Did all 99's suffer from the variator recall?

I cannot post it but the TSB 1232 (try search section for 1232) has been posted multiple times

"This campaign involves all 360 models with engine numbers below 60796 only (vin range;
114015 to 123399)."

 

So then for the record, the answer is yes.
If it wasn't updated (via the maintenance records or id/paint marks on variator) then you should have it done.

 

Here is the campaign bulletin:
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Yes, they should, just be nice when asking. Check my old, old thread on my experience with having it done, might be some helpful info in there.

Call FNA direct.

 

Call FNA with the VIN and ask if they will pay. If yes, no reason to pass on the car provided rest of PPI checks out.

 

You are assuming that if it needed doing that it has not been done whereas if the overall recall status was checked it should have come up if it still needed doing

 

If it has not been done I would be wary of the age of the timing belts. I would think any dealer service department would have performed the variator replacement when they were changing the timing belts.

 

If it's a euro import car then it fell on the owner to do the update. If a US car then it would have been done by the dealer. I'd be very surprised if the belts were original or the update wasn't done at this point. Some cars had the update but didnt get the block imprint. Variators per the workshop manual have a 60,000 mile lifespan and then need to be replaced. Ill bet the car at this point is up to date and good to go!

 

I had my variators changed. It isn't that bad but you often have to pull the cams to do it; at least without destroying the cams. Just have everything done at once and you leverage all of the overlapping labor so the cost isn't bad.

A lot of people call this a recall. It is not a recall! A recall is mandated by the federal government for safety reasons. This is a campaign. A campaign, in Ferrari speak, is something that Ferrari saw as a weakness and changed under warranty. A recall they HAVE to do (no choice) and a campaign they choose to do. They are very different.

I am with those that say if it hasn't failed it isn't much of an issue. I had my variators done when I had the belts changed and we fixed the oil leak at the same time. Pretty straight forward. I didn't rush to get it done, I just did it with regular maintenance. I wouldn't pass an otherwise good car over this.

 

+1.... is this a recall or campaign ? agree if it is a campaign then the manufacturer may have an out

 

Read the bulletin, it clearly states "campaign". However, they are very generous to have them replaced 17 years later.

 

If you track the car variators are wear items and should be replaced whenever an engine is apart for a refresh. Or you can see my other post.

When they fail- the pistons bent the valves and broke the powdered metal valve guides dumping cast iron fragments throughout the engine. Effectively requiring a total rebuild or engine replacement vs $1000 in mainanance.

Imho - 2 seasons - 60hrs - replace them.

 

Personally, if the car is the right one for you and the price is correct then it would not stop me from buying it. Lets face it, any 17 year old car will need lots of stuff, things no one even talks about, F1 hoses, the rubber vacuum lines, power steering lines etc. Depending on price I would use it to negotiate but most buyers would have likely missed what you found so the seller may feel that the next guy won't know to ask.

Is it the right car for you at the right price?

 

The good news is that you have a great dealer right here in Atlanta, FOA is top notch if you have the work done there.