1999 Ferrari F355 Spider

The 1999 Ferrari F355 Spider is a mid-engined sports car with a 3.5-liter V8 engine that produces 375 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and has a top speed of 183 mph. The F355 Spider is known for its agile handling, powerful engine, and iconic design. However, it also has some issues that owners should be aware of.

Engine

• Water Pump Failure: The water pump on the F355 is known to fail, which can lead to overheating and engine damage. Symptoms include a loss of coolant, increased engine temperature, and a squealing noise. Replacement of the water pump typically costs $800 - $1,200+.
• Timing Belt Failure: The timing belt on the F355 should be replaced every 30,000 miles or 5 years, whichever comes first. Failure to do so can result in catastrophic engine damage. Symptoms include a loss of power, rough idling, and a loud slapping noise. Replacement of the timing belt typically costs $1,500 - $2,000+.
• Valve Guide Wear: The valve guides on the 3.5-liter V8 engine can wear prematurely, which can lead to oil consumption, smoking from the exhaust, and decreased performance. Replacement of the valve guides typically costs $3,000 - $5,000+.

Transmission

• Gearbox Failure: The 6-speed manual transmission on the F355 can fail, which can lead to difficulty shifting gears or the inability to shift at all. Symptoms include grinding noises, difficulty engaging gears, and a loss of power. Replacement of the transmission typically costs $5,000 - $7,000+.

Suspension

• Rear Shock Absorber Failure: The rear shock absorbers on the F355 can fail, which can lead to a loss of stability and control. Symptoms include a bouncy ride, poor handling, and a clunking noise when going over bumps. Replacement of the rear shock absorbers typically costs $400 - $600+.

Electrical

• Alternator Failure: The alternator on the F355 can fail, which can lead to a loss of electrical power. Symptoms include dim headlights, a dead battery, and a warning light on the dashboard. Replacement of the alternator typically costs $1,000 - $1,500+.
• Battery Drain: The battery on the F355 can drain prematurely, which can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a faulty alternator, parasitic drain, or a weak battery. Symptoms include difficulty starting the car, dim headlights, and a dead battery. Diagnosis and repair of the battery drain typically costs $200 - $500+.
• Electrical Glitches: The F355’s electrical system can experience glitches, which can lead to a variety of problems, such as inoperative gauges, flickering lights, and failed components. Diagnosis and repair of electrical glitches typically costs $200 - $500+.

Exterior

• Convertible Top Problems: The convertible top on the F355 can experience a variety of problems, such as leaks, tears, and failure to open or close. Repair or replacement of the convertible top typically costs $1,500 - $3,000+.

Interior

• Climate Control Issues: The climate control system on the F355 can experience a variety of problems, such as inoperative fans, failed compressors, and faulty sensors. Diagnosis and repair of climate control issues typically costs $200 - $500+.
• Instrument Panel Failure: The instrument panel on the F355 can fail, which can lead to a loss of gauges and warning lights. Replacement of the instrument panel typically costs $1,000 - $1,500+.

Summary

The 1999 Ferrari F355 Spider is a high-performance sports car with a number of potential issues. The most