612 F1 box issues?

612 F1 box issues?

Author
Discussion

SCO

Original Poster:

205 posts

235 months

Thursday 7th May 2015
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Dear all,

Seriously considering a 612 and for my budget will almost certainly be a 2006 car with an F1 box. I have read that there have been issues with the box (sensors?) and it may have been subject to a recall?

Does anyone have any more detail on this, and in particular what to look for/ask about to check it isn't likely to cause a big bill.

Also can the gearbox be upgraded to give the slightly sportier GTS shift? Assume that was a software thing?

Many thanks

Steve

estacion

361 posts

233 months

SCO

Original Poster:

205 posts

235 months

Thursday 7th May 2015
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Fair point, well made.

hunter 66

3,921 posts

221 months

Friday 8th May 2015
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In sport mode the shift is fine for the car , not as fast as my Scud but not necessary for the type of car ( get 4 people in )...... really enjoy mine and no issues except bit thirsty ............ she loves Benzina

SCO

Original Poster:

205 posts

235 months

Friday 8th May 2015
quotequote all
Thanks Peter, good to hear.

Are you aware of any recall on the F1 Box? Have you ever had to replace sensors? I think there was a problem with the clutch sensor overheating and causing a failure. Do you think it is safe to assume that all early 612's would have had the recall work done and not an issue now?

Steve

hunter 66

3,921 posts

221 months

Friday 8th May 2015
quotequote all
Sure that has been done on most as have not heard of any issues ( know 5 owners ) ...... just a bit of a handfull when in sport mode ..... wheelspin even on new rubber and in the dry and when coming home from racing the Scud 2 weeks ago had wheel spin in 4 th and 5 th in the wet ........Nice ..

Cerberaherts

1,651 posts

142 months

Saturday 9th May 2015
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Yes there was a technical service bulletin ( not a recall...recalls are free, technical service bulletins are chargeable!) based on the clutch position sensor, affecting both the 575 and the early 612's. As mentioned above, pretty much all other cars would have had this done by now. It would be more prudent to get the other fail points of the transmission assessed before purchase, so any inspection should include an SD3 report showing no issues with the actuator, leakage, or pressure issues.
If you don't get a pre-purchase inspection carried out, also check the following;
1. Exhaust manifold leaks (more evident on cold start up) they crack near the exhaust flange on the engine, manifesting itself as a light rattling noise from the top of the engine that disappears after a minute or so. The rear passenger side seems to be the most common point of leakage. Easily repaired by welding up (unlike the v8 Ferrari's they used better metal on the V12 manifolds) but still budget around £500 to get it fixed.
2. Camshaft oil seal leaks look around the backs of the timing belt covers, a slight bit of damp is normal, but if it's gushing oil out factor in £1000 plus parts to put it right!
3. Rattle from front of engine at idle; timing gears inside case worn, a massive, expensive job that should see you walking away and finding another one!
4. Knocking from suspension over bumps, standard knackered ball joint noise but each corner you hear a noise from you should budget £700 to do top and bottom joints (worst case!) into your offer.
5. Flickering dash display. The TPFT displays in these pack in and cost an absolute fortune to replace. Look for any flickering in the display panel or green-ish tint to the display as being early warning signs of failure. A £1700 bill.
6. Seat heaters. Check they aren't stuck on! The control down the side of the seat packs up, not massively expensive, but one to look out for.
7. Aircon not working. Could be a few things but commonly the AC compressor leaks between the two halves. They are around £1300 fitted, but there are companies who rebuild them for much less.
8. Transmission oil change. Make sure there are records of regular servicing including oil changes and brake fluid changes. Don't buy a car that's been skimped on with its servicing (even when it's a low mileage car)

So, in summary, not trying to scare you off, as they are, by and large, very reliable cars. Just a bit of insight into the issues that can arise and that you should be aware of/looking for.



Edited by Cerberaherts on Saturday 9th May 10:48

Josh300

176 posts

190 months

Monday 11th May 2015
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I can point you in the right direction for speeding up your f1 box, I have an 2008 612 with the hgt2 pack sport mode is lovely if you dm me you, I happy to give you any advice I can

SCO

Original Poster:

205 posts

235 months

Monday 11th May 2015
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Cerberaherts - thanks very much for the advice, will certainly check all that out when the time comes or ask the inspector to check those points - very helpful thanks again.

NickKerigan

129 posts

168 months

Monday 11th May 2015
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Hi, I have a 2005 612 with an F1 box and no problems.
I've not heard of any other major problems with them.

However I would always get a PPI done on any car of this type.
Good maintenance, rather than low mileage, is key