Every day tips for living with a 599
Discussion
So the oil pressure light on the dash winked that horrible heart sinking wink at me.
Just for a few seconds Then went off. Did it three times, all when the car was at a steady motorway cruise after a couple hours driving. 3 hours more driving and nothing.
Please excuse the picture while driving but I had to capture the evidence quickly.
Checked the manual and this can be an indication of sensor failure as I'm confident that the oil level is correct and in good condition.
A call to Dean at GreyPaul and unfortunately this is a big job to fix as the inlet manifold needs to be removed to access the sensor. I'll monitor for the moment and see if it becomes more regular. I don't really like leaving things unaddressed.
Just for a few seconds Then went off. Did it three times, all when the car was at a steady motorway cruise after a couple hours driving. 3 hours more driving and nothing.
Please excuse the picture while driving but I had to capture the evidence quickly.
Checked the manual and this can be an indication of sensor failure as I'm confident that the oil level is correct and in good condition.
A call to Dean at GreyPaul and unfortunately this is a big job to fix as the inlet manifold needs to be removed to access the sensor. I'll monitor for the moment and see if it becomes more regular. I don't really like leaving things unaddressed.
aundre-3000 said:
Jesus Christ mate you’ve been through the ringer. I thought I’d completed warning light bingo on my 612 but you’ve 100% trumped me.
Save aways going to the dealer for a diagnosis have you looked at getting an autel I think is ap200. it’s been pretty handy when a dealer isnt around to quickly diagnose any issues. It also gives you clutch wear.
I occasionally had a engine control system failure flash. Normally after 200 miles on a 6th gear pull at low revs on the motorway. Quick check and had a misfire on cylinder 4. I’m due to change the plugs just haven’t gotten around to it yet.
Fingers crossed is not the sensor for you mate !
Hi aundre-3000, I have certainly seen the dealer a lot. But I do consider that considering the milage I've done it's not been so bad and just working through the problems from the age and type of usage. Save aways going to the dealer for a diagnosis have you looked at getting an autel I think is ap200. it’s been pretty handy when a dealer isnt around to quickly diagnose any issues. It also gives you clutch wear.
I occasionally had a engine control system failure flash. Normally after 200 miles on a 6th gear pull at low revs on the motorway. Quick check and had a misfire on cylinder 4. I’m due to change the plugs just haven’t gotten around to it yet.
Fingers crossed is not the sensor for you mate !
I will have to look at getting the diagnostic tool you mentioned, I believe IdealStandard has also recommended
There's a real family resemblance between the 612 and the 599, especially around the nose. Another very underrated car.
idealstandard said:
These are the ones i have:
https://www.fiammenghiitalia.com/en/prodotto/6-1-h...
And a video of cold startup with them on (volume warning)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ei3LiyYwDE
They are also a work of art:
Just gorgeous https://www.fiammenghiitalia.com/en/prodotto/6-1-h...
And a video of cold startup with them on (volume warning)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ei3LiyYwDE
They are also a work of art:
My Mum asked me to come and visit so I decided to take the 599 as she has only seen the car on the security camera after I got rumbled by my own alarm system 
This meant another call to REIS Motorsport for a milage increase as I'd done 9300 miles. The underwriter agreed to 15,000 miles but also said that they would not agree to another increase and this will automatically be reduced to 10k on renewal.
On the drive to Scotland took mostly motorway and at the last minute stopped off to see a friend in Edinburgh and had to go cross country. A702 is quite a fun road but traffic prevented anything but a slow frustrating drive.
Had lunch at Prestonfield House https://www.prestonfield.com/
View from the garden with Arthur's Seat in the background
On the way into the hotel grounds I noticed a sign for Rosslyn Chapel https://www.rosslynchapel.com/ so stayed a little longer.
Then the 3 hour drive to Mum's. On pulling up to her door she greeted me with the kind loving words all Mum's do "It sounds like a lawn mower and you look like a w
ker in your posh car"
At least no warning lights
This meant another call to REIS Motorsport for a milage increase as I'd done 9300 miles. The underwriter agreed to 15,000 miles but also said that they would not agree to another increase and this will automatically be reduced to 10k on renewal.
On the drive to Scotland took mostly motorway and at the last minute stopped off to see a friend in Edinburgh and had to go cross country. A702 is quite a fun road but traffic prevented anything but a slow frustrating drive.
Had lunch at Prestonfield House https://www.prestonfield.com/
View from the garden with Arthur's Seat in the background
On the way into the hotel grounds I noticed a sign for Rosslyn Chapel https://www.rosslynchapel.com/ so stayed a little longer.
Then the 3 hour drive to Mum's. On pulling up to her door she greeted me with the kind loving words all Mum's do "It sounds like a lawn mower and you look like a w
ker in your posh car"At least no warning lights
willy wombat said:
I drive the 702 quite often on my trips from Sussex to Edinburgh to see family. Very tempting road when traffic is light but beware of the boys in blue. They also know it’s a very tempting drive and are often out with their cameras.
Yes, have to agree, they're getting very strict and lots of the villages now have 20mph limit.I actually think the section going south west is more fun, much quieter and less built-up.
outnumbered said:
Since you've used it so much so far, isn't this going to cramp your style a bit for the rest of the year ?
Hi outnumbered,If I was going to be home all year, for sure. But the latest I'll be in the UK is till August and most likely I'll be leaving for work much sooner and I'll probably be out there till the end of the year.
A little childish prank on my Mum today as she said the neighbours Tesla model 3 is faster than my car to 60. I agreed, 4WD traction and all that but I said I bet I'd beat him to 100.
So on the way to taking my Mum to the gym I took a back road I know from school days, nice long quiet straight with no junctions. Stopped the car and said "shall we see how fast?"
Mum "no. No! Nooooooo!!!! Please stop."
The screams were a joy to hear! I'm obviously a very bad son.
Mum's always have the last word.
"The Tesla would have done that without making any noise"
So on the way to taking my Mum to the gym I took a back road I know from school days, nice long quiet straight with no junctions. Stopped the car and said "shall we see how fast?"
Mum "no. No! Nooooooo!!!! Please stop."
The screams were a joy to hear! I'm obviously a very bad son.
Mum's always have the last word.
"The Tesla would have done that without making any noise"
So the last few days have been frustrating, the first time a fault has actually pissed me off.
Been visiting family, giving people drives, all great. Decided to wash the car, just bucket and hose (no kit at Mum's house). Afterwards goes to put it in the garage and the driver's side window drops and won't go up when the door closes. Press the window switch up and down - nothing, not even a click.
Try lock unlock. Car alarms but door doesn't lock and have to explain to Vodafone automotive that's there's a problem with the car.
Do a little Google research and it's not uncommon but none of the internet fixes work and disconnecting the battery just means errors and inputting the radio code. I can't find the limit switch.
Leave it overnight, maybe she'll be in a better mood in the morning.
Nope
Weather is not looking like it's going to be good for the drive home so do a little redneck engineering.
Window gap
Now filled with shower seal
It works, it's a little noisy but it keeps the water out.
The day I'm supposed to drive back the autel AP200 arrives so I test it to see if there's a fault.
Plug it into the connector hidden behind this panel
Do a full scan and there's 13 errors!
Most of the errors I put down to disconnecting the batter but #7 is interesting.
I click into the window switch and there's button that says restore default values.
I press it but nothing seems to happen.
Disconnect the AP200. Test the door but nothing happens once it's closed. Try the window switch and the window goes up and down.
Go through the re-learn process mentioned on Ferrarichat just in case.
Test the door open close and the window drops and goes back up as normal.
Who knows what was going on? Not sure I actually did anything.
Been visiting family, giving people drives, all great. Decided to wash the car, just bucket and hose (no kit at Mum's house). Afterwards goes to put it in the garage and the driver's side window drops and won't go up when the door closes. Press the window switch up and down - nothing, not even a click.
Try lock unlock. Car alarms but door doesn't lock and have to explain to Vodafone automotive that's there's a problem with the car.
Do a little Google research and it's not uncommon but none of the internet fixes work and disconnecting the battery just means errors and inputting the radio code. I can't find the limit switch.
Leave it overnight, maybe she'll be in a better mood in the morning.
Nope
Weather is not looking like it's going to be good for the drive home so do a little redneck engineering.
Window gap
Now filled with shower seal
It works, it's a little noisy but it keeps the water out.
The day I'm supposed to drive back the autel AP200 arrives so I test it to see if there's a fault.
Plug it into the connector hidden behind this panel
Do a full scan and there's 13 errors!
Most of the errors I put down to disconnecting the batter but #7 is interesting.
- 7 NQS Instrument Cluster - oil pressure pressure sensor missed. Is this also battery related, the sensor or the dash?
I click into the window switch and there's button that says restore default values.
I press it but nothing seems to happen.
Disconnect the AP200. Test the door but nothing happens once it's closed. Try the window switch and the window goes up and down.
Go through the re-learn process mentioned on Ferrarichat just in case.
Test the door open close and the window drops and goes back up as normal.
Who knows what was going on? Not sure I actually did anything.
DeejRC said:
Good effort on the miles Cake.
With your travails and the amount of miles I did in 9months, Im glad I went the F12 now and not the 599. I lack anything like the patience you display with the car!
Great thread on basically writing the self help book for the 599 though!
Hi DeejRC,With your travails and the amount of miles I did in 9months, Im glad I went the F12 now and not the 599. I lack anything like the patience you display with the car!
Great thread on basically writing the self help book for the 599 though!
I agree with you about the F12. Maybe I was just expecting some problems with the 599 and this has given me a little extra patience.
Plus when she's good, she really is very very good!
Not in F12 league I'm happy to admit but will give me some room to change a few things and hopefully not affect value too much.
Though, at the moment I have no intention of selling.
FFinally said:
Notwithstanding the gremlins, it does look superb when out on the open road - will keep an eye out should you be at Sywell in June. Still enjoying your updates!
In a completely different way, she's really got under my skin, I love spending time in this car. She doesn't draw too much attention and when she does it's universally positive - so far.Unfortunately I have confirmation that work are sending me away Friday and no end date for my return to Blighty
DeejRC said:
If it makes you feel any better cake, Im eye'ing up a 360M Spider and wondering how much Im going to have to spend *after* Ive bought it...
At least your eyes are open. No matter how much reading you do, inspections etc, you just don't know what it's going to cost you.So as I've passed 11,000 miles I thought I'd list my service and maintenance costs including labour and VAT.
PAS pump - replacement under warranty
Repair / replacement of air flow meters due to engine oil overfill
Oil and filter change
Replace front lower wishbones
Replace front track rod ends
Gearbox learn
20mm spacer kit
Total 6,500
Replace RF Wheel bearing
2 x front tyres
AGM battery
Total 1,500
GTO ARBs and bushes
Gearbox oil
Air filters
Total 3,400
Annual service (oil and filter change)
Total 600
PAS oil replacement
Diagnostic
Cat bypass pipes
Total 1,200
Fuel at approximately 50p per mile.
It's an eye watering sum but I feel privileged to own this car and very very lucky that I can maintain it.
Given that previously this 599 had averaged 2,000 miles per year, I've done my man maths and calculated my actual cost for 5 years motoring in a Ferrari at about 4,000 per annum without any real depreciation in value of the car
Edited by cake eater on Friday 20th May 13:14
Yesterday I was a chauffeur service for a friend who was given a McLaren factory visit and had kindly asked me to be his plus 1.
There were a few others on the visit, all new McLaren owners. Everyone asking what they came in. All but two came in their McLarens. There was a little banter about turning up in a Ferrari because we didn't want the panels to fly off. But everyone was seriously trumped by the father and son who flew in in their helicopter and got in trouble for landing on the lawn in front of the lake!
McLaren brownies
Interestingly the new Artura has 'flying buttresses' like the 599
Secret James Bond style room with a 675LT
A couple of my favourite displays
The inside of last year's car.
And I even got a mug
It was a really nice visit and we were given some fun insights. I'd definitely go again.
There were a few others on the visit, all new McLaren owners. Everyone asking what they came in. All but two came in their McLarens. There was a little banter about turning up in a Ferrari because we didn't want the panels to fly off. But everyone was seriously trumped by the father and son who flew in in their helicopter and got in trouble for landing on the lawn in front of the lake!
McLaren brownies
Interestingly the new Artura has 'flying buttresses' like the 599
Secret James Bond style room with a 675LT
A couple of my favourite displays
The inside of last year's car.
And I even got a mug
It was a really nice visit and we were given some fun insights. I'd definitely go again.
DeejRC said:
Cool visit and pics 
Your wife doesn’t see the bills I’m presuming Cake…?
Ex wife, so no she doesn't see the bills. Your wife doesn’t see the bills I’m presuming Cake…?
There's a funny story to this. I always wanted something special. Wife always said racing or something special, not both. Well I gave up racing and it was still no because I'd just spend more money modifying it.
Well, I guess she was right as usual
So a quick update to this thread. Been a while away with work but had some family reasons to come back for a few days. With the stress of the traveling and other things going on, I thought I would take the 599. That car has pretty much put a smile on my face every time and it certainly did again. Unfortunately I had forgotten what a gentle touch the 599 likes, particularly when manoeuvring. I've only a few inches clearance to reverse into my garage when I realised the left side was too tight and pressed reverse (only I didn't hold it long enough) tapped the throttle and hit the wall with the wing mirror.
A rather large amount of later, a little gaffa tape and she's back under the Caterham ready for me to go back to work.
A call to Ferrari the next day to check for a replacement mirror cover. But they don't do that! They only replace the full mirror, at a cost of 1250 plus VAT, plus paint plus fitting. Oh how I laughed and laughed
On eBay I found a whole mirror for just under 700 so bought that. I will have to get it painted and fitted but that will have to wait till I am back next time.
Best wishes and good health to all. And remember. Long gentle press when you're playing with her buttons.
Cake
A rather large amount of
later, a little gaffa tape and she's back under the Caterham ready for me to go back to work.A call to Ferrari the next day to check for a replacement mirror cover. But they don't do that! They only replace the full mirror, at a cost of 1250 plus VAT, plus paint plus fitting. Oh how I laughed and laughed
On eBay I found a whole mirror for just under 700 so bought that. I will have to get it painted and fitted but that will have to wait till I am back next time.
Best wishes and good health to all. And remember. Long gentle press when you're playing with her buttons.
Cake
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