I had one from 2005 through 2008 and i have to say it was the best all round Ferrari that i have had.
Exhaust manifolds are the main problem that I'm aware of. Check to see if they've been replaced under warranty. If not, there is a good chance you will be replacing them at some point, and paying out of pocket for it. I'd also suggest doing a search. I think this topic has come up a zillion times.
Besides the exhaust manifolds, the clutch has always been a weak point of Ferraris. The clutch wears out quickly, and are expensive to replace. Not saying you should shy away from clutch wear, but just figure that into your budget. The F1 pump is another weak point in these cars.
How is the clutch the weak point? many 430's can get 25k miles or more out of the F1 clutch and the sky is the limit on a manual clutch.. the f1 pump is not that bad.. I think it's better unit than many of the ones the SMG 2 used in the M3 etc.
As far as I remember, Ferrari owners (even Ferruccio Lamborghini) have complainted about Ferriari's clutch. 25K miles on a F1 clutch is not a lot. M3 and M5's SMGII/III both last much longer than that at normal use. My family member has an M5 with 40K miles, 1st clutch with SMGIII and I have a F430 with 13,000 miles and already on the 2nd clutch. The slower shifting settings in the M5 conserve its clutch, and that's a feature our F1 doesn't have. How many miles were you able to get out of your F1 or manual clutch?
My M3 at 40kish miles was still on it's clutch I am not sure if it was first or second because I bought the car with 25k miles, but the clutch left me stranded 5 times in a year and BMW couldn't figure out what was wrong with it, they kept changing things and it was never fixed.. ended up like 8k with no resolution.. the SMG in my opinion was crap in that car.. My maserati Gransport is at 26k miles on it's first clutch but the computer says it has 15% left.. so maybe it will get to about 28k-30k miles max before I need a new one.. My ferrari 360 is at 16k miles on it's first cluch and computer reads 50% left.. your f430 already on it's second clutch at that low mileage is not normal at all.. if true. Do you actually own a f430? because your info is not accurate.. the difference between the ferrari F1 and BMW SMG systems is that you can adjust the clutch speed and points with a 6 tier system, on the ferrari's the computer takes your behavior on the gas peddle into account when deciding how to shift.. also in SPORT mode on both cars the computers retimes the clutch settings as well.. so you can change the shift times on the clutch in those cars as well.. it has been proven slower shifting times are actually worse for the clutch due to the increased slip.
Why would anyone have to lie about having a F430 just to make comments on a forum? I haven't updated my profile since 2008, so for your benefit, I just did it. =) I am not going to start a forum war against a fellow Ferrari member, but everyone is entitled to express their opinions and ultimately help one another about these cars. When I purchased mine, I had these same concerns as well.
I do not mean to question someone I do not know, I guess just the comment about how you cannot change the shift speed in the 430 was incorrect.. so I made an assumption.. Many people post on here and well they just make things up.. especially kids.. you never know what is truth and what is BS
My 430 clutch has 18K on it and no sign of trouble. It is a manual and has at least 1K of track miles. Dave
very true. slower shifts = more slip = more wear. I always kept my M5 in tier six and always keep 430 in sport or race.
Many clutch problems that materialize, i.e., premature wear, are due to two reasons: a) Cars that are 'garaged' in cities where one is driving up / down ramps of 2 or more stories (floors) requiring delicate driving up and down "riding the clutch", b) Driving gingerly in Reverse mode Solution from my Ferrari mechanics are: 1) when taking off from a standstill point, give it a little more "push" and don't simply let the car slowly progress "to speed"... (i.e. drive it like you mean it) 2) don't drive extended distances or extra slow in "R" 3) Limit the "ramp parking exercises" 4) Drive in SPORT or RACE mode only! My F430 F1 has 10,000 miles and has over 70% left on clutch with no issues at all.
IMO anything under 30k is crap. Majority of Ferraris are under 20-30k out there so can you imagine the service department if Ferrari does make the clutch that last 40-50k??
1) when you reverse dont keep your foot steady just push it for a few seconds and let car glide back.. if necessary giveit another push on the gas to get in position don't like it ride on the clutch 2) when starting from stop give the car a steady amount of gas (As you woulda manual) then when you feel it fully engage just go, it should engage within 1 car length of take off.. I do not think you need to pound it just accelerate like you mean it, instead of like a dandy! 3) I do not believe sport or race makes as much of a difference as people say. and I for one do not normally drive in those modes unless I am in the mood for the stiffer sportier ride.. I am hoping with this method I will get between 25-30k per clutch on the F1, which I find acceptable.. tell you though that if the 12k per clutch rumors were true I would have sold both these cars as I would feel the F1 is a flawed system.. however at 25-30k miles per car I Feel it's appropriate and acceptable.
This is probably the most critical thing, you must drive in sport or race it doesn't matter which, the other low grip modes cause more wear on the clutch as it slips more. To give an example, I got my 430 almost a year ago at 6k miles, it was raining a lot when I got it so I used low grip mode, I was at the dealer at 7k miles and I got them to do a clutch wear reading, I had used 3% in 1000 miles. I then read up a bit more on preserving the clutch and have from that point used sport or race mode only, how I drive the car has not changed, I've done around 9k miles since then with around 1.5% additional wear on the clutch. It makes a difference My clutch is at approx 26% and my car has just over 16k miles. Edited to ask: Mamovaka I see in your profile you have a 360, is that what you're refering to when offering the F1 advice? Just want to make sure as my advice above on the 430 may not apply to the 360. John.
It's great that you are having great experiences with your 360F1. To the OP, just make sure to get a clutch read on the car you're purchasing. Having been concerned about my F1 tranny, I have read many threads about other people's problems with it. Despite these weak points/ problems, these cars are a joy to own and drive which few others can compare.
John, yes this is different.. mode explanation sport in 430 = normal in 360 race in 430 = sport in 360 low grip mode in 430 = low grip mode in 360 so yes do not use low grip mode often unless in the worst of weather predicaments, but the other ones do not wear the clutch as often.
