Just bought 550M....Am confused and need clarification.

Yesterday, I put a deposit on a 1998 550M with a Fiorano package....Today, I just got done reading some previous threads and learned that the Fiorano package isn't available until 2000 on US model and 1999 on Euro model.....I am confused. What am I missing?

I left a message for the seller (who is a great guy and very principle person) to call me back. In the meantime, can someone help shed some lights? If this is an oversight on his part, what is the cost of a Fiorano package?

 

BTW, the vin is #zffzr49a1w0112462.
This is a US model, correct?

 

for North America, the Fiorano Handling Package was not available until MY 2000 cars - that is my understanding. that may be true for cars worldwide as well, since i think i gathered my initial data on 550 FHP stuff from Ferrari UK.

i've attached a VIN decoder doc for ****s and giggles. it's a bit dated.

the vin says it's a US car. i believe W is correct for 1998, 'cuz mine is X and it's 1999.

the FHP can be retrofitted. redhead can get you the details - i believe he keeps them pasted to his computer monitor . it's way pricey (like, stupid pricey).

doody.

 

Doody--- Thanks so lot, guy.
Sign of relief.... at least, now I know it's not a Euro...The seller just called back and he said he was told it has the FHP when he purchased it 3 months ago...(he is just as nut as I am about changing cars). We agreed on Monday to check with the folks at Ferrari of Los Gatos, where the vehicle was sold brand new and it is in their shop today for a major service.

 

Maranelloman--- Thank you very much for your dilligent work also to verify. You and Doody came to the same answer. You both rock.

The seller was told it has it when it bought it 3 months ago. We will talk to the folks at Ferrari of Los Gatos on Monday and will find out for sure if someone spent $20,000 to retro-fitted it.

I am just curious "how much is the cost for this option?"

 

if you spec'd it at order time it was cheap - well less than $5K. the data i have from the UK shows 1,770 GBP (c. 2001). short money.

if you wanted to retrofit it, i believe it's well over $10K, maybe even approaching $20K with the labor involved.

you might PM "redhead" and ask him - he knows for sure.

doody.

 

Glad to help, Tom. Doody is right: IIRC, it was less than $5,000 when new. It is the one option I regret not ordering...

 

Thanks again to you both for your insights. The seller is very apologetic and offer to refund the deposit, assuming it wasn't retro-fitted. I'm certain it was just an oversight. Perhaps, we will agree on a spread.

Also, at the risk of exibiting my ignorance (because I am..lol), what exactly does the Fiorano package entail?....something w/ suspension, right?

 

IIRC, it has revised spring & shock rates, lowered ride height, different steering ratio, and more aggressive brake pads.

 

the archives are your friend. learn how to search them, dude

http://www.ferrarichat.com/discus/messages/251280/211863.html

you officially owe me a beer now

doody!

 

LOL....Note to self "do the Chris Farley's hand slapping to the self's forehead mumbling "stupid...stupid". If we hook up, I promise the first bottle of Cab w/ 94pts or higher is on me.

Thanks again.

 

ah - yummyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!

though i haven't been in Kansas since 1994 or thereabouts!

doody.