What year 458 to buy?

There are multiple threads about this but 2012 had a major difference as along with other improvements, it had slightly better transmission software as well as from 2012, the 7 year free maintenance was started but the cost of maintenance itself is not that large per year. The prospect of free maintenance however could mean that owners took theirs to the authorized dealers.

I'm sure the rest of the folks will chime in.

 

I like the idea of the exhaust burble which existed until a firmware update in 2012, if I've read correctly on this site... Can that be retrofitted, and will it harm the car in anyway if it's done on a 2013-2014 model?

Just curious

 

Some 10-11's didn't get reflashed and they sound so much better.
Cannot be retrofitted.

You have the right options priorities.
Just get a 12 or 13 and all is good. Bulletproof cars.

 

Hi Labman,
i bought my 458 Italia few weeks ago, comes from 12/2011 incl full maintenance in rosso corsa with racing seats and fully carbon interior... and I'm absolutely happy. My last car was also a 430 Spider .....
regards from germany

 

Not sure if you like Argento, but this is a well built car. I am going to hold off for my 488, but have been tempted on this car.


2015 Used Ferrari 458 Italia 2dr Convertible at Lamborghini Sarasota, FL, IID 15752379

 

Differences are relatively minor. Some say the 2012+ cars have upgraded transmission control units that make them less prone to failure. I'm hoping it's not that marked a difference since my car is a 2010. More significant is getting the colors and options combination you want. Red over tan or black should be relatively easy to find, but you will be surprised how other people's tastes and option choices differ from your preferences. Good luck and happy hunting. A good deal of the fun is the chase!

 

If you are interested in the Sarasota car , I live in Sarasota and would be happy to put my eyes on it for you. Disclaimer : I have no affiliation with the dealership. But I have lived in Sarasota for 33 years.

 

MY is a non-issue when buying a 458, imho. In practice, we're basically talking about software versions. Get the one you like the most in terms of color, mileage, history and equipment. All you get post 2012 is free 7-year maintenance. Nothing to do with the actual car, but your wallet.

Kind regards,

Nuno.

 

My 11 sounds light years better than my buddies 13, everyone comments it as well when we are out and driving.

 

No idea if mine has or hasn't been updated. I just know that ive spent hours in his 13, and 7,000 miles in my 11 and they sound nothing alike.

 

I believe the 458 has several ECUs. If you say nothing, Ferrari will update them all. I believe the engine's ECU may not be updated upon request even if everything else gets updated. I think engine's ECU can be singled out in a software update event. Can anyone confirm or deny?

Kind regards,

Nuno.

 

Should not be so difficult to have somebody reprogram the eproms or just copy one from 2010 ?

Not anyone here ??

 

It's been discussed and nobody can do it.

 

People copied the eproms of the 512TR and 512M .... like we did in the 80's with first PC's ...

 

Ferrari won't reverse it. Several aftermarket companies tried and failed very badly. Copying from a 2010 won't work as there is a copyright on the software. Only way to get a real authentic sounding Ecu is to find a car that has it

 

Shame that. I do have a hankering to own a 458 one day, and if the pre 2012 firmware results in pops and burbles like my 360 Tubi, I would 'prefer' that. But as I'd buy after market, I wouldn't have too much say (just luck of the market and being in the right place at the right time). Having said that, I have not driven a 458 yet, and have rarely seen (and heard) one. I may end up just as happy with stock exhaust and +2012 firmware for all I know.

 

just get a novitec exhaust - the pops will come back

 

Or buy two 2010 458 ECU's from a broker ?

 

Exhaust Bypass Valve Controller Kit