I am considering to buy a 575M but everyone is talking of problems not solved. Owners please tell me is this is true?
Jorge- A few of the respected professionals here have said the 575M has a lot of electronics, which may cause difficult to analyze problems in the future. Some recommend the simpler 550 instead of the more complicated 575M. My opinion is the 575M has a newer generation of traction control, ABS and electronics in it, plus a more powerful engine, much stronger transaxle and the choice of an F1 transmission. I own an F1 575M and love it. The later models (mid 2003 on) eliminated the central muffler and sound great, too, a complaint of some 575M owners. Another complaint was that the springs and anti-roll bars were too soft on the standard 575M compared to the 550. There is an old wives' tale that there was no choice of suspension on the 575M initially, when in fact the heavier duty Fiorano Handling Package was available throughout production. FHP availability was spelled out in the initial 575M Sales brochure published in 2002. FHP was even available on late 550s. My car has the Fiorano Handling Package, and I think that is a highly desirable option for a 575M if it will be driven hard on curvy roads or around corners. It still rides fine, too. If your 575M will be a motorway and city cruiser, FHP is not as important. It was my only requirement for buying an F1 575M, though, everything else (color, interior, wheels, options) would have been OK. The HGTC package available only in 2005 has the FHP plus a lot of other desirable options, but is very difficult to find because it was a $25,000 option package. So if you want one, go for it. As long as you have a competent service agency, they should be able to solve any electronics issues the car develops. There are sure some good deals to be had over here now on 575Ms and there is even an HGTC available. Make sure you read the 550 vs 575M thread here to get all the comments from the professional technicians who add so much to this forum. Taz Terry Phillips
Things happen like the check engine light comes on which requires a service visit that can be expensive, and even little things like the hood release cable and latch can go wrong. The dash contracts under some circumstances and can be expensive to remedy. However, in terms of overall reliability and design flaws requiring corrections its very minimal. My 2002 575M appears more reliable than my 2001 360 was for example.
Tyre pressure sensors are a pain easier to have your agent turn the system off. Bonnet (hood) catch is a 5 minute fix but needs 2 people ideally to fix it.
