The New Fiat 500 Abarth (only) Thread

Used 2016 FIAT 500 Abarth Hatchback in Las Vegas, NV 89149 - 446824819 - Autotrader


What do you guys think about this price for 2016 model with 7k mi?

 

Nvm auto

 

2015 Models redline at 6k , but pre-2015 models redline at 6.5k? Whats up with that?

 

I own a 2012 Abarth with about 20,000 miles on it. I use it for a daily driver. I like the car but I don't love it. I've been on the fence about selling it. I thought I might be getting bored of the car so I decided to lower it. Last week I pulled it into the garage, jacked up the front and set it on jack stands. I replaced the front springs then jacked up the back of the car and replaced the rear springs. I took the car on a test drive around the block to see if there was any noise coming from the suspension. As I was test driving the car it felt like I was running out of gas and the car died. I tried to start it, the engine was turning over but it would not start. I thought I might have run out of gas. The low fuel light was on but I still had one bar on the fuel gauge. I pushed the car into the garage, hooked it up to a battery charger and left if for an hour or so. I went back out and the car started fine.


The car drove fine for a few days then on the way to work the "Check Engine" light came on. The car still drove fine so I parked at work and planned on stopping by the auto shop to have the code read on the way home. After work I started the car and the light was still on. I got on the freeway headed to the shop and the car started throwing codes like crazy. First it was the "No ESC", then "No Backup Brake Assist", and finally "Electronic Throttle Control" warning started flashing. The car went into limp mode but I made it home.

The next morning I disconnected the negative battery terminal to reboot the computer. I started the car and no codes. I drove the car all day to run errands and it ran great. When I pulled into my neighborhood and the "Check Engine" light came back on. The next morning I was headed to drop the car off at the dealer to find out what was wrong when it felt like it was running out of gas and died. I had it flat bedded to the dealer and I'm waiting to find out what is wrong with it. I think I might have drained the fuel pump by having the car at an angle on jack stands while the tank was close to empty then driving it. Which probably fried the pump. Once I find out what the problem is I give you guys an update.

 

Just bought a 2013 with 13k miles. Ecu upgrade, brake upgrade, and KW 3-way coilovers. I love it .

 

I have two awesome upgrades for sale that I do not need:

Magneti Marelli (OEM Fiat Tuner) Power Pedal.

FIAT 500 ABARTH Power Pedal by Magneti Marelli (with Remote) - FIAT 500 Parts and Accessories


Magneti Marelli Plug and Play Ecu Upgrade. Do not need to remove stock ECU. Improves power and response and was used on Fiat's Venom Concept Car. A must have!

FIAT 500 ABARTH (ECU) Engine Control Module by Magneti Marelli (No Radio Remote Controller) - FIAT 500 Parts and Accessories


PM if you are interested in these used units.

 

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World famous Magneti Marelli Engine Controller + Power Pedal w/controller.

$1100 from 500 Madness.

My price: $800 + shipping.
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Cool! What color? What kind of ECU upgrade? Big increase in power?

never mind - I see the color now!

 

I purchased the Magneti Marelli power units used from someone thinking I was going to buy a completely stock Abarth and plug it in right away. Most Abarths for sale in the used market are completely un-modded.

I found a car that had some mods. Drove it and fell in love with it. I believe it has the 500 Madness ECU, which is sold for less than the Magneti units. The only Abarth I've ever driven is a 2016 at a dealership and that was moderate driving at best. Felt cute and fun, but it didn't feel fast. I still wanted one for a daily.

After having driven this one, I would say it's definitely FAST. Night and day difference. I would say an ECU upgrade or add-on is a must if you want to have some real fun. I am sure there are better/faster ECU options out there, but I am happy with the car and not looking to break any records anytime soon. This is my daily... all I need is good mpg, comfort, working AC, good power from 0-80, small and agile to weave in and out of traffic. I commute 35 min/30 miles to and from home.


If you are like me and not trying to break any records, the Magneti Marelli plug-in ECU controller should be fine, although I have never tried it. ECU madness says there a small differences between theirs and the MM. Magneti built the ECUs in the Abarth. These units just give an extra ummph with an OEM-like feel. I am guessing it would make the car feel like a 595 or a 695, which are cars we do not have.

I might be curious to try the MM unit out to see which one I like more, but I am actually happy with the way the car is right now. Someone buy these units from me before I start getting stupid and let my curiosity gets the better of me lol.

 

Thanks - I've got to say, even stock this thing is a lot of fun! I'm used to driving stuff that's a LOT slower (I have an '82 Fiat X1/9 - fast it is NOT!, and I also have a Pontiac Vibe as a daily driver).

I bought the Abarth as a toy, and so far I'm loving it! I'm quite used to the challenges of owning an Italian car (I've had many, including an Alfa Romeo Milano that I loved a lot) - heh, already my coolant expansion tank has sprung a leak at the return hose (easy fix), door handle hinge broke (ordered a couple from the UK), and my headlight just went out tonight (no biggie of course).

I'm going to investigate the MM ECU as an upgrade option. No one has published dyno results for some of the upgrades that I've seen - can't figure out why not!?! I passed on an MM dual kit like yours (power pedal and piggy back) for $600 Canadian.. maybe I should have bought it!


Your car looks pretty sharp!

 

Did you figure out what caused this?

 

Not yet. Still waiting on Fiat to look at the car. Their excuse is that they're backup and haven't had the time.

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There were quite a few who mentioned problems with the battery ground clamps not staying securely attached to the negative battery posts. It's an awkward fit for some reason, that tries to defy a good clamping force. If you can pull the clamp up by hand it may need some massaging or replacement.
I added a shim when I started experiencing starting troubles with various lights and codes, and misfires during cranking. I first discovered the loose clamp when the engine died as I applied the brakes for a stop. It just barely restarted. Once back home I found the clamp loose and shimmed it with a strip of stainless, but later replaced with a cam lever quick release to also ease ecu resets, while solving the poor ground and weak charge symptoms.

 

That was the first thing I checked. I have a suspicion it's either the fuel pump or the battery is going bad. After I fully charged the battery it ran good for a few days. Then all the warning lights and ultimately it broke down.

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What are you all paying for insurance on these? I have a great record and a lot of cars, but the quote is $1000/yr on a 2013. Kinda spendy given the value of the car.

 

My car also came with the madness Go Pedal. I've been playing around with the adjustments and it really changes how the car responds. I'd say it is impactful and probably something to consider to compliment a piggy back ecu if you do decide to go piggy back.


This Abarth is the best $13k I've ever spent.

 

About half that much, maybe less. But car insurance depends a lot where you live, hard to compare across regions.

 

Just received a call from Fiat. They said the Check Engine Light was due to low oil. They're doing an oil change and test driving it. I'm calling BS. Pretty sure there's more to it. I changed the oil back at the end of December and it still doesn't account for all the other codes being thrown the night before I rebooted the computer.

 

Mines well above that but I'm in Seattle. I also had one prior speeding ticket from years ago but apparently that still matters after a 5 year clean slate...

EDIT: Forgot to add I also have another car on it as well, so not sure on the exact amount anymore.

 

Just got a call from Fiat. The car is good to go. They changed the oil and updated the TCM (Throttle Control Module). I pick up the Monday so hopefully all goes well.

 

Keep an eye on the oil level, something might be going on.

My car consumes absolutely zero oil between changes. The dipstick always reads exactly in the middle.

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I had mine go off from "low oil" too lol literally added oil after they said that's probably the cause and it was fine right after that light went away! Love the color mine is gray!

 

We now own -two- Abarths originally bought new by other Fchatters. I flew up to Indianapolis on Saturday and drove the 900 miles back. See pics below.

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Quick tip for us Abarth owners. After the car is wet from rain or a car wash. Open up the fuel door. You will see that water collects inside at the bottom where it pools. This is a common area overseas where the cars have been out longer to start rusting. I carry napkins and dry it out. At 61k now on my 12, no issues in last 30k. Fingers crossed