Hi guys. I'm looking at a 1999 360 and ran the VIN and was told that it has two open campaigns. OBDII connector & variator. Spoke with the head mechanic at the ferrari dealership and he said that although ferrari picks up the cost to correct these campaigns, that the variator campaign is only done when the customer pays for a timing belt replacement. He is quoting about $1800 for basic timing belt service. My question is. . .can anyone either point me in the correct direction or briefly tell me what these campaigns are for and if I decide to hold off and say purchase the car but not do the belt service until later this year, does not doing the campaigns affect the car performance. I'm assuming not since the present owner hasn't had these done. Also, should I be concerned that the present owner runs the car with racing fuel and I intend to use supreme unleaded, as I do presently for my 348. Finally, does anyone know if the `99 model year came with the trickle charger or is one pretty easy to install if I just use the one from my 348. thanks
Do a search on the variator campaign; you're not so much talking about performance, more about avoiding engine damage. Not a chance I would take. Regarding having to do the belts at the same time; that's a surprise, FoSF offered to perform the recall on my car when they mistakenly thought it hadn't been done - they made no mention of having to perform a belt change.
The belt has to come off to do the variator campaign, which also includes an upgrade to the left tension arm. I would never put the same belt back on, might as well have a new one installed while they are in there! Service should also include bearings and pulleys. Here is the campaign from FNA. Robert Image Unavailable, Please Login
Its not a matter of reinstalling the belts. They do not want to do a belt service for free if it is due. If you have documentation that the belts are up to date they are supposed to perform the variator replacement for free. If on the other hand it is due for belts it is only fair that you pay for that part of the repair. Get it done right away free or not.
The reason everyone is recommending to have the variator done at once is that failure essentially toasts the entire engine. Just something you should be aware of....
