1995 Ferrari F355 problems
The Ferrari F355 (Type F129) is a sports car manufactured by Italian car manufacturer Ferrari produced from May 1994 until 1999. The car is a heavily revised Ferrari 348 with notable exterior and performance changes. The F355 was succeeded by the all-new Ferrari 360 in 1999.
Design emphasis for the F355 was placed on significantly improved performance, as well as drivability across a wider range of speeds and in different environments (such as low-speed city traffic).
Specifications
Apart from the displacement increase from 3.4 L (3,405 cc) to 3.5 L (3,495 cc), the major difference between the V8 engine in the 348 and F355 is the introduction of a 5-valve cylinder head. This new head design allowed for better intake permeability and resulted in an engine that was considerably more powerful, generating a maximum power output 380 PS (279 kW; 375 hp) at 8,250 rpm and 363 N⋅m (268 lb⋅ft) of at 6,000 rpm. The longitudinally mounted 90° V8 engine was stroked by 2 mm over the 348's engine (77 mm rather than 75 mm), resulting in the small increase in displacement. Engine internals are produced using lightweight materials; the connecting rods are forged in Ti6-Al-4V titanium alloy. The engine's compression ratio is 11:1 and employs the Bosch Motronic 2.7 engine control unit in the 1995 model year, later changed to the M5.2 in 1996 through end of production. The Motronic system controls the electronic fuel injection and ignition systems, with a single spark plug per cylinder. Engine lubrication is via a dry sump oiling system. The engine was designed by Paolo Martinelli.
The F355 addressed transmission issues that plagued the earlier models. A coolant heat-exchanger was installed which upon startup, warmed the gearbox oil quicker. A rod-driven actuation system, which replaces the 348's cable operated system, was also added for precise gear shifts.
The frame is a steel monocoque with tubular steel rear sub-frame with front and rear suspensions using independent, unequal-length wishbones, coil springs over gas-filled telescopic shock absorbers with electronic control servos and anti-roll bars. The car allows selection between two damper settings, "Comfort" and "Sport". The road-going models came with Pirelli tyres, size 225/40ZR 18 at the front and 265/40 ZR 18 at the rear. Although the F355 was equipped with power-assisted steering (intended to improve low-speed drivability relative to the outgoing 348), this could optionally be replaced with a manual steering rack setup by special order.
Aerodynamics for the car included over 1,300 hours of wind tunnel analysis. The car incorporates a nolder profile on the upper portion of the tail and a fairing on the underbody that generates downforce when the car is at speed.
The car's standard seats are upholstered with hides from Connolly leather, and are fitted asymmetrically in the car; this results in the driver being slightly closer to the car's centerline than the passenger.
At launch, the only model available was the Berlinetta. The Spider (convertible version), and the GTS (targa top model) were introduced in 1995. In 1997, the Formula One-style electrohydraulic-operated automated manual paddle-shift transmission was introduced and the cars equipped with this transmission were called 355 F1. The F355 was the last in the series of mid-engine Ferrari models with the Flying Buttress rear window, a lineage going back to the 1965 Dino 206 GT, unveiled at the Paris Auto Show.
The nomenclature does not follow the formula from the previous decades, i.e., engine capacity (in litres) followed by the number of cylinders (e.g. 246 = 2.4 litres, 6 cylinders, 308 = 3.0 litres, 8 cylinders, etc.). In naming the F355, Ferrari used engine capacity followed by the number of valves per cylinder (355 = 3.5 litre engine capacity and 5 valves per cylinder) to bring the performance advances introduced by a 5-valve per cylinder configuration into the forefront.
Social links
Common 1995 Ferrari F355 problems
The Ferrari F355, produced from 1994 to 1999, is a highly regarded vehicle known for its performance and beautiful design. However, like any car, it has its share of common problems that potential buyers should be aware of.
- Catalytic Converter Failure: The catalytic converters on the F355 are expensive to replace and can lead to further repairs if they fail. If the original catalytic converters are not working correctly, specialists can rebuild them, although this is still an expensive job. It is essential to ensure that the catalytic converters are functioning correctly and are included with the car when purchasing a used F355.
- Suspension Actuators: The actuators at the top of each shock absorber, which regulate damping force, occasionally fail. Replacing these actuators is relatively inexpensive, costing around $1000 each.
- Tire Wear: The tires on the F355, particularly the rears, wear out relatively quickly, with an average lifespan of 7000 miles for the rears and roughly 15,000 miles for the fronts. It is essential to budget for regular tire replacements, with costs ranging from $700 per tire for the fronts to $1500 for all four tires.
- F1 Transmission Lacks Refinement: While the F355 F1 introduced Ferrari's race-inspired automated gearbox in 1997, it lacks the refinement of current dual-clutch gearboxes. This may be a consideration for those who prefer a more traditional manual transmission.
In summary, the Ferrari F355 is a high-performance vehicle with a rich history and a devoted following. However, potential buyers should be aware of the common issues outlined above, such as engine problems, exhaust manifold cracks, catalytic converter failure, suspension actuator failure, tire wear, and the performance of the F1 transmission. Proper maintenance, regular servicing, and careful inspection can help mitigate these issues and ensure a satisfying ownership experience.
How reliable is Ferrari 355?
Ferrari F355 common problems. General: the 355 ushered in a new generation of more reliable Ferraris, but there are still many things to look out for when you are buying a used example. Engine: despite the complexity of the engine, it is actually surprisingly durable if serviced well.
Is the Ferrari F355 rare?
Ferrari F355 'Serie Fiorano'
Ferrari made more than 11,000 of its legendary F355 models between 1994 and 1999. But perhaps the most exclusive of all are its limited edition 'Serie Fiorano' examples.
What is the top speed of a 1995 Ferrari F355?
General performance
| Top speed | 300 kph (186 mph) |
|---|---|
| 36m slalom | 130.6 kph (81.2 mph) |
| Lateral acceleration | 1.02 g (10 m/s²) |
| Noise @ idle | 69 dB |
| Noise @ 100 kph | 75 dB |
How much horsepower does a 1995 Ferrari F355 have?
THE ENGINE
The mid-rear 3496 cc 90° V8 was longitudinally mounted and punched out 380 hp, giving it a specific power output of 109 hp/l.
1995 Ferrari F355 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ferrari F355 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Unknown or other problems
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1995 Ferrari F355 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1995 Ferrari F355 complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1995 Ferrari F355.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-12-01
- VIN: ZFFPR48B000
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THIS PARTICULAR CAR (APPROX. 3800 MANUFACTURED) UTILIZES A SEAT POSITION SWITCH (POTENTIOMETER #64978300) THAT MAKES SURE THAT THE SEAT IS CLEAR OF THE FOLDING CONVERTIBLE TOP FRAME WHEN IT FOLDS INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THERE IS ONE SWITCH ON EACH SEAT. WHEN LOWERING MY CONVERTIBLE TOP, THE SWITCH FAILED AND THE CONVERTIBLE TOP FOLDED ONTO A SEAT MOUNTED SEAT BELT BRACKET AS THE SEAT FAILED TO CLEAR OUT OF THE WAY. THE CONVERTIBLE ROOF FRAME BEGAN TO BUCKLE UNDER HYDRAULIC PRESSURE AS IT SCISSORED THE BRACKET. FORTUNATELY I CAUGHT IT IN TIME. THIS ACTIVITY OCCURRED INCHES FROM THE LEFT SIDE OF MY HEAD AND I CAN ONLY SPECULATE THAT EITHER THE ROOF FRAME WOULD HAVE JUMPED OFF THE BELT BRACKET OR THE PIVOT PIN ON THE FRAME COULD HAVE POTENTIALLY BROKEN POSSIBLY CAUSING A HEAD INJURY. I WILL NEVER KNOW THE EXACT OUTCOME AS LETTING THIS PROCESS CONTINUE COULD DO WELL OVER $10,000 IN DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. IN MY OPINION, THIS PART IS OVER-ENGINEERED AND UNDER-MANUFACTURED. THEY ARE PRONE TO FAIL AND THE PREVIOUS OWNER OF MY CAR HAD TO REPLACE THE PASSENGER SIDE SWITCH AT ELEVEN YEARS. UNFORTUNATELY, THIS PART IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE ANYWHERE ON THIS PLANET AND IF YOU CONSULT THE INTERNET, YOU WILL DISCOVER A COMMUNITY OF OWNERS WHO ARE ATTEMPTING "MAKE-SHIFT" REPAIRS OR DEFEATING THE SYSTEM ENTIRELY. THIS IS FAR FROM SAFE. I INITIATED CONTACT WITH FERRARI ON 9/1/2017 AND MY LAST CONTACT WAS 11/7/17. I DID NOT ASK THEM TO ACCEPT FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR REPAIRING THIS HAZARD, I MERELY SUGGESTED THEY FIND A WAY TO SOURCE THE PART. I BELIEVE A REPAIR COULD BE AS SIMPLE AS 3D PRINTING AN INTERNAL PART. THEIR INITIAL INTEREST HAS TURNED TO NINE MONTHS OF SILENCE. NOW I TURN TO YOU TO HOLD FERRARI RESPONSIBLE. AS IT WAS THEIR ENGINEERS THAT DECIDED TO INCORPORATE A SEAT MEMORY SWITCH INTO A SAFETY SYSTEM, LET THEM FIND A SOLUTION. A HAZARD EXISTS.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-10-15
- VIN: ZFFPR42A5S0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIRBAG ECU FAILURE IN 1995 FERRARI F355GTS. AIRBAG ECU FAILED DURING A NORMAL START CYCLE. CONVERSATIONS WITH OTHER F355 AND OTHER MODEL FERRARI OWNERS CONFIRM THIS IS COMMON FAILURE. SUSPICION IS THAT THE AIRBAG ECU FAILS WHEN SYSTEM VOLTAGE DROPS DURING CRANKING. AIRBAG ECU SHOULD BE ROBUST TO SURVIVE NORMAL USE AND OPERATION. *TR
1995 Ferrari F355 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the 1995 Ferrari F355.
- Manufacturer: FERRARI NORTH AMERICA INC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: FERRARI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1995 THROUGH 1999 FERRARI 355 AND 355 F1 VEHICLES. INDEPENDENT AUTOMOBILE REPAIR FACILITIES MAY HAVE IMPROPERLY INSTALLED CERTAIN SCREW CLAMPS THAT ARE LOCATED IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE FUEL LINES AND THAT FASTEN THE WATER SLEEVE TO THE THERMOSTAT CONNECTION. THE IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF THESE SCREW CLAMPS MAY DAMAGE THE FUEL SUPPLY PIPES.
- Consequence: FLUID COULD LEAK INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, CAUSING SMOKE AND, IN SOME CIRCUMSTANCES, A FIRE, RENDERING THE VEHICLE INOPERABLE AND POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW FUEL DIVIDER BLOCK, WHICH WILL SERVE TO PROVIDE A GREATER DISTANCE BETWEEN THESE SCREW CLAMPS AND THE FUEL LINES. THIS WILL ELIMINATE THE POSSIBILITY OF ANY DAMAGE TO THE FUEL SUPPLY PIPES WHICH COULD CAUSE FLUID LEAKAGE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 16, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FERRARI AT 1-201-816-2600.
- Manufacturer: FERRARI NORTH AMERICA
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES FITTED WITH DUAL FUEL PUMPS. THE FUEL INJECTION LINE FITTING CAN FRACTURE IF THE ALUMINUM NUT ATTACHING THE LINES IS TIGHTENED EXCESSIVELY.
- Consequence: IF THE FUEL LINE FRACTURES, FUEL LEAKAGE CAN OCCUR. IF AN IGNITION SOURCE IS PRESENT, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE FUEL INJECTION LINES THAT HAVE ALUMINUM NUTS AND REPLACE WITH NEW LINES CONTAINING STEEL ATTACHING NUTS.
- Manufacturer: FERRARI NORTH AMERICA
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES FITTED WITH SINGLE FUEL PUMPS. THE FUEL INJECTION LINE FITTING CAN FRACTURE IF THE ALUMINUM NUT ATTACHING THE LINES IS TIGHTENED EXCESSIVELY.
- Consequence: IF THE FUEL LINE FRACTURES, FUEL LEAKAGE CAN OCCUR. IF AN IGNITION SOURCE IS PRESENT, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE FUEL INJECTION LINES THAT HAVE ALUMINUM NUTS AND REPLACE WITH NEW LINES CONTAINING STEEL ATTACHING NUTS.
- Manufacturer: FERRARI NORTH AMERICA
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DUAL FUEL PUMPS. THE FUEL SUPPLY LINE FITTING CAN FRACTURE IF THE ALUMINUM NUT ATTTACHING THE LINES IS TIGHTENED EXCESSIVELY. HAIRLINE CRACKS ON THE FUEL INJECTOR RAIL ALSO EXISTS.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN LEAKAGE OF FUEL FROM THE FRACTURED LINE. IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WAS PRESENT, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE FUEL FUEL INJECTION LINES AND TWO RAILS THAT US ALUMINUM NUTS AND REPLACE THE LINES AND RAILS WITH STEEL NUTS.
- Manufacturer: FERRARI NORTH AMERICA
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
- Summary: THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT MECHANISM WHICH IS FITTED WITH THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT LOCKING MECHANISM WAS FITTED ON THE DRIVER SIDE AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT MECHANISM WITHOUT THE LOCKING MECHANISM FITTED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE.
- Consequence: THE SEAT BELT MECHANISM (WITHOUT THE LOCKING DEVICE) MAY NOT LOCK FAST ENOUGH AND COULD ALLOW EXCESSIVE MOVEMENT OF THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SEAT BELT MECHANISMS TO DETERMINE WHETHER THEY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED ON THE PROPER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND, IF NECESSARY, DISMOUNT AND REMOUNT THE MECHANISMS ON THE CORRECT SIDE.
- Manufacturer: FERRARI NORTH AMERICA
- Components: STEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACK
- Summary: DEFECTIVE LEFT STEERING RACK MOUNTING SUPPORTS WERE IMPROPERLY HEAT TREATED RESULTING IN THE POSSIBLE FRACTURING OF THE SUPPORT.
- Consequence: IF THE STEERING RACK FRACTURES, LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL CAN OCCUR INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT STEERING RACK MOUNTING SUPPORT WITH A NEW SUPPORT WHICH HAS BEEN PROPERLY HEAT TREATED.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1995 Ferrari F355 problems:
Here's Why You Should Never Buy A Ferrari F355
May 26, 2015 ... Ferrari famously fitted the 355 with weak bronze valve guides that fail under high RPM, or middle RPM, or low RPM, or if they hear you talking ...
Ferrari F355 Buyer's Guide: What You Need to Know
Feb 17, 2015 ... Ferrari F355 Buyer's Guide: What You Need to Know About Values, Problems, and More ; (depending on parts replaced) ; Clutch replacement, $3600– ...
Ferrari 355 Spider Top Roof Mechanism ALL Common Issues ...
I've just put a video together regarding the most common issues we face with the F355 Spider roof top system. 1. How the system works. 2.
Ferrari 355 Buyer's Guide To Avoid Costly Ferrari Services
Dec 6, 2019 ... One of the scariest Ferrari service concerns with a 355 is valve guide issues with the motor because this can cause low compression in multiple ...
355 Fires?? Disturbing news!!! | FerrariChat
He told me he had heard of a common problem relating to fires with the 355. ... FERRARI / F355 1995-1997. Recall Number ... FERRARI / F355 1995-1997
Other years of Ferrari F355
Are you having problems with your 1995 Ferrari F355?
Leave your review of 1995 Ferrari F355