3 4 8 B u y e r s G u i d e TM F F Ferrari forum First Published November 2004 by Ferrari Forum. Revised and Updated May 2005 Phone (415) 216-8716 Email: guides@ferrariforum.com Copyright 2004 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Author: Andrew Naber & William Taylor Photos by: Andrew Naber Bob Hagendijk Contents Ferrari 348 Buyerʼs Guide Ferrari 348 Buyer s Guide Introduction & Model Information 2 Driving Impressions 3 Mechanical Differences 4 Maintenance & Reliability 6 Pros & Cons 7 General Buying Tips 8 Expectations 9 Purchasing Options 10 Ferrari Forum 1
F e r r a r i F o r u m - w w w. f e r r a r i f o r u m. c o m 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 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. 2 Ferrari Forum
3 4 8 B u y e r s G u i d e 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 engines. 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 Ferrari Forum 3
F e r r a r i F o r u m - w w w. f e r r a r i f o r u m. c o m 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 (TB- TS-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 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 4 Ferrari Forum
3 4 8 B u y e r s G u i d e TB/TS Specifications Number Made 2895 (348 TB), 4230 (348 TS), 100 (348 Serie Speciale) Engine Type V8 Engine Displacement 3405 cc Bore & Stroke 85mm x 75mm Engine Description Rear-mounted, longitudinal 90 degree V8, light alloy cylinder block and head Power 300 bhp - 310 bhp (Serie Speciale) Transmission Dry twin-plate clutch, 5-speed gearbox + reverse, ZF limited-slip differential Chassis Steel monococque and tubular rear sub-frame Front Suspension Double wishbones, coil springs and gas dampers Rear Suspension Double wishbones, coil springs and gas dampers Brakes Ventilated discs, 4-pot callipers, dual high-press Length 423cm Width 189cm Height 117cm Wheelbase 245cm Acceleration 0-60 mph 5.6 sec Top Speed 275 KM/H GTB/GTS Specifications Number Made N/A Power 320 bhp Spider Specifications Number Made 1046 Power 320 bhp Ferrari Forum 5
F e r r a r i F o r u m - w w w. f e r r a r i f o r u m. c o m 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 Oil (5w30) Gearbox Brake Fluid Antifreeze Quantity 11 liters (12 quarts) 4 liters 1.6 liters 20 liters Services: Details of Service Timing chain update done along with timing belt and top end overhaul Price $11,600 6 Ferrari Forum
3 4 8 B u y e r s G u i d e Pros & Cons PROS CONS 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. 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. Ferrari Forum 7
F e r r a r i F o r u m - w w w. f e r r a r i f o r u m. c o m 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. 8 Ferrari Forum
3 4 8 B u y e r s G u i d e 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. Ferrari Forum 9
F e r r a r i F o r u m - w w w. f e r r a r i f o r u m. c o m 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 10 Ferrari Forum 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. Ferrari Forum Buyers Guides are available for the following models: Dino 246 365/512 Boxer 348 F355 360 456 GT Mondial Testarossa 550/575 Coming Soon! 308/328 Coming Soon!