Ferrari 512i BB

Also known as the Ferrari 512 BBi

In 1981 Ferrari updated the 512 BB to include Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection and became known as the 512i BB. The fuel injection was a necessity to pass US emissions regulations. This modernized the car, as it produced less emissions and was thought to be more reliable and driveable once setup correctly.

Ferrari 512i BB Buyers Guide

The 512i is a noticeable step up from the 512. The engine was both more efficient and cleaner. If properly set up today and well cared for, it offers smoother running and easier hot starting than the 512. Importantly, the 512i was down slightly on power (345 bhp) and peak torque remained at 330 lb-ft. The torque curve was much flatter, so the car feels like it just revs better and has more pull throughout the rev range. The 512i stayed in production for three years until it was replaced by the Testarossa in 1984, during which time 1,007 were built.

A fully stamped, service history with official Ferrari dealers and recognized specialists is clearly the first box to be ticked. Don’t be alarmed if the car has had more than a handful of owners – it’s often the way with Ferraris of this age. The service history is the thing. If the car has had a recent cambelt change, even better because that is an expensive job.

The Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection generally holds up well and hasn’t had big issues. Servicing it is relatively easy and overhauled parts are widely available. We also advise you look for cars that have been used often because we see issues with cars that have had a lack of use (e.g the metering heads can get gummed up). As always, cars that are driven regularly tend to have fewer issues.

The main issue with the Boxer is the differential. Over the years, modifications were made to make them stronger, but it’s probably the BBs biggest weak spot.

Remember the 512i is real exotic Ferrari that you can still use often and enjoy on the road.

Ferrari 512i BB Videos

Ferrari 512i BB Pictures & Photo Gallery

See full 1981 Ferrari 512i BB Gallery here

Ferrari 512i BB Specs & Performance

submitted by	Richard Owen
type	Series Production Car
built at	Maranello, Italy
production	1007
predecessor	1976 Ferrari 512 BB
successor	1985 Ferrari Testarossa
engine	V12
valvetrain	DOHC 2 Valves / Cyl
displacement	4942 cc / 301.6 in³
bore	82 mm / 3.23 in
stroke	78 mm / 3.07 in
compression	9.2:1
power	253.5 kw / 340 bhp @ 6000 rpm
specific output	68.8 bhp per litre
bhp/weight	215.05 bhp per tonne
torque	450 nm / 331.9 ft lbs @ 4200 rpm
redline	6600
driven wheels	Mid Engine / RWD
front tires	245/55 VR 415
rear tires	245/55 VR 415
front brakes	Vented Discs w/Vacuum Assist
rear brakes	Vented Discs w/Vacuum Assist
steering	Rack & Pinion
curb weight	1581 kg / 3483 lbs
wheelbase	2500 mm / 98.4 in
front track	1508 mm / 59.4 in
rear track	1572 mm / 61.9 in
length	4400 mm / 173.2 in
width	1830 mm / 72.0 in
height	1120 mm / 44.1 in
transmission	5-Speed Manual
top speed	~280 kph / 174.0 mph
0 – 100 kph	~5.4 seconds

Ferrari 512i BB Auction & Sales History

1984 Ferrari 512 BBi ZFFJA09B000049535 – sold for €324,800 Matching-numbers example. Ferrari Classiche certified. Finished in its original Nero over Cream leather interior. Freshly serviced. Less than 10,000 kilometres from new and has always resided in Italy. Auction Source: Villa Erba 2015 by RM Sothebys

1982 Ferrari 512 BBi ZFFJA09B000040999 – sold for $357,500 Federalized to US specifications by Amerispec Corp. Believed to be a low-mileage, highly original example. Offered from long-term California ownership. LHD European-specification model. Iconic Ferrari Berlinetta Boxer, a rising Ferrari classic. Auction Source: The Scottsdale Auction 2015 by Bonhams

1984 Ferrari 512 BBi ZFFJA09B000052775 – sold for $324,500 Believed to be a low-mileage, highly original example. One of just 141 examples from the final 1984 model year. Offered from long-term California ownership. LHD European-specification model. Desirable black over black color combination. Auction Source: The Scottsdale Auction 2015 by Bonhams

1983 Ferrari 512 BBi ZFFJA09B000044719 – sold for €263,200 Showing 19,300 miles, believed from new. Finished in its original and classic colour combination. Offered with a tool roll and correct set of books. Auction Source: 2015 Paris by RM Auctions

1983 Ferrari 512 BBi ZFFJA09B000044881 – sold for $220,000 Ferrari’s iconic Berlinetta Boxer, finished in Rosso Corsa with black trim. Recently completed major service, including a new clutch. Just under 23,000 kilometers from new. Auction Source: Amelia Island 2014 by RM Auctions

1984 Ferrari 512 BBi ZFFJA09B000051335 – sold for $170,500. Just 18,000 kilometers from new. Originally imported into California, this 512 BBi, chassis number 51335, is a very late production car. A recent engine-out service replaced the vital timing chain tensioner, as well as the exhaust. In addition to those items, indicated by wear or mileage, a suite of prophylactic measures were also addressed, including a refurbishment of the A/C system and all-new belts, hoses, seals, and gaskets. The result is a car very different from the average 512 BBi that typically sits in a garage. The original Rosso Corsa exterior has been carefully maintained and is over a desirable Rosso and Nero interior that shows little more than break-in wear. Auction Source: 2013 Monterey Auction by RM Auctions

1983 Ferrari 512 BBi Boxer – sold for $85,000. There is no doubt that the Ferrari 512BBi Berlinetta Boxer was the pre-eminent supercar of its time. Like its predecessor 365GT4 BB, the 512 combined a race-proven flat-12 engine (thus the “Boxer” moniker) with purposeful Pininfarina styling and 4-wheel independent suspension, but the 512 showed improved performance through replacing the 365’s multiple carburetors with more precise Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection. Finished in beautiful Rosso Corsa with a gleaming Tan interior, the low-mileage (35,370) example offered here is one of only 1,007 very desirable fuel-injected Boxers produced. Auction Source: 2012 Daytime Auction by Mecum

1982 FERRARI 512 BBi – sold for €119,136. The Ferrari 512 BBi offered is a European version, delivered new in Germany, where it stayed with the same owner until 2000. Having covered little more than 5,000 km from new, it was then exported to Canada in June 2000, without the need to be adapted to Canadian requirements. Keeping its European specification, it remained in Toronto, in a collection alongside other cars belonging to the same owner. Since then, the car has covered less than 100 km and benefitted from a thorough engine-out review in March 2011. The clutch and distribution chain were changed, costing $16,500. The upholstery and carpets are in perfect, original condition, and the dashboard shows no signs of ageing, confirmation that the car has spent little time out in the sun. The odometer shows less than 5,400km and the car comes with toolkit, leather jack holster, safety lamp, and the owner’s folder containing instruction manual. Maintenance invoices are included in the file.

This car is probably the lowest mileage Ferrari 512 BBi in existence. It looks as it did on the day it left the factory, and as such, retains enormous appeal. This is a rare opportunity. Auction Source: 2012 Sport & GTs au Mans Classic by Artcurial

1983 Ferrari 512BBi – sold for $112,750 This particular car has just received a major belt service from marque expert Gary Bobileff Motor Co. only 200 miles ago. It is reported to be in exceptional condition throughout, with only 16,868 indicated miles from new, and comes with all tools, books and detailed records of its last service. Finished in Rosso Corsa with tan leather interior, this is certainly of the finest Boxers available. Auction Source: Amelia Island 2012 by RM Auctions

1982 Ferrari 512 BBi 044937 – sold for €58,464. Finished in rosso (red), this 512 BBi from 1982 is complemented by a tan cloth and leather interior and remains very original with no known accident history. Purchased by the current owner about 15 years ago with approximately 20,000 original kms from new, it formed part of a small Ferrari collection that also includes an F40 and an alloy-bodied 275 GTB. Since acquisition, the BBi has covered another 40,000 trouble-free kilometres, and it clearly became one of the owner’s favourite cars. It has been driven to Bucharest, Romania twice, and the owner states that the car is truly in its element on long-distance runs. Currently French-registered, it has been stored and maintained at Motor Service Modena, the official Ferrari dealer in the area. With its stunning presence, very capable chassis and drivetrain and positively intoxicating exhaust note, this 512 BBi offers an exceptional ownership experience. Auction Source: 2011 London Auction by RM

1984 Ferrari 512 BBi Berlinetta Boxer 52443 – sold for $143,000 To date, the car has covered less than 5,300 miles since new. This BBi is offered with all its original books, tools and documentation. All services are fresh and up to date with no mileage since their conclusion. Auction Source: 2011 Monterey Auction by RM