Service issue

It’s really common to see a cracked diffuser since it’s easy to hit it on something especially going on and off a trailer, but I doubt it’s fatigue. To have them fix it will be several thousand dollars since it’s not just a single fin. IMO this is a good excuse to upgrade to an aftermarket carbon one as a DIY.

 

You can see in the picture the that the fins are scraped on the bottom edge. I had a similar crack on my 458 Italia that was caused when I drove out my driveway the first time. It is one of those driveways with a slanted curb cut drop at the street. I left straight and heard a "bang" at the moment the rear axle dropped over the slanted curb. The crack appeared just where yours is shown, as well as scraps on the bottom of the fins. I do not think it is caused by fatigue. It is caused by something like what I did. It could have happened to you and you did not notice or when the tow truck driver pulled it up on the flatbed at too steep an angle. That would have scraped the fins, but probably would not have cracked the horizontal member. But replacing it is about $7,000 for the parts alone, unless you go with aftermarket. Good opportunity to upgrade to carbon fiber!

 

The damage was almost certainly caused by scraping, significantly enough to crack the diffuser. Fatigue? Really?

 

Yeah, I have two race cars with plain old fiberglass bodies and they have never "fatigued". Also many cars over the years with CFRP parts that never "fatigued". That crack also looks EXACTLY like the crack that my diffuser got (on both sides) when it was damaged unloading from the truck. If you are certain that it was not cracked before the truck picked it up for service than the trucking company might cover the damage, but it sounds like their driver was careful to examine and document condition before pickup.

 

You can get a used one at the auction sites; But I agree aftermarket CF is the way to go.

 

The “Fatigue” looks to be from impact to me….not on its own & going to be tough to pin on anyone. If you are not going after the transport or dealership and want to save some money, take it off and see if it can be fixed. A 458 owner I spoke to at a C&C took his to a competent body shop who was able to fix it and match the paint color perfectly for a few hundred bucks. If your not worried about the money just buy an aftermarket one or a take-off.
My 2 cents.

 

As mentioned, eBay has multiple take-offs where an owner replaced their OEM with carbon fiber. I’ve seen them for around $800. Or as suggested go for a carbon fiber one for around $1600-2000


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As I see in your picture, it is not only the diffuser broken but also part of the rear bumper.
Of course, the diffuser can be the root cause because also the fins are scraped.
Therefore, be preparade to fix not only the diffuser but also the rear bumper.

 

that is not fatigue. that is caused by bottoming out the diffuser fin and cracking the intake trim.

ask me how i know.

the new part has to be painted and the bumper has to come off the replace.

 

They are dreaming... fatigue? Right...

Looks like your transport company probably damaged the car during unloading or loading to me.

Ray

 

I have a non lowered 15 with the exact same mileage as yours. That is NOT fatigue. That is impact! The fracture line extends to the bumper to 2 parts of the bumper. I would think with that fracture you would be well aware of that degree of impact. Who did it will be elicited by the pickup paper you signed. Can it it be altered by the driver? I'm currently playing with the idea of having my final service done by a great Independent I've found as it is not worth saving a few dollars using a Dealer could could care less about your car.

 

There should be paperwork from the flatbed drop off to the dealer that outlines any damage. If the crack isn’t listed then the dealer is responsible. It didn’t just happen suddenly at the dealer due to fatigue.

 

“ Service Issues?? “
.....more like clearance issues.

Your Service rep brought it to your attention upon arrival to their facility, so no issue there.

Checking the transporter check in/out should be helpful as to was it there before transport. At the same time, it sounds like it was brought to your attention upon arrival, so not sure how Dealer is at fault. Note, just because transporter didn’t make note of it doesn’t mean they did or didn't damage it.

As to how common is this, 1 in 3 in my experience currently have vertical rear diffuser fin damage like your photos show. Of those , half have cracks in the gray bumper triangles.

I’m not seeing bumper damage.

Vertical fins can be replaced or repaired
Triangles can also be replaced or repaired
( I’d suggest repairs )


Independent shops have just as much exposure as a Dealer does, so find someone you trust and stick w them, best for all parties involved. No one wants to be blamed for something they pointed out and no owner wants to feel like their Ferrari isn't being cared for.

FWIW : MOST clients are unaware of the damage until its pointed out when its getting checked in to service, which is why its so important for all parties to spend that extra time. The same goes for lower front spoilers, wheel scrapes, door dings, and other cosmetic items in and outside the car.


Steve

 

I just saw the other day someone was trying to sell a new one in the classifieds here.

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Here you go. Only $1000!

For Sale - Paint Ready, Nerver Installed 458 Rear Diffuser (Complete) | FerrariChat
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I’m skeptical…….if that was due to fatigue, mine would be in pieces by now - 25,000 miles (spirited).

 

Lousy thing to have to deal with. I do a detailed walk-around video of my 488 front to back, top to bottom, inside and out the morning of a scheduled pick up for just such an occurrence.

 

Isn't this as simple as referring back to the condition report you signed when they picked up the car? That's the reason they do it. If it's not on there it's the dealer's responsibility. If it is you're screwed. It's not fatigue. Either you hit something or they did.
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I’m confused.

.... The Dealership pointed out the damage upon arrival, how is it now their responsibility ? - asking for a friend...

S

 

I've shipped many a car and the hauler goes over it in intricate detail when it's loaded into the truck. If this obvious damage was there when the car was picked up it would be on the inspection report. If it wasn't, someone did the damage after it was picked up. Why do you think damage done after pickup (if that's really what happened) would be the owner's responsibility? I assume like with my dealer this car was transported in the dealer's hauler.
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I do not think an owner should be responsible for damage they did not cause.

Is it possible the damage was present at pick up and/ or not noted on the BOL?

BTW, we are all assuming at this point and having a discussion about what if’s

I for one am interested in what was marked down at pick up from the client, damage seems very evident.
( Hard to miss )

Assuming it’s not marked at pick up AND it was noted at drop off, it would indicate the transporter caused the damage.

curious as to how it turns out...

I also have overseen thousands transported vehicles over the past 10 years.
Brand new vehicles from the port, out of a crate directly from the factory, owner transported, but mostly cars being transported to/from Service departments. I have seen a lot....the good, the bad, and the ugly.

I am not trying to come across as a know it all, I just have a unique perspective to share.

Blaming the receiving service department simply because they pointed out the damage upon arrival is BS

Steve

 

IMO like hiring cars ( unless you hay extra to have zero excess ) TAKE MANY PICTURES BEFORE having a car towed or taken to the dealer.

Everyone is going to state they didn't do it , towey and even the dealer. Here is a thought maybe you did but didn't realise it ?

Simple photo graph is worth a million words and any arguments.

Unfortunately you will learn from this episode so repair it and move on.

 

I have the same crack In The exact same location. This is not unique.


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Where do you see “upon arrival” in his description?
Car picked up on Monday, and service advisor called on Tuesday.