456 Gearbox dilemma

I'm having a dilemma and wonder if anyone can help me make my mind up!

I recently bought a 2000 456M GTA. I'm really happy with it, it's only done 16,000 miles, is immaculate and passed a pre-sale inspection. The only problem is that there's no record of the auto gearbox service having been done (all the others were done on time etc. mostly at Maranello).

The person I bought it from bought it from Meridien Modena who should have done it before he bought it. They say "I have to assume that there is evidence of it having been renewed a short time before this point as it should have been changed at the 10,000km service interval" but they won't commit to whether it has been done.

I'm obviously keen to avoid failure (at £20k to fix) but it doesn't need any more work done until cambelts in June 2006 (it was serviced by Meridien in early November05). From a gambling perspective It's "only £1000" to avoid risking £20k but still would rather not spend the £1000 if it has actually been done or could safely wait until June.

Does anyone know if there are any signs I could look out for of impending failure or if there is any way of checking with Ferrari if they would have any separate record of whether it had been done?

Thanks, JQ

p.s. there is a disappointing possibility I may need to sell the car in a couple of months as the house we're thinking about buying has a garage that is too narrow for the car. If anyone is looking for one I would be happy to arrange an ad-hoc viewing (we're in central London). It's titanium with black leather. Absolutely immaculate and I would throw in the cambelts and gearbox service at Verdi if anyone is interested.

 

If it was agreeed that the gearbox would be serviced as part of the deal to buy the car then contact meridien's dealer principle to arrange for the work to be carried out (escalating to your solicitor if there's no joy),

if it was presumed it would be done I.E nothing in writing, book it into Verdi's and ask Meridien for a contribution towards the cost.

According to my head tech the "standard"box faults manifest itself first with a little more noise (which you may not be able to hear from the cabin) followed by the changes becoming rougher....by which time its marginal over whether to rebuild or sevice, apparently you can tell what condition the box is in by the state of the fluid

 

If they cannot provide written PROOF that it was done, consider it never being done.