Positioning:
A mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car that served as Ferrari's entry-level model during its production run.
Competitors:
Porsche 911, Chevrolet Corvette, Lotus Esprit, Lotus Carlton (in certain markets)
Distinctive Elements:
Pininfarina styling, transverse-mounted V8 engine, gated manual shifter (standard), iconic Ferrari performance and sound.
Target Audience For Manual
Audience:
Ferrari 348 owners, independent mechanics specializing in Italian exotics, automotive restoration enthusiasts.
Applicable Years:
1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995
Covered Models:
All Ferrari 348 variants (TB, TS, Spider)
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (Specific count not provided, but described as 'very comprehensive')
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Engine:
General Information, Assembling Engine, Hydraulic Test, Lubrication System, Cooling System, Injection System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Emission System, System Diagnosis
Drivetrain:
Clutch System, Gearbox System, Differentials, Axle Shaft
Chassis:
Steering System, Suspension, Wheel & Tires, Brake System, ABS System
Electrical:
Controls & Instruments, Battery System, Electrical System, Wiring Diagram
Body Interior:
Seat & Seat Belt, Steering Column, Interior & Exterior, Accessories, Air Conditioning
Maintenance:
Regular Servicing, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major systems
Diagnostics:
System Diagnosis, Troubleshooting Guides
Assembly Disassembly:
Detailed procedures for engine assembly, gearbox, and other major components
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics.
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable within the PDF format
Printability:
Fully printable (selected pages or whole manual)
Binding:
Digital Download (PDF), no physical binding
Paper Type:
Not applicable (digital format)
Visuals:
Illustrated with pictures and diagrams, includes exploded views
Engine Type:
Mid-mounted, naturally aspirated V8
Displacement:
3.4 Liters (3405 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
82 mm x 81 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder (32 valves total)
Horsepower:
300-320 PS (221-235 kW) at 7,200 rpm (depending on market and tuning)
Torque:
324-330 Nm (239-243 lb-ft) at 5,500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic M2.7 (later models M2.7.2) electronic fuel injection with two injectors per cylinder
Cooling Type:
Liquid-cooled
Oil System:
Dry sump lubrication system
Type:
5-speed manual transaxle (longitudinal engine, transverse gearbox)
Type:
No automatic or F1-style transmission offered during this period for the 348.
Gear Shifter:
Gated shifter (iconic Ferrari feature)
Gearbox Oil Type:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (specific Ferrari recommendation in manual)
Length:
Approx. 4,230 mm (166.5 in)
Width:
Approx. 1,750 mm (68.9 in)
Height:
Approx. 1,170 mm (46.1 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2,450 mm (96.5 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1,430 - 1,560 kg (3,153 - 3,439 lbs) depending on model and specifications
Crash Safety:
No official NCAP or NHTSA ratings available for this era of Ferrari. Safety was secondary to performance and design.
Brake Assist:
Not equipped with modern brake assist systems. ABS was optional or standard on later models.
Airbags:
Driver airbag standard from launch. Passenger airbag introduced later in production.
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia reel seat belts
Audio System:
Typically a premium factory-installed cassette or CD player with amplified sound system. Specific brands like Blaupunkt or Clarion were common.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was optional on early models and became standard on later 348s.
Connectivity Features:
Limited by era; no modern Bluetooth, USB, or smartphone integration. Primarily focused on the driving experience.
ECU:
Bosch Motronic electronic engine control unit, managing fuel injection and ignition timing.
Major Service Interval:
Recommended every 10,000-15,000 km or annually, with specific attention to timing belt replacement (typically every 3-5 years or 30,000-50,000 km).
Timing Belt Replacement:
CRITICAL: Due to interference engine design, failure leads to catastrophic engine damage. Manual will detail procedure and interval.
Engine Oil Type:
High-quality synthetic engine oil, SAE 10W-40 or 10W-50 API SG or higher (specific Ferrari recommendation in manual)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Specific Ferrari coolant type likely detailed in manual.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 high-performance brake fluid
Clutch Fluid Type:
Brake fluid (DOT 4 or 5.1), shared with the brake system
Common Failures:
Timing belt degradation and failure, HVAC system issues (heater core, AC compressor), gearbox synchromesh wear, electrical gremlins, exhaust manifold cracking, fuel line degradation, sticky dashboard materials.
Recommended Checks:
Regular inspection of the timing belt and its tensioner is paramount. Checking for coolant leaks, electrical connections, and clutch operation is also vital.
Legacy:
Renowned for motorsport success and high-performance road cars.
Predecessor:
Ferrari 328 GTB/GTS
Design Philosophy:
A radical departure from the 328 with a more angular design and increased performance, aiming for a more modern interpretation of the mid-engine V8 Ferrari.
Production Years:
1989-1994 (official end of production, some sales into 1995)
Production Volume:
Approximately 3,775 units (across all variants)
Manufacturing Location:
Maranello, Italy
