348 vs 355 15k & 30K Service Comparison

Depends on what all you do. A "light" 30K service on a 348 is in the $5K range. A heavy one is in the $8K range. You can get away with a light one after a heavy one. Of course, this is from an independent mechanic. Ferrari shop, add another 50 percent.

A 355? I'd guess around the same, though I don't know for sure. I can't see why it would be appreciably different either way.

 

Eugenios Ferrari Service used to have lists of services for majors posted online for a lot of models, but I think they're not posting it any more. At least I've been unable to find it. I know their price for a 355 major was about $1k more than for a 348.

I did find the following list on a forum from 3yrs ago, which was copied from Eugenio's website. Hope this helps. You may want to search more on Ferrari Chat.

{Documentation of every Major Service comes complete with a full write-up, pictures, and all receipts for your records}

-Replace Spark Plugs (NGK or Bosch)
-Replace Timing Belts and Tensioner Bearings
-Replace Cam Seals and Housing O-Rings
-Replace Valve Cover Gaskets
-Replace Distributor Seals and Housing Gaskets
-Replace Distributor Cap Gaskets
-Replace Cam End Cover Gaskets
-Replace Air Filter
-Replace Fuel Filter(s)
-Replace A/C Belt
-Replace Alternator / Water Pump Belt
-Adjust Valves (where applicable)
-Torque Cam Journals
-Torque Heads (check only)
-Set Timing
-Bleed Brake Lines
-Change Oil and New Filter
-Change Transaxle Gear Fluid
-Replace Coolant
-Inspection/Service of Air Conditioning System (recharge "R12" extra on 308's/348's but "R134" is included on F355's)
-Inspect all Lines (fuel, oil, water) and replace if necessary (extra charge for parts)
-Check of Lambda System and Bosch Fuel Injection System (make adjustments if necessary)
-Clean Engine Compartment
-Pressurize Coolant System, check for leaks
-Inspect CV Boots
-Inspect Fuse Panel
-Inspect Tires / Adj. Tire pressure

{The items below are inspected and advised to the customer at no charge. If any item(s) require service, the customer will be advised of the cost.

-Inspect Water Pump
-Inspect all Seals (shift shaft, main, timing gear assy)
-Inspect Ignition Wires / Caps / Rotors
-Inspect all Bulbs, Lights, Electrical Motors
-Inspect Clutch Pedal play (adjustment setting if necessary)
-Inspect all Suspension Bushings / Connections
-Inspect all Exhaust Joints / Connections for leaks
-Inspect Brake Pads and Discs
-Inspect Wheel Bearings

 

Maintenance costs are very similar between the 348 and 355. In both cars, the engine needs to come out. That's the major component.

I will leave out the inherent production defects of the 355 such as exhaust manifolds, valve guides, etc. -- because we are talking MAINTENANCE here. Not repair. I consider the two to be different.

The 355 would cost slightly more to maintain. For starters, the 348 has one serpentine belt, whereas the 355 has two. Therefore, the 355 has a tensioner bearing for each of the two belts, adding additional parts cost. The cost of parts for the 355 major service will be a little bit more than that of the 348.

Next, the 355 has a few additional items that are nonexistant on the 348. For instance, the 355 has power steering. Disconnecting the power steering during a 355 major service takes a little bit of time. Also, it is another potential problem area. Additionally, the 355 has electronic shock actuators that adjust the suspension. These are quite expensive to replace. That being said, I've never had a problem with mine. Of course, there are other areas that distinguish the 355 from the 348.

If we are talking Spiders, again the 355 has a few more areas of potential problems. For instance, the convertible top in the 355 is fully powered. Therefore, we've got ECUs that could go bad. The seat ECUs especially can be a problem. These are the little devils that tell the seats to go forward when the top is being opened or closed. Only problem is, they can randomly decide to stop doing their jobs. Replacement cost? About $1,000 per seat ECU.

Having owned both cars, I can tell you from experience that I really haven't noticed that the 355 is any worse than the 348 from a maintenance standpoint. I used my 348 quite often, and I use my 355; therefore, my cars have been pretty reliable due to their having been regularly exercised. I haven't had many things to repair on either car -- so maybe I'm just lucky and not the typical case. However, I don't think it imprudent to offer the following observation: if you've got the money to maintain a 348, then you've got the money to maintain a 355. For practical purposes, they're basically the same, with one being a few c*ckhairs more to maintain. Now a 328 or a 360 will cost much less to maintain than either car. But a 348 versus 355? Not a significant difference.

 

15k services basically went away with the 3 year timing belt requirement. If anyone actually put 30k on in 3 years, then you would perform the 15k at 1.5 years. But no one puts anywhere near that many miles on, but some folks stay with the original 5 year belt change interval, so have the 15k performed at 2.5 to 3 years out.

According to the manual, the 15k includes a number of checks, and replacement of the following (going from memory):

spark plugs
oil
coolant
brake fluid flush
transaxle fluid
power steering belt
water pump belt
alternator belt
adjust hand brake
check alignment
check diagnostic trouble codes
check A/C
emission check

Etc, etc..

I am on the "6 year plan" so I had it done by a qualified independant and it ran about $1400 for everything, and took him most of a day to complete. (this was 3 years ago so add inflation)

Ferrari of Seattle performed my major service one year ago and I think the basic major service was around $8k, but includes not only timing belts and tensionors, but also cam seals and valve cover gaskets, all fluids, accessory drive belts, etc. It was very complete, AND they actually degree the cams, which it seems, many independants (and dealers) do not perform! Always ask questions, and make sure you are comparing apples to apples when comparing prices. FNA dealers all offer a 12 month warranty on their work too.