Help me join this insanity - 550 desires | FerrariChat

Help me join this insanity - 550 desires

Discussion in '456/550/575' started by dozzina, Aug 14, 2005.

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  1. dozzina

    dozzina F1 World Champ
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    Aug 14, 2005
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    Dave
    The usual story: Want an F-car forever, not owned one yet, yada yada yada.

    I'm not that flashy a person, so the "more conservative" lines of the 550 are my passion (in blue with a light interior.) Long story made short: dropping 550 prices and many, many years of socking away my savings have put this dream within reach.

    There are a couple of cars up on E-bay right now, but I need to get comfortable in doing this, and that means getting more knowledge. Any pointers on where I can find a 550 (sorry, I can't say it) course? Any owners in the Phoenix area willing to walk me through the points I should know? I'll buy lunch or dinner for the privilege.

    I've looked a couple over on dealership floors, sat in one (no prob with the ergonomics for me,) but have not been for a ride or drive yet. By the way, what is the little protrusion under the driver side mirror? And how the heck do you change the battery?

    Any help is appreciated. I need to do this soon, my wife has my ass kicked with two 12 cyl BMW's.
     
  2. Doody

    Doody F1 Veteran

    Nov 16, 2001
    6,099
    MA USA
    Full Name:
    Mr. Doody
    dave - scour the archives here. there's more information about 550 buying than you can shake a stick at. from differences between model years, to common problems, to lists of TSBs and recalls, and so on and so forth.

    if you're so inclined, perhaps you could coalesce all that information into a 550 Buyers Guide for inclusion on FChat. i have to imagine 99% or more of the information is in the archives at this point.

    great car. you won't regret it.

    take a test drive. always get a PPI from a reputable independent party.

    doody.
     
  3. nerd

    nerd F1 Rookie

    Oct 12, 2003
    2,535
    Coronado, CA
    Full Name:
    RSK
    Howdy Dave,

    Doody's correct as usual. There is a ton of info in the FChat archives including the recalls, TSBs, data on major services and common problems. The 550 is a great car that both my wife and I enjoy. Send me a private message with your contact info and I'll give you a call. I live in Ahwatukee.

    Roy
     
  4. Jsuit

    Jsuit Formula 3

    Jul 12, 2005
    1,178
    East Coast
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    John
    I am in exactly the same boat. I also am looking for blue with light interior.

    I even have the 12 cyl BMW (850CSI) if possible maybe you and I could collaborate on the research we are doing.

    I'm in Maryland

    [email protected]

    John
     
  5. CodeRed

    CodeRed Formula Junior

    Nov 8, 2003
    368
    LALA LAND
    I recently purchaed a TDF with the light tan interior and I must say the color combo really works. Nice to hear that other people appreciate it too. Good luck on the search, that is half the fun!
     
  6. dozzina

    dozzina F1 World Champ
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    Aug 14, 2005
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    Dave
    Thanks everyone for the pointers. I've sorted through the relevant threads from the 250 that come up from searching "buying 550". Obviously I'm not the first to have this question. ;)

    So, there is an interesting car in Florida (though the asking price is currently a bit out of range.) Can anyone recommend someone for a PPI near Boynton?

    Also, Jim Lyon in San Diego has one as well. Same question, any recommended parties for PPI in SD?

    Thanks for any help.

    (Again, how do you change a battery in one of these???)
     
  7. nerd

    nerd F1 Rookie

    Oct 12, 2003
    2,535
    Coronado, CA
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    RSK
    1. Outside temp sensor.
    2. Remove the coolant expansion tank.
    3. At least the battery location is obvious on a 550. I've lost count of posters LOOKING for the battery on a 360!
     
  8. Thatsmytoy

    Thatsmytoy Karting

    Nov 5, 2003
    228
    San Diego, CA
    Full Name:
    Bill
    in San Diego.....
    Bobileff Motorcar Co. 858 622 1600

    highly recommended on Fchat.

    only a couple of miles away from your car.

    Bill in SD
    99 550
     
  9. bobafett

    bobafett F1 Veteran

    Sep 28, 2002
    9,193
    Check the dealer service centers. People don't do this often enough.

    I spent probably 8 months looking for my 2nd 550, only to find it 6 miles from my hours. And the combination is killer: pozzi with crema (or is it sabbia? JC?) w/ dark dark blue dash and inserts.

    If you're ever in the bay area you're more than welcome to drive mine to see how you like it.

    --Dan
     
  10. dozzina

    dozzina F1 World Champ
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  11. tritone

    tritone F1 Veteran
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    Dec 8, 2003
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    James
    what he said......

    Gary did the PPI on my TdF Blue 550;
    experienced/careful/brutal,
    buyers advocate/not dealers shill.
    Did a PPI on my 330 GTC 10 years ago too.

    James
     
  12. whart

    whart F1 Veteran
    Honorary Rossa Subscribed

    Dec 5, 2001
    6,554
    Austin, TX
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    William Maxwell Hart
    I've owned 2 550's among other Ferraris. They are great GT cars, big, heavy, luxurious, powerful. If you are not used to a modern hi performance car, they will seem quite fast, but they truly are meant for hi-speed cruising, rather than stop light launches or tight canyon carving. As you've seen from the archives, they have had their share of problems, nothing dramatic, but enough to make you want to shop carefully for a car which has had all the upgrades per the factory. I would recommend that you look for as late a car as your budget will allow- in fact, i would probably take a later car with higher miles given that there were running changes. My 2001 performed better than my 97 and had far fewer little glitches. I would also make sure you buy from a dealer that has fully fettled the car- otherwise, the few thousand you think you are saving up front will evaporate in small fixes as the car gets settled in. Tires also make a huge difference- i prefer the Pirelli to the others, save for the Goodyear Fiorano, which is the best compromise tire for this car, but it's pricey if you have to get it through Ferrari.
    I am currently driving a 6. Diablo, which is a 'comparable' car- far more dramatic on the road and behind the wheel, not as user friendly, way more exotic- the 550 could almost be used as a daily driver by comparison. Good luck!
     
  13. F5506M

    F5506M Formula Junior

    Nov 3, 2003
    921
    New Jersey
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    Ray
    If you ever consider selling your 850csi let me know.
     
  14. Jsuit

    Jsuit Formula 3

    Jul 12, 2005
    1,178
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    #14 Jsuit, Aug 23, 2005
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  15. 899sei

    899sei Karting

    Nov 24, 2003
    82
    Bothell
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    Taylor
    Very nice! That car will always be one of my favorite BMW's of all time, the 850Csi. Your color is Hellrot correct?
     
  16. coolestkidever

    coolestkidever F1 Veteran

    Feb 28, 2004
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    Patrick
  17. Bimmerista

    Bimmerista Formula 3

    Feb 7, 2004
    1,765
    Carrollton, TX
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    Mike
    MUST...HAVE....THAT....850CSi ! ! ! ! ! !

    I had a BMW 635CSi several years ago, I absolutely regret selling that car!! :(
     
  18. bobafett

    bobafett F1 Veteran

    Sep 28, 2002
    9,193
    Patrick if you are ever in SF you can drive mine.

    --Dan
     
  19. Jsuit

    Jsuit Formula 3

    Jul 12, 2005
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  20. alican1

    alican1 Rookie

    Jun 19, 2005
    15
    Vancouver
    Full Name:
    Ali
    In Canada we could not bring in a 850 CSI, I have always loved this car.
    I have owned 3 850s and finally sold mine and have a 645 as a daily driver.
    Unless you have to I would not sell the 850CSI.

    As for the 550, I have owned some exotics but this is a really nice car. It is easy to drive it is not finicky, you can drive it hard or not, and if I could I would have it for my daily driver.

    Just make sure you buy the right one and you will have lots of fun with it.

    alican1
     

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