550 M Reliable ? Any Issues / Faults ?

[neutral 3]

Thinking Grigio / Red trim.... Stunning !!

Any one on here Owned or driven one ?

[johnnyreggae]

Wasn't there a thread about these late last week ?

[JazzyO]

The thread last week was on 575 but I commented with my 550 experiences.

I've done this several times so will keep it short. Yes, it is reliable. Very. Not too many known issues. High oil pressure on early examples ('96, early '97). There was something with the factory rims early on too. See the FerrariLife buying guide for these.

I've had a failed clutch pressure group and an erratic computer in 30k miles. That's it.

Not too expensive to run, great looks, plenty speed, practical (for a Ferrari). Just a fantastic car.


Onno

[neutral 3]

Thanks for the replys and good news re reliability and running costs .

looking forward to a drive of one.

Nice Griff by the Way !!

[AndrewW-G]

Early engine mounts were also known to wear out, causing the motor to squish one of the oil lines

[JazzyO]

Andrew is right, that is an issue, although I haven't seen it yet in my 45k mile example.

When you test drive the 550 make sure you make full use of the long throttle travel. Some people are a bit disappointed when they come out of one but that just means they haven't driven it well. Full throttle above 5k rpm she still rockets (0 - 120 in 14.4 is not too bad).

Thanks for the compliment on the Griff, still 9 months to go...


Onno

[Drclarke]

My brother in law had one from new, beautiful car but found that the top of the dashboard went loose and baggy.

Not sure if it's a common problem but it was replaced under warranty anyway

[cgt2]

Only other couple of things that come to mind are getting the steering rack checked, looking for corrosion on the very front of the bonnet underside (from underneath) and looking for airbag shrinkage (due to poor quality glue Ferrari used in 1998 and 1999). Otherwise, as stated above, a very reliable car.

[JMC1]

Do not delay buy one today fab cars I do not think they will get much cheaper.
I did not do enough miles in mine to get any problems do not know why I sold mine.
You will not be disappointed. I had a grigio one then later a red one never liked the red as much as the grey. The grigio with oxblood is so classic and classy.

[Dino550]

They are pretty reliable. Mine is that colour. Looks great.

I've had a few issues in nearly 4 years:

- oil hose leak needing replacement (£150 to replace)
- A/C (£100 to weld it)
- cam belt gear worn, needing repalcement so also replaced belts early.
- gasket replacement - again so replaced cam belts a year early
- flat battery twice. Own fault for not using it or charging it over winter


Overall I'm very happy with its reliability.

Buy one!

[Rocksteadyeddie]

Here you go: http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3220429.htm

SGM have sold this car 3 times now, so they have a really good view on its provenance. Looks great in the metal (I know this as I was poking round it the other day and doing "man maths").

[Grandpa Potts]

I was told by the Owners Club that the front crankshaft pully can fail, so I replaced mine 'just in case'. On closer inspection, I don't think dropping off the top of a multi-storey would have caused it the slightest bother.

As others have said, buy one, only make it red...

[JazzyO]

Drclarke said:

My brother in law had one from new, beautiful car but found that the top of the dashboard went loose and baggy.

Not sure if it's a common problem but it was replaced under warranty anyway

Fairly common problem, particularly if the car was exposed to lots of sunlight. OTH, my 2000 car doesn't suffer from it after 11 years, except for some wrinkly leather on the passenger air bag cover. I haven't yet been able to work out why quite a few 550's have this issue and others don't, it may be the glue used. But I think that if it hasn't happened yet (in between 10 and 15 years' time), then it is unlikely to start becoming a problem now.


Onno

[2ba 355]

Could anyone elaborate on what the steering rack issue is . Is it the rack itself or the mountings ?

Thanks

James

[neutral 3]

Thanks for all the replies, much appreciated . Want to do my homework first .

A few more questions , What are they like to drive ? Do they feel heavy and bulky ? Steering feedback ? High speed stability ? Brakes ? Suspension Bilsteins ? Or Koni ?

How do they compare against say an Aston, 911 Turbo etc ? And what Options were available ? I am trying to source a Sales Brochure , anyone have one ?

Beleive I am correct in that they have a claimed 485 BHP ? And what is the weight I'n KGs ?

And yes, it just Has to be Grigio and Red !!

Any owners I'n the Essex ish area ?

[FerrariV8]

The buying guide on our website will help you. www.walkersport.co.uk

T.

[rs48635]

neutral 3 said:

Thanks for all the replies, much appreciated . Want to do my homework first .

A few more questions , What are they like to drive ? Do they feel heavy and bulky ? Steering feedback ? High speed stability ? Brakes ? Suspension Bilsteins ? Or Koni ?

How do they compare against say an Aston, 911 Turbo etc ? And what Options were available ? I am trying to source a Sales Brochure , anyone have one ?

Beleive I am correct in that they have a claimed 485 BHP ? And what is the weight I'n KGs ?

And yes, it just Has to be Grigio and Red !!

Any owners I'n the Essex ish area ?

Not driven, but been a passenger in well driven car. I have one top top top of my keeper list.

EVO magazine do a car of the year competition, which the 550 duly won. Many years after the 550 won, they did a car of the decade, which the 550 still won against 911s, Lambos and the Pagani Zonda. Issue 066 April 2004
EVO owner Harry Metcalfe ran a red one personally for 18 months, so lots of running reports to read up on.
Pretty sure the performance and handling "still have it", for me at least.