New Ferrari 458 Owner - Critical Questions

First. Congrats! 458 is awesome.

As for recalls, there is a new one that pertains to brakes. Haven’t got the letter that my car is affected, but Ferrari still working that out.

Have the rear brakes inspected for wear based on mileage. They are the first to go due to traction control keeping the rear under control.

As for other issues. I can’t think of any off the top of my head. I mean you have your typical issues. Dash leather. Sticky buttons. But she is a solid car.





Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat

 

Congrats on your future purchase. I have a 2013 458 with generally the same options. In reference to your questions:

• I don't have a rear view camera either. It was one of my must have options, but the car checked too many of the other options so I decided to go for it. I added a wireless camera after (which is not perfect but adequate). Paired with the front and rear sensors, it does the job.
  
• I don't have the front lift either, but its high enough where I don't have too many issues. My Huracan Spyder has a lift, and it definitely needs it. The 458 seems to clear what the Huracan needs a lift for.
• I have had 2 recall campaigns completed for my 2013 458. Front lid lock and passenger side airbag. There is an outstanding campaign for brakes, but the parts are on backorder. The current campaign has to do with a hard brake pedal and lack of braking. Do a search on this site for the issue.
• I lowered the car on the factory springs. Without the front lift, you can actual lower the front to an acceptable range. It's an easy mod and I would also suggest adding a valve controller (another easy mod).
• In my years of ownership, only significant issue I had was an oil leak at the gearbox. O ring and one of the braided lines was leaking, ~$5k fix with labor and parts
  
• I had an F430 previously. For me, 458 way better and I never looked back

 

Congrats on the 458. You will love it. I've lowered 2 of my 458s and 1 of my 488s on the stock coilovers. Dealer always did it. Just make sure you don't go too low - and that they do an alignment, which they will likely know to do. You will hear guys here say otherwise, but I never had a problem. And the looks are way improved over stock.

Lift, as you mentioned, not an issue. Didn't have it on any of my 458s or 488s, including the ones I lowered, and no issue. Had it on both my Pistas, used it a few times but only because I had it and wanted to be extra safe with all that extra carbon. Still don't think I needed it.

Rear camera - not a big deal. The camera is way low on the bumper and really kind of useless. I would not add anything aftermarket. Once shops start messing with wiring harnesses to power third party accessories, you never know what can happen down line. Not worth it.

Recalls - I let dealer deal with them, if there ever were any.

All my 4xx's and Pistas were trouble free. Unless that's a Ferrari warranty, I would not buy it. And even then - it's debatable as to whether you'll need it. You can always buy it later direct from Ferrari if you change your mind and decide you want one. And in terms of 430 comment, 458 leaps and bounds over 430 in every measurable way.

 

My cars lowered on factory coil overs.
Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

For brake pad wear, the best way is a visual inspection at all four corners.

For carbon brake rotor wear, that is done either by weighing the rotor or through an algorithm hooked up to the dealer computer that can calculate it. Unlike steel rotors, wear can’t be measured based on thickness, only weight.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

I love the 458 and always find it special. While my Huracan is fun to drive, I always find the 458 much more engaging and visceral. Please feel free to PM me with any questions. Here is my 458 lowered on the factory springs. Don’t forget to get the 4 wheel alignment as part of it.

Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

I found no real change in the ride quality. The bumpy road button is your friend

 

Here is my write-up on the wireless backup camera

https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/anyone-using-aftermarket-backup-cameras-on-their-458-or-other-ferrari.620888/

 

Yes


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Congrats on the future purchase! Is that the one from Jake’s motor cars in San Diego?

If so, I was about to purchase that one before I purchase mine from Ferrari Silicon Valley

Very nice car and color combo. You’re gonna love it


Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat

 

No-one has said it yet or referred you to it but there is a dedicated 458 section here with a huge amount of existing information & experience

 

just do it. You are closing the deal tomorrow. It's your anxiety. No need. It won't be your last F car.

Plus you are paying for the history and the seller, much less the car. PPI the car if anything.

 

No ride issues. In terms of extended warranty, Ferrari or not, I say keep the dough and use it towards any potential future repairs. These cars are very reliable. Check out the 458 section of this forum for more info and feedback.

 

I’ve had my 2013 spider for 3-1/2 years (28k miles) and just recently started tracking it, just for grins, The lack of rear brake cooling will become apparent if you track your cars in heavy braking situations. To me that is the weakest point of the car. It is quite sensitive to driver input as you turn the nannies off

The car is incredibly capable, and loads of fun when pushed a bit. IMO most owners never experience what it can really do (and not just speed-wise).

There was a passenger side airbag recall, most have had them addressed already.

I don’t have a lift which would’ve been useful for trailering the car, although I don’t trailer much these days since it’s got so many miles on it.

Drive it hard and often, and appreciate it for the magnificent car it is. You will be rewarded.

 

Forgot to mention, I put a DME tune in mine which reduced the jerkiness at low RPM. You won’t notice any difference on a track.

Again, best of luck. They are fantastic cars. And as someone said, it won’t be your last F car.