Hey guys , this is my first post and I have been looking for a 355 spyder 6 speed for some time. I may have found one and was looking for opinions as far as the 1995 models are concerned, any major problem areas or things I need to look for? The 30k service has been performed as well. I have owned several BMW M-cars , Porsche Turbos and a few AMG's and currently drive a 06 E55 as my daily but I've never owned a Ferrari.......I think I'm ready to own my dream car, now its time to decide on the right year! Any thoughts? TIA
Check this site out: www.the355.com. The big thing is the thin walled exhaust manifolds. They will fail, it's just a matter of when, so hopefully they've been replaced or welded & reinforced at a place like QV London. Also, be sure that the valve guides have been replaced on a '95 as they were brass and prone to wear prematurely. Look also for leather shrinkage on the dash, bubbled console decal between the seats, catalytic converter condition (prone to failure) and corrosion on the roof buttresses where they meet the rear quarters. Good luck in your hunt and post pics if you buy something!
Thanks for the link and info, I will keep you posted. It seems like the valve guides and t-belt are the big items to check.
Not all 95 355s have the usual problems. My spider now has 45k miles on it and it has never had new manifolds or new valves guides. And the power of the engine has not fallen from standard, indeed it has raised some what due to the mods that have been done to it. So dont be scared of all early 355s becourse some of them were made on good days
As chaa can attest, the '95s make the most power . If they have all the documentation proving what they say was done, was done, then I say it's a buyer if the prices is right. The other thing you will want to have a look at is the condition of the clutch and flywheel. So........before you buy it, make sure you have a good pre purchase inspection done anyway.
The clutch was done as well, do the 95's really make more power? Of course I will get a ppi as well. Is driving the 355 around 6000 miles a year a good idea?
I picked it up today........ Its a wonderful machine! Alot of recent work done as well, over $18,000 from the local dealer 2 months ago. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Thanks for all the kind words, owning one has been a lifelong dream. I couldn't fall asleep last nite, the wifey was laughing at me. I think the E55 is going to get a rest for a few weeks!
I wish you the best of luck, and many trouble-free miles!!! The 355 is a great looking, great sounding car that is slower, but really not bettered by the 360 or the 430 IMO. Congrats!
