Let's give this another try - Alfa Romeo 159TI
Discussion
Hi all
My second car was an Alfa Romeo 156 Sportwagon. It was a 2001 car which had the facelift interior, but pre-facelift exterior. It had the 115bhp 1.9 JTD engine which actually suited the car very well. After that car I've always had a love-hate relationship with Italian cars until I gave up and switched to Japanese...
That was until I bought this: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... If you feel brave, you can browse trough the thread, otherwise I'll just say: it's a 2001 GTV Cup that blew it's engine after I've spend the best of 3 years working on it... It's now sitting parked on the drive waiting for me wanting to spend time (and money) on it - again.
That's when, quite unexpectedly, the car from this thread comes into play. A friend of mine is also an Alfafanatic, but in a more sensible way (=> he only has one car). He has had an Alfa Romeo 159SW for the last 12 years, but after some problems with the MOT which he didn't feel like tackling, his man-math convinced him maybe it's an omen to buy a Giulia.
I become the new owner of his beloved car with the promise I would get it back on the road. Al tough the 159 isn't considered a true Alfa by many, it's a gorgeous car and one I've lusted after for as long as I remember. There is something about them that makes them a timeless beauty.
So I'm now the proud owner of an 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 SW in TI-trim. It has the 170bhp 2.0JTDM engine and has only done 118 000kms (so just shy of 75 000 miles). It failed it's MOT on rear suspension and the cambelt had been replaced in 2016 IIRC.
The pictures below have been taken after the work has been done and the car has gone trough it's MOT. Will post some later.
My second car was an Alfa Romeo 156 Sportwagon. It was a 2001 car which had the facelift interior, but pre-facelift exterior. It had the 115bhp 1.9 JTD engine which actually suited the car very well. After that car I've always had a love-hate relationship with Italian cars until I gave up and switched to Japanese...
That was until I bought this: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... If you feel brave, you can browse trough the thread, otherwise I'll just say: it's a 2001 GTV Cup that blew it's engine after I've spend the best of 3 years working on it... It's now sitting parked on the drive waiting for me wanting to spend time (and money) on it - again.
That's when, quite unexpectedly, the car from this thread comes into play. A friend of mine is also an Alfafanatic, but in a more sensible way (=> he only has one car). He has had an Alfa Romeo 159SW for the last 12 years, but after some problems with the MOT which he didn't feel like tackling, his man-math convinced him maybe it's an omen to buy a Giulia.
I become the new owner of his beloved car with the promise I would get it back on the road. Al tough the 159 isn't considered a true Alfa by many, it's a gorgeous car and one I've lusted after for as long as I remember. There is something about them that makes them a timeless beauty.
So I'm now the proud owner of an 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 SW in TI-trim. It has the 170bhp 2.0JTDM engine and has only done 118 000kms (so just shy of 75 000 miles). It failed it's MOT on rear suspension and the cambelt had been replaced in 2016 IIRC.
The pictures below have been taken after the work has been done and the car has gone trough it's MOT. Will post some later.
thomasrs50 said:
Hi all
My second car was an Alfa Romeo 156 Sportwagon. It was a 2001 car which had the facelift interior, but pre-facelift exterior. It had the 115bhp 1.9 JTD engine which actually suited the car very well. After that car I've always had a love-hate relationship with Italian cars until I gave up and switched to Japanese...
That was until I bought this: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... If you feel brave, you can browse trough the thread, otherwise I'll just say: it's a 2001 GTV Cup that blew it's engine after I've spend the best of 3 years working on it... It's now sitting parked on the drive waiting for me wanting to spend time (and money) on it - again.
That's when, quite unexpectedly, the car from this thread comes into play. A friend of mine is also an Alfafanatic, but in a more sensible way (=> he only has one car). He has had an Alfa Romeo 159SW for the last 12 years, but after some problems with the MOT which he didn't feel like tackling, his man-math convinced him maybe it's an omen to buy a Giulia.
I become the new owner of his beloved car with the promise I would get it back on the road. Al tough the 159 isn't considered a true Alfa by many, it's a gorgeous car and one I've lusted after for as long as I remember. There is something about them that makes them a timeless beauty.
So I'm now the proud owner of an 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 SW in TI-trim. It has the 170bhp 2.0JTDM engine and has only done 118 000kms (so just shy of 75 000 miles). It failed it's MOT on rear suspension and the cambelt had been replaced in 2016 IIRC.
The pictures below have been taken after the work has been done and the car has gone trough it's MOT. Will post some later.
Very nice. I always find the 'it's not a real Alfa' attitude odd. Certainly looks like one, a bit different from anything elseMy second car was an Alfa Romeo 156 Sportwagon. It was a 2001 car which had the facelift interior, but pre-facelift exterior. It had the 115bhp 1.9 JTD engine which actually suited the car very well. After that car I've always had a love-hate relationship with Italian cars until I gave up and switched to Japanese...
That was until I bought this: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... If you feel brave, you can browse trough the thread, otherwise I'll just say: it's a 2001 GTV Cup that blew it's engine after I've spend the best of 3 years working on it... It's now sitting parked on the drive waiting for me wanting to spend time (and money) on it - again.
That's when, quite unexpectedly, the car from this thread comes into play. A friend of mine is also an Alfafanatic, but in a more sensible way (=> he only has one car). He has had an Alfa Romeo 159SW for the last 12 years, but after some problems with the MOT which he didn't feel like tackling, his man-math convinced him maybe it's an omen to buy a Giulia.
I become the new owner of his beloved car with the promise I would get it back on the road. Al tough the 159 isn't considered a true Alfa by many, it's a gorgeous car and one I've lusted after for as long as I remember. There is something about them that makes them a timeless beauty.
So I'm now the proud owner of an 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 SW in TI-trim. It has the 170bhp 2.0JTDM engine and has only done 118 000kms (so just shy of 75 000 miles). It failed it's MOT on rear suspension and the cambelt had been replaced in 2016 IIRC.
The pictures below have been taken after the work has been done and the car has gone trough it's MOT. Will post some later.
I had a 156 Sportwagen years ago too, and I loved it. Should probably have got a 159 after, but fancied something completely different so got an RX8!
mac96 said:
Very nice. I always find the 'it's not a real Alfa' attitude odd. Certainly looks like one, a bit different from anything else
I had a 156 Sportwagen years ago too, and I loved it. Should probably have got a 159 after, but fancied something completely different so got an RX8!
Thanks! True, to me there is nothing 'not-alfa' about them, only thing that amazes me is how 'strong' they are build. the suspension components are huge compared to older alfa chassis. I had a 156 Sportwagen years ago too, and I loved it. Should probably have got a 159 after, but fancied something completely different so got an RX8!
I love the RX8. Can you guess which other car I own (apart from the 159 and GTV)?
thomasrs50 said:
mac96 said:
Very nice. I always find the 'it's not a real Alfa' attitude odd. Certainly looks like one, a bit different from anything else
I had a 156 Sportwagen years ago too, and I loved it. Should probably have got a 159 after, but fancied something completely different so got an RX8!
Thanks! True, to me there is nothing 'not-alfa' about them, only thing that amazes me is how 'strong' they are build. the suspension components are huge compared to older alfa chassis. I had a 156 Sportwagen years ago too, and I loved it. Should probably have got a 159 after, but fancied something completely different so got an RX8!
I love the RX8. Can you guess which other car I own (apart from the 159 and GTV)?
If 'not proper Alfa' means better built sounds like a win!
mac96 said:
Rx8?
If 'not proper Alfa' means better built sounds like a win!
Ding ding ding ding ding If 'not proper Alfa' means better built sounds like a win!
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...The platform on which the 159 is build, was originally being designed for/by SAAB and it certainly looks solid. Down side is the higher weight of the 159, but can't say 170bhp and quite some torque has difficulties shifting it.
thomasrs50 said:
mac96 said:
Rx8?
If 'not proper Alfa' means better built sounds like a win!
Ding ding ding ding ding If 'not proper Alfa' means better built sounds like a win!
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...The platform on which the 159 is build, was originally being designed for/by SAAB and it certainly looks solid. Down side is the higher weight of the 159, but can't say 170bhp and quite some torque has difficulties shifting it.
First thing we had to do was take the car from his place to mine. Battery was dead, so we used my starterpack which is fine for starting a petrol car, but had much trouble with the 2.0 diesel lump.
In the end we got it to work, drove the car to it's new home and I figured I could use the new Varta battery from my GTV since it was the same as the OEM size on the 159. Removed old battery, cleaned out the battery-tray and unclipped the small battery holder. Once hooked up, I switched the car ... erm, on? Not a chance, although the 'new' Varta was only 6 months old, it was showing 4,3 volts.
In the end, I ordered a fresh E44 battery, relocated the battery tab (again), installed the fresh battery and done.
Some pics to keep you guys entertained.
Old and dead as a dodo.
Tab that needs relocating.
The replacement from the GTV (which was also quite dead).
Size comparison.
In the end we got it to work, drove the car to it's new home and I figured I could use the new Varta battery from my GTV since it was the same as the OEM size on the 159. Removed old battery, cleaned out the battery-tray and unclipped the small battery holder. Once hooked up, I switched the car ... erm, on? Not a chance, although the 'new' Varta was only 6 months old, it was showing 4,3 volts.
In the end, I ordered a fresh E44 battery, relocated the battery tab (again), installed the fresh battery and done.
Some pics to keep you guys entertained.
Old and dead as a dodo.
Tab that needs relocating.
The replacement from the GTV (which was also quite dead).
Size comparison.
mac96 said:
Good choice of cars! I bought the RX8 when it occurred to me that I only needed an estate car twice a year, and then a car was really too small, so I bought the RX8 and made friends with my local van hire company. Win win!
The RX8 is such a great car. I'm happy with my slow 192bhp car (altough I still wish I'd waited a bit more and bought a 231 bhp one - just for the HID lights and higher revving engine). What spec is yours?
Mr Tidy said:
Lovely - Alfa 159s are such good looking cars.
Thanks, they sure are, esp. in TI trim. The wheels and lowered suspension make them stand out even more. Only thing I could wish for is the half leather seat with Alcantara (mine are full leather). Edited by thomasrs50 on Sunday 9th November 22:06
thomasrs50 said:
mac96 said:
Good choice of cars! I bought the RX8 when it occurred to me that I only needed an estate car twice a year, and then a car was really too small, so I bought the RX8 and made friends with my local van hire company. Win win!
The RX8 is such a great car. I'm happy with my slow 192bhp car (altough I still wish I'd waited a bit more and bought a 231 bhp one - just for the HID lights and higher revving engine). What spec is yours?
[
Edited by thomasrs50 on Sunday 9th November 22:06
It is no more though. I did another 'something completely different' and replaced it with a Mustang. Which proved more economical in spite of the 5 Litre V8!
I would have kept the RX8 as well, but I lived in a street with limited parking and I could only have one permit, so it had to go.
Next chapter, rear suspension.
The car failed on it's last MOT due to rear suspension issues. It was taken to a shop to have to springs replaced (since this was the culprit said the MOT-tester). Turns out, the rear shocks were just worn causing the car to show a difference in dampening when tested.
I've done suspension work on quite a few cars, but this one is labour-intensive. All bolts came free w/o any problems, but you need to undo a lot of things just to remove the struts.
I've replaced the springs with sachs ones (since they are OEM) and the shocks with Bilstein B4. Could not justiy the price for B6 altough I liked those a lot on my Subaru Legacy.
You have to remove quite some interiortrim to access the top mount.
I also regreased the slider pins from the rear brakes and cleaned of the brake dust to allow the brakepads to move more freely.
The car failed on it's last MOT due to rear suspension issues. It was taken to a shop to have to springs replaced (since this was the culprit said the MOT-tester). Turns out, the rear shocks were just worn causing the car to show a difference in dampening when tested.
I've done suspension work on quite a few cars, but this one is labour-intensive. All bolts came free w/o any problems, but you need to undo a lot of things just to remove the struts.
I've replaced the springs with sachs ones (since they are OEM) and the shocks with Bilstein B4. Could not justiy the price for B6 altough I liked those a lot on my Subaru Legacy.
You have to remove quite some interiortrim to access the top mount.
I also regreased the slider pins from the rear brakes and cleaned of the brake dust to allow the brakepads to move more freely.
Since the old cambelt had been on the car for over 8 years, it was time to replace it.
Dayco belt, pierburg water pump. New idler and tensioner and all was good.
My dad gave me a lot of help. Cambelt replacements are still something I really hate doing. I don't know why, but it's something I really don't feel confident about.
Since the car was up in the air (well, on jackstands), I took the opportunity to replace the oil, filter, sumpplug and gasket.
Dayco belt, pierburg water pump. New idler and tensioner and all was good.
My dad gave me a lot of help. Cambelt replacements are still something I really hate doing. I don't know why, but it's something I really don't feel confident about.
Since the car was up in the air (well, on jackstands), I took the opportunity to replace the oil, filter, sumpplug and gasket.
Edited by thomasrs50 on Tuesday 25th November 07:35
Following this thread with interest. Absolutely love the look of these cars! Good choice OP.
I would love one of these in red with the light brown leather interior with a manual gearbox (even better if they did an open slot like the manual Ferraris!).
Would love the V6 Cloverleaf but I hear these are very unreliable and absolute money pits and not much faster than other models. I would want one mainly for the noise and Cloverleaf factor though.
I would love one of these in red with the light brown leather interior with a manual gearbox (even better if they did an open slot like the manual Ferraris!).
Would love the V6 Cloverleaf but I hear these are very unreliable and absolute money pits and not much faster than other models. I would want one mainly for the noise and Cloverleaf factor though.
UK_Scat_Pack said:
Following this thread with interest. Absolutely love the look of these cars! Good choice OP.
I would love one of these in red with the light brown leather interior with a manual gearbox (even better if they did an open slot like the manual Ferraris!).
Would love the V6 Cloverleaf but I hear these are very unreliable and absolute money pits and not much faster than other models. I would want one mainly for the noise and Cloverleaf factor though.
Thanks, they truely are great looking cars and I enjoy driving it.I would love one of these in red with the light brown leather interior with a manual gearbox (even better if they did an open slot like the manual Ferraris!).
Would love the V6 Cloverleaf but I hear these are very unreliable and absolute money pits and not much faster than other models. I would want one mainly for the noise and Cloverleaf factor though.
I would also prefer the V6, not only for the sound, but also for the AWD.
On the other hand, I would certainly consider a 156. I find it less bulky compared to the 159 and the Busso V6 is a great sounding engine.
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