Help - thinking of buying a 328

<Nikola Tesla> wrote in message news:v7adnfmq99dBfznfRVn-ug@comcast.com...
 > Many of you can probably remember this feeling, I am thinking about
 > purchasing my first Ferrari and I am very nervous.
 >
 > The car would be driven very little throughout the year - as to be
 > expected.

Fine but its important to run it regularly to keep all the seals in tact.
That means running the engine up to get some oil temperature & running all
the fans & switches etc to keep everything moving. If you leave an old
Ferrari electric window in the same place for 6 months don't be surprised if
it doesn't feel like working afterwards! Don't suggest you drive it in the
snow & salt is your enemy.

 > I have been searching the net for guidance but perhaps some previous
 > owners can help here.
 >
 > I have a decent income but I am not at all wealthy and would have to
 > stretch my budget to finance a percent of this car. I am looking at a 1998
 > 328 and I am looking for some guidance here.
 >
 > The car is in superb condition and has 9,500 miles on it. Asking price of
 > $59,000. 5 speed manual. It has already had its 15,000 mile tune up. What
 > else to I need to know ?

The mileage is low - low mileage cars command high prices but often cause
far more problems than cars that have been used a bit. Your ideal 328 these
days would have 25-30K on it & have records showing regular steady annual
mileage. From what I know of US prices I'd say that is expensive.

 > According to the sales guy this car is steel body instead of aluminum
 > (does that make sense to you guys ?)

Its steel

 > What are the advantages/disadvantages ?

It rusts

 > HP rating of 270 I believe - seems kinda low. How does it perform ? How
 > does it handle onramps - skiddsh ?

0-60 in less than 6 secs, top end of about 163. Its a quick car but it
probably wouldn't live with a Subaru WRX - but then that really isn't the
point of it. Its not a big car & it drives like a go-cart. The steering on a
good car is fantastic & very direct- some of them are getting a bit soggy .

 > No power steering or breaks - how do you guys like that ? Every car I have
 > owned has had PS/PB. Of course they won't let me test drive this car yet.

No power steering makes it a bit heavy to park in tight spots (but the tyres
arn't that fat - 205s on the front). Solution? Avoid parking in tight spots

The brakes are servo assisted & pretty good for road use. Upgrades are
possible if you wanted to track the car.

 > Is the car somewhat dependable or will I have constant tune-ups and
 > maintenance ?

Highly reliable & pretty bomb proof BUT its a 16 year old car that hasn't
been used much. You may have issues with decaying hoses etc that need to be
replaced & maybe some issues with rubber trim & seals if they havn't been
looked after. For low mileage and annual service should suffice. Service
prices in the US do seem a tad steep though. US car cambelt interval is 5
yrs (Europe is 2 years). Unlike 348/355/Testa its NOT an engine out job -
which makes it much less expensive to do.

 > I also live in the north with 5 months of snow. Although my garage doesnt
 > freeze, it isnt heated either.

Not necessarily a problem. A dehumidifier is your friend if you live in a
remotely damp climate. Better not to freeze it though!

 > The auto insurance I checked on - not a problem.

Insurance is cheap & a nice bonus

 > Would a Testarossa be a better choice ?

Much MUCH more expensive to maintain. The 328 is probably the least
expensive modern Ferrari to run & maintain. Its not that different to a
308/308GT4 & Mondial but, because it came along after, there are probably
fewer "bugs" in it. Things like oil changes & brakes are definitly DIY -
even for a half competent home mechanic.

 > I could also choose a Corvette/Viper/Lotus

You could. You either "get" having a Ferrari or you don't. For many F owners
the choice of a corvette,Viper, Lotus or a Ferrari isn't a choice. Besides
that I suspect you are talking C5 etc which means you are comparing modern
cars with a 16 year old car. Chalk & cheese.

 > Help please, Is this purchase worth it or problematic ?

If you buy a good car and then budget to spend some on it to get it straight
initially & then look after it right its definitly worth it - if you like
that sort of thing.

 > Sorry for all the questions, just looking for a friendly previous owner.

No problem - its what this place is for. Suggest you also check Google & go
& read <a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://www.ferrarichat.com" target="_blank">www.ferrarichat.com</a> as well. I've had my 328 for 6 years & its not
for sale

 > Thanks

welcome

I.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Help - thinking of buying a 328 

<Nikola Tesla> wrote in message news:v7adnfmq99dBfznfRVn-ug@comcast.com...
 > Many of you can probably remember this feeling, I am thinking about
 > purchasing my first Ferrari and I am very nervous.
 >
 > The car would be driven very little throughout the year - as to be
expected.
 >
 > I have been searching the net for guidance but perhaps some previous
owners
 > can help here.
 >
 > I have a decent income but I am not at all wealthy and would have to
stretch
 > my budget to finance a percent of this car. I am looking at a 1998 328 and
I
 > am looking for some guidance here.
 >
 > The car is in superb condition and has 9,500 miles on it. Asking price of
 > $59,000. 5 speed manual. It has already had its 15,000 mile tune up. What
 > else to I need to know ?


It needs a thorough pre-purchase inspection, by someone
that is not the seller and is familiar with these cars. Save some
cash for the hidden bits that haven't been put right yet.


 > HP rating of 270 I believe - seems kinda low. How does it perform ? How
does
 > it handle onramps - skiddsh ?


0-60mph in about 6 seconds, the tires are small by modern standards
so I suspect it might feel skiddish at the limit compared to more modern
iron. It'll feel like a twenty year old exotic car. Hot for '88,
interesting,
fun, and different for '05.


 > No power steering or breaks - how do you guys like that ? Every car I have
 > owned has had PS/PB. Of course they won't let me test drive this car yet.


Aside from tight parking lots manual steering feels great to me.


 > Is the car somewhat dependable or will I have constant tune-ups and
 > maintenance ?


Properly maintained it should be very reliable, but maintenance
is expensive by domestic standards, though somewhat cheap
by exotic standards (355, Testarossa, Lambo, etc. cost more)


 > I also live in the north with 5 months of snow. Although my garage doesnt
 > freeze, it isnt heated either.


Shouldn't be a big deal if proper precautions are taken.


 > Would a Testarossa be a better choice ?


Totally different car and much more expensive to service. If $59k
is tight you're not in Testarossa money.


  > I could also choose a Corvette/Viper/Lotus


You could, but then you'd

a)pass cars just like yours every day (Vette)

b)drive a torque monster down the road sideways but still
not have a Ferrari (Viper) plus it sounds like a vacuum cleaner

c)have a fun exotic with disappointing GM trim bits (Esprit)
or a killer track car with a Toyota engine (Elise)


 > Help please, Is this purchase worth it or problematic ?


Only you can answer that one for yourself. Do you want it bad enough?


 > Sorry for all the questions, just looking for a friendly previous owner.


Not an owner yet, but still planning on it...



-Matt- "..."<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Help - thinking of buying a 328 

Iain Miller wrote:

 > even for a half competent home mechanic.

I had a dream once that I was one of those ... then I woke up, put the
oil plug somewhere my friend would find it and went inside to throw away
my clothes.

M


--
"Leave the gun. Take the cannoli."

Pete Clemenza<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Help - thinking of buying a 328 

Nikola Tesla wrote:
 > Many of you can probably remember this feeling, I am thinking about
 > purchasing my first Ferrari and I am very nervous.

Don't be nervous. If you want one, get one!

 > The car would be driven very little throughout the year - as to be expected.
 >
 > I have been searching the net for guidance but perhaps some previous owners
 > can help here.
 >
 > I have a decent income but I am not at all wealthy and would have to stretch
 > my budget to finance a percent of this car. I am looking at a 1998 328 and I
 > am looking for some guidance here.

If you're going to have to reach a little, don't do it. Either that or
take on a nice QV and take the strain off. Remember, this isn't your
daily driver, and you're likely not going to use it enough to appreciate
the differences. I was in the same place a decade ago when I bought my
first one. I was shopping 328s and ended up with a 308GTS. As much as
I use the thing I'm happy to have the car and the extra $25k I would
have spent on the 328.

 > The car is in superb condition and has 9,500 miles on it. Asking price of
 > $59,000. 5 speed manual. It has already had its 15,000 mile tune up. What
 > else to I need to know ?
 >
Little high. Plenty on offer for less that that that have been driven.
I'd be more concerned about a car that's not been used than a 30k
mile example that's been out and about and has been properly maintained.

 > According to the sales guy this car is steel body instead of aluminum (does
 > that make sense to you guys ?)
 > What are the advantages/disadvantages ?
 >
The sales guy doesn't know the car. If you found a factory aluminum car
you'd really have something!

 > HP rating of 270 I believe - seems kinda low. How does it perform ? How does
 > it handle onramps - skiddsh ?

Believe me, if you've never driven one before, don't buy this one. I
drove about 20 cars before I bought mine.

 > No power steering or breaks - how do you guys like that ?

Doesn't even phase me. It's nice to DRIVE the car and not have the car
DRIVE YOU!

 > Every car I have
 > owned has had PS/PB.

Which will be part of the particular charm of owning it. It's different!

Of course they won't let me test drive this car yet.
 >
Why not? If they're not letting you drive it, don't buy from them.
Walk in, look the sales boy in the eye, say, I'm interested, I want to
TD this car. If they give you the Heisman, tell them they lost a
possible sale and move on. 328s are plentiful. It's not like you're
buying a one off car worth millions. You can roll up to just about any
Merc/BMW/etc dealer and TD a car worth far more than a 328 with nothing
more than a valid DL. If you're not drivin', they're not sellin'. I'm
guessing this isn't a dealer that usually sells Ferraris?

 > Is the car somewhat dependable or will I have constant tune-ups and
 > maintenance ?
 >
Plan on spending a couple of grand on getting it set up right and then
just enjoy it.

 > I also live in the north with 5 months of snow. Although my garage doesnt
 > freeze, it isnt heated either.
 >
Move!

 > The auto insurance I checked on - not a problem.
 >
I'm sure, if you only can drive 7 months out of the year I'm not surprised!

 > Would a Testarossa be a better choice ?
 >
Run away!! Too much car, too much deferred maintenance, declining
values. The early TRs are the 412s of the 21st Century!

 > I could also choose a Corvette/Viper/Lotus

You could also buy a Toyota...

 > Help please, Is this purchase worth it or problematic ?

Are you prepared to splash out for something you'll use once a week at
best? Are you prepared to live with a car devoid of basic creature
comforts? Are you prepared to own a car you're not likely to take/enjoy
long journeys with? Are you prepared to have fun? If all answers are
yes, buy it. If you hesitate or answer no to any, don't.

 > Sorry for all the questions, just looking for a friendly previous owner.

Hopefully you've found a few here!

T308

--
LIVERPOOL FC - European Champions 1977, 1978, 1981, 1984, 2005<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Help - thinking of buying a 328 

<Nikola Tesla> wrote:

 > Many of you can probably remember this feeling, I am thinking about
 > purchasing my first Ferrari and I am very nervous.

No need to be. You're about to experiment something great! I'ver owned a
328 GTS and I still miss it.
 >
 > The car would be driven very little throughout the year - as to be expected.
 >
 > I have been searching the net for guidance but perhaps some previous owners
 > can help here.
 >
 > I have a decent income but I am not at all wealthy and would have to stretch
 > my budget to finance a percent of this car. I am looking at a 1998 328 and I
 > am looking for some guidance here.

GTB our GTS? The latter is preferable, particularly if you drive it only
in the spring/summer.
 >
 > The car is in superb condition and has 9,500 miles on it. Asking price of
 > $59,000. 5 speed manual. It has already had its 15,000 mile tune up. What
 > else to I need to know ?

Don't know about the US prices, but it seems quite high. Here (France) a
good 328 is about 40,000 euros ($49,000).

The mileage is very low, 328s usually have around 30,000-40,000 miles.

 >
 > According to the sales guy this car is steel body instead of aluminum (does
 > that make sense to you guys ?)
 > What are the advantages/disadvantages ?

A 328 is steel made, except for the front and engine hoods. Look at them
carefully, they tend to distort.

The obvious disadvantage of steel is rust. Beware of salt!!! Places to
look at: the sills below the doors, the window seals (particularly the
small windows behind the doors), the windshield frame.
 >
 > HP rating of 270 I believe - seems kinda low. How does it perform ? How does
 > it handle onramps - skiddsh ?

The power may not be outrageous compared to modern sports cars, and it's
true you won't compete with a Sub or an M3 at traffic lights. But it's a
Ferrari, which says all: it's all in the way it delivers the power and
uses it.

It's hard to define. Let's just say that, when you drive a Ferrari, you
FEEL that it's been designed and built by people who know everything
about performance.

For instance, the power curve is very linear (as opposed to a Porsche -
oops, did I mention the cursed name?). It's an engine you must rev (red
line at 7,500 rpm), but it instantly answers to your right foot, and
you'll become totally addicted to pushing it to the red line on each
gear.

As for handling, it behaves like a kart. A bit skiddish on the wet, but
easily manageable.

 >
 > No power steering or breaks - how do you guys like that ?

I loved it (except of course in town, where maneuvering is a pain in the
ass)!

And it DOES have power brakes (but no ABS, except on latter models).
Brakes might be the only real weak point in this car. The front is very
light, and front wheels tend to quickly block in emergency situations.

 > Every car I have
 > owned has had PS/PB. Of course they won't let me test drive this car yet.

Find another dealer. NEVER buy a car without test driving it,
particularly a 15-year sports car.

 > Is the car somewhat dependable or will I have constant tune-ups and
 > maintenance ?

Ferrari maintenance is expensive, but the 328 is one of the "cheapest".
I never had any major problem with mine.

 > Would a Testarossa be a better choice ?

Definitely not. More expensive to buy and maintain, and less convenient
in everyday use.
 >
 > I could also choose a Corvette/Viper/Lotus

But it wouldn't be a Ferrari. This car will ensure you unlimited
pleasure.

--
J.C.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Help - thinking of buying a 328 

The 328 I was looking it is overpriced. Better deals can be found - with a
few more miles. Great comments about the low milage. I didn't think about
the fact that a car *needs* to be driven enough to keep rubber/fluids/pumps
working properly.

I find your comment about the 328 being the best of the 3X8 cars interesting
because now I am finding a few 348s newer & cheaper with about 20K miles.

Do you have an opion on the 348 ?

Thanks to everyone else for the feedback.

I do drive a Vette C5 now, but instead of buying a newer Vette, I am
thinking about the used Ferraris. They have been my favorite car for as long
as I can remember and I'm sure everyone here can understand that. I am ready
to trade in newer faster technology for the exotic car of my dreams.

So, I guess my choices are 328,348, 355 (wait a few more years)

Thanks to all.




"F2005..." <Ron.Dennis.TakeThisOut@LyingCheatingSwine.com> wrote in message
news:ufp9a19n8pu3sn5hf9vnsqq42nr9olbdkr@4ax.com...
 > On Mon, 6 Jun 2005 19:57:50 -0400, <Nikola Tesla> wrote:
  >>Many of you can probably remember this feeling, I am thinking about
  >>purchasing my first Ferrari and I am very nervous.
  >>
  >>The car would be driven very little throughout the year - as to be
  >>expected.
  >>
  >>I have been searching the net for guidance but perhaps some previous
  >>owners
  >>can help here.
  >>
  >>I have a decent income but I am not at all wealthy and would have to
  >>stretch
  >>my budget to finance a percent of this car. I am looking at a 1998 328
 >
 > No, you're not.
 >
  >>and I am looking for some guidance here.
  >>
  >>The car is in superb condition and has 9,500 miles on it. Asking price of
  >>$59,000.
 >
 > GTB or GTS? Sounds high, by about 9K. Check out
<font color=purple> > <a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://www.ferrarimarketletter.com.</font" target="_blank">www.ferrarimarketletter.com.</font</a>>
 >
  >>5 speed manual. It has already had its 15,000 mile tune up. What
  >>else to I need to know ?
 >
 > Tons... Original Ferrari V-8, Keith Bleumel.
 >
  >>According to the sales guy this car is steel body instead of aluminum
  >>(does
  >>that make sense to you guys ?)
 >
 > Yes.
 >
  >>What are the advantages/disadvantages ?
 >
 > It's a body on frame design: None/weight.
 >
  >>HP rating of 270 I believe - seems kinda low. How does it perform ? How
  >>does
  >>it handle onramps - skiddsh ?
  >>
  >>No power steering or breaks - how do you guys like that ? Every car I have
  >>owned has had PS/PB.
 >
 > A 328 should have power brakes, iirc.
 >
  >>Of course they won't let me test drive this car yet.
 >
 > Shop somewhere else.
 >
  >>Is the car somewhat dependable or will I have constant tune-ups and
  >>maintenance ?
 >
 > The most reliable and usable of the 3X8's by all accounts.
 >
  >>I also live in the north with 5 months of snow. Although my garage doesnt
  >>freeze, it isnt heated either.
  >>
  >>The auto insurance I checked on - not a problem.
  >>
  >>Would a Testarossa be a better choice ?
 >
 > No. Not by any reasoned measure.
 >
  >>I could also choose a Corvette/Viper/Lotus
 >
 > You certainly could.
 >
  >>Help please, Is this purchase worth it or problematic ?
 >
 > I vote "Problematic": The dealer won't let you drive it and the low
 > miles means it hasn't been used and probably not properly maintained.
 ><!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Help - thinking of buying a 328 

<Nikola Tesla> wrote in message news:vrqdnbOwEIyx_zvfRVn-ow@comcast.com...
 > Do you have an opion on the 348 ?


It's a good bit more expensive to service than a 308 or 328
due to the engine being mounted north-south instead of east-
west.

It's also more modern, faster, and the handling is more, umm,
well it's allegedly difficult at the limit but it may have more ultimate
grip than a 328.


Pay less now, pay much more at service time.


You might still be in 328 territory but drive a few cars, get
quotes on servicing, and see what you think.



-Matt- "..."<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Help - thinking of buying a 328 

"matt borland" <mborland.TakeThisOut@columbus.rr.com> wrote in message
news:4Ztpe.18004$iu.4657@tornado.ohiordc.rr.com...
 >
 > <Nikola Tesla> wrote in message news:vrqdnbOwEIyx_zvfRVn-ow@comcast.com...
  >> Do you have an opion on the 348 ?
 >
 >
 > It's a good bit more expensive to service than a 308 or 328
 > due to the engine being mounted north-south instead of east-
 > west.
 >
 > It's also more modern, faster, and the handling is more, umm,
 > well it's allegedly difficult at the limit but it may have more ultimate
 > grip than a 328.
 >
 >
 > Pay less now, pay much more at service time.
 >
 >
 > You might still be in 328 territory but drive a few cars, get
 > quotes on servicing, and see what you think.

What he said .

348 handling issues are there but only at speeds you shouldn't be doing on a
public road. On the track may people seem to have had good luck with fitting
spacers & widening the track a bit. I''ve never driven one so you should
talk to people who have (www.ferrarichat.com). There is a dedicated band of
very content 348 owners who wouldn't trade their cars.

There are a few other gremlins i.e. the climate control panel that dies,
costs over £400 and basically can't be replaced anymore because there are no
new ones. That said there are people who have managed to fix these.

The 348 engine is a peach - just expensive to service. The gearbox is also
good but they changed the linkage to cables (from rods in the 328). These
cables can bind when the car is worked very hard alledgedly making the
gearshift very stiff. The 355 engine is clearly more highly stressed and
does suffer from some unfortunate issues - i.e. a propensity to blow exhaust
headers & chew up valves & guides. That said there are some cars/engines
that just seem to be fine with both of these and have no issues.

More worryingly there has been a spate of 355s bursting into flames (a UK
chap on F'chat lost his 355 to this a couple of months ago). Something to do
with the fuel lines. A few others report close calls & finding various
leakes in the fuel system. These can all be rectified/modified & made safe
so something to be aware of but not worry about - i.e. if you bought a 355
you'd want to get it checked out very quickly.

Look here also for relative servicing costs:
<a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://www.hamletcg.co.uk/qv/offers.htm" target="_blank">http://www.hamletcg.co.uk/qv/offers.htm</a> - Dealer prices would be a good bit
higher than these. These are also UK prices - servicing costs in the US seem
to be higher still.

I.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Help - thinking of buying a 328 

On Tue, 7 Jun 2005 23:13:27 -0400, <Nikola Tesla> wrote:
 >The 328 I was looking it is overpriced. Better deals can be found - with a
 >few more miles. Great comments about the low milage. I didn't think about
 >the fact that a car *needs* to be driven enough to keep rubber/fluids/pumps
 >working properly.
 >
 >I find your comment about the 328 being the best of the 3X8 cars interesting
 >because now I am finding a few 348s newer & cheaper with about 20K miles.
 >
 >Do you have an opion on the 348 ?

FORZA did an article on the "unloved" Ferrarii, you should find a
copy (I have to run but I'll look it up later).

I think the strakes are hideous and evocative of "the pig that proves
the rule" that late-model TR.

Iirc, their engines are rather fragile, the suspension tuning brittle
....and the interiors are delicate?

 >So, I guess my choices are 328,348, 355 (wait a few more years)

As I understand it there's no choice between a 348 and a 355: The 355
is still the apotheosis of the Ferrari V-8 in many opinions and for
very good reasons.

Lately there's a gun metal gray 308 on a lot on my way to work each
morning: It's quite inspiring. They are so beautiful.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Help - thinking of buying a 328 

Tifosi 308 (The Serial Number Geek) wrote:

<The early TRs are the 412s of the 21st Century!>>

Ooh, I'm gonna tell!

C.
 >> Stay informed about: Help - thinking of buying a 328 

 > Iirc, their engines are rather fragile,

I thought 348 engines were pretty OK - its the 355s with the 5 valves & the
exhaust headers made out of steel that's too thin that seem to have more
problems.

 >the suspension tuning brittle

Not heard this one at all

....and the interiors are delicate?

Nor this

  >>So, I guess my choices are 328,348, 355 (wait a few more years)
 >
 > As I understand it there's no choice between a 348 and a 355: The 355
 > is still the apotheosis of the Ferrari V-8 in many opinions and for
 > very good reasons.

Upto a point. As they ar e getting older more & more of them are suffering
header failure & valve problems. Was down at QV the other day & Mike was
just loading 4 or 5 sets of 355 headers into his van to take them off for
rebuilding. They rebuild them with heavier guage pipes.

 > Lately there's a gun metal gray 308 on a lot on my way to work each
 > morning: It's quite inspiring. They are so beautiful.

Does ya good.

I.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Help - thinking of buying a 328 

Great information.

Thanks to both of you.


"Iain Miller" <donot RemoveThis @spam.me> wrote in message
news:Diype.4916$K5.4755@newsfe4-win.ntli.net...
 >
 > "matt borland" <mborland RemoveThis @columbus.rr.com> wrote in message
 > news:4Ztpe.18004$iu.4657@tornado.ohiordc.rr.com...
  >>
  >> <Nikola Tesla> wrote in message
  >> news:vrqdnbOwEIyx_zvfRVn-ow@comcast.com...
   >>> Do you have an opion on the 348 ?
  >>
  >>
  >> It's a good bit more expensive to service than a 308 or 328
  >> due to the engine being mounted north-south instead of east-
  >> west.
  >>
  >> It's also more modern, faster, and the handling is more, umm,
  >> well it's allegedly difficult at the limit but it may have more ultimate
  >> grip than a 328.
  >>
  >>
  >> Pay less now, pay much more at service time.
  >>
  >>
  >> You might still be in 328 territory but drive a few cars, get
  >> quotes on servicing, and see what you think.
 >
 > What he said .
 >
 > 348 handling issues are there but only at speeds you shouldn't be doing on
 > a public road. On the track may people seem to have had good luck with
 > fitting spacers & widening the track a bit. I''ve never driven one so you
 > should talk to people who have (www.ferrarichat.com). There is a dedicated
 > band of very content 348 owners who wouldn't trade their cars.
 >
 > There are a few other gremlins i.e. the climate control panel that dies,
 > costs over £400 and basically can't be replaced anymore because there are
 > no new ones. That said there are people who have managed to fix these.
 >
 > The 348 engine is a peach - just expensive to service. The gearbox is also
 > good but they changed the linkage to cables (from rods in the 328). These
 > cables can bind when the car is worked very hard alledgedly making the
 > gearshift very stiff. The 355 engine is clearly more highly stressed and
 > does suffer from some unfortunate issues - i.e. a propensity to blow
 > exhaust headers & chew up valves & guides. That said there are some
 > cars/engines that just seem to be fine with both of these and have no
 > issues.
 >
 > More worryingly there has been a spate of 355s bursting into flames (a UK
 > chap on F'chat lost his 355 to this a couple of months ago). Something to
 > do with the fuel lines. A few others report close calls & finding various
 > leakes in the fuel system. These can all be rectified/modified & made safe
 > so something to be aware of but not worry about - i.e. if you bought a 355
 > you'd want to get it checked out very quickly.
 >
 > Look here also for relative servicing costs:
 > <a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://www.hamletcg.co.uk/qv/offers.htm" target="_blank">http://www.hamletcg.co.uk/qv/offers.htm</a> - Dealer prices would be a good
 > bit higher than these. These are also UK prices - servicing costs in the
 > US seem to be higher still.
 >
 > I.
 >
 >
 >
 >
 >
 >
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 >> Stay informed about: Help - thinking of buying a 328 

Iain Miller <donot DeleteThis @spam.me> wrote:

 > There are a few other gremlins i.e. the climate control panel that dies,
 > costs over £400

.... which also happens in F355s

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 >> Stay informed about: Help - thinking of buying a 328