Alfa Romeo 147 937
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
250 PS
3.2 V6 GTA · Benzin
250 hp Busso V6 in a Compact — Too Much Engine, Just Right
Legendary!Engine Overview
The Alfa Romeo 147 937 is available with 7 engine variants — from 105 to 250 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The 1.9-litre JTD is Alfa's bread-and-butter diesel — 100–115 hp from an 8V turbodiesel with common rail injection. Frugal (5–6 l/100 km), torque-rich from 2,000 rpm, but without the character of the petrol engines. Turbo failure at high mileage (from 150,000 km) and DPF issues with mainly short-trip use are the main concerns. Injectors long-lived on clean diesel, timing belt every 60,000 km. Practical engine for high-mileage drivers without Alfa-typical emotions.
- !! Oil pump seal loses elasticity from 100,000 km
The O-ring on the oil pump suction pipe (part no. 71754365) loses elasticity over time. Air enters the oil pump and causes oil pressure drop — particularly critical for the turbocharger.
Symptoms: Oil pressure warning, turbo damage shortly after replacement, metallic knocking - !! High-pressure fuel pump failed (code P1191) from 180,000 km
The common-rail high-pressure pump on the 1.9 JTD 16V fails sporadically with fault code P1191. Replace the pressure control valve (~15 €) and rail pressure sensor first, as both can cause the same fault. Rule out a faulty sensor before condemning the pump.
Symptoms: Engine dies while driving, warning light P1191, fuel smell, engine restarts after a few seconds - !! VTG mechanism coked and jammed from 120,000 km
The variable-geometry turbocharger (VTG) clogs with soot and rust. The vane ring jams, leading to unstable boost pressure, power loss, and engine warning light (P0236).
Symptoms: Power loss, fluctuating boost pressure, engine warning light, black smoke on acceleration
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The 1.9-litre JTD 16V with 150 hp is the stronger version of Alfa's diesel — 16 valves instead of 8 deliver more power and a slightly more refined character. 305 Nm of torque make it a capable daily driver. Turbo and injectors are wear items at high mileage. DPF regeneration is problematic with mainly short-trip use. For long-distance and motorway driving, the most sensible Alfa diesel of its era.
- !! Oil pump O-ring pressure loss from 80,000 km
The rubber O-ring on the oil pump suction pipe loses its elasticity from around 80,000 km, allowing air into the pump. Initially only noticeable on cold starts; in extreme cases an oil pressure drop can lead to engine damage.
Symptoms: Oil pressure warning shortly after start, faint ticking on cold start, rarely engine warning light - !! VTG mechanism coked up and jammed from 120,000 km
The VTG turbocharger clogs up with soot and rust. The adjustment ring jams, leading to power loss and unstable boost pressure.
Symptoms: Power loss, fluctuating boost pressure, engine warning light - !! Vacuum pump gasket oil leak from 100,000 km
The gasket between the vacuum pump and cylinder head as well as the square O-ring on the pump housing begin to leak over time. Oil drops on the manifold cause smoke and an unpleasant smell inside the cabin.
Symptoms: Oil smell in the cabin, blue oily smoke after switching off, visible oil traces on the cylinder head
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The 1.9-litre JTDM with 120 hp — the entry-level Alfa diesel with Multijet injection. Adequately powered for the 147, frugal (5.5–6.5 l/100 km), enough torque for daily driving. No engine for sporting ambitions but reliable with regular maintenance.
- !! Intake manifold coked by EGR, swirl flap breaks from 120,000 km
Soot deposits from EGR coke up the intake manifold. Swirl flap breakage can cause severe engine damage as a foreign body in the cylinder.
Symptoms: Power loss, black smoke, metallic knocking, possible engine damage - !! VTG turbocharger coked from 120,000 km
The VTG turbocharger clogs with soot deposits. Vane ring jamming leads to power loss.
Symptoms: Power loss, fluctuating boost pressure, engine warning light - !! Swirl flap linkage worn — flap dropout risk from 100,000 km
The swirl flap actuator linkage wears and can break. A blanking kit is the recommended permanent solution. Problem is identical to other 1.9 JTD variants. Revised intake manifold (55210201) improves durability.
Symptoms: Engine warning light P2279/P2075, power loss, stumbling at low revs
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The 1.9-litre JTDM 16V with 150 hp and Multijet injection — the more modern JTD version with multiple injection events per stroke for smoother running and improved emissions. A good compromise of economy and pull in the 147. The GT with this engine is the sensible entry point: frugal, torque-rich, with the handsome Pininfarina coupé design.
- !! Intake manifold coked by EGR, swirl flap breaks from 120,000 km
Soot deposits from EGR coke up the intake manifold. Swirl flaps can break and cause severe damage as foreign bodies in the cylinders. Well-known issue on the 1.9 JTDM of the 159/147.
Symptoms: Power loss, black smoke, metallic knocking, possible engine damage - !! VTG turbocharger coked from 120,000 km
The VTG turbocharger clogs with soot deposits. Vane ring jams, leading to power loss and boost pressure faults.
Symptoms: Power loss, unstable boost pressure, engine warning light P0236 - !! DPF blockage with short-trip driving from 100,000 km
The DPF clogs with predominantly short-trip driving. Regular motorway runs are required for regeneration.
Symptoms: Engine warning light, power loss, elevated fuel consumption
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Typical Alfa Twin Spark engine with two spark plugs per cylinder for clean combustion and better throttle response. The 1.6-litre four-cylinder produces 105–120 hp depending on version and revs willingly to over 6,000 rpm — more character than any comparable VW engine of that era. The Twin Spark technology (twin spark plugs, two inlet valves of different sizes) improves flame propagation and reduces knock tendency. Known weak point: the camshaft phaser tends to diesel-like knocking on cold start. Timing belt change every 60,000 km or 4 years — a mandatory appointment, not negotiable.
- !! Short timing belt intervals from 60,000 km
Alfa originally recommended 120,000 km and shortened the interval several times down to 60,000 km or 5 years. Exceeding the interval risks engine damage through piston-to-valve contact.
Symptoms: No warning — engine suddenly refuses to start or makes a loud crack - !! Head gasket leaking (cylinder 4) from 130,000 km
The O-rings of the oil galleries between head and block (perbunan) swell and deform when exposed to engine oil. Cylinder 4 is particularly affected: coolant enters the oil, visible as milky emulsion on the oil filler cap.
Symptoms: Milky residue on oil filler cap or dipstick, coolant consumption without external leak, white smoke from exhaust on a warm engine. - !! Con-rod bearing damage from oil starvation from 150,000 km
Insufficient oil supply (missed oil changes, oil loss) leads to con-rod bearing failure. The crankshaft then needs to be reground/polished. Repair costs €700–1,000 for machining plus bearings; severe damage requires engine replacement.
Symptoms: Loud knocking or hammering from engine (especially under load), oil pressure warning light, noticeable power loss.
+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Later version of the 1.6-litre Twin Spark with 120 hp and optimised fuelling. Like all Twin Spark engines fitted with two spark plugs per cylinder, improving response in the upper rev range. More willing to rev than comparable competitors, but not a torque hero: the power only really comes in above 4,000 rpm. Phaser issues and timing belt interval as for the AR37203. A long-lived engine with good maintenance — regular oil changes and timely belt service are rewarded.
- !! Short timing belt intervals from 60,000 km
Alfa originally recommended 120,000 km and shortened the interval several times down to 60,000 km or 5 years. Exceeding the interval risks engine damage through piston-to-valve contact.
Symptoms: No warning — engine suddenly refuses to start or makes a loud crack - !! Head gasket leaking (cylinder 4) from 130,000 km
The O-rings of the oil galleries between head and block (perbunan) swell and deform when exposed to engine oil. Cylinder 4 is particularly affected: coolant enters the oil, visible as milky emulsion on the oil filler cap.
Symptoms: Milky residue on oil filler cap or dipstick, coolant consumption without external leak, white smoke from exhaust on a warm engine. - !! Con-rod bearing damage from oil starvation from 150,000 km
Insufficient oil supply (missed oil changes, oil loss) leads to con-rod bearing failure. The crankshaft then needs to be reground/polished. Repair costs €700–1,000 for machining plus bearings; severe damage requires engine replacement.
Symptoms: Loud knocking or hammering from engine (especially under load), oil pressure warning light, noticeable power loss.
+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The most common Alfa engine of the late 1990s — 2.0-litre Twin Spark with 150–155 hp. Two spark plugs per cylinder, variable valve timing, revs to 7,000 rpm with a sound noticeably more characterful than anything from VW or Opel of the era. The Selespeed variant (automated manual gearbox) has a bad reputation for hydraulic issues and jerky shifting — the manual is strongly preferable. Phaser failure is the best-known weak point: diesel-like knocking at idle, repair around €300–500. Timing belt every 60,000 km mandatory.
- !! Short timing belt intervals from 60,000 km
Alfa shortened the timing belt interval several times to 60,000 km or 5 years. Belt failure causes engine damage without warning.
Symptoms: Engine suddenly impossible to start, loud metallic noise on belt failure - !! Head gasket leaking (cylinder 4) from 130,000 km
The O-rings of the oil galleries between head and block (perbunan) swell and deform when exposed to engine oil. Cylinder 4 is particularly affected: coolant enters the oil, visible as milky emulsion on the oil filler cap.
Symptoms: Milky residue on oil filler cap or dipstick, coolant consumption without external leak, white smoke from exhaust on a warm engine. - !! Con-rod bearing damage from oil starvation from 150,000 km
Insufficient oil supply (missed oil changes, oil loss) leads to con-rod bearing failure. The crankshaft then needs to be reground/polished. Repair costs €700–1,000 for machining plus bearings; severe damage requires engine replacement.
Symptoms: Loud knocking or hammering from engine (especially under load), oil pressure warning light, noticeable power loss.
+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The last true Busso V6 — 3,179 cc, 60-degree bank angle, DOHC 24V with variable intake. The irregular firing interval of the 60-degree V6 creates the layered, multi-voiced sound that makes the engine the 'Stradivarius among six-cylinders'. The engine only really wakes up above 4,500 rpm — then it howls to 7,200 rpm with a sound no other production six-cylinder can reproduce. 300 Nm only at 4,800 rpm: not an engine for the lazy-shifting. 10W-60 oil is mandatory without exception — thinner oils deliver insufficient pressure to the chain tensioners. Three timing chains (one primary, two secondary), no belt. Chain kit hard to source, replacement only possible with engine removed. With conscientious maintenance, 300,000+ km is achievable — documented examples with over 400,000 km exist.
- !! Timing chain rattles when cold from 80,000 km
The timing chain of the 3.2 V6 (successor to the Busso in the 147/156 GTA) tends to rattle on cold starts from around 80,000 km. Parts availability is limited.
Symptoms: Metallic rattle on cold start that diminishes or persists after warm-up - !! Catastrophic belt failure on missed service from 96,000 km
The Busso V6 timing belt must be changed every 5 years or 96,000 km. If it breaks, instant engine destruction follows through valve failure — no interference-engine buffer. Many used examples have no documented service history for this interval.
Symptoms: No warning. Engine dies abruptly while driving. Starter spins without compression. - !! Intake manifold air leak from cracked gasket from 120,000 km
The paper gasket between the intake manifold and throttle body ages and tears — air leaks lead to hot combustion that can, in extreme cases, burn valves or melt holes in the piston crown. A gradual process.
Symptoms: Unstable idle, poor throttle response, power loss in upper rev range. In extreme cases, misfires.
+ 7 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Sills and wheel arches rust Sill lower edges and wheel arches rust from stone chips and moisture ingress. Areas around the jacking points are particularly at risk, where the plastic trim traps moisture. Symptoms: Paint bubbling on sill lower edges, visible rust around jacking points, rust around wheel arches from 80,000 km | Medium |
Test Reports
TÜV Report 2015
The 147 ranks among the weakest vehicles in the TÜV report for its age group and occupied bottom positions in several annual editions. Front and rear axle components wear particularly quickly, emissions are frequently flagged, and oil loss plus snapped timing belts are widespread defects.
2015-01Alternatives
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 69 weaknesses have been documented for the Alfa Romeo 147 937 (2000–2010) — 57 engine-related and 12 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Rust, Suspension, Gearbox, Electronics.
147 (937A2.000, 2000–2010) — Be Careful: Oil pump seal loses elasticity, High-pressure fuel pump failed (code P1191), VTG mechanism coked and jammed. Power: 116–120 PS.
147 (192A5.000, 2000–2004) — Be Careful: Oil pump O-ring pressure loss, VTG mechanism coked up and jammed, Vacuum pump gasket oil leak. Power: 136–140 PS.
147 (937A2.000, 2004–2010) — Be Careful: Oil pump seal loses elasticity, High-pressure fuel pump failed (code P1191), VTG mechanism coked and jammed. Power: 116–126 PS.
147 (937A5.000, 2004–2010) — Be Careful: Intake manifold coked by EGR, swirl flap breaks, VTG turbocharger coked, DPF blockage with short-trip driving. Power: 150 PS.
147 (937A4.000, 2004–2010) — Be Careful: Intake manifold coked by EGR, swirl flap breaks, VTG turbocharger coked, Swirl flap linkage worn — flap dropout risk. Power: 170 PS.
147 (AR37203, 2000–2010) — Be Careful: Short timing belt intervals, Head gasket leaking (cylinder 4), Con-rod bearing damage from oil starvation. Power: 105 PS.
147 (AR32104, 2000–2010) — Be Careful: Short timing belt intervals, Head gasket leaking (cylinder 4), Con-rod bearing damage from oil starvation. Power: 120 PS.
147 (AR32310, 2000–2010) — Be Careful: Short timing belt intervals, Head gasket leaking (cylinder 4), Con-rod bearing damage from oil starvation. Power: 150 PS.
147 (932A.000, 2003–2006) — Be Careful: Timing chain rattles when cold, Catastrophic belt failure on missed service, Intake manifold air leak from cracked gasket. Power: 250 PS.
What to watch out for with the Alfa Romeo 147? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Alfa Romeo 147 937 have? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee