What the unexpected cost of running my 355 for 6 years have been

I though I would sit down and add up the unexpected costs of keeping my 355 running since I got it, 6 driving seasons ago. I am not including routine maintenance like annual oil changes which run me about $100 for oil and filter, that I put a new set of tires on it, or some of the little things I've done which were unnecessary to keep it running right. These include things like a new leather strap to hold the tool kit in the trunk, the motor for the recirculation flap, some material I bought to make skid plates, and a few other little things, none of which were required for safety or proper running.

So here it is:

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That's what it would have been necessary to spend to keep the car running correctly. And I think the 5-8 O2 sensor was unnecessary but I replaced it along with the MAF just to be sure. An annual average of $328, less than the annual cost of gas for the car. I have a major coming up in a year or two or three, but that's a separate issue.

 

Want to see the receipts? $37 for the filter, a couple of buck for copper washers, and about $60 for the oil and then I but the oil when they had a rebate of $10/5quatrs. So, yes, under $100 for a DIY oil change. And no, I don't change gear oil every 2 years because it's a Ferrari. But if I did it would only push the cost to about $120.

 

First major was after 7 years at 9808 miles, 2002, Ferrari of Dallas. 2nd major in 2006 at 14389 by Boardwalk Ferrari. That's 4 years. 3d major at 19200 miles in 2103, with hears by Steve Maxwell, another 7 years. I can't see doing it any sooner that 7yrs/15k miles unless something I can't fix breaks. Not to mention I don't track my car, I seldom have it over 5000 rpm, and I'm not paranoid.

 

Where and what you buy.

I use what was recommended to me, Rotella 5w/40 full synthetic. 10 quarts for$58 less $20 rebate,$38. And if you are willing to go to 0w/40 you can get the Pennzoil Platinum Euro after rebate for $18 for a 5 quart container. Just bought two 5 quart containers in for $56, less $20 rebate in May for by Cayman.. That's what Porsche recommends. Check the viscosity of the 0/40 compared to 5/40 and you will find the only temperature it is lower is at 40*C, and at that temp it is still a lot higher viscosity that at operating temps. Comparing the Pennzoil 0/40 to 5/40 both are recommended by MB, VW, Porsche and Fiat under the same specs. But only 5/40 is recommended by Ferrari and Maserati (because they want the little horse on the bottle?). When you compare the specs of the oil, they are almost identical except of the viscosity at 40*C, 5/40, 80.8cSt, 0/40 72.2 cSt. At 100*C 5/40 is 13.3, 0/40 is 13.0. I see no reason Pennzoil 0w/30 could not be used in a 355.

 

Obvious typo. Should be 0w/40.

 

To get right down to it I probably could have omitted the cats because I knew when I bought the car one of the original cats was hollow and it might not pass a sniff test. So that could reasonably have been considered part of the purchase price. Also, the ignition module was replaced because I was loosing 1-4 intermittently. Turned out to be a broken wire to the crank sensor so I really didn't need the module.

I also hate the guys who report excessive costs for majors only to find out that it includes stuff like tires, battery, brake pads, repainting the bumper, refinishing sticky parts, new dash leather etc. Next thing you know you'll see a nut and bolt restoration (see Bradan thread) referred to as a major.

 

Assuming that question is directed tome, going on 28k miles.

 

Agreed. But look a little closer. It say right in my little chart, in bold red type, that it is over 6 years and 8000 miles.