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

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

Discussion in '360/430' started by DiSomma6, Jul 21, 2025 at 10:11 AM.

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  1. DiSomma6

    DiSomma6 Karting

    Nov 27, 2023
    223
    Full Name:
    Erik
    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.
     
  2. CoreyNJ

    CoreyNJ Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Apr 17, 2006
    2,456
    New Jersey Shore
    Weird, I have never had a problem with them. Everything is either in a Ferrari box or an OEM Mfr box.
     
    DJ_SBK and Mel Spillman like this.
  3. DiSomma6

    DiSomma6 Karting

    Nov 27, 2023
    223
    Full Name:
    Erik
    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.
     
    066/8 likes this.
  4. bonehead

    bonehead Karting

    Apr 21, 2007
    193
    TX
    Full Name:
    Ed
    I get the frustration but it’s a functional unit. Take it out and shelve it as an emergency spare. Throwing it out sounds like a bit of an overreaction to a working part that might save you in a bind in the future.
     
  5. DiSomma6

    DiSomma6 Karting

    Nov 27, 2023
    223
    Full Name:
    Erik
    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.
     
  6. DiSomma6

    DiSomma6 Karting

    Nov 27, 2023
    223
    Full Name:
    Erik
    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.
     
  7. Flyingbrick242

    Flyingbrick242 Formula Junior
    Silver Subscribed

    Feb 26, 2017
    677
    Northern AZ.
    Sorry to hear about your experience with AW Italian, I was going to consider them for spare parts down the road.
    BTY I do understand your frustration...This is not good for their reputation.
     
    Racer_X likes this.
  8. DiSomma6

    DiSomma6 Karting

    Nov 27, 2023
    223
    Full Name:
    Erik
    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.
     
    Kevin Rev'n likes this.
  9. jtn0514

    jtn0514 Rookie

    Aug 16, 2024
    38
    Austin, TX
    I've done business with AWitalian many times and used quite a few parts from them. Had one issue but they quickly resolved it and i was on my way. Not affiliated with them at all. Just posting my experience. I don't drive my 360 daily, so if something is wrong in the order, I have time I can wait until a suitable part or issue is fixed.

    Why not just order from eurospares or ricambi america? Did they not have the OEM part in stock at the time?
     
  10. DiSomma6

    DiSomma6 Karting

    Nov 27, 2023
    223
    Full Name:
    Erik
    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.
     
    jtn0514 likes this.
  11. Ricambi America

    Ricambi America F1 World Champ
    Sponsor Owner

    While many assume I'm perpetually "out to lunch" :eek: , I think @DiSomma6 means that Ricambi does not have stock of that alternator at the moment, and do not have an ETA on replenishment.
     
    CoreyNJ, Kevin Rev'n and Boomhauer like this.
  12. BlacktopRacing

    BlacktopRacing Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Sep 18, 2016
    1,002
    Pittsburgh
    Full Name:
    Dale
    Lol, at first, I thought he meant you're not to be considered an option, but after reading it twice, I figured it out.​
     
  13. KJB355

    KJB355 Karting

    Apr 4, 2006
    154
    Chicago
    Full Name:
    Kenneth Brom
  14. DiSomma6

    DiSomma6 Karting

    Nov 27, 2023
    223
    Full Name:
    Erik
    Correct. Ricambi is typically my first call for any new parts.
     
  15. DiSomma6

    DiSomma6 Karting

    Nov 27, 2023
    223
    Full Name:
    Erik
    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.
     
  16. DiSomma6

    DiSomma6 Karting

    Nov 27, 2023
    223
    Full Name:
    Erik
    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.
     
  17. DiSomma6

    DiSomma6 Karting

    Nov 27, 2023
    223
    Full Name:
    Erik
    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.
     
    Rifledriver likes this.
  18. RedNeck

    RedNeck F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Jul 8, 2016
    12,298
    The CSA
    Full Name:
    Me
    You can Send it to me if you are going to trash it. I’ll pay shipping…:D
     
  19. F-Serge

    F-Serge Formula 3

    Aug 3, 2004
    1,945
    UAE
    Full Name:
    Serge
    I bought an alarm siren from AW back in 2013 - same story, described as a genuine Ferrari item at an attractive price but turned out to be a Corvette item with GM part number scrubbed off
    Sent it back, got the refund and never dealt with them again
    Local dealer, Eurospares or Maranello Classic Parts ever since
     
  20. RedNeck

    RedNeck F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Jul 8, 2016
    12,298
    The CSA
    Full Name:
    Me
    Speaking on experiences with AW, I have bought stuff from them with good results so you do need to know what to expect. Last purchase was a 360 water pump. For the price at the time (it was under 400, now almost 700), and by looking at the pictures, I knew it was not OEM, nor was it claimed to be, but that's what I wanted because I specifically wanted the metal impeller instead of the crappy plastic one Ferrari puts in. I believe Ricambi used to carry the same pump before it was superseded by the install kit...I'm not even sure Ferrari sells a complete water pump assembly anymore. With AW, several things one their (and many others) site follow suit since many of these parts are available off the shelf or used on other carswithout the Ferrari markup, so research and vigilance is key whenever ordering parts...if a price seems too good, then it probably won't come in a horsey box. I have no issue with this as I will hunt down an "OEM" part if I can save a few bucks on the same thing.

    I do, however, take issue with them "confirming" it's OEM to you, but some of the conversations I've had in the past with some of the folks that work there, I get the feeling some of them are just order fulfillment so it's possible they just didn't know. I was having an email convo with a young lady about a TSB and upgraded tensioner bracket that went nowhere...but I still like AW for certain things, never had a problem, and I believe F-chat members still get 15% off there.
     
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  21. KC360 FL

    KC360 FL Formula 3

    Jun 20, 2017
    1,948
    Melbourne Florida
    Full Name:
    KGC
    Sadly many of my suppliers will not even have the thought to mention that part I ordered is made in China. As someone who orders parts for all manner of cars, it is almost impossible to find an aftermarket supplier that offers "OEM" parts.

    I really have to grill the salesperson (who may or may not know) the part they are selling. Very frustrating and you have to literally grill them until you get an affirmative answer.

    But with that said, I have had only good experiences with AW Italian. But I get it, a Chinese part is not OEM and it should not be represented as such.
     
  22. DiSomma6

    DiSomma6 Karting

    Nov 27, 2023
    223
    Full Name:
    Erik
    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.
     
  23. tazandjan

    tazandjan Three Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jul 19, 2008
    39,167
    Clarksville, Tennessee
    Full Name:
    Terry H Phillips
    Erik- AGM batteries are lead acid batteries, just in a different configuration. Mine typically last 7 years without being on a tender at all.
     
    dm_n_stuff likes this.
  24. KC360 FL

    KC360 FL Formula 3

    Jun 20, 2017
    1,948
    Melbourne Florida
    Full Name:
    KGC
    Deception is everywhere and nobody seems to have any integrity anymore.
    All very frustrating, believe me I know. But as an aside, I would be wary of an aftermarket (import China, Albanian) A/C compressor. Should it come apart and fail it will pollute your entire system with metal chips, shards, etc.--- I've had it happen (not in my 360) and had to replace everything, condenser, evaporator, hoses, etc. A cheap compressor can be quite a gamble, just sayin'... It can't leave you stranded, but it can leave your wallet empty.
     
  25. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    37,099
    Cowboy Capitol of the World
    Full Name:
    Brian Crall
    #25 Rifledriver, Jul 23, 2025 at 9:25 AM
    Last edited: Jul 23, 2025 at 9:31 AM
    X 10,000

    Not sure I agree with the not as long lasting part. My clients get the best service from regular lead acid batteries bar none.

    Anti gravity????? Oh thats funny. Expensive joke.
     

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