Alfa Romeo 156 2.0TS Veloce

[JFReturns]

Hi PH'ers,

I thought there may be some interest in my humble Alfa, which I recently inherited. Meant to be a cheap stop gap and money saving exercise so I can pay for our wedding, but after a few days I've fallen for the old girl!

I love the slick gearshift and the engine is an absolute gem, sounding gorgeous. The interior design and (I think) Recaro seats are great and the exterior has awesome aesthetic flair - no ugly door strips here!

She has been serviced every year on the dot at the supplying dealer with 15 stamps and receipts for three cambelt changes. Currently on 74,000 miles.

I think I'm going to restore her to rude health - not that there is much that needs doing at all! More pictures to come, any comments and tips very welcome.

Robert

Edited by JFReturns on Wednesday 16th September 20:57

Edited by JFReturns on Saturday 13th February 18:53

[JFReturns]

Thanks both - I've had a quick look underneath and it looks really clean. Got it booked into my local specialist Autobritalia for a really good once over to see what needs doing to bring it up to scratch, and hopefully to get a stainless steel exhaust to replace the nasty Kwikfit one.

Managed to get the full service history sent over from the main dealer which was great of them, so I've got a record of EVERYTHING done since 2001 when they delivered it. Cambelt done April 2013 so I'll get that done early spring.

For any car dealers claiming perfect servicing, this is what a FULL service history looks like

[JFReturns]

waynedear said:

Sounds like a cracker, looks good as well

Thanks

crostonian said:

That's just what I'm looking for! Fantasy Blue is a good colour, the Recaros have electric back rest adjustment and to be honest not a lot of side support for what's meant to be a sports seat however you do sit lower than the other seats, which for me is a bonus as I have a long body and short legs!

Aye the seats are firm but really comfortable, and its nice not having to heave a wheel thingy to adjust the back rests.

To be honest, I'm not yet sure how long I will keep this for - probably until early summer - but I'll let you know if it goes up for sale

[JFReturns]

Bit of an update! The 156 has spent some time at AutoBritalia - Paul has previously worked on my old TVR and is very thorough. Anyway, I ended up spending a fair bit....

- Cambelt and balance belt
- Cambelt and balance belt tensioners
- Cam variator and water pump
- Thermostat
- Near side rear trailing arm bush to hub
- New stainless steel exhaust
- Repair to air filter box

She now drives absolutely wonderfully! Tight as a drum and it feels like performance has increased with the engine more willing to zip round the rev range. However, the engine management light has since come on so it will be back to AutoBritalia to get that sorted. Probably lambda sensor or MAF.

I've also started on the aesthetics by giving her a quick clay, polish and wax. Also replaced the faded badge which has freshened the grill up nicely.

Here are a few more pictures:

Grill before


Grill after




Stainless steel exhaust and smiley!




Thanks for reading

Robert

[JFReturns]

Thanks chaps! I'm really enjoying her so far.

Engine management light has been sorted, it was a faulty mass airflow meter thingy. Performance has improved, or it feels it anyway, and I reckon economy should get better too. Currently averaging 27mpg on country road commute which I was expecting.

One thing though - the suspension has been checked over and various bits have been replaced but it still feels a bit loose and rattly. It doesn't knock. Any ideas what this could be? Bushes maybe?

[JFReturns]

Oilchange said:

It's possibly a tad chavvy but tightening up the front end with a strut brace does make it feel less wobbly in the corners. It did on my v6 though the flex is more pronounced with the heavier engine. Also I replaced the anti roll bar, bushes and drop links with new parts and a Gta bar with poly bushes. All in it transformed the handling. Perhaps a bit extreme but new standard parts do stop clunking noises and tyre wear on the inside edge becomes more managable

Thanks for the advice. I'm not sure about the strut brace for now as I'm happy with the handling, its more the rattles. I think the anti roll bar is the most likely candidate for replacing next.

pbarlow0032 said:

Lovely 156!! Random question: what did you use to get the chrome on the grill looking shiney? I assume it's plastic chrome, I'm trying to freshen up the plastic chrome on my A4 and can't work out what to use?
Thanks

Thanks for the compliment The grill was just cleaned in soapy water to be honest. However, I've had good results on plastic chrome with normal 'filler heavy' polish like Autogylm Super Resin Polish.

DamienB said:

Every 156 I've ever driven (9 so far, 2 owned, remainder courtesy cars or test drives) has felt a little loose/rattly/clonky in the suspension area but it doesn't appear to affect their magical ability to hang on in the corners.

Tow bar?!

Interesting - kinda hope that isn't the case as I do find it a bit annoying. It's booked back in with AutoBritalia for some attention to really check all suspension components.

My parents fitted the towbar. Mainly for a small tip trailer but also a weeny caravan. I agree it doesn't look great but its going to be put into service towing a caravan soon, albeit a really tiny one (Eriba Puck if anyones interested, designed to be pulled by the original Beetle).

[JFReturns]

Parabola said:

Does the new front badge sit nice & flush in the silver plastic surround?

I bought a new badge for my 156, but it sits a little out a little proud, really annoys me!

Yup, it fits perfectly. It was a genuine OEM part and I spent some time removing all the old glue before fitting.

In other news, the suspension rattle has been traced to an anti-rollbar bush. Unfortunately the sub frame needs dropping and the whole unit replaced so its a near £400 job! Bugger. Think I'll leave it for now

Edited by JFReturns on Saturday 31st October 06:29

[JFReturns]

robsa said:

It had already had the cam belt changed 3 times at 75k and you had it done again?! Wow. Someone loved that car!

Yup. My old man serviced her on the year, every year, regardless of mileage. Looking at the history, some years she only did two thousand miles!

Edited by JFReturns on Saturday 13th February 18:57

[JFReturns]

Bit of an update - the old girl has had a few bits and pieces done since October:

- Service and MOT (no advisories)
- Brand new standard rear exhaust (stainless steel tooooo loud, must be getting old!)
- Anti rollbar unit
- Anti rollbar links
- Front top wishbones
- Various uprated bulbs
- Aftermarket roofbars

The clonks and creaks were utterly doing my nut in so pretty much all of the suspension components other than dampers have been replaced now. I daren't total how much I've spent in the five months I've had this car but I imagine it's twice what the car is worth

Nevermind, she is now driving beautifully and for me it is money well spent because of the sentimental value but also because it is a cracking drive! Sounds great, still looks awesome (IMHO) and is practical enough for me. I can get all my fishing gear in using the ski hatch and it will be taking SWMBO, Yoda (my choccie lab) myself and a small Eriba caravan to Cornwall in the Spring for our wedding!

Couple of pics to stop this being too boring a update



'Perfect' service history continues with 16 services from the supplying dealer:


P.S. If anyone wants a beautifully made but silly loud stainless steel cat-back exhaust, let me know!

Edited by JFReturns on Monday 15th February 21:43

[JFReturns]

Had a couple of hours cleaning up the 156 this afternoon, and used a new product - Poorboys White Diamond glaze. Pretty happy with it, seems to pop out the colour quite nicely.

[JFReturns]

Update! The 156 has had a bit more work done. The anti roll bar unit has been replaced again due to a faulty unit, FOC thank goodness! A few other bits like a heat shield to replace the old rattly one, undertray repair and a set of new Kumhos all round. Plus a good once over as she's been put into real service taking SWMBO, Yoda our choccy lab and our newest edition, an Eriba Puck, all the way to Cornwall and back. I put a hammock in the back to cover all of the seats and the dog was nice and comfortable strapped in with the whole rear to himself. With the addition of a roof box there was plenty of room for our stuff.

Absolutely no problems at all, she drove perfectly and averaged 27mpg there and back. Going again soon to get married

Piccies!


Fleet services


Arrived!


Set up

[JFReturns]

Another update! The 156 continues to perform faultlessly, taking us to Cornwall again in May with no problems at all.

She's also proving to be really practical with the tow hitch and roof bar making her very versatile. Most recently, the roof box has been removed so I can lug my new 5 metre Kayak around:



Also, I've finally found a practical use for that bloomin' massive rear spoiler! It makes loading the Kayak easy and saves the rear window from damage

[JFReturns]

Well chaps, she's lasted a year but with the miles I'm doing we've decided to get something newer and more economical.

I really don't want to part exchange her - not because of the predictably low value, more because I don't want her to disappear into the trade and not get looked after.

I could put her into storage but feel she should be used. So if anyone wants her, let me know. I'd feel much better knowing she was going to an enthusiast who would look after her!

[JFReturns]

Thanks for the advice chaps, but I do feel a bit rude signing up to a forum just to sell. However, if anyone would be so kind as to link to this thread I'd appreciate it.

A lot of car for very little money!

[JFReturns]

Well, she's gone - px'd as I ran out of time and selling privately would have left me worse off after servicing, insuring two cars etc etc. I left the PH smiley on in the hope the new owner would do a search on here for Y436 WKK. If you find this post, I've got a folder of history I'll send you

The replacement is safer, faster, more economical and nowhere near as special. But hey, at least it ain't a focus / golf / Astra

[JFReturns]

Sorry for late reply I’ve not logged in for ages. They were generic eBay ones from memory and were absolutely fine.