360 I was duped by AW Italian - I should have known.

Well after 15 years and about 60K miles, my alternator finally died. It started with an intermittent smell that, over the course of a week, developed into a voltage issue. After searching for a replacement OEM alternator, the only local supplier who allegedly had one was AW Italian parts.

While talking to them at length, I stressed that I was looking for an "OEM Denso 179852 150 amp alternator for a 360. They said "yup, we got 2 on the shelf." My response was: really? an OEM unit, correct?" They said "yes, and I'll do it for $700.00 ($830 with shipping), which was a savings from the $900.00 Ferrari price. I said that's great and send it to me overnight.

I also stressed to them that I drive the car as my daily driver and it needs to be back on the road by Friday. I put over 40K miles per year so I can ONLY USE OEM PARTS. They commended my on driving the car so often and understand and agree with me.

Well, when the part arrived in 3 days (not their fault - never, ever use UPS - FEDEX over night is the only reliable option for shipping), guess what - IT WAS A CHINESE KNOCK OFF. Not only was it a Chinese knockoff, but the same item with the same markings and packaging is available on eBay from a host of other sellers for $239.00.

I called them and they admitted it was what they described as an OEM replacement and that is NOT what was described to me over the phone. They said they advertise this as OEM as it meets OEM specs and they have never had a problem - and it I had a problem they will refund or replace it. Either way, there is a reason I drive hundreds of thousands of miles in exotic cars (those of you who know me, know me) - because I refuse to cut corners in servicing. Yes, they will refund me, but the $1,500 tow will come out of my pocket, I assure you.

I told them that the scenario I described earlier in the week, is still the case, so I was forced to install it.

As for the part - of course, it works. However, it does make slight whistling sound when cold and it interferes with the audio system with a constant whine that changes with RPM - very typical with the Chinese units - they all do it. The metals used in the case seem to be the same, but the screws, bolts, and nuts holding it together are the cheap metal also typical of the Chinese parts, that will quickly rust over time given the elements.

In summary, this was not a misunderstanding. The staff spoke fluent english and engaged in conversation with me about my needs concerning OEM products. I made it clear. For that reason, I was duped. I am not in the business of making negative reviews about anyone, however I feel a growing problem in the Ferrari service world is the infiltration of Chinese parts. The quality just isn't there. Yes, if you drive your car 500 miles a year, you'll never experience the pain associated with the savings, but if you want reliability, then the Chinese devils will raise their head at the wrong place at the wrong time, in the rain lol. I guarantee you. Ask me how I know!

I plan to order the OEM part today and quickly replace it as soon as it arrives. After the weekend, I've clocked about 500 miles on the alternator, so I'm stuck with the wasted $830 expense. When I new one arrives, this one is going in the trash. I refuse to re-sell it and transfer future pain to someone else.

 

I'm sure they offer many new parts, and selling aftermarket is something I'm not against. It's the transparency, especially after having told the story about my need for OEM. Even the receipt states an OEM part number. Not cool.

 

Furthermore, they also validate it by showing the OEM Ferrari price of about $900.00 on the receipt, showing me a discount to $700 as a courtesy.

 

Forgot to post this also - it came with a small nick in the pulley that had a sharp piece of metal that would have, over time, eaten away at the belt. I had to file it down with a file prior to install.

I don't blame them for that part, but it's something to keep in mind when installing a part. The quality of OEM spec parts is far superior. If anyone unknowingly installed this without an inspection, they not only would have a knockoff for nearly the full price, but also the belt may have been eventually shredded a few time before knowing the culprit. These small details separate the reliable Ferraris from the headaches. I know this for a fact.

 

I don't want to discourage anyone from doing business with AW. I just want people who care as much as I do about OEM, to understand the extent to which you must ensure you're getting what you order, regardless of the vendor! I really hope they change their policy on these alternators, because otherwise they were very nice and quick to respond and ship.

 

Ricambi is out indefinitely. I didn't check Eurospares because I wanted it delivered in 1 day. I could've gotten it from a dealer - Google returned AW with an image, so I clicked on it. I typically use Ferrparts, Ricambi, Wide World Ferrari or Scuderia in England. Even Scuderia sends all parts 2 day. I order on a Monday, it's here Wednesday by noon. Very impressive.

 

Correct. Ricambi is typically my first call for any new parts.

 

I'll be honest, I've gotten many Ferrari alternators rebuilt, all with low success.

This is from Denso: Denso does not supply internal parts any more. This means that regardless of who rebuilds, the reliability hinges on the original source of brushes, regulators, etc., that are used in the rebuild, which typically are Chinese.

Ferrari electrical systems are so sensitive to voltage that any variation causes problems. I rebuilt a F430 alternator years back. It failed in 2 days. I sent it back and re-installed it and it lasted 6 months. Then I replaced with OEM and it lasted the life of the car (that I know of).

I brought mine into a rebuilder last week just to get me by and it only lasted 1 day. I thought it was a harness problem because it was giving odd readings at the battery. I replaced the battery, pulled all connections and cleaned them with electric cleaner and wire brush; I removed all ground cables and did the same. Then I cut the 3 wire plug off and replaced with a brand new one, then replaced all the heat shielding on the driver and passenger side of the main cable with titanium heat shielding (the factory heat shielding was destroyed). Still no luck - voltage was dancing and my turn signals flashed fast - even faster when depressing the brake.

Replaced with the new one and all problems disappeared. Now it reads 13.8-14 at the battery and at the alternator consistently.

 

Just to be clear, I replaced my battery with a new one on Monday. Then, bought another brand new one (for another $250) on Friday and installed it at the time of the second alternator install. I don't even trust recharging batteries, regardless of age. If it gets low, I replace it.

 

Here's another tip from a daily driver: Don't use AGM. I have the best luck with sealed lead acid batteries, replaced every 2 years. I do not use a tender and have left my car at an airport for 2 weeks with no issues. Never a slow start. AGMs simply don't hold cranking amps the way lead acid batteries do. Lead acid batteries don't last as long, but they give more consistent performance.

And if you really want problems? Ask me about the "anti-gravity" BS. My friend's lithium battery caused all kinds of issues - now he's got a $1500 paperweight and a brand new lead acid battery in his 360 lol. PROBLEMS SOLVED.

 

I agree with all of the above, and it's my relentless attempts to confirm this was OEM prior to purchase is what upset me.

There are a number of issues with the influx of Chinese products. Alibaba typically supplies all the Chinese parts right now. They even sell complete Ferrari engines, refurbed using their parts. They also sell used engines that the selling companies use to replicate various parts and components. Years ago, I found that some parts sold by Sequparts were in fact from Alababa and once posted on this forum, numerous members shared the fact that the parts didn't work at all. These had Magnetti Marelli stickers, barcodes, etc.

Basically, some parts are aftermarket from China, and some are actual replicas. I've seen Chinese AC compressors brand new for $129.00, pre-oiled, ready to go with the factory markings on it. A friend bought one, and quite honestly, I couldn't wait until it was installed to see if it worked. And, it did! It remained installed until he sold the car - this was a Maserati. It pissed me off because I JUST spent $1,200 for mine!

But the reality is that these parts are just like buying a fake Rolex. They will appear fine, and they may work. But the jury is out on how long. When it comes to an AC compressor, it's not a huge deal because that shouldn't leave you stranded. But for F1 components, alternators, etc., I want OEM.

Finally, about 6 years ago, I bought an AC compressor for my Maserati QP from Ferrari Maserati Central Florida. It was factory sealed in the Maserati box. When I got it home and installed it, I realized the pully was bent and wobbled. I pulled it off and noticed that it was not only a Chinese unit, but it had a rebuild sticker on it from some company in the UK!!

They immediately made good on it and sent me a new one which was legit. But this speaks volumes about how the actual supply chain has in some cases been hacked with these replicas in such a way that it gets past even the best quality control processes.