[Andrew]

I've been doing extensive research on this model across mutliple sources and want to hear your expert opinions. I think these are two of the top 3 most common problems for a 348, do you agree?

A/C (typically due to electrical problems)
Check engine light related to the ECU

Not sure what #3 would be but I have also seen a few start problems. Surprisingly I haven't seen many clutch issues. But I've seen the two above all over the place. In fact JRV wrote a nice article on the A/C issue in our tech section.

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[Bazil]

A very common 348 problem - although it's not mechanical, is that the rubberised material on the centre consol deteriorates to the point that it becomes a black sticky mess that you need to have actively taken off - not nice!!

Another one (although it's one of those "they all do that, sir" problems, and is in fact the same in the Testarossa) would be the fact that you can't engage 2nd gear until the car is thoroughly warm.

Yet another would the problems associated with the cable gear linkage - it's just one of those things that forever needs adjusting.

And one more - just to keep you going - would be water leakage due to poor seals in the ts and spider models.

Could probably come up with a dozen more if you need them...

 

[ShaolinLueb]

A very common 348 problem - although it's not mechanical, is that the rubberised material on the centre consol deteriorates to the point that it becomes a black sticky mess that you need to have actively taken off - not nice!!

Another one (although it's one of those "they all do that, sir" problems, and is in fact the same in the Testarossa) would be the fact that you can't engage 2nd gear until the car is thoroughly warm.

Yet another would the problems associated with the cable gear linkage - it's just one of those things that forever needs adjusting.

And one more - just to keep you going - would be water leakage due to poor seals in the ts and spider models.

Could probably come up with a dozen more if you need them...

so the 348's were that bad? those things were mad sexy.

 

[Bazil]

so the 348's were that bad?

Not at all - it's a fabulous car - but then I'm bound to say that, as I have one!!

But having said that, the issues are well known, and in truth most are just niggles or down to poor maintenance.

I didn't buy a 348 because I thought it'd be problem free, and neither should anyone else. I bought one because I think it's one of the most beautiful of all Ferraris, and it's an absolute hoot to drive!!

Also, just because there are known problems, doesn't mean you'll experience them.

It's a bit like my Rolex. I can get more accurate and reliable quartz watches free in breakfast cereal boxes - but (a) I don't wear it for the accuracy/reliability I wear it for the fact that it's a little piece of magic on my wrist, and (b) I wanted one, whereas I don't want a watch with a tiger on!! :green:

 

[Andrew]

But having said that, the issues are well known, and in truth most are just niggles or down to poor maintenance.

niggles? British English? I missed this one sorry I'm at a loss Bazil. I like learning British English but it's bloody hell for me and I never seem to use it right except when I'm chatting up bird or talking to me old china. :green:

Bazil,
Was that a good display? :ugh:

 

[Andrew]

What a bunch of rubish, here is the definition:

1. To be preoccupied with trifles or petty details.
2. To find fault constantly and trivially; carp. See Synonyms

Thanks, I learned a new word.

Now back to the 348, thanks for the list of details. I will be sure to look them over.

 

[Bazil]

Was that a good display? :ugh:

Errrrrr - NO!!!

:green:

 

[Stradale]

Well said Bazil.

If anyone is looking for a trouble free car avoid the Ferrari. But if you want feel the thrill and pleasure of driving a car like no other, then plunge for the Ferrari. But take it's bad with it's good.

 

[Dj Dirk]

Well said Bazil.

If anyone is looking for a trouble free car avoid the Ferrari.

a trouble free car won't excist

 

[ShaolinLueb]

Well said Bazil.

If anyone is looking for a trouble free car avoid the Ferrari.

a trouble free car won't excist

actually a toyota or lexus is pretty much trouble free here in the states.

 

[Boxer]

Trouble free --- try a Volvo, boxy, safe, and amazingly boring to drive.

 

[vincent355]

Another common problem are the three seals between the output shafts going to the clutch pack and FW. These wear and gear oil infiltrates the FW. Causing rattling of the internal parts in the FW, and a problem starting the car when it is hot.

Vincent.

 

[justynb]

The three main problems with my 348:

1. Can't resist driving it all the time
2. The wet British weather means I can't use it as often as I would like to
3. Scared to park it anywhere that I can't keep an eye on it

:lol:

 

[Pete04222]

Cars are like women, the sleek, sexy ones are expensive to buy and they will drain your wallet with the maintenance. You can save yourself some coin and get one that is more reliable, but it won't be as nice to look at and it won't be as fun to ride in. You do pay for performance.

 

[Pete04222]

Bazil,
I like your comparison to the Rolex watch. A $10 watch will keep the same time but you won't get the same feel and satisfaction of having it on your wrist. The Rolex is worth the difference. A Toyota will get you from point A to point B, but you won't get the same feel and satisfaction as you would with a 348. The Ferrari is worth the difference.

BTW - I sent you a PM concerning the calendar and you never responded. Are you still in?

Andrew - If you want to speak like a Brit, forget everything you ever learned about grammer and go rent a bunch of Monty Python and Benny Hill videos. You'll be speaking like a native in no time.

 

[Bazil]

BTW - I sent you a PM concerning the calendar and you never responded. Are you still in?

Pete,

I do apologise - I got it ages ago, thought I'd replied - my fault. Yes - definitely - as soon as we get some decent weather I'll be out with the camera!!! So that could be about 2007 then... :lol:

Actually, apologies that I've barely been here, having multiple work crises at the moment - so not posting a great deal currently.

I shall return, however...

 

[Beerman]

348 problems.

Air conditioning. And a recurrent problem with the speedometer. Sometimes it works other times it doesn't. In the beginning it would run then after a while it would stop, then it would sometimes start again. Now it doesn't run until it the vehicle has done a few miles. I have had it looked at, but no one has been able to trace the problem.

Gearchange, second gear doesn't like to wake up unitl it is warm.

I don't think there is any such thing as a trouble free Ferrari.

 

[Dj Dirk]

i've only driven 1 ferrari 1 time
a 348 TS
and i did notice that 2nd gear was difficult yes
even when it was warm

 

[Pete04222]

i've only driven 1 ferrari 1 time
a 348 TS
and i did notice that 2nd gear was difficult yes
even when it was warm

It's the same on the 308, until the engine and tranny are warm I just go from first to third.

 

[Boxer]

The 2nd gear issues are the same for the 512 BB and the F355. Much worse on the former than the latter.