I have searched this forum and have not been able to determine whether there has ever been a thread on self-programming a replacement fob (an additional one purchased in the internet) instead of taking the new fob and car to the dealer. I own a 2003 Ferrari 360 spider and, if you were to check that forum, you will find that if you have the master fob (encased in red plastic),you can purchase a replacement or additional fob (usually encased in black plastic) and program the vehicle's alarm computer to recognize that new fob. In addition, for those unfortunate souls who did not know any better and purchased a 360 without the master fob (there were three during the 360 model period, the master in red and two in black), then you can purchase a fob in the internet(early Porsche fobs could be programmed to the Ferrari computer) and have the purchased fob "cloned" to the existing non-master fob which the person owns. In any case, a long explanation to show that in other high end vehicles you can program the fobs without having to incur in the fantastic cost of purchasing a new computer unit with three new fobs (several thousand dollars from Ferrari), or having to pay large dealer fees to program fobs into the system. I have a Bentley fob that is in pretty bad shape (the rubber which covers the three buttons is worn out, and is broken from use in several places), hence my interest in buying a replacement. Thank you. I own a 2008 Bentley GTC.

Last thought, to use the post and not start a new one, what do others use to clean and preserve the wood veneers used in these vehicles?

 

I have a 2005 BCGT and I also have the VAS 5054A factory computer. I can do most adjustments/diagnosis with the computer, but I can't programme the key as I don't have the dealer access code. I had to have my new key programmed by the dealer and I think it was $150.00 (circa). They needed both keys and the car to do the programming.

 

Thank you, that sounds pretty reasonable, I found someone who claimed that the dealer had charged him subtantially more than the $150 you mention.

 

of course, the $150.00 was just the programming and did not include the cost of the keyfob.

 

Yes, I figured as much. Thank you.

 

Do these upscale car manufactures have a hostage taking policy? In small print it must read like this.

Now that you have paid an exorbitant amount of money to buy our car we will hold you and your car hostage and every possible time for the extraction of maximum cash allowable under the most unreasonable expectations of normal service and cause as much difficulty as possible for you to search out and procure goods or services from off label or independent garages thereby insuring your dependance on us.

Signed your dealer (for all drugs and cars).

 

Dr. D,


If they are an Italian company then you should just be happy they are ALLOWING you to buy their car. You are amongst the 'privileged' few who have been chosen (usually one chosen every minute as Barnum was right). Any expectation for servicing is on their own sweet time and costs simply are what they are. If you are not happy, feel free to sell said Italian car as fast as possible before the warranty expires, which is usually when the car is in the shop for the fifth time for the third widely known problem... yet never factory recalled, ever.

 

[QUOTE=Dr.Disaster;4015172]Do these upscale car manufactures have a hostage taking policy? In small print it must read like this.

Now that you have paid an exorbitant amount of money to buy our car we will hold you and your car hostage and every possible time for the extraction of maximum cash allowable under the most unreasonable expectations of normal service and cause as much difficulty as possible for you to search out and procure goods or services from off label or independent garages thereby insuring your dependance on us."

And to add insult to injury, if you need a key for the 360 you are out of luck, ferrari does not make them any more! Ricamhi America just states that the key is no longer available. And a complete 2003 Enzo Ferrari Owner's Manual Set - is being offered in eBay for $7000!

 

Good to see Ricamhi America still going, as i recall they had the usual situation years ago and the factory finally backed down from shutting him down. One of my good friends/Ferrari mechanics supplies him with NLA parts www.unobtaniumsupply.com

Alas, no key fob, just 'hard parts' that are NLA from the factory.

 

Thanks, I will contact them for a Ferrari key.

 

He doesn't have keys, just some other bits. Great guy.

 

Again, Thks

 

If they do no not, then there is no sense in buying the used one. I will call the Ft Lauderdale dealership.

 

Ah another cynical brother. Born from experience though.

 

Experience personally... and that of various friends over the years. That is why many have switched over to the McLaren