1998 Ferrari 550 problems
The Ferrari 550 Maranello (tipo F133) is a front-engine V12 2-seat grand tourer built by Ferrari from 1996 to 2002. The 550 Maranello marked Ferrari's return to a front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout for its 2-seater 12-cylinder model, 23 years after the 365 GTB/4 Daytona had been replaced by the mid-engined Berlinetta Boxer.
In 2000, Ferrari introduced the 550 Barchetta Pininfarina, a limited production roadster version of the 550, limited to just 448 examples. The 550 was replaced by the upgraded 575M Maranello in 2002.
History
Since 1973, when the traditional front-engined 365 GTB/4 Daytona had been replaced by the mid-engined Berlinetta Boxer, Ferrari's top-of-the-line 12-cylinder 2-seater model had used a mid-mounted 180° 12-cylinder flat engine. The Berlinetta Boxer had later been developed into the Testarossa, the final evolution of which was the 1994 F512 M. Under the presidency of Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, who took office in 1991, the F512 M replacement was developed as a traditional front-engined V12 grand tourer.
After 30 months of development, the Ferrari 550 Maranello was unveiled in July 1996 at the Nürburgring racing circuit in Germany. The model's name referred to the 5.5-litres total engine displacement in decilitres and to the town of Maranello, home to the Ferrari headquarters and factory. Pininfarina executed both the exterior and interior design. The exterior design is credited to Elvio D'Aprile under the supervision of Lorenzo Ramaciotti, and created between 1993 and 1996. Maurizio Corbi, a Pininfarina sketch artist and designer, was also involved in the design process. The interior design was penned by Goran Popović. Frame and main engine components were shared with the 2+2 Ferrari 456, although at 2,500 mm (98.4 in), the 550's wheelbase was 100 mm (3.9 in) shorter.
In 2002 the 550 was replaced by the 575M Maranello, which was an all-around improved version (modificata in Ferrari parlance) of the car, rather than an all-new construction. The 575M was fitted with a larger 5.75-litre version of the F133 engine. In total 3,083 units of the 550 Maranello were produced between 1996 and 2001.
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Common 1998 Ferrari 550 problems
The Ferrari 550 Maranello, produced from 1996 to 2002, is a front-engine V12 2-seat grand tourer known for its excellent build quality, subtle looks, and fantastic engine. However, there are some common problems that owners have reported, particularly with the early 1997 and 1998 models.
- Gearbox issues: One of the most common problems with the early 1997 and 1998 Ferrari 550 models is related to the gearbox. The gearbox may not want to select the forward gears when lifting or pressing the clutch, which can be identified by the problematic gear selection. Gearbox rebuilds for these early models can be expensive.
- Steering wheel adjustment: The steering wheel adjustment should lock tight and not drop when pulled. If it does, the bottom pivot screw has probably been lost and replaced by a not shouldered screw. This issue can affect the overall driving experience and safety of the vehicle.
- Glove box compartment: The glove box compartment should close with a slid clunk and should not rattle when closed. If it does, the bottom pivot screw has probably been lost and replaced by a not shouldered screw, which can lead to rattling and other issues.
- Undertray mountings: Undertray mountings need secure mountings or they will be pulled down at speed and break at the front. This issue can affect the car's aerodynamics and performance, particularly at high speeds.
- Catalytic converters: Catalytic converters are quite expensive items for any car, and they need to be checked regularly. A car with poor or removed cats will fail an MOT, and it may not be insured as it is not road legal. For the potential 5% of extra breathing capacity, it's just not worth it.
- Accident damage: It's essential to carry out a HPI check on finance outstanding and any insurance accident payouts. If a Ferrari has a CAT C or D rating, it will considerably affect its value. If you're considering a damaged repaired car, it's essential that a Ferrari professional inspects the car for you.
- Airbag covers: Airbag covers can shrink but recovering needs to be done correctly as the original one is scored in the back for the sometimes softening the cover and potentially affecting its functionality.
In summary, while the Ferrari 550 Maranello is an outstanding car with excellent build quality and a fantastic engine, there are some common problems that owners have reported, particularly with the early 1997 and 1998 models. These issues include gearbox problems, steering wheel adjustment, glove box compartment rattling, undertray mountings, catalytic converters, accident damage, and airbag covers. It's essential to be aware of these potential issues when considering purchasing a Ferrari 550 Maranello, particularly if it's an early model.
Is Ferrari 550 a good car?
If I had to describe the 550 Maranello in one word, it would be pleasant. Seriously, the car is relentlessly pleasant. The engine makes a pleasant sound without being over the top. The interior is a pleasant place to be with comfy seats and sensibly laid out (for a car developed in Italy in the 90s) controls.
What is the fuel economy of a Ferrari 550?
Combined with fuel consumption in the 16-18mpg range, 320 miles per tank was the norm, and I even ventured beyond 360 miles on some occasions.
What did the Ferrari 550 replace?
Under the presidency of Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, who took office in 1991, the F512 M replacement was developed as a traditional front-engined V12 grand tourer. After 30 months of development, the Ferrari 550 Maranello was unveiled in July 1996 at the Nürburgring racing circuit in Germany.
How much is a 1998 Ferrari 550 Maranello?
A: The average price of a Ferrari 550 Maranello is $174,018.
1998 Ferrari 550 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ferrari 550 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Ferrari 550 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1998 Ferrari 550 complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Ferrari 550.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-07-10
- VIN: ZFFZR49A9W0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE AIRBAG ECU HAS FAILED ON A LOW BATTERY AND PART IS NOT AVAILABLE FROM FERRARI OR TRW ALTHOUGH THE CAR WAS CERTIFIED WITH AIRBAGS. AT TIME OF FAILURE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED DUE TO AN ALTERNATOR FAILURE THAT HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY. FERRARI SHOULD BE ABLE TO PROVIDE THIS SAFETY PART.
1998 Ferrari 550 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1998 Ferrari 550.
- Manufacturer: FERRARI NORTH AMERICA
- Components: STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE STEERING MAY BECOME STIFF DUE TO OVERHEATING OF THE POWER STEERING FLUID CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE HYDRAULIC SEALS IN THE STEERING BOX AND STEERING PUMP.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE DECREASED STEERING ABILITY DURING PARKING PROCEDURES.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER STEERING COOLING COIL, OIL TANK, OIL LINES, PUMP, AND BOX.
- Manufacturer: FERRARI NORTH AMERICA
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FUEL SUPPLY AND RETURN LINES CAN LEAK WHERE THE FERRULE OF THE UNION MEETS THE FLEXIBLE PIPE ALLOWING FUEL LEAKAGE.
- Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN FIRE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL SUPPLY AND RETURN LINES WITH NEW UPDATED LINES.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1998 Ferrari 550 problems:
Any 550 Maranello issues? | FerrariChat
550s are one of the most reliable and problem free modern ferraris if the few major known issues (listed pretty comprehensively by toggie) are ...
OT: Ferrari 550...how reliable are they? - Rennlist - Porsche ...
Aug 21, 2007 ... The 456s have this as a known problem, but not sure if it was dealt with on the 550. ... 550 Ferrari S/N 111317 was sold new on March 19, 1998 ...
Used Ferrari 550 - 1996-2002 Reliability & Common Problems ...
Jan 1, 2006 ... What should I look for in a used Ferrari 550 coupe? Our reliability surveys are as comprehensive as they can be, but cars this expensive are a ...
550 Clutch Pedal Adjustment | Ferrari Life Forum
Dec 24, 2010 ... You don't know who Ferrari ... I'd appreciate knowing if these are known common problems, and if any definitive solutions exist? ... But, not to ...
I daily drove a 2001 Ferrari 550 Maranello for 2 1/2 years, AMA : r/cars
Jan 26, 2022 ... Electronics and heat were our biggest challenges, and thankfully our mechanic is a brilliant fabricator and electronics specialist. He spent 14 ...
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