My Ferrari 550 Maranello Returns after 18 Months Away - What Happened?

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Today an update on my 1999 Ferrari 550 Maranello. My first Ferrari, and one of my all time favourite cars. It has been a trying few years, and most recently the 550 was away for all of 2023 - but why?
#Ferrari #V12 #italiancars
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[@JayEmmOnCars]

CarVertical: The History Checking Service Use this link or code "JAYEMM" for a discount! www.carvertical.com/gb/landing/v3?b=1e4c9523&a=JayEmm&voucher=jayemm&chan=jayemm

[@jamesfairmind2247]

As a ex 1999 550 owner who enjoyed 112,000 trouble free miles I find these experiences quite odd. I suspect earlier owners did not follow the "Ferraristi "rule of "warm up slowly then when the oil temp reaches 220 on the gauge, thrash the living daylights out of the thing". Certainly worked for me over 260,000 miles of trouble free Ferrari ownership. Trouble is most owners thrash from cold and then drive like a cissy.

[@TheSteinbitt]

Ferrari is Italias pos

[@keithjackson4985]

Thanks for that.😂 I may have to take the plunge?

[@Jowurel]

You’ve been lucky with your cars, which is great!

[@dl6860]

Maybe his wasn't driven regularly, even if you follow your recipe if you let it sit for a year, you'll have these issues

[@barrybritcher]

220 good god. Do the Italians use Fahrenheit?

[@Audfile]

Why do Ferraris require such massive, constant maintenance? Its not a space shuttle. That must be their scam. Its so finely tuned, so special, you need a $20,000 service at 12,000 miles.

[@power2me1]

Good for you. I got my argento/nero '99 550 about 10 years ago w 15k miles, now has almost 50k. It hasn't been cheap, but it has been glorious. Never forget, they hate to sit and will remind you if ignored.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

I find that to be true of all these older performance cars - ignore them at your peril!

[@Will_M600]

​@JayEmmOnCars if you ever run out of time to drive them im happy to offer my services free of charge!

[@aureliusxbt]

argento/nero is the combo i like. eyeing one up...

[@andrewnorris5415]

Trouble is many of these cars depreciate if put the miles on, plus classic insurance is mile limited. And there are other bills if use them a lot. Tyres and routine parts are generally expensive.

[@power2me1]

@@andrewnorris5415 Newsflash: Ferraris are expensive to buy, ... and own. Who knew?

[@TML34]

James, if someone proves they can't do a simple job right the first time, don't go back. 7 months to re-do some plastic bits, that ludicrous!

[@morphyon]

22mpg??? You serious? That’s exceptionally good

[@erkkavilhunen7852]

It is possible when driving on motorway following speed limits. German autobahn is another matter. But even there 100mph average speed and 300 miles is possible with one 100L tank fill up.

[@CaptHollister]

Imperial gallons. If he used US gallons, it would be 18mpg

[@denzbeanz2]

As TVR owner that has gone above and beyond to make it the best there is out there I love seeing content like this and cars getting much appreciated love

[@JayEmmOnCars]

We are not so different you and I, both custodians of needy but wonderful mistresses

[@andrewnorris5415]

@@JayEmmOnCars Does your daily know about these other needy ones ;)

[@godsgranddad]

The trouble with cars like this is they get babied. They do 500 miles a year and the car absolutely fucking hates it. If you use the cars like the Lord intended, you'll get a lot more use and a lot more time between big bills

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

Well said. Bentley's and Rolls Royce's are 'my bag' and from experience I will go for a higher mileage, regularly serviced example over a pampered 'garage queen' every time.

[@normsallitt2753]

This is not the case with James' 550. His car has close to 100k on the odometer, so it's obviously not been a babied garage queen.

[@godsgranddad]

@@normsallitt2753 yes I wasn't referring to James' car. I mean in general. He was talking about how these cars are reputed to require big bills every time you want to drive them

[@Santoshlv426]

I'm guilty of this with my Jaguar F Type. I've only done 850 miles/year for the past 5 years !! I expect it will fall into a heap if I drive it more than 100km in one drive

[@normsallitt2753]

@@Santoshlv426 LOL!!!

[@Zadster]

105,000 miles? Good work. Cars are made to be driven, nice to see this one actively being enjoyed. A Ferrari for grown-ups.

[@NomadJRG]

Great to get an update on the 550 James. Glad that it's back in your hands and you're enjoying it!

[@thomascharnock]

I doubt I'll ever earn enough to own a Ferrari, but I'm enjoying living the high life through your videos! Looks beautiful, glad you got everything sorted and can now enjoy driving it 🙌

[@duffydon1741]

I used to think i would never ever own anything past $100k until it happened, thats when i learnt that anything is possible as long as you can see it in your mind, you can achieve it..

[@davidnimmo5115]

I have always loved the shape of this Ferrari.I remember one silver one parked in my street I gave him the thumbs up and he gave me thumbs up for my Ducati 600 Monster.

[@eric-wb7gj]

TY J! 🙏🙏 Great to see it back again!

[@DavidJones-cf6ph]

These cars “get under your skin” and you forgive them these large bills as, as you say they are just so damm good… I am a fellow sufferer and have a ‘99 550 in Giallo Fly, to me it’s such a lovely car to look at and drive I don’t really care what it costs!!

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Oooh Giallo Fly you lucky devil

[@matthewpumfrey2178]

Can't be many in that colour

[@grantmckendry3323]

Stunning 550. It's great your transparent about the cost of ownership, and it's great you talk openly and honestly about the positive and negative experiences with suppliers - owners of older cars know thing's go wrong and suppliers have issues, but good suppliers will work with you to get them resolved in a timely manner.

[@jl1912]

One of my favourite modern Ferraris. Thanks for the open and honest update. It brings to life the reality of owning something like this which is helpful. I hope you are able to now enjoy many trouble free miles in it.

[@testdriveph]

Beautiful car and you're right, folks with older Ferraris seem to be left alone and respected. Txs for the great content as always

[@JohnAgustinScuderia458595]

What are you doing here? 😂

[@plife911]

Very informative and inspiring video.True classic ferrari ownership experience. Its amazing, since I started watching your channel how many Ferraris you have owned and driven. Enjoy this beauty in good health and happy motoring!

[@markmushypeas313]

Love your honesty and frank commentary. Thanks

[@Paynos]

A 575 (f1) was my first taste of performance driving on an experience day when I was about 12, and I've felt like an outcast loving the shape and style of these up until the past few years when everyone seems to have changed their tune and started loving them. Love seeing you use this thing as intended, and sharing it with the world. Hope you're well mate.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Much better for this being back! Good to hear from you chap

[@RichardFanders]

I hope you're doing well, I didn't know there where experience days that allowed 12 year old's to drive. I would have loved that.

[@Paynos]

@@RichardFanders Hope you’re doing well too Richard. The track i bumped into you at does them now also! Wonder if we could convince James for a drift day

[@user-sf7kl9uh7k]

You're best video this year, very nice. Good detail, storyline and well concluded. James is now my 2nd favourite KZbinr Such a nice car, sounds awesome.

[@tonymoreton7166]

Keep an eye on the siren. I replaced the one on my 360. A lot of the stock sirens are old and the internal rechargeable batteries fail very quickly. We had to open up the siren, remove the failing batteries & then wire up new external rechargeable batteries that can be got at & replaced when they start to go again.

[@huwprice881]

My dream Ferrari, a car to enjoy at sensible and not so sensible speeds and with that 6spd manual making it even more pleasurable. Thank you for the great videos!

[@cobra1010]

Dear James, you are a bit of a problem magnet, it seems! 😀 But I am glad that your love for the 550 remains unclouded! And you are absolutely righ - the Ferrari 550 and 575 are some of the greatest GT cars ever made. The joy to drive them is enormous and never ending. I drive a 575 and an FF. I just love these cars and am also willing to spend a lot of money in order to keep them in proper shape. Thank you for you videos, always a pleasure to watch! Cheers!

[@global_nomad.]

if the car sings, and you sing, we can get our supper.....feasting on your content is a joy!

[@CCFerrariF1]

JayEmm, I haven’t watched your reviews in several months and I immediately noticed your weight loss. Great work!! Keep it up - also, 550 Maranello is my boyhood dream car. Cheers from America 🇺🇸 best of luck

[@clinth4891]

Had to cut back on food to maintain that Ferrari… yikes

[@jamesf8864]

Nice one, James. Your vids are always a good watch 🙌

[@TheHutchRuns]

Really enjoyed the video Jay, keep on driving that brilliant car like it should be driven!

[@CraigMcB68]

Finally!! Looking forward to this one.

[@chriscampbell1309]

Your perseverance with your passion is admirable depsite all the cost and heartache

[@RichPober]

Dealing with one-man-band car restoration service providers can be extremely frustrating, especial when their personal life falls apart and it then impacts the customer, who has to wait until they sort themselves out. The bane of my car restoration life is finding reliable interior woodwork restorers - I'm pretty sure there is no such person.

[@GadgetMart]

This channel is like a rich man’s version of ‘Hub Nut’ with the financial dysfunction

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

This is one of the few channels where I don't get critised for commenting on Rolls Royce ownership. The only other one being Shmee 150.

[@vrsmartin2981]

Wow. That's eye watering. You need more videos and road trips in it mate so it starts earning its keep... Enjoy

[@Wanderhirsch]

I am still waiting for the update on the S2000! Congrats on getting the 550 back, it's stunning

[@dodgycurry]

the 550 and 575 have for a long time been my favourite and dream ferraris

[@rcclassicgarage]

Great video, I also have a serious dose of “forgiveness factor”, hope you get to enjoy the 550 now

[@machohogan]

That’s my Friday luck time viewing. Thank you Jayemm

[@domtoni4567]

One thing about Ferraris, they do stimulate the passion. I had to do new motor mounts, shocks and transmission sensor on my 2010 California. I do enjoy it.

[@life_of_focus]

Love your videos. Comprehensive reviews, great scripts and beautifully delivered. Keep it going for petrol heads like me

[@Nialletto]

Really fantastic to see the 550 back with you. I'm hoping for a mini series when you take it down to Ferrari in Italy? And I've made a note of wemoveit - I'm a southerner who lives in Scotland and have been on the look out for a reliable and properly priced vehicle mover (Bamford Rose to Edinburgh without putting miles on etc)!

[@iainstewart6200]

Great to see the old girl back again James.

[@CyberSales007]

Love your passion. I'm a big fan of the 550. I feel in love at first sight, in Auckland, New Zealand.

[@saddoncarrs6963]

A lot of expense, and a lot of down time - but what a stunning car. I don't blame you for still loving it.

[@Proclasp2008]

What a car. Been a car nut for as long as I can remember but playing Need For Speed Hot Pursuit 2 really started my love affair off with Ferraris as. From then on I was a Ferrari fanboy…both the 355 and the 550 always stuck out to me as a kid. The 550 was always my favourite and I was fortunate enough to do my work experience at Ferrari too, I got to go out in the 355 at the end of the week! What an experience Great car , fair play to you

[@richardcarter1000]

Lovely. Well done mate. It's gorgeous. I'm with you on peak Ferrari. The 550 and F355. Manual perfection

[@ethan63477]

Cars like this are my favorite genre of automobile. Ones that are wonderful to drive slowly but very fun when driving fast

[@priteshjethwa5619]

Liked the high level production and editing

[@paulallwood6033]

That is genuinely a beautiful car ! It's already got that classic car presence and look about it 👌

[@deaks25]

A reliable and more importantly trustworthy, car transport firm is definitely something worth plugging. I'd forgotten that James basically owns the bedroom-wall-poster 550M. Both inside and out, that is absolutely stunning. There's something indescribable about a car or bike that is special to you (regardless of what it is) that you own outright. That moment when you can look it or be driving and look around and have that "Holy sh*t, this is MINE!!" moment is such a special thing.

[@normsallitt2753]

I feel for you, James! But this is what we get for growing up loving these beautiful Italian (Pininfarina designed) machines, and then growing up and being able to "afford" them... or so we thought, lol. Enjoy the hell out of this childhood dream while you can pal, because tomorrow isn't guaranteed to any of us, and life is way too short to drive boring cars! Safe travels from across the pond, my friend. ✌️

[@paulholmes8398]

Great comprehensive share. You've got to love the old dames still worth every penny. Glad you finally get to enjoy your investment. Just in time for summer.

[@craigshovlin9756]

I seen this at petrolheadonism on the Saturday and what a magnificent thing it is, it was also nice to speak to you and thank you again for the autograph.

[@robertcroft2905]

I'm just dropping you a comment about your smart new trim! Nice new trim!

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Thanks Robert

[@lukeshardlow768]

The sticky button saga is still alive and well in modern Alfa Romeos 🤣

[@Argiers]

I'm in a similar situation with my Audi RS6 V10 Avant. When I bought it, I resolved to make it a keeper, whatever it costs to stay on the road and however long it needs to be off it!

[@john1703]

I'm truly glad that you love it. Perhaps it should be called Lola, as in "whatever Lola wants, Lola gets". Eric Broadley might agree.

[@ozeskiman]

Great to see the 550 again. I'll never sell my 575M. It is the most wonderful car to drive. My dealer has just finished installing an incredible Super Sprint exhaust system. Huge power increase, and what a noise. Now it sounds the way a Ferrari V12 is meant to sound. New ecus and an HGTC ecu also are going in. Can't wait to collect it.

[@benzinapaul7416]

Stunning cars and a great video as always. Bizarre quirk on mine was the gearknob inscription was wrong, 'R' for reverse was bottom left not top left...very 1990s Ferrari!

[@JayEmmOnCars]

I wonder if it had been taken from another car?

[@TheLEMRR]

such great car - glad you get to enjoy it again

[@SamB-wh2bi]

I'm happy to finally learn the fate of the 550. I quite missed seeing it enjoyed on the channel.

[@Sir-Prizse]

5:05 I felt the same way with my 1998 MX-5, it took over 2.5 years after I bought the car for my mum that I drove it for the first time myself. At the same time, it was the first car I had ever bought when I didn't even have a driving licence or any intention of getting one.

[@richardcarter1000]

I'd complained about the sticky throttle on my F355 a few times. Three Ferrari garages claimed they fixed it, buy it always went sticky over winter again. Last year I got a local guy to strip the pedal mechanism down clean and do it properly. The car is transformed! Feels like it's got a lighter flywheel. I've been a Ferrari owner for 16 years now. Their dealers and specialists are better than most, but not perfect given the price they charge.

[@daniels.2720]

JayEmm > "Smile per Mile" is really the only quotient that matters. Thanks for sharing.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

True that. Thanks for watching

[@erikmeltzer-rt7rh]

Having just spent four figures (just) on service and minor repairs on my Citroën BX which realistically isn’t even worth that much, I’m with you on the Forgiveness Factor: once you drive it again, all is forgotten.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

I've done the same with my BX too!

[@dwarfshortage244]

@@JayEmmOnCarsI miss Prof. Tomato!! Probably my favourite car in your fleet.

[@erikmeltzer-rt7rh]

Is there even a video on it? Never found one despite looking.

[@dwarfshortage244]

@@erikmeltzer-rt7rh Kitch over on UpnDown has the most content on it. It’s been with him for ages now, but not sure on its current whereabouts.

[@megabouni]

Hi, Thank you for all your videos! I love every single one. I just noticed something, I think they mounted the handbrake handle backwards. The little thing in the front should be pointing to the back of the car. Greetings from Luxembourg, Nicolas

[@paulnadalin2494]

It's a beautiful Ferrari, one of the best in my opinion. I agree with you that as time passes it gets better. I admire your commitment to its service and maintenance.

[@andyhunt457]

There's no way it's been 18 months!!!!! Surely....omg where did that go....looks fab

[@sebastianw1119]

I feel very much with you: in any way. Terrible bill - and such a great car… lovely vid. Regards from Hamburg

[@andrewfrancis3591]

Beautiful motor, enjoy it. Do some miles. BTW regards switches, you are a very bright bloke. I'm not but have an Onshape account and 2 3d printers.

[@richardstamper5630]

Wow, and I thought my Bentley Continental R was expensive to run.. Like the Continental you put it away working fine and the next time out something new pops up. I recently took it on a 250 mile journey and guess what, a 'check gearbox' warning flashed up. It all seemed fine so I carried on. I (and I mean me) tracked it down to a faulty 'sport' button on top of the gearstick. I couldn't repair the existing unit so I ordered a knob from a slightly older Turbo R and it now work great. Like the Ferrari, these things were venturing into new technology back then, which 25 years on has started to fail. After hearing your history with this car I don't think I will replace it with one of these. Nice as it is.

[@user-en9zo2ol4z]

Nice marinara, in a beautiful Ferrari red.

[@xelawash]

You own my absolute favorite car EVER. Yes, yes..worth whatever it costs to keep enjoying it.❤💪

[@charleigh195]

Absolutely love this video

[@NigelDeForrest-Pearce-cv6ek]

Brilliant!!!! Love is the Answer to Life!!!

[@michaelsouthin160]

I had a blue 550 for 4 years only one issue was the water pipes to the heater. Fabulous car. Wish I had kept it great to drive great to look at and a pleasure to own. People were very positive about it and I never worried about parking it even when we went to Bury St Edmunds in it. Would buy another given the opportunity.

[@johnwillis9534]

Nice haircut J.

[@alfredogreco4457]

My favourite Ferrari. Simplicity, aggression and elegance all rolled into one.

[@georgewashingtonvii926]

Love the analog gauges!

[@ShaunRoberts1]

Great video James, great looking car. To be fair, Meriden service depth are very good and obliging, sad that the sales depth are absolutely shocking and quite possibly something else 🤔🤔

[@user-qg8ef3fk5r]

I get it! I don't have your budget but I feel the same way about my MR2. I've put a few bucks into the 30+ year-old steering and suspension bushings and such, but left the engine stock. I've probably spent more than some people would say it's worth, but that's okay. It's worth more to me than it is to anybody else, it's a special place to be and I am not interested in selling it anyway.

[@nikbear]

It is beautiful ❤ enjoy Jay 👌

[@jordanjtait9992]

Hi Jay, I’m a big fan of your videos. This one is my favourite so far. I loved the story about the sticky buttons. I’m very OCD.

[@mrpmclayton]

Couldn't agree more about your last words - make them sing

[@jamesengland7461]

My shirt, randomly, is basically identical to yours!

[@kornonacob]

This 550 really suits your personality mate...pls don't sell it... its a fantastic car

[@joshswan06]

Great cars like that deserve the money enjoy mate

[@margaretbehler4935]

Nice. One of my all time favorite Ferraris.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Mine too!

[@herme99]

It's a lovely car. Long term keeper for sure.

[@judih.8754]

Jay, if you have a car you love that's all the reasoning you need. Drive on!

[@DLNix]

It's about time for JDM car projects update super show.

[@10rGreenninja]

It really is a good job you love the car 🙂

[@leongiles3496]

Well done James... :)

[@gunsandcars3648]

I wouldnt mind if it was in the shop 5 days a week as long as I can drive it once a month, its perfection.

[@Wargasm54]

Looks like a Supra made it with a BMW 840il. But still a looker.

[@robsmith1a]

I totally agree with what you say about how people react to owners of classic Ferraris. When I had a 328 GTS many years ago I'd find people letting me out at junctions and generally being very friendly when I parked it. I don't remember anyone being unpleasant towards me because of the car I was driving.

[@kavinskysmith4094]

quite frankly with how much work you've had done to this thing, I'm really surprised we havent seen a live reenactment of the the start of the Longest yard with this thing, and I gotta ask was this one of the first 550's before they were sorted, as this thing has been giving you alot of grief, and you always want to get one that's about 3 to 5 years into the run, like before a model change so by then everythings sorted

[@flyingbananatree5661]

A few minutes into the video, I went ooo! E92, I currently drive one😊 well, did until it became stranded on ramps outside the house with exhaust issues. 😂 I'll mend it!

[@The_Noticer.]

About the gearbox being finnicky cold, maybe look into mixing ATF +MTF. I know for old BMW's it works wonders.

[@stevenwallman2346]

I remember seeing these in the car magazines when it first came out. I fell in love with it at first sight. I wanted one so bad I could taste it. Unfortunately, I could not even come close to being able to afford it, even if the Ferrari dealer would even talk to me.

[@Zerofightervi]

Autocar Magazine also crowned the 550 Best drivers car, 2nd place was the Mitsubishi Evo V. That's why I always remember it.