Alfa Romeo 159 ti

[Brad Smith]

Hi

Has anyone owned one of these, looking at the 1.9 diesel ti version. Will be used to travel 60 miles a day for work as I can’t keep using my E46 M3.

These seem quite the bargain now and they look stunning. But don’t know what to be looking out for, any common issues ?

Are they actually economical.

Timing belt and water pump seems to be a regular thing to get done.

Would be good if anyone’s owned one and if there any good.

Thanks.

[davebem]

Pay extra and go for the 2.0jtdm. The 1.9 is a tough engine but known to swallow the odd swirl flap, also usual dpf and egr issues, I suppose many of them might have those issues 'sorted'. Only other thing is check for rust on front subframe. Nice cars, i miss mine.

[Lesgrandepotato]

I run a 1750 TBI TI. I reckon it’s the pick of the bunch. Does mid 30’s most of the time and it’s reasonably rapid. Combination of diesel torque and a revvy petrol.

[rxe]

We have a 2.4 SW Ti. It came remapped at 40k miles, now on 140k. I think it is an AHM map, so about 260 HP.

As a car to belt across Europe, it’s excellent. It’s not terribly economical, about 45 mpg if you’re sensible, 40 if you’re going for it. B road twisty stuff is not it’s natural home.

19” wheels are a PITA.

It’s been reliable but it has a number of issues that can lead to 4 figure bills - clutch + DMF, turbo and swirl flaps, Ours has had all three.

Interiors are solid and tough. Ours is home to two large German Shepherds, but scrubs up perfectly well with a bit of effort.

[Lesgrandepotato]

What’s the issue with the 19’s? Ok the tyres are a touch spendy but they look epic.

[rxe]

They catch on everything. 6’6” width restrictions have to be negotiated with millimetre precision. 18s are better, cheaper, less harsh, less dent prone.

[Nellydog08]

Hi,I have a brera 3.2 q4,and big end has gone.,I am trying to find out if spare parts for bottom end are available in the UK,and if the 159 3.2 Q4 engine is the same,I know it is GM bottom end,but have been told the after market parts are not available,just wondered if 159 parts would do the job,even use a 159 bottom end as replacement.

[ian996]

Nellydog08 said:

Hi,I have a brera 3.2 q4,and big end has gone.,I am trying to find out if spare parts for bottom end are available in the UK,and if the 159 3.2 Q4 engine is the same,I know it is GM bottom end,but have been told the after market parts are not available,just wondered if 159 parts would do the job,even use a 159 bottom end as replacement.

As far as I'm aware the 3.2 159 engine is identical to the one in the Brera - I'm sure someone on AlfaOwner could confirm this, one way or another.

With the number of 3.2 JTS engines (In both Breras and 159s) that are stretching their cam chains (a £3K plus bill), I would think there would be a good possibility of engine parts at specialist breakers - or you could try one of the Autolusso branches to see if they can advise. I've always found them very helpful.

[iDrive]

I've had 2 159TI's - a 1.9 Saloon and a 2.0JTDM SW

The 1.9 does not have a great reputation at higher miles and TBH the 2.0 isn't too quick, for your journey I'd agree the 1.8 would be ideal.

I'm in the minority, but I have been very happy with Accelera tyres on the 19's - They do seem to polarise opinion, and I've always bought Michelin on every other car I've owned, but I have no complaints on these - wet or dry.

Join AlfaOwner

Its the only car I've habitually looked back at as I walk away.

[Nigel_O]

iDrive said:

The 1.9 does not have a great reputation at higher miles.

My 1.9 (in a GT, but the same engine) has over a quarter of a million miles on it

They are fine if looked after