🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Ferrari

Model:

F355

Year:

1994-1999

Engine Code:

F129B

Chassis Codes:

F129

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Ferrari F355 owners, independent repair shops, and enthusiasts seeking in-depth technical knowledge for maintenance and repair.

Value Proposition:

Provides factory-level repair and service information, significantly reducing reliance on expensive dealership services and empowering owners with the knowledge to maintain their F355 effectively.

Detail Level:

Step-by-step instructions, detailed illustrations, and comprehensive specifications ensure accurate and efficient repairs.

Accessibility:

Electronic format compatible with all modern Windows and Mac operating systems, offering flexibility and on-demand access to information.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Models:

Ferrari F355 (1994-1999)

Covered Engines:

3.5L V8 (F129B)

Estimated Pages:

Likely extensive, typical for a full workshop manual. Specific page count not provided but the 564MB file size indicates a high volume of detailed content.

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English (assumed based on typical market of such manuals, though not explicitly stated)

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete coverage including disassembly, assembly, diagnostics, and specifications for the 3.5L V8 F129B engine.

Lubrication System:

Details on oil pump, oil passages, oil filter, oil cooler, and lubrication specifications.

Emission Control:

Information on emission control devices, diagnosis, and related adjustments.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, coolant specifications, and bleeding procedures.

Injection Ignition:

Comprehensive coverage of fuel injection system (likely Bosch Motronic), ignition system, sensors, actuators, and diagnostic procedures.

Exhaust System:

Catalytic converters, mufflers, exhaust manifold, pipes, and related components.

Clutch:

Clutch operation, hydraulic system, clutch disc, pressure plate, and flywheel service.

Gearbox:

Manual transmission and F1-style sequential gearbox (if applicable to the specific sub-models covered by the manual), including internal components, maintenance, and repair.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, geometry, alignment, shock absorbers, springs, and bushings.

Brake System:

Hydraulic brake system, ABS (if equipped), brake calipers, rotors, pads, brake fluid specifications, and bleeding procedures.

Controls:

Steering system, pedal assembly, linkage, and control cables.

Electronic Accessories:

Power windows, mirrors, seats, central locking, and other electronic convenience features.

Air Conditioning:

A/C system components, refrigerant, servicing, and troubleshooting.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, fuses, relays, and general electrical troubleshooting.

Wiring Diagram:

Detailed wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, essential for electrical diagnostics and repairs.

General Maintenance:

Routine checks, fluid changes, filter replacements, and preventative maintenance tasks.

Engine Repair:

Engine overhaul, component replacement (pistons, rings, bearings, valves), timing belt/chain service (critical for F355), head gasket repair.

Transmission Service:

Gearbox fluid changes, seal replacements, clutch adjustment/replacement, and internal gearbox repairs.

Suspension And Steering Repair:

Component replacement (ball joints, tie rods, bushings), alignment procedures, power steering system service.

Brake System Overhaul:

Brake pad/rotor replacement, caliper service, brake line replacement, ABS bleeding.

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for electrical faults, component testing, and wiring harness repair using the provided diagrams.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnosis, and recommended diagnostic tools/techniques.

Specifications And Tolerances:

Detailed technical specifications, torque values, clearances, and wear limits for all major components.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering detailed disassembly, assembly, repair, overhaul, and diagnostic procedures suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts. It is a factory-level manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

File Size:

564 MB

Required Software:

Adobe Acrobat Reader (free download), WinZip or WinRAR (for extraction, free versions available)

Printability:

Printable pages, allowing users to print specific sections as needed.

Illustrations:

Includes detailed illustrations, diagrams, and pictures to guide repair and maintenance procedures.

Binding:

N/A (Electronic format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Electronic format, but content is derived from factory-quality documentation)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated V8

Displacement:

3.5 Liters (3495 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

85 mm x 77 mm (typical for this engine family)

Compression Ratio:

11.1:1 (typical)

Valvetrain:

DOHC, 5 valves per cylinder (3 intake, 2 exhaust)

Engine Code:

F129B

Horsepower Peak:

320 hp @ 7000 rpm (typical for early models)

Torque Peak:

267 lb-ft (363 Nm) @ 5500 rpm (typical for early models)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point fuel injection (Bosch Motronic M2.7 or M5.2 depending on year/market)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial and frequent (typically 30,000 miles or 3-5 years). The manual will detail this process thoroughly, including tensioner and idler pulley replacement.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

6-speed Manual Transaxle

Type:

Ferrari 'E-Diff' (electronically controlled differential) often paired with a manual gearbox. Some later models or specific markets might have had F1-style sequential gearboxes, though the manual explicitly mentions manual and implies F129B engine which typically came with manual or early F1.

Drive Layout:

Rear-wheel drive (RWD)

Fluid Type:

Specific high-performance transmission fluid (refer to manual for exact specification, e.g., GL-4 or GL-5 synthetic)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4550 mm (179.1 in)

Width:

1900 mm (74.8 in)

Height:

1170 mm (46.1 in)

Wheelbase:

2550 mm (100.4 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1550 kg (3417 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

N/A (No official crash test ratings available for this era of low-volume exotic cars, but designed with safety in mind for its performance class.)

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on most models within this range.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger airbags standard.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Typically a premium brand stereo system (e.g., Clarion, Becker) with AM/FM radio, cassette player, and potentially a CD changer. Manual covers operation and fuse locations.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is the primary electronic driver assistance system of this era.

Connectivity Features:

Limited by modern standards; primarily focused on basic vehicle functions. No Bluetooth or advanced smartphone integration.

ECU:

Bosch Motronic engine control unit responsible for fuel injection, ignition timing, and other engine functions. The manual provides diagnostic codes and troubleshooting for the ECU.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 7,500 miles or annually, but the manual will specify recommended intervals and oil types.

Timing Belt:

Critical: 30,000 miles or 3-5 years, whichever comes first. This is a major service item with significant cost and potential for catastrophic engine damage if neglected. The manual is indispensable for this procedure.

Brake Fluid:

Recommended every 2 years or 24,000 miles, or as per manual's guidance.

Engine Oil:

High-quality synthetic oil, viscosity grade typically 5W-40 or 10W-40. Refer to manual for exact API/ACEA specifications and Ferrari approvals (e.g., Shell Helix Ultra).

Coolant:

Ethylene glycol-based coolant with anti-corrosion inhibitors. Manual will specify type and mix ratio.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 high-performance brake fluid, as specified in the manual.

Sticky Interior Plastics:

A common issue with Ferraris of this era, where soft-touch plastics degrade and become sticky. The manual may offer some advice on cleaning or replacement.

Timing Belt Wear:

As mentioned, critical maintenance. The manual provides the procedure for replacement.

Sticky Door Latches:

Often caused by dried-out lubrication. The manual would cover lubrication points.

HVAC System:

Potential for HVAC blower motor issues or leaks. The manual details the system's components and repair.

📚 Vehicle History

Founder:

Enzo Ferrari

Philosophy:

Performance, racing heritage, luxury, and Italian design.

Predecessor:

Ferrari 348

Successor:

Ferrari 360 Modena

Design:

Designed by Pininfarina, significant improvement in styling and aerodynamics over the 348. Iconic gated shifter on manual versions.

Production Years:

1994-1999

Manufacturing Location:

Maranello, Italy

Variants:

Berlinetta (coupe), GTS (Targa top), Spider (convertible)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Critical Acclaim:

The F355 was widely praised by automotive journalists for its driving dynamics, exhilarating V8 engine sound, and beautiful Pininfarina styling, often cited as a significant improvement over its predecessor.

Legacy:

Considered by many enthusiasts to be one of the last 'analog' Ferraris before the widespread adoption of more electronic driver aids and the move towards more powerful V12 engines as the primary focus of the brand's top-tier offerings.