348 Buyer`s Guide

348 Buyer ’s Guide
Ferrari 348 Buyer’s Guide
FFFerrari
forum
TM
First Published November
2004 by Ferrari Forum.
Revised and Updated May 2005
Phone (415) 216-8716
Email: [email protected]
Copyright 2004 ALL RIGHTS
RESERVED.
Author: Andrew Naber & William
Taylor
Photos by: Andrew Naber
Bob Hagendijk
Contents
Ferrari 348 Buyerʼs Guide
Introduction & Model Information
Driving Impressions
Mechanical Differences
Maintenance & Reliability
Pros & Cons
General Buying Tips
Expectations
Purchasing Options
2
3
4
6
7
8
9
10
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Model Information
The 348 series was
launched in 1989 at a time when
Ferrari was producing both the
Testarossa, and the F40-- two of
the most definitive sports cars of
the 1980s. As a result, the 348 has
always been a bit overshadowed.
This was the first time the factory
used large scale production technologies to build their cars. The
348 was the first to have a self-supporting frame, with the engine
incorporated as part of the subframe. Because of this, the 348 did
not need special bumpers for the
USA. With a mid-engine V8 the
348 series was the replacement to
the most successful Ferrari in history--the 308/328 series. Designed
by Pininfarina the car commands
respect and will catch anyones’
eye on the road. Similar to the
Testarossa, the 348 has the signature “cheese grater” side strakes
running along the doors into the
rear engine compartment. These
covered the huge scoops needed
to funnel air into the rear mounted
radiators.
The 348 had a number
variants and upgrades over its life.
This means that a newer models in
general are be�er sorted and will
command a high price. The early
models can be hit and miss. In
researching for this article I came
across a mix of opinions regarding the early models. One Ferrari
mechanic said the 348 had a lot of
problems but that none of them
alone are major it is the combination of all of them overtime that
can make the 348 a trying owners
experience.
In the first section I will
try to guide you through all the
differences in the 348 and provide
an understanding of the basic differences followed by a mechanical
overview. I will then cover the
cost of ownership from repairs to
parts, then briefly talk about the
driving experience. To finish we
will have a look at the pros and
cons of owning the 348 and hear
from some owners about their 348
experiences.
348 Variations
The 348 series had a number of variations available in Berline�a, Targa or Spider body styles.
The early models from 1989-1993
will have the badges TB (berline�a
style) and TS (targa). The easiest
way to recognize the early models
is by the black lower trim. All the
TB and TS models have a black sill
surround the bo�om edge of the
car. However, you may find a TB
or TS that is all one color. It was
fairly common for an owner to
repaint the black sill to match the
color of the paint. Another aspect
of the early TB and TS models was
the ma� black finish between the
rear tail-lights.
The 348 Serie Speciale followed the TB/TS models with a
limited production of 100 for the
U.S. market only. These cars were
designed to help boost sales during a depressed market following
the sports car market bubble burst
in the late 80’s. Minor changes to
this model over the TB/TS gave
the car aproximately 10 more
horsepower. These improvements
came mainly from the fi�ing of a
different exhaust system from the
TB/TS. The car also had cosmetic
changes, and for the first time the
lower sills matched the color of the
body. Also added was a lip to the
front spoiler like that seen on the
F40, along with a wider rear-tires
to improve stability on the road.
348 Variants Photos
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The 348 TB with the
black sill. These models
have a reputation for having more problems than
later models.
348 Spider with the convertible top and matching
sill. It was released in
1993 making it a newer
model and more deirable
than the earlier TB/TS.
348 Serie Speciale with
a sill matching the paint.
A more agressive 348 for
the American market with
upgrades that provided
enhanced performance
348 GTB - with an improved chassis and handling has a same color
sill. Some owners would
re-paint their sills on the
TB/TS models so check
the carʼs records.
348 Buyer ’s Guide
In 1993 at the Los Angles
motorshow Ferrari debuted the 348
Spider. It was the first 2 seater Spider from Ferrari in 20 years. Prior
to this, the last Spider was the 365
GTS/4 (Daytona Spider). The 348
Spider also had matching sills as
per the 348 Serie Speciale. The Spider also had a number of upgrades
that would be transfered over to
the GTB/GTS models from 1993 to
the models end. These included a
more efficient exhaust system, new
valve springs, upgraded timing
belt, revissed final drive ratios plus
the new Bosch Motronic 2.7 engine
management system.
Immediately following
the 348 Spider launch came the
final major version of the 348, the
GTB/GTS. The 348 GTB/GTS line
was launched in October of 1993
at the Frankfurt Auto Salon. The
relaunch brought about many
changes to the 348’s both mechanical and to the design. Many of
these changes were already in
place of the recent 348 Spyder and
Serie Speciale. The GTB/GTS has a
sleeker look and the sills of the car
match the body. On the mechanical side the car had an upgraded
electronic management system to
go along with the Tipo F119 H en-
gines. This system was responsible
for the new output of 320 horsepower (bhp) which was an increase
of 20 (bhp) over its previous TB/TS.
The 348 GTB/GTS was only sold in
Europe.
For the US market, in 1994
Ferrari first introduced the “Challenge” series cars especially for
track and amateur racing. As a one
off, Ferrari ran a production of 45
“Factory Challenge” cars which
were fi�ed with the street bodies.
The cars had the option of coming
with a full conversion the kit for
$14,000. The owner was ge�ing a
Challenge car for a discount if the
kit did not come installed.
Market Information
The market price for 348s
vary quite a bit. The key reason
behind this is due to the first
models TB/TS tend to have more
reliability issues than the laterGTB/
GTS models. Currently early models (1989-1990) can run as low as
around $45,000. Anything lower
than $40,000 will likely require
major investments.
As is the case for most Ferraris the Spider will draw a higher
price. Look for prices of Spyders
to be around $65,000 - $75,000.
The GTB/GTS models will be just
shy of the pricing of the Spider.
Driving Impressions
The 348 is a fun, driveable, user friendly car that wants
to be tracked. When compared to
the contemporary Testarossa it is
lighter, more agile, and looks for
corners to take at speed. A 348
is quite driveable in traffic. The
3.4 liter engine provides plenty of
grunt with the acceleration being both smooth and quick. The
thro�le response is immediate with
plenty of power available across
the range. The handling in normal
driving conditions is accurate, with
excellent communication back to
the driver. The steering does not
have the remoteness of the F355
power assisted set up. It turns on
rails if driven properly, with plenty
of warning before the front and
back ends reverse themselves. The
5 speed gearbox demands respect
and warms up slowly. It is a bit
notchy and double clutching on
downshi�s is recommended.
With a redline at 7200 rpm,the 348
has a great exhaust note. Deeper
and more gu�ural than the F355
or 328, it is not your neighbor’s
friend. The 348 is responsive at
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lower rpms, but the power really kicks in once you
push it past 4000 rpm.
The only negative is that at speeds in excess of
130 mph the front can feel light and unstable. With
seat time and experience in the 348, this goes away.
The driving position is comfortable but is
more in line with a true sports car vs. the more refined comforts of a GT.
Mechanical Differences
While the 348 had a number of variants (TBTS-Spider-GTB-GTS-Serie Speciale-Challenge), it also
had a number of mechanical changes over the years
of production. The majority of the changes were
minor reliability upgrades and outlined below are the
changes:
• The first few 100 348s had roof mounted radio
antennas
• A�er mid 1990 the dual plate clutch was changed
to a single platedue to reliability issues.
• 89 cars had a Motronic M2.5 engine management system
• 90 models had M2.7 Motronic engine management systems
• 1990 on onwards Euro models were fi�ed with
a catalytic converter
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• In 1991 the alternator was changed to a Nippondenso
• Late 92 early 93 the ba�ery was moved from the
rear to the front
• An updated (larger) alternator and related wiring harnes on the GTB/GTS models
• 92 - 93 front grill was redesigned with an added
chrome cavallino
• Serie Speciale had a solid rear and not the black
slats covering the tail lights
• Serie Speciale also had a higher flow exhaust
which gave it the extra 10 bhp (see page 4)
• The Frau seat was changed to a sport Kevlar on
the Serie Speciale
• Spider has a smaller gas tank due to incorporate
room needed for the retractable roof.
• The Spider had a radio antenna in the windshield
348 Buyer ’s Guide
TB/TS Specifications
Number Made
Engine Type
Engine Displacement
Bore & Stroke
Engine Description
Power
Transmission
Chassis
Front Suspension
Rear Suspension
Brakes
Length
Width
Height
Wheelbase
Acceleration
Top Speed
2895 (348 TB), 4230 (348 TS), 100 (348 Serie Speciale)
V8
3405 cc
85mm x 75mm
Rear-mounted, longitudinal 90 degree V8, light alloy cylinder block and head
300 bhp - 310 bhp (Serie Speciale)
Dry twin-plate clutch, 5-speed gearbox + reverse, ZF limited-slip differential
Steel monococque and tubular rear sub-frame
Double wishbones, coil springs and gas dampers
Double wishbones, coil springs and gas dampers
Ventilated discs, 4-pot callipers, dual high-press
423cm
189cm
117cm
245cm
0-60 mph 5.6 sec
275 KM/H
GTB/GTS Specifications
Number Made
Power
N/A
320 bhp
Spider Specifications
Number Made
Power
1046
320 bhp
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Maintance & Reliability
The 348 is not a difficult car to maintain and will be reliable if well cared for. The cost for an oil change at a
Ferrari dealer will run around $300 USD (Feb 1, 2005). The early 348s can give you the most trouble. Generally speaking pre 1993 models have the problems.
The 348 should have a major service at 30,000 miles. This service includes the following:
Replace T-Belt, tensioner bearings and the waterpump (change of waterpump is recommended).
Replace belts, fuel filters, plugs, plug wires
Valve adjustment
Change oil, and recommended all other fluids
Regular service intervals are at 6250 miles.
Average Parts and Service Cost
Fluid
Quantity
Oil (5w30)
Gearbox
Brake Fluid
Antifreeze
11 liters (12 quarts)
4 liters
1.6 liters
20 liters
Services:
Details of Service
Price
Timing chain update done along with timing belt $11,600
and top end overhaul
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348 Buyer ’s Guide
Pros & Cons
PROS
• The 348 makes a fine affordable first Ferrari.
• The interior is one of the most classic interiors
you will find anywhere. This is the one cosmetic
area in which the 348 totally outclasses the 328.
• In terms of handling - it is unbelievable. You
will probably read lots of articles which say the
348 does not handle perfectly. At 105% of the
capability of a professional racing driver, on the
track, that maybe true. However, if you are going to reach that point on the road, you are going
to need to be certifiable! For us mortals - it is
staggering.
• Like all Ferraris the sound is awesome. In the
348’s case having the mid-engine makes it even
be�er as it is right behind your ears.
CONS
• The rubberised material on the centre consol
deteriorates to the point that it becomes a black
sticky mess that will need replacing
• You cannot engage 2nd gear until the car is
thoroughly warm (common on many early Ferraris).
• Problems associated with the cable gear linkage - it’s just one of those things that forever
needs adjusting.
• Water leakage due to poor seals in the TS and
Spider models.
• Common problem are the three seals between
the output sha�s going to the clutch pack and
FW. These wear and gear oil infiltrates the FW.
Causing ra�ling of the internal parts in the FW,
and a problem starting the car when it is hot.
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General Buying Tips
1. Demand to see the service book and maintenance history file. Make sure you have solid answers to any
holes in the history. If not, move on.
2. Get the car inspected by a Ferrari trained mechanic. He will find things you miss. Make sure all factory
updates have been done. Check when the last cambelt change was done.
3. If the asking price is very low, there is a reason for it.
4. Never buy the first car you see, look and test drive several including both an open air TS and closed TB.
5. Make sure the car has all the original Books, Tools, and Records. These are both difficult and expensive to
replace later.
6. Talk to other owners, ask questions in the forum, we are here to help.
7. Talk to the mechanics that have historically serviced the car.
8. Higher mileage with proper maintenance may provide excellent buying opportunities. A 348 with miles on
it is likey to have all issues sorted.
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348 Buyer ’s Guide
Expectations
When you purchase a Ferrari, you
are not buying a car but rather a
work of engineering art and a piece
of history. A Ferrari has a soul and
character unique in the automotive world. A Ferrari comes filled
with Italian passion, for both be�er
and occasionally worse. Driving a
Ferrari is never boring. It is engaging. You are always involved and
interacting with the car across a
multitude of senses. While driving, this includes the constantly
changing sound track as the engine
moves through the rpm range,
the heavy but exact clutch, and
the metallic click with every gear
change. There really is nothing
else on the road that sounds like a
Ferrari. Until you have driven one,
it is impossible to appreciate the
totality of the experience. It is this
emotional link between car and
owner that sets Ferrari’s apart from
other sports cars
Two other cars that many first time
Ferrari owners consider are Lamborghini and Porsche. Lamborghini has similar roots in the Modena
area . It however does not have the
racing heritage or, for the majority
of its life, the single minded guidance of a brilliant owner. Lamborghini’s ownership history has included everyone from Chrysler, an
Indonesian Conglomerate, to Audi.
This is reflected in the history of
the models. Lamborghinis tend
to be overly flamboyant, difficult
to drive, and highly temperamental. Porsche, on the other hand, is
efficient, reliable, and an engineering masterpiece. It is also highly
predictable and a�er a time, can
be construed as boring. A Porsche
does everything with extreme
competence, to the extent that you
begin to wonder if you, the driver,
are really needed.
The fact is Ferrari’s are expensive
to maintain and less reliable than
many other cars. This is simply a
small part of the deal that comes
with being a member of the small
and special club of Ferrari owners. The Porsche is a cold rationale
machine, a Lamborghini is pure
emotion, and a Ferrari gives you
both.
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Purchasing Options
In general most Ferrari Buyers
purchase their cars at one of
four channels:
- Official Ferrari Dealers
- Independent Specialist Dealers
- Private Sellers
- Auctions
each has it’s own strengthens
and weaknesses. In summary:
Official Ferrari Dealers
Purchasing through an official
dealer will provide the most
piece of mind when making the
rather considerable investment
in a Prancing Horse badged
automobile. In almost all cases
the car will come with some sort
of warrantee, a comprehensive
service history, and a clean bill
of health. All of this comes with
a cost and you will likely pay
a 10-20% premium vs. other
options. One other limitation is
that dealers normally only stock
the current, plus 1-2 generations
of prior models. As a result,
dealers are really only an option
for the modern (1990’s -) model
enthusiast.
Independent Specialist
Independent Specialist dealers
can provide both outstanding
service and a wide range of
models to choose from, covering all price ranges. Reputation
is critical and so is doing your
research on an Independent
Specialist dealer before writing
out a check. Information and
insights on different Specialists
can be obtained both through
your local Ferrari Owners Club
members and via posts on the
Ferrari Forum. Like official
dealers, many specialist can
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provide warrantees (via 3rd
parties) and on-going maintenance facilities. The quality of
the maintenance for modern
models can be on par with the
official dealers as many independents employee Ferrari
trained mechanics. For modern
models though it is critical to
confirm that the service center
has the necessary diagnostic
equipment and so�ware (SD1
or SD2) for your model. For
Classic and Vintage Ferrari’s, independents many be your only,
or best (for more recent models)
option. Prices at Independent’s
should be 5-20% less than Official Dealers.
In most countries, purchasing
from either an Official Ferrari Dealer or an Independent
Specialist will provide you with
the strongest legal rights should
anything go wrong.
Private Sellers
Caveat Emptor. Buying from a
private seller is both the lowest cost and highest risk option.
In all Ferrari purchases, a Pre
Purchase Inspection (PPI) by a
specialist is recommended, in
the case of a private purchase,
it is critical. Purchasing well
privately is both a ma�er of
form and substance. First the
form which is mostly related to
general appearance and presentation:
- check the condition of the interior, is the leather conditioned
and cleaned
- pull up the mats, check the
condition of the under carpet
- spray water on the car, make
sure it beads up immediately
- look in the engine bay
- is the owner a member of the
local Ferrari Owner’s Club
positives on the above are an
initial indication of a careful
owner, but could also be the result of a pre-sale clean up. Then
move onto the substance:
- review the service records, a
comprehensive file is always a
good sign
- check the history of the car,
make sure it has always been
well cared for
- always check that the mileage
on the odometer matches the
other records
- confirm that the seller is the
car’s owner and that the title is
clear
- spend time both test driving
the car and talking to the owner. No car is perfect, does the
owner point out both the good
points of the car and the issues
needing a�ention ?
Buying from a private seller will
provide both the lowest cost of
acquisition and the highest risk
should any major undisclosed
issue emerge post purchase.
Doing your homework properly
is critical and in many cases it
is a rewarding and enjoyable
experience for both parties.
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