Alfa 156 - "issues and maintenance"

dstar_ie

Hi Guys,

i have recently purchased an Alfa 156 JTD. The car is 04 and seems in very good condition. I bought it off a friend and i can tell he has taken great care of it.

Is there anything i should look out for in this car? I know that they have a bit of a bad reputation especially with the older models. Also has anyone some maintenance tips? I would also be interested in making some modifications to the car if it improved the cars handling and response.

Thanks for your help.

bazz26

Might get better info from an Alfa Romeo forum as Alfa threads on here usually decend into endless arguments about the pros and cons of buying one.

Common things to watch out for:

Timing Belt - make sure it has been changed every 36k miles, the Alfa Romeo manual says 72k miles but this was revised a couple of years ago due to numerous premature belt snaps.

Variator - the variator is a common part that needs replacing on the 156. The engine will start sounding like a diesel when your variator is on it's way out.

Oil change - make sure you check the oil regularly as the T-Spark engine likes to use it a bit.

Spark Plugs - spark plugs are expensive but they usually last about 70k miles afaik. The T-Spark engine has 2 per cylinder to my knowledge.

Alfa Romeo dealers - Alpha dealers are noturiously poor at dealing with and diagnosing problems which has contributed to Alpha Romeo's poor reputation. Find yourself a good independant specialist and he will look after it.

Front suspension - afaik the 156 suffers from a weak front suspension so have it checked.

I'm sure that 156 owners here will be able to advise of any other issues.

Fey!

bazz26 wrote:

Variator - the variator is a common part that needs replacing on the 156. The engine will start sounding like a diesel when your variator is on it's way out.

Doesn't the JTD already sound a bit like a diesel???

I thought that the diesel Alfas weren't as plagued with problems as the petrols were "reputed" to be?

I know that the likes of Hotwheels on here have had a couple of diesel Alfas, so it may be no harm to have a quick chat with them; you can see his on the "what people drive" thread. He should be able to recommend a specialist in Galway.

Enjoy it.

dstar_ie

Cheers guys ill check out that section.

Hotwheels

Might get better info from an Alfa Romeo forum as Alfa threads

Second that ->> Alfa Forum
Ahem...tiz a diesel, good luck with the car, Alfa diesel's are an excellent engine....

I know that the likes of Hotwheels on here have had a couple of diesel Alfas

Once you cross to the Darkside you'll never go back Luke

bazz26

Fey! wrote:

Doesn't the JTD already sound a bit like a diesel???

I thought that the diesel Alfas weren't as plagued with problems as the petrols were "reputed" to be?

I know that the likes of Hotwheels on here have had a couple of diesel Alfas, so it may be no harm to have a quick chat with them; you can see his on the "what people drive" thread. He should be able to recommend a specialist in Galway.

Enjoy it.

Doh! I really should pay more attention in future.:o

OKenora

Most the advice above is relevant to the petrols, but seeing you have a diesel, relax. They are far less prone to problems than the petrols.

Servicing is important, never niss an oil and filter change. Cambelt's due at 72k (miles) but the wise owner gets it done at 60k. check the oil weekly, they don't use much but check and top up if needed. Turbos can sometimes last only about 80k (can be longer).

Usual problems - soft/worn bushes, tyres wear badly on front, sometimes to inside. Get tracking reset to 0 (not the -2 they try to tell you) to solve this. Electric gremlins, easy fixed, don't panic, just find the cause and eradicate it by soldering.

Engines are great, get a re-map for about 225 bhp on the 2.4 20v version, 180bhp on the 1.9 16v version and 200bhp on the 2.4 10v version.

Suspension was never great, Koni sportpack is good as a replacement and is about £350 STG + fitting

Here's another very friendly and informal 156 forum

My 156 is on the "what people drive" thread too.... here

Volvoboy

Seen a Alfa as a taxi on the Howth Rd in Raheny got behind it and it was the JTD engine, Very stylish joe'r!!




-VB-