Alfa Romeo 159 2004-2011 Review

2021-03-27T12:00:00+10:00

2.2-litre and 3.2-litre petrol engines have timing chains but these can have problems and may require replacement.

1.7-litre petrol engine and diesel engines have timing belts that requires regular replacement.

Diesel models can have problems with the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve and are not suited to frequent short trips.

Although improved over earlier models, there are issues with the Selespeed automatic transmission and these are best avoided.

Reports of engine oil leaks, air conditioner failures, paint chipping on lower panels and suspension wear.

Image credit: David Villarreal Fernández, CC BY-SA 2.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0), via Wikimedia Commons

Alfa Romeo 156 1999-2006 Review

2021-03-27T12:00:00+10:00

Early models with "Twin Spark" four-cylinder engine require timing belt replacement every 50,000 km or 3 years. The interval was initially longer but was reduced due to premature timing belt failure. These engines are also prone to crankshaft bearing failure if the oil level falls too low.

Later "JTS" four-cylinder engine share the same issue as the earlier engines but also suffer from typical direction injection issues including carbon build-up and worn injectors.

V6 models have a longer timing belt replacement interval (110,000 km or 5 years) but premature timing belt failure is not uncommon.

Suspension parts wear quickly.

Selespeed transmissions are best avoided as they are generally not reliable.

Image credit: Damien O'Donovan, CC BY 2.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), via Wikimedia Commons

johna's automotive blog

Alfa Romeo 159 2004-2011 Review

Alfa Romeo 156 1999-2006 Review