I am looking at three 1997 355's to buy. All have about 10,000 miles on them. What exactly is the major service requirement for the car? Is it just a belt change based on time/miles? One dealer says it's just the belts, another says it's a major service, engine drop, etc etc... This is assuming that nothing has broken, and it's just routine maintenance. I've never owned one, and am something of an idiot, but I've heard everything from $4k to $12k for the first major. An 11 year old car with low miles is great, provided you're not going to drop another $10k to use it. Help!
You must do a PPI that includes a leak-down. You must get all records. It is really unfortunate if they have no (other than oil changes) records for 11 years. A qualified Ferrari mechanic can tell you what potential costs you may encounter. If the car was warmed up and driven regularly and not driven like it was stolen all the time, no donuts on the ocean beach, no driving on de-iced roads in the NE, not parked outside for the roadents to nest, not tracked every weekend, etc. there is probably not much wrong with it. A major at most shops is a "drop the engine" routine. Some shops may be able to do it with the engine still in the car but that will be harder to find. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Eugenio's in Cali has the following pricing and other information. The following information originates from their site. This is for informational purposes only and I am sure their prices are subject to change and your cost at your local shop may vary. Eugenio's Recommends Service Intervals (rough guidelines for example) Fluids - annually ~$600+ (this cost is Schnazzy's guess) Minor Every 2.5 years or 10000 miles (whichever comes first) $1795.00+ Major Every 5 years or 20000 miles (whichever comes first) $6095.00-$6995.00+ *Ferrari recommends 3 years or 30000 miles (whichever comes first) Valve Guides - $12995.00+ Minor for F355 = $1795.00 All prices are Approximations; prices include appropriate parts and labor. Documentation of every service comes complete with full write-up, pictures, and receipts for your records. -Replace Spark Plugs (NGK or Bosch) -Change Oil and install new Filter -Replace Air Filter -Change Transaxle Gear Fluid -Replace Fuel Filter(s) -Bleed Brake Lines -Replace Coolant -Replace A/C Belt -Replace Alternator Belt -Replace Water Pump Belt -Check Lambda System -Check Fuel Injection System -Check Air Conditioning System (possibly pressures) -Inspect Distributor Caps / Rotors / Ignition Wires -Inspect all Bulbs -Inspect all Motors -Pressurize Coolant System (check for leaks, replace hose(s) if necessary) -Check CV Boots -Thorough Inspection of entire car Major for F355 = $6095.00 ( $6995 includes Water Pump All prices are Approximations; prices include appropriate parts and labor. Documentation of every service comes complete with full write-up, pictures, and 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 -Replace Front Crank Seal -Adjust Valves (where applicable) -Torque Cam Journals -Torque Heads (check only) -Set Timing -Replace both Ignition Rotors -Replace both Carbon Brushes -Bleed Brake Lines -Change Oil and 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 Note: Applicable cleaning and detailing fees will apply (depending on how dirty your engine is). The items below are inspected (at no charge) and advised to the customer. If any item(s) require service, the customer will be advised of the cost. -Inspect Water Pump (rebuild included on 308/328's) -Inspect all Seals (shift shaft, main, timing gear assy) -Inspect / test Ignition Wires - ohm test / Clean Caps -Inspect all Bulbs, Lights, Electrical Motors -Inspect Clutch / Pedal play (adjustment setting if necessary or replacement) -Inspect all Suspension Bushings / Connections -Inspect all Exhaust Joints / Connections for leaks -Inspect Brake Pads and Discs -Inspect Wheel Bearings Valve Guides: We currently offer a complete Head Rebuild along with a Major Service for F355's. F355's built between 1995 to early 1998 have the well known "inferior" valve guides orginally used by Ferrari, and the heads on these cars will not last. This complete service includes completely removing and rebuilding the heads along with a complete Major Service and a water pump. This particular type of Major Service with Head Rebuild is approximately $12995. Note: Cars with higher mileage (or cars that have gone too long on the old style guides and now have very low compression and poor leak down "irrespective of mileage") may require bottom end work which is extra.
