456M. The interior became more ergonomic and more modern in appearance (no knock on the original, tho) and the exterior was simplified, probably to reduce production costs. Many people, myself included, prefer the new interior and the old exterior. None made like that, however. There were some limited changes to the systems, including (I'm told) the end of the window problem and the seat problem.

Compared to what you are used to, maintenance will bring some happy surprises and some unhappy ones. The good news is that the major service is not "engine-out." The bad news is that the 456 is just more car: more cylinders, more carbon fiber and more electronics.

95s are reasonably plentiful and having depreciated thoroughly a expensive. I have heard (but not confirmed) that the 95's often presented "first year" issues due to the new diagnostics and some hangover from Federalizing the cars. I have heard the opposite, too. I decided not to risk it and look for a '97 (I wound up with a '98). The '97s and 98s are in the sweet spot because the transition to OBD-II went smoothly, there were no other major changes that I'm aware of, the cars have the gorgeous front end and they don't carry the premium associated with the 456M. The only real downside is that the '97/'98 6-speeds are very difficult to locate. As one dealer advised me, "Don't be picky about colors."

Best of luck,

Ron

 

Ron,

Very nice summary and greatly appreciated especially since I am looking for one.

I would probably chose between a 2000 and a 2003 as the newness makes me happier.

I'd sign up now for a 599, but my wife has stated that if the house is not done before a new Ferrari arrives I should look for a new wife.

I have been examining all aspects of that deal!

So, now for sure the house will be done within the year, and there is a 2 year wait for the 599. So, I think it's cheaper to finish the house, keep the current wife, and then wait for the 599!

I am quite practical, you see.

Great job again, and many thanks.

 

Great summary, Ron. I don't understand the "parking brake" comment though?

Also, 456Ms did generally require the window fix. However, I believe once the fix is done, 456GT or 456M, they are all the same.

There is no good excuse for a 456 to not have the window fix. Ferrari was doing it for free even when the cars were 8-9 years old. They do not do it now, however.

 

I wonder if that GM TH400 could be mounted in place of... would be such a waste to trash a good 12 cylinder 2+2 Ferrari over a transmission.

 

Don -

I should have been clearer about the parking brake. My real point was that the brake seems to need adjustment more often than it should. I think the cable does tend to either stretch or work loose. Also, it's a common rookie mistake to drive off with the parking brake set (and the handle down, of course), especially when the cable is slightly loose and the parking brake indicator does not illuminate.

All together, now: Ask me how I know. Easy fix, however, and done under warranty (thanks WWOC!).

I stand corrected about the windows on the 456M.

They are great cars, aren't they?

Ron