I need info on 456M

Don't know about the Schumacher edition numbers, but there are a lot of threads on 456Ms. Generally few model-specific problems; usually leaking active suspension shocks, leaking radiator and connections, auto seat return, seatback mechanism, valve guides. I had a wiring harness partially melt from being routed too close to the engine, but don't know if others have had that.

 

Another thought or two: the 456M experience is very different (apples and oranges) from owning a 355 or 430. It is a very subtle, understated design and is meant to be. To many, including myself, it looks weird in rosso corso; bright red doesn't suit its size and shape. You may have to ask yourself honestly about your ego needs: When you pull up in front of the restaurant or club, people will not ooh and aah as they would with the flashier two seat v8 sportscars. The respectful glances will be more low key and a bit curious since many people don't know that Ferrari makes big GTs as well as pocket rockets.

Driving and living with the car (without an audience) is also a very different experience. The 456M is less tiring and anxiety producing in traffic because you have better visibility and have more cabin space in which to stretch out. Under acceleration, the V12 makes deeper more beautiful music than the V8s, especially if you have a Tubi exhaust. When not being pushed, it is also quieter (so you can better appreciate the high quality stereo system) and more comfortable with more luggage space for trips. You can go great distances and arrive refreshed, something you can't do in the F430. However, for a Sunday morning thrash over back country roads, the thrill level of the 456M, even when driven hard, cannot approach the visceral excitement of the F430 or the F355.

Finally, think of the passenger. If it's a she, and she's not a hard core sports car nut or an exhibitionist, she'll prefer the 456M, a car that is more comfortable and, if she's wearing a skirt, doesn't guarantee that she'll flash the pedestrians or the parking attendant every time she gets into or out of the car.

 

He speaks the truth, the understated non red colors really pop this car IMO.........green, silver, blue.........finding a Fire Engine red one will be challenging, Fly Yellow, near impossible!

The car has great lines, IMO.

The quilted leather option on the rear shelf, etc. is especially nice.

 

Very few of the two tone silver Schumi cars........maybe 3 in US total

 

Apologies for the short message but have a look at www.the456.com

 

No one could describe better than, who else, 2000 456M. I too have been enjoying my 2000 456M. I made a mistake by sticking shields on the sides, then realized 456M (silver color) needs no shields, so I took them off. Very quiet in all meanings. Almost 10,000 miles, 3 drops of oil few months ago (left the car unattended for 3-month summer vacation), and no problem so far. I agree that red and yellow cannot go along with 456.

 

I purchased a 2001 456MGT exactly one year ago and I love it. It is my first Ferrari so I can not compare it to other model Ferraris. The 456 has great power, great sounds and great handling. I purchased this model Ferrari to accomadate the wife and kids. Mine has been virtually trouble free so far. The only problem that I have had is that the leather on my dash has started to shrink and expose some foam by the windshield.

Others have commented about it not drawing much attention, but I have to argue that point. Mine is Rosso Fiorano (Met. Red) with the factory fender shields and it draws a lot of attention-more than I thought it would. I am also surprised at how many people actually know that it is a Ferrari-maybe the fender shields help. My 9 year old daughter even commented one day that she didn't like riding in it because everyone is looking at it all the time. The attention doesn't bother me-actually I kind of like it.

Anyway, I hope this helps. My first year of ownership has been great and I look forward to many more years with this car and eventually I may add a 2 seat Ferrari to my garage. I think that the 456 is a great buy at the prices they are going for right now. The MSRP on my car was $232,000 and I paid $95,000-that is major depreciation.

Kent
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Actually, a rosso corsa/cuoio 456M GTA is currently for sale in Florida, low mileage; originally owned by a sheik. Seems fairly priced. Check out autotrader.com. I don't care for it personally. My car's Grigio Ingrid (metallic champagne) with couio dash center console inserts, wheel and a-pillars and sabbia console and seats. I find its understatement to my taste. Leather shrinkage from sun exposure and heat can be a problem with any F-car. My dash isn't shrinking, but the rear parcel shelf is.

 

I own a 1999 456M GTA in TDF Blue with crema interior and my car gets plenty of looks. I have had it two years and I am happy with the car.

 

I can't find it, but I know I've seen a quote from Luca di Montemozolo to the effect that red just isn't the right color for the 456, but that anyone who bought an F40 in any other color made a mistake. This ring a bell with anyone?

 

Lucky you. A true hidden gem. Spent 4 months looking before i found mine, then you have your list of 6 fixes Ferrari paid for, which have been done to most cars because it was free. I probably wouldn't have bought mine without this website, just find the many threads. I think most M's are auto, and you must know the whole deal there already? I think there may be one M 6 speed in PA for sale., let me know if you want info,

 

Well, a real coincidence then: Ferrari of Atlanta has a Schumacher 6-speed with the red/black steering wheel advertised in the Dupont Registry. Looks beautiful. Around 6800 miles on it.

 

the schumacher model (looks almost exactly like mine) is darker grey over lighter grey, red stitching on carbone seats. there are no performance enhancements, just a little plaque and fewer look-alikes.
as some of the others have said, the 456 is a very understated car, although it still gets looks and kids pointing. but i like it because it is subtle and comfortable, especially compared to the 512tr - nothing subtle or all that comfortable about that one ! the performance is adequate given the price, lineage, and useability. the trunk is actually a lot bigger than you think - i went on a 10 day tour around italy last summer with my wife and one of my kids, and we were just fine. plus the aircon works, the stereo can be heard, the ride is pretty luxurious, and it eats up italian highwway like its supposed to! the brakes are not so great. there are a number of little things that will probably go wrong with it. the best car to buy is the one with the lowest constant mileage, ie not a garage queen but not a workhorse either. i use mine every day as a commuter and it has held up just fine so far.

as for the tips on what to look for, just search through this part of the site, loads of info to read. that what i did.