Ferrari California questions.

[Mazdarati]

Hi Guys,

I have maserati 3200gt and Mercedes 500sl
So its time to change my SL cause its 2001. Thinking of buying Ferrari California.

Any owners here or maybe could someone give me advice what is good and what is bad?
Maybe some technical problems that you faced with ? (california owners)

Will be very appreciated for your advices.

[F355GTS]

Nearly 6,000 miles in my current one and 1,800 in the one before all without any problem. It's the best Ferrari I've owned, quiet and civilised with the roof up for long runs, plenty quick enough around the twisties, roof down when you want it.

really can't think of anything bad to say


I'll be sorry to see it go.

[911Thrasher]

All the Californias i have seen in London look like they have poor rear bumper fitting!

430/458 loo much much better IMO - and 430 comes in spider too

[bad company]

I like the look of the California but waiting to see what the 458 Spider is like. Seem to have been waiting forever tho.

[Maff]

I've had my Cali for 4 weeks now and already put 3000 miles on it!
For an everyday car it really is good, as has been said before nice and quiet for long journeys, but sporty enough for when I am out on my own having a blast.

The only critisim I have is that the suspension is too soft in Sport mode (mine has the optional magnaride) so much so I have bottomed it out at least 5 times in the last 4 weeks, with the under tray now warn where it has made contact with the road at speed.

The noise with the roof down and exhaust flaps open is also not as great as I would have expected. The blips on the down change are also not very good IMO.

Its a very smooth ride and you end up going much faster than you expect, because its so smooth. Gearbox is very good, even in auto mode but I personally still prefer the automated F1 as you get a bit more of a feel of whats going on.

All in all a great usable car - even with a family - My wife and our 2 year old went away in it last weekend with pushchair suitcase and all the childrens stuff. Loads of boot room with the roof up.

Hope this helps!

[Mazdarati]

Thank you guys )))

[isuk]

I never spec'ed magneride for the very reason you point out Maff. The car rides much better on the standard passive suspension IMHO which is taughter and more predictable. I read an article somewhere that the engineers from BWI who make the Magneride shocks were not involved in setting up the system on the California but were asked to take part in the 458 programme. The difference in the two cars set up is astounding. Ferrari should get these guys in to recalibrate the Cali.

Edited by isuk on Friday 8th April 20:14

[F355GTS]

isuk said:

I never spec'ed magneride for the very reason you point out Maff. The car rides much better on the standard passive suspension IMHO which is taughter and more predictable. I read an article somewhere that the engineers from BWI who make the Magneride shocks were not involved in setting up the system on the California but were asked to take part in the 458 programme. The difference in the two cars set up is astounding. Ferrari should get these guys in to recalibrate the Cali.

Edited by isuk on Friday 8th April 20:14

Iain

I understand they have already recalibrated it, IIRC there was an upgrade from early 2010 that significantly widened the gap between comfort and sport. Certainly my car is far from soft in sport mode, sure it's more compliant than a 599 but then it's more drivable for that on our uneven potholed roads.

[isuk]

I believe Maff has a 2011 model car Mark which will have the latest software revision for magneride. If you get a chance try a standard passive suspension car to see the difference.

[Maff]

Yes mine is a Feb 2011 build. The strange thing is in sport mode it does seem quite taught, but then you attack a few nice bends and it feels a little to wallowy once you get into them which can be a little un-nerving if you are really pushing on. Likewise with undulating roads.

Its not a big deal as the rest of the car makes up for it, but I did expect more from a Ferrari with the optional suspension TBH!

I agree with Iain the standard suspension is the way to go.