See post 39 for some info... This is a super important question.... If the Alternator just needs rectifier, VR, maybe a rotor, stator, etc... the rebuild is easy peazy. If however there is casing damage, bracket damage....
Well, I didn't attribute the alternator problem to the accident, the shop did along with the insurance company rep. The insurance company offered a used alternator that they found in a salvage yard. I don't see that as necessarily a good option. May have been sitting outside for the past 20 years for all anyone seems to know. The ferrari dealer insists they will not rebuild the current alternator. They say it won't last, that they don't want a dissatisfied customer coming back on them and that it is a safety hazard when you lose power. (Before you jump all over me, I am just repeating what they told me). I guess I don't mind a rebuilt one, but I want it rebuilt with a warranty beyond 90 days. The car is going to be sitting for the next 90 days.......
....the BMW alternator is not what they want to do now...they want to install a nippondenso. The problem is I get conflicting information from BOTH the dealer AND the insurnace company.
...I asked them where they wanted to have it repaired, I had not idea where to take it to. They told me I had to decide that, so I chose the only ferrari dealer in our State. Now they say that the dealer I chose is too expensive. At this point, I just want it repaired. The dealer keeps calling me, angry that the insurance company has allowed the car to sit in their garage for over a month. They are threatening to place it outside. The shop is saying the power loss is due to the alternator. Suppose I take it out, have the alternator rebuilt and it does not solve the problem... the dealer told me that the current alternator has been rebuilt at least 4 times (I don't know how they know that, but that is what they told me today)
Dude, just have it rebuilt for $100 and write it off. Stop the war, just fix your car. No more philosophical and legal discussions, just fix the car and drive it for another 5 years. How long did the current alt last? Well, rebuild it and it'll last at least that long again. Think of the raccoon's family that can't rebuild the raccoon and just fix your car with no more drama! End the pain!
I didn't hit a raccoon, but when the Delco alternator in my 348 went out, I crawled under the car and removed it, with simple hand tools. Then I hand-carried it into a local shop that I have used many times, "Alternator and Starter Exchange". In less than one day, for less than $100, they rebuilt the alternator with new parts that were in stock, on the shelf. I took it home and re-installed it, on the ground, in my driveway. It has performed without fault for at least six years now, I don't remember exactly when I had it done. No drama. No upgrade to the Nippondenso unit. No one telling me it can't be done. Fixed in one day. Not every case is the same, I still don't know EXACTLY what is wrong with yours, but I think you need to take charge of the situation and tell everyone involved to get the thumb out, you want your car back..... Good luck!
Heads up Just to add fuel to the fire. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ferrari-348-Alternator_W0QQitemZ290382270840QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item439c21d178 --Mike
Well, Jay, nothing is happening other than a pissed off ferrari dealer. The car has been sitting there for over a month now. The dealer is refusing to rebuild the alternator because it won't last. They won't isntall the new nippondenso kit that the insurer could purchase for much less money either (even though the insurer is offering to allow them to mark up the parts). They are going to paint the car though. The repair shop charged the insurance company to move the car from their garage next door to the paint shop. Once the car is painted then I guess they want to move to another shop, however, there is only one dealer here and I don't have any idea where else to take it. The cover/plate for the alternator was bent as well from what I understand....they want $2500 for that piece.
Seriously, why.............do you keep fooling with the dealer????? $5,000 for an alternator that only costs a few hundred bucks, and now they want $2500 for a stamped piece of sheet metal that is worth maybe $50-100 from a wrecker??? Yeah the dealer is pissed because they can't fleece you for $7500 in parts. Then who knows what cockamamy hours they are gonna try and charge you for labor. Lets just say they charge you a full day at $150/hr x 8 to swap out the alternator = $1200 (???) on top of what they want for parts. So you are looking at $8700 before any taxes get slapped on the bill. And now you are gonna have these guys PAINT THE CAR??????? = knocking on the door of a cool $10,000+ ?!?!?! What are you thinking????? Seriously?
Am I reading this correctly - the dealer is refusing to install OEM parts provided by the insurance company?
Ernie.....it is not ME, it is between the insurance company and the dealer. I agree with everybody...and YES, the dealer is refuisng to install parts supplied by the insurance company. They are the only ferrari dealer in our State. I have no idea where else to take the car to. As far as the painting goes, I don't know why I shouldn't have them paint it. The insurance company says that their price is in line for that work. I have NO experience with insurance companies and claims - I guess I have been lucky. I guess once it has been painted I can have it towed back home and pull the alternator myself. That doesn't seem right either in as much as I have insurance that should do the repair....I am caught in the middle. I asked the agent how much they would give me if I were to just fix it myself and they told me they would reimburse me once I submit bills for the parts. I hear you Ernie and I would not have posted the update if someone hadn't of asked. I don't need this hassle either, but what am I paying insurance for if I have to fix it myself? Moreover, the insurance company wants ME to choose another shop, apparently they don't select the repair facility. I can do the mechanical work but I can't do the paint work. Once it is done (paint), I guess I'll have it towed back home.
This amount of aggravation is not worth it. Call a lawyer, force the insurance company to pay the Ferrari dealer. Who gives a damn what the cost is, make the insurance pay for it. The circular logic needs to end. You pay for insurance to use it, the Ferrari dealer is who you selected to fix your car. Let them fix it, and give the bill to the insurance company. If they don't pay it, have your lawyer write a couple of letters. If you don't get redress, get the car back home and find an independent mechanic to do the repairs and drop the insurance company after they pay the bill. Let us all know the insurance company your using, so we can avoid them. end of story. Your the owner, your in control. PS - Maybe you can buy Ernie a plane ticket to come out and visit and have him bring his sheet metal and tools... Buy some beer. Take lots of pictures.
Jeff.....no need for a rental. My car would be in storage all winter anyways. If this were the summer months I would be handling this thing a whole lot differently.
Let the insurance adjuster know you are contemplating a case for "Loss of Use" of your Ferrari if they don't get this resolved to your satisfaction. You are entitled to a rental car while your car is being repaired.
Sorry to hear this is still such trouble; here's what I suggest - let the dealer do what they can (paint, etc.) then talk with local MI guys to see who the best expert independent is around there and take it to them to do the alternator. Insurance should be happy to pay somebody else much less who will fix it right. Have you tried posting in the MI section?
