Gentlemen Greetings from Switzerland. I am a happy owner of 456, 1994 with very low mileage. Do you know why it has low mileage? Because of the side window problems. I am driving up to Sweden for vacation next week, around 1400 KM, and unfortunately decided to let my wonderful car stay home in the garage. I can not stand out the wind noise in 1400 KM on free speed German motorways. Does any body have a suggestion how to fix this problem. Has anybody tried to change the door lists to a thicker one? If yes did it solved the problem? My Ferrari garage says give me 15,000 USD and I will fix it for you but I can not guarantee that it will be fixed for ever. Looking forward to your comments. HRS
There are a lot of threads talking about the infamous driver side window gap fix problem. It is a very common problem, especially on the first series 456s (up to 1997). The advice you were given is not far off: The fix is difficult and expensive and is not guaranteed to solve the problem. However, the price you were quoted is quite high. Check with various Ferrari mechanics and get quotes for the job. It may be worthwhile to ship the car to a distant place if the cost is lower and the reputation of the shop is high.
You were quoted a valid price supposing your quote was in swiss francs and you used todays rates to exchange. That gives figures the dollar people are not used to. As said, there are several threads on this topic. It is also said that you can fix it yourself by taking the door covers off and so on. also this fix will not last and you need to repeat it at times. I haven't done this myself but it is on my task list.
A shame you are missing the blast on the autobahn. Just take ear plugs and hit the road. even though, after a second thought it might not be a wise thing to do if the car has not been used properly for ages. Anyway, a fine purchase. Enjoy.
I had the problem on my 911 they changed the doorlist for like 600 $ and it reduced the noise but totally gone id never came best luck Johnny
Thanks to all of you for your comments. Yes you are right currently one USD is equal to 1.03 CHF which creates big problem for us Swiss made machine exporters. For some years ago 1USD was equal to 1.7 CHF. Does anybody know if it can be an option to add another door list on top of the existing one? Has anybody done that before? Of course it will look strange but might fix the problem. Never the less in US you get good value for your $. Did you know all European cars are around 20% to 30% cheaper in US than in Europe and American cars such as Corvette are 40% cheaper in US than in Europe? Enjoy your $ still strong in US
The price differences are largely due to our tax structure. Most European nations have a value added tax (VAT).
these window problems [typically the driver's side] seem to never truly get fixed: but, good news is on the passenger's side they have no problems. IF I could drive like a mailman, problem solved. but till then, or whenever I get in there, I just crack the window a hair, and noise is almost gone. try searching here, but more complaints than fixes. rik
I had this problem on the passenger site of my 456. My wife hated the car for that. It was repaired by the Dutch Ferrari distributor for a few hundred Euro's. Since you are living in Switzerland, I know a fantastic garage near Gstaad in Feutersoey, where they sell and restore Ferraris, Aston Martins etc etc. In a parking garage in the cellar of this building, they have a collection of cars you have never seen before. The owner Mr Pichler is a very nice guy, who can probably fix your car for a fraction of the amount you mentioned. Hans
