Market Segment:
High-performance luxury grand tourer
Target Audience:
Enthusiast owners, independent Ferrari specialists, and automotive repair professionals.
Key Competitors:
Aston Martin DB7, Bentley Continental R, Porsche 911 (993/996 generation)
Vehicle Selling Points:
Front-engine V12 layout, rear-wheel drive, Pininfarina design, exceptional V12 sound, luxurious interior, GT comfort with supercar performance.
Manual Benefit:
Provides authoritative, factory-accurate information essential for maintaining and repairing the 550 Maranello, crucial for preserving its value and performance.
Engine System Details:
Complete disassembly, inspection, assembly, and tuning of the 5.5L V12 engine, including valve timing, lubrication, cooling, ignition, and fuel injection systems.
Transmission System Details:
Service and repair of the manual transaxle, clutch system, and final drive assembly.
Suspension System Details:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, and wheel alignment procedures.
Brake System Details:
Brake caliper service, rotor replacement, hydraulic system bleeding, ABS component testing, and parking brake adjustments.
Steering System Details:
Power steering pump, rack and pinion, steering column, and tie rod end service.
Electrical System Details:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, component testing, diagnostic procedures for ECU, sensors, lighting, instrumentation, and power distribution.
HVAC System Details:
Climate control system operation, refrigerant handling, component replacement, and troubleshooting.
Body And Chassis Details:
Body panel alignment, door and window mechanisms, hood and trunk operation, and chassis component inspection.
Preventative Maintenance:
Detailed schedules for oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement, and belt inspections.
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic routines for common and uncommon issues, fault code interpretation, and symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Major Component Overhaul:
Complete rebuild procedures for engine, transmission, and differential, including torque specifications and assembly sequences.
Minor Repairs And Replacements:
Guidance on replacing wear items such as brake pads, spark plugs, belts, hoses, and filters.
Electrical Component Testing:
Methods for testing various electrical components using multimeters and oscilloscopes.
Wheel Alignment And Balancing:
Specifications and procedures for wheel alignment and tire balancing.
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from routine maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V12
Displacement:
5.5 Liters (5473 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
85 mm x 80 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.8:1
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Engine Management:
Bosch Motronic M5.2 (or similar evolution during production run)
Horsepower:
485 hp (362 kW) at 7000 rpm
Torque:
419 lb-ft (568 Nm) at 5000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane recommended)
Oil Capacity W Filter:
Approximately 12.5 Liters (requires specific Ferrari-approved synthetic oil)
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 17 Liters (requires specific coolant mixture)
Crash Test Data:
No official NHTSA or Euro NCAP ratings typically available for this limited production, high-performance exotic.
Traction Control:
ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) / Traction Control System
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners
Chassis Structure:
Steel spaceframe chassis with aluminum body panels for rigidity and weight savings.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically annually or every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km), but always consult the manual or Ferrari recommendations.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Not applicable; the F133A engine uses a timing chain.
Major Service Interval:
Significant service intervals usually marked by mileage or time (e.g., 15,000 - 30,000 miles) for spark plugs, fluid flushes, and inspections.
Engine Oil Specification:
Full Synthetic SAE 10W-40 or 5W-40, meeting Ferrari's specific viscosity and API/ACEA standards (e.g., API SN, ACEA A3/B4). Always verify with the manual.
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixed with distilled water in a 50/50 ratio. Specific Ferrari-approved coolant is recommended.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 High-Temperature Brake Fluid (e.g., Castrol SRF or equivalent racing/high-performance fluid)
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear (due to driving style), ignition coil issues, exhaust manifold leaks, aging suspension bushings, and potential for electronic component failure over time.
Electrical Gremlins:
Age-related issues with wiring harnesses, connectors, and electronic control units are not uncommon in high-performance vehicles of this era.
பராமরণ Cost Considerations:
Maintenance and repair costs are significantly higher than mainstream vehicles due to specialized parts, labor, and expertise required.
Legacy Association:
Ferrari's storied history of front-engined V12 grand tourers, including iconic models like the 250 GT, 275 GTB, and 365 GTB/4 'Daytona'.
Predecessor:
Ferrari 456 GT/GTS
Successor:
Ferrari 575M Maranello
Design Philosophy:
Return to a front-engined V12 layout after the mid-engined F355 and 456 GT. Emphasis on GT comfort, usability, and refined performance.
Production Years:
1996 - 2001 (as per manual coverage 1997-2002, indicating the model run)
Production Volume:
Approximately 2,431 units produced globally.
Manufacturing Location:
Maranello, Italy