Every day tips for living with a 599
Discussion
On another note, Mark from MDL specialist cars gave me a follow up call to see if everything with the car was fine.
Only one thing of note is that despite the high miles being driven everyday, I'm starting to see the occasional "electrical system failure" on start up.
I'll need to test the battery when things are a little less hectic.
Only one thing of note is that despite the high miles being driven everyday, I'm starting to see the occasional "electrical system failure" on start up.
I'll need to test the battery when things are a little less hectic.
So far the Nordschleife training with Gedlich-Racing has gone really well. Morning was soaking so the first laps were learning the wet line. It mostly dried out by lunch time and we got lap times down to a consistent 9.10.
There was one flying lap after lunch but got a little fright as came over a crest late in the lap and it had rained heavily. Soon after the track closed due to snow!
Getting stickers and transponders
Lining up for the instructor laps
Lunch at the Pistenklause
There was one flying lap after lunch but got a little fright as came over a crest late in the lap and it had rained heavily. Soon after the track closed due to snow!
Getting stickers and transponders
Lining up for the instructor laps
Lunch at the Pistenklause
Things I've noted in the 599 at the Nurburgring
No matter the GT credentials and weight of this car, she's still very very fast and capable on track.
Wet mode works really well in the wet but hates carousel as it pulls all the power.
Wet mode, manual doesn't allow F1-S mode.
Sport mode copes best with the bumps but gives too much weight transfer.
Race mode manages the weight transfer best but there's too much vertical movement over the bumps upsetting the car.
Riding the curbs pushes back the pistons in the caliper so you need two presses of the brake or you feel like you have a long pedal / brake fade
The endless pads really have a lot more feel but produce massive amounts of brake dust
I really do like this car more and more.
I've now done 8,000 miles since getting the car at the end of January, the last 200 being on the Nurburgring.
I've got 2000 miles left till I have to call the insurance company about extending. Unfortunately I think work will send me away before I have to do that.
No matter the GT credentials and weight of this car, she's still very very fast and capable on track.
Wet mode works really well in the wet but hates carousel as it pulls all the power.
Wet mode, manual doesn't allow F1-S mode.
Sport mode copes best with the bumps but gives too much weight transfer.
Race mode manages the weight transfer best but there's too much vertical movement over the bumps upsetting the car.
Riding the curbs pushes back the pistons in the caliper so you need two presses of the brake or you feel like you have a long pedal / brake fade
The endless pads really have a lot more feel but produce massive amounts of brake dust
I really do like this car more and more.
I've now done 8,000 miles since getting the car at the end of January, the last 200 being on the Nurburgring.
I've got 2000 miles left till I have to call the insurance company about extending. Unfortunately I think work will send me away before I have to do that.
idealstandard said:
fantastic effort with that mileage, Sir!
I love to spend time in this car! Both of my friends on this trip agree that it's the best place just to sit in. It's really something special and makes me smile.
There was a lot of very nice cars at Nurburgring today. From MR 911 GT3 RS to 720s to Cupra Ateca and GR Yaris. All cars I can appreciate.
But not one made me think I'd rather be in that than in the 599 for this trip.
Except maybe an F12
But I was the only person on an expensive donkey. Another thing I like, it's individuality.
willy wombat said:
The boys and girls at the factory in Maranello will be delighted. That’s what they build these cars to do (rather than pose in Knightsbridge).
And the 599 has done them proud. Fingers crossed, not a single mechanical fault despite the stress of continuous high speed running and a Nordschleife trackday (unlike the 570s and AMG GT-R)No doubt she's seen the service department at various Ferrari dealers and MDL a lot!!
No doubt she's expensive to run, in maintenance and fuel.
After the snow the sun came out and we did a few more laps over the last hour. Wet patches meant it was very tricky and managing the under steer treacherous with the bumps and weight transfer.
But we all made it back to the hotel in one piece.
Parked outside the hotel https://www.agnesen-hof.de/ I can highly recommend this hotel. They've been helpful and the food quality amazing
Unfortunately the 570s cracked it's windscreen in carousel and the GT-R suffering from more warning lights, this time for brakes.
Tomorrow back to Blighty at an easy cruise
But we all made it back to the hotel in one piece.
Parked outside the hotel https://www.agnesen-hof.de/ I can highly recommend this hotel. They've been helpful and the food quality amazing
Unfortunately the 570s cracked it's windscreen in carousel and the GT-R suffering from more warning lights, this time for brakes.
Tomorrow back to Blighty at an easy cruise
Alexandra said:
That looks like a great trip.
What MPG did you get at the track?
Hi Alexandra,What MPG did you get at the track?
Thank you, it's been great fun.
Based on the transponder I did 16 laps, estimated 224 miles, including two sighting laps and about a third with the full track wet. Maybe a third of the laps were dry with short wet sections.
From the gauge I started with 3/4 tank. I filled up once putting 85 litres in and the tank is empty again. I estimate 160 litres (35 gallons) of fuel used.
This gives around 6 mpg in imperial units for the day.
On the drive back today the weather was getting a little wet so on the fly I switched to wet mode. Few seconds later I got a Manettino failure.
Because I've been getting electrical system failure warning message on start up I put it down to battery voltage.
We pulled over and I did the off/on to reset and on startup saw the same message
On the fly I switched to sport mode and the warning cleared straight away.
Another thing to check with the dealer. I'm concerned that when the car isn't on the cteck overnight I get the electrical system failure messages. I need to have the charging system / alternator checked too.
Because I've been getting electrical system failure warning message on start up I put it down to battery voltage.
We pulled over and I did the off/on to reset and on startup saw the same message
On the fly I switched to sport mode and the warning cleared straight away.
Another thing to check with the dealer. I'm concerned that when the car isn't on the cteck overnight I get the electrical system failure messages. I need to have the charging system / alternator checked too.
Alexandra said:
Every time I see an update to this thread I fear it's another problem with your 599; I'm so sorry you're having these issues. For what it's worth, you have a beautiful car.
And as for the track MPG, you clearly weren't trying hard enough
Hi Alexandra,And as for the track MPG, you clearly weren't trying hard enough
Thank you, she is a beautiful car.
I also think she told me I wasn't trying hard enough
When I did try harder she bit a couple times just to let me know I'm not good enough
I do tease her sometimes and tell her if you squint she looks like an old supra
The guys also put a lovely pink Nurburgring sticker on her butt
I have some TLC planned for her today. Lots of washing and cleaning.
I also have new air filters, oil change and plug into a Ferrari computer planned, hopefully this week.
So today I carried out a post autobahn / Nurburgring service and checks at MDL specialist cars. Lee at MDL was very busy but he made a ramp free and allowed me to work on the car under his supervision.
Power Steering fluid showed an increase in foaming and contamination. Aiden at Maranello Service was very helpful and confirmed the specification of oil used as Shell TX spirax S4 HDX and that the force feedback valve had not been changed.
When I get a chance I'll get the power steering system flushed clean and see if this helps the steering feedback consistency. If not the force feedback valve will need to be changed. Aiden said that this valve is difficult to get to and will be a big job.
Battery was checked / tested and it's fine
[url]
I have mentioned this to GreyPaul Nottingham and the Service Manager has said that their experience of "Electrical System Failure" warning messages with a good battery probably means that there's an earthing fault. I'm expecting that this will be difficult to find.
Oil level was checked at idle with engine running. This showed oil level at Min. I checked again using the handbook procedure and it came out at Max.
I was very pleased with this as it indicates the engine is "tight" and not using oil even after 2700 hard miles.
Oil and filter change performed including 1 litre of booster oil to help with 'tappety' valves (known issue with this engine.
Ferrari filters and the booster oil
9.5 litres of this went in plus 1 litre of booster oil (system is 12 according to the book)
Engine was drained, then the "dry sump tank". As can be seen, the oil looks very dark.
Sump plug for the 'dry sump reservoir'
Unfortunately the oil cooler cannot be drained, so a small amount of oil stays in the system.
Next the new air filters.
Unfortunately whoever had done the filters previously had also messed up the airbox seals (unless air pressure forced them out)
When installing them I noticed a shine in the intake sensors. Taking them off I saw oil inside.
If I hadn't syphoned out 250ml from the engine before going to Germany / Nurburgring who knows what problems might have happened.
Every thing was buttoned back up and engine run, level checked again. It was just at the bottom of the dipstick. 0.5 litres was added and level checked again. This put it at Min. 0.5 added again and level checked at minimum.
Car was then driven and oil level checked, coming out at +/- 300 ml over Max. This was drained out and level checked again. It showed the same, +/- 300 ml over Max.
I've decided to leave it, run the car for a bit and check again.
Power Steering fluid showed an increase in foaming and contamination. Aiden at Maranello Service was very helpful and confirmed the specification of oil used as Shell TX spirax S4 HDX and that the force feedback valve had not been changed.
When I get a chance I'll get the power steering system flushed clean and see if this helps the steering feedback consistency. If not the force feedback valve will need to be changed. Aiden said that this valve is difficult to get to and will be a big job.
Battery was checked / tested and it's fine
[url]
I have mentioned this to GreyPaul Nottingham and the Service Manager has said that their experience of "Electrical System Failure" warning messages with a good battery probably means that there's an earthing fault. I'm expecting that this will be difficult to find.
Oil level was checked at idle with engine running. This showed oil level at Min. I checked again using the handbook procedure and it came out at Max.
I was very pleased with this as it indicates the engine is "tight" and not using oil even after 2700 hard miles.
Oil and filter change performed including 1 litre of booster oil to help with 'tappety' valves (known issue with this engine.
Ferrari filters and the booster oil
9.5 litres of this went in plus 1 litre of booster oil (system is 12 according to the book)
Engine was drained, then the "dry sump tank". As can be seen, the oil looks very dark.
Sump plug for the 'dry sump reservoir'
Unfortunately the oil cooler cannot be drained, so a small amount of oil stays in the system.
Next the new air filters.
Unfortunately whoever had done the filters previously had also messed up the airbox seals (unless air pressure forced them out)
When installing them I noticed a shine in the intake sensors. Taking them off I saw oil inside.
If I hadn't syphoned out 250ml from the engine before going to Germany / Nurburgring who knows what problems might have happened.
Every thing was buttoned back up and engine run, level checked again. It was just at the bottom of the dipstick. 0.5 litres was added and level checked again. This put it at Min. 0.5 added again and level checked at minimum.
Car was then driven and oil level checked, coming out at +/- 300 ml over Max. This was drained out and level checked again. It showed the same, +/- 300 ml over Max.
I've decided to leave it, run the car for a bit and check again.
When selecting reverse the button disappeared.
The trim panel was popped out and the plastic bracket holding the button in place had broken.
Lee at MDL made temporary repair with large washers until I can get a new bracket from Ferrari. No doubt this will not be an item Ferrari keep.
But at least for the moment I can select reverse
(Sorry Alexandra)
The trim panel was popped out and the plastic bracket holding the button in place had broken.
Lee at MDL made temporary repair with large washers until I can get a new bracket from Ferrari. No doubt this will not be an item Ferrari keep.
But at least for the moment I can select reverse
(Sorry Alexandra)
Checked the brakes also
The Endless MX72 pads produce loads of dust. The front disks have gone 'dark' and I'm not sure if this is due to pad material transfering to the disk or wear.
Front
Rear
It's difficult to see in the photos but the rear CCM are more shiny. Remaining pad material front and rear look good.
I'll get GreyPaul Nottingham to check on the computer.
The Endless MX72 pads produce loads of dust. The front disks have gone 'dark' and I'm not sure if this is due to pad material transfering to the disk or wear.
Front
Rear
It's difficult to see in the photos but the rear CCM are more shiny. Remaining pad material front and rear look good.
I'll get GreyPaul Nottingham to check on the computer.
On the way home from MDL the satnav said there was traffic. The 599 hates traffic. 160 cruise for hours, no issue. 5 minutes in traffic, big issue.
So I took the long winding road. This is the ridge road with the roaches in the background
Stopped at Morrison's to collect from an Amazon locker
When I look at this car in these conditions, she's perfect
I don't want that F12
So I took the long winding road. This is the ridge road with the roaches in the background
Stopped at Morrison's to collect from an Amazon locker
When I look at this car in these conditions, she's perfect
I don't want that F12
Checked the oil in the Morrison's carpark.
Handbook method, -/+ 300 ml above Max
Independent method, about 1/3 above Min
It's easy to understand why these engines get overfilled so often.
I'll take 300ml out when I get the chance. And if I do another trackday in the 599, I'll take another 250ml out.
Handbook method, -/+ 300 ml above Max
Independent method, about 1/3 above Min
It's easy to understand why these engines get overfilled so often.
I'll take 300ml out when I get the chance. And if I do another trackday in the 599, I'll take another 250ml out.
idealstandard said:
have pinged you a message back.
What's the difference between the stickers under the bonnet method (check the oil when engine temp is above 70c and engine running) and the handbook method?
Hi IdealStandard,What's the difference between the stickers under the bonnet method (check the oil when engine temp is above 70c and engine running) and the handbook method?
Got it and sent a reply, again, thank you very much, it really is much appreciated.
The independent recommends that oil level is checked (warm 70-80 deg C) with the engine at idle
The handbook method is engine warm (as above), then then rev to 4k rpm for one minute, engine off and immediately check level. After two minutes the level cannot be taken and the warming, revving procedure needs to be repeated
575MF1 said:
Don't know what handbook you are referring to. Both WSM and Handbook say check level 'without turning engine off'
When I bought the car it came with 2 manuals. One in Italian, one in English. This is from the English owners handbook dated 2010
1. Idle engine to 85-90 deg C ( struggle to get above 80 unless in traffic, so normally drive it a little then idle)
2. Rev to 4500 rpm ( the throttle is very sensitive so I just keep between 4-5k rpm)
3. Engine at idle and check within 2 minutes ( I turn off and check immediately after the 4-5k rpm. I normally dip 3 times and I have not noticed any difference between the first and third reading)
Note that I always check with two methods, first as recommended by the independent with the engine at idle and then again immediately after 1 min of running the engine at minimum of 4k.
The reason I do this is to try to get an oil reading that is a little closer to the higher loads for track driving and sustained high revs. I want the check at idle to be above minimum and the check after high revs to be at the max to prevent excess crank case pressure and hopefully prevent engine damage or damage to the intake sensors that was seen before.
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