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1999 Ferrari F355

Introduction: The 1999 Ferrari F355 is a mid-engined sports car produced by Ferrari. The F355 was the successor to the 348 and was itself succeeded by the 360 Modena. The F355 was offered with a choice of two engines: a 3.5-liter V8 producing 375 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.7-liter V8 producing 279 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. The 3.5-liter engine was available with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed F1 automated manual transmission, while the 2.7-liter engine was only available with a 6-speed manual transmission.

Engine

3.5-liter V8 (F133E)

  • Valve Guide Wear:
    • Symptoms: Reduced engine power, increased oil consumption, blue smoke from the exhaust
    • Solution: Replace the valve guides
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $6,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Connecting Rod Failure:
    • Symptoms: Catastrophic engine failure
    • Solution: Replace the connecting rods and pistons
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $10,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Coolant Leaks:
    • Symptoms: Overheating, coolant loss
    • Solution: Replace the coolant hoses, water pump, or radiator
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000
    • Recalls: None Found

2.7-liter V8 (F131A)

  • No Issues Found

Transmission

6-speed Manual (Getrag 360)

  • Synchronizer Wear:
    • Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, grinding noise
    • Solution: Replace the synchronizers
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Clutch Failure:
    • Symptoms: Slipping clutch, difficulty engaging gears
    • Solution: Replace the clutch assembly
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000
    • Recalls: None Found

5-speed F1 Automated Manual (Valeo)

  • Solenoid Failure:
    • Symptoms: Transmission stuck in gear, delayed gear changes
    • Solution: Replace the faulty solenoid
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500
    • Recalls: None Found
  • ECU Software Issues:
    • Symptoms: Erratic shifting, transmission limp mode
    • Solution: Update the ECU software
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $500
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • No Issues Found

Electrical

  • Electrical Gremlins:
    • Symptoms: Intermittent electrical issues, such as lights flickering, dashboard malfunctions
    • Solution: Diagnose and repair the specific electrical fault
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Door Lock Failure:
    • Symptoms: Difficulty locking or unlocking doors, door locks freezing
    • Solution: Replace the door lock actuators
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Air Conditioning Compressor Failure:
    • Symptoms: No cold air from the vents
    • Solution: Replace the air conditioning compressor
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Window Regulator Failure:
    • Symptoms: Power windows not working, windows getting stuck
    • Solution: Replace the window regulator motor or switch
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 1999 Ferrari F355 is a high-performance sports car with a number of potential issues. Engine problems, such as valve guide wear and connecting rod failure, are the most serious and expensive to fix. Transmission problems, such as synchronizer wear and clutch failure, are also common. Electrical gremlins can be frustrating and difficult to diagnose. The cost to repair these issues can vary widely, but it is important to be aware of them before purchasing a used F355.

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