My experience: 308 GT4 fuse box problems 81 308 GTSi burns a lot of oil, that's "normal" 308 QV "runs hot" Mondial slow windows and all kinds of electrical gremlins 328 "runs hot" 348 ... "sticky" interior and some kind of gearbox problem 355 ... valve guides and something to do with exhaust manifold
Other than neglect (which really goes without saying), these, and most other issues for the Mondial 8 through 3.2, are attributed to the fusebox. The Mondial t is almost another car altogether.
Every car ever made (not just Ferrari), will have a design flaw somewhere in it! - No car is 100% perfect!
From a design perspective alone, then I'd have to say that an engine out for $100 worth of parts to change is a design issue.
All cars have design issues. Caveman flint knives had design issues. In both cases, some design issues were worse than others. Chevrolet thought the Corvair had some design issues - so they replaced it with the Vega, which had an aluminum engine with no hardening of the cylinder linings.
I think we need to be more specific here in regard to "design" issue. My interpretation is the deliberate design flaw as i mentioned above. Reliability may not be regarded design since the failure is never intentionally designed into the system but instead a consequence or "effect" of poor material selection, incorrect tolerancing etc. The DFMEA process legally prevents an OEM or sub supplier from releasing a component knowing that there is a design flaw which will lead to failure within the specified life of the vehicle. We know it happens but rarely is it intentional.
Now that I think about it, Ferraris, and all other cars as well, aren't designed to last longer than their warranty period. You're not supposed to keep the car, just buy a new one instead.
So you change the water pump and bearings ever belt change! If you only need the belts replacing, then along with the fluids to be replaced it shouldn't be much more than $100 in parts (NOTE: parts! - not with labour included!)
If you're dropping the engine to just do the belts, then I wouldn't call that a major service. I don't know who in their right mind would go to the trouble of removing the engine and not changing all of the critical parts. With that said, $100 is still way off. OK, let's use your scenario. No water pump, no bearings, no labour charges Oil 12 liters at $10-15 per litre - $120-$180 Oil filter $40 Gear oil 5 liters at $15 litre - $75 Need I go on? (almost at $300 and haven't even included the cost of the belt )
Ferrari suggest that the belts be changed every 5 years or 30k miles. I believe this came from an amended bulletin that I can't find at this moment. Whether you believe or adhere to it is another matter but the components named are belts only. My point is that the main objective is belt replacement and what you do in addition is out of convenience or choice. That includes bearings, water pump seals/bearings, gaskets and fluids. If you could easily access your belts like a Camry for instance, then I doubt you'de insist on everything else during the same service. On that note, there are many examples of design errors that required engine lifting just to change the spark plugs.
Yes, this is why I say it happens but rarely is it intentional. The GM ignition issue has sent ripples through the industry and tarnished GMs reputation (but not sales) which no OEM wants to ever experience. As of late, any "design" issue with a high severity, high occurrence or low detection that has not been proven to be permanently resolved requires the chief engineer sign off which is not likely to happen. Things will definitely get through but preventions are put in place to eliminate them or at least provide the evidence that it was not intentional or negligence.
That I could find I could also find 1003/A May 2008 which cancels the original 1003 October 2002 bulletin which I can't seem to find. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login