What to look out for in a 550 ?

Glad to hear you have an interest in a 550. There are several threads on 550s and what to look for. I spent about a month looking and settled in on a '99 Red. My wife and I have loved it ever since.

As far as options to consider-
Carbon Fiber Trim Package (looks great on a black interior)
250 Sitched leather shelf and/or headliner
Daytona seat inserts
Colored top stiching
Fiorano Handling Package (rare to find on a 550 and seem 575 owners look for this more)
Modular Wheels (was standard on the Barchetta)

As far as what to look out for:
Interior
Dash shrinkage- Will happen to almost every 550 at least a few years old (Can be recovered). This was done to my car a year earlier.
Car alarm- Backup battery will die and require the module to be replaced. Understand some fchatters have attempted surgery to replace the battery.
Engine
Motor mounts- Best to make sure they were replace with the new design that came with the 575. The sagging could result in a major problem.
Recalls (should be done)- Replace hoses into plenum, wheels

Overall the car is a very strong car and with proper up keep will be very reliable. Major services are not as expensive as some models (ones that require engine out). Infact my wife likes driving it more than the 355 we had and she loved that. I highly doubt we will be trading this car in for many years. Although a Stradale would make a nice addition to the garage .

 

Regarding desirable options obviously this would be subjective. Personally I like Scuderia Shields, Modular wheels, CF package and racing seats. The Fiorano Handling Package is IMO overkill in the 550 unless your going racing.

Along with examining the service history I would request the following items to be check during PPI;

* Anti Roll Bar Bushings
* Motor Mounts
* Exhaust Manifold
* Shocks
* Valve Guides
* Coolant hose under intake manifold
* Brakes
* Clutch
* Tires
* Leather dash under windshield and passenger airbag cover
* Seal between the door windows and the rear quarter glass - Make sure this has been replaced as it involves new glass and window motors = 8K!
* Idler Bearing

 

I dont think there ever was a Fiorano package for the 550. The alarm module is only a couple of hundred bucks. I think you could get shields for 2000 on, some people care about that. They are all 6 speed, if you want F1 you have to go for the 575. I like mine, but really want a Superamerica.

 

There was a factory fitted Fiorano package available for the 550 and although costly, it could also be dealer installed. Scuderia Shields for the 550 were available at introduction in '97.

 

I would pass on '97 and purchase the latest MY my budget will allow.

 

Ah (looking over my shoulder to see if any of Rob's henchmen are paying attention), there is a thread on this subject at

f e r r a r i s p o t

you know three ws and all that.

Dale

 

was not aware of that site.......

 

Long story. While the tech section used to be the main attraction of this site, the people who know what they are talking about got tired of dealing with those who had their head up their ass.

Dale

 

Although there were two factory recalls in 1998 (rims, steering box) there's no reason to stay away from '97s if they have been done. However, I agree that you should go for the best you can afford and I would rather buy a later year than an early year regardless of which model Ferrari it is.


Onno