Alfa Romeo 1.75 TBi
The 1.75-litre TBi with 200 hp arrived as the facelift engine for the 159, Brera and Spider — the same engine family as the 4C unit (960A1.000) but with a cast iron block. MultiAir valve timing, turbocharging, strong pull from 2,000 rpm. In the heavy 159 a noticeable step up over the 2.2 JTS: more torque, better real-world flexibility. In the Brera and Spider the best compromise between performance, weight and consumption — the V6 is heavier and thirstier, the 1.75 TBi is enough for everyday use.
1.75 TBi — Turbo with Talent
200 hp 1.75 TBi in the 159: torque-rich turbo with petrolhead qualities. Lower mass over the front axle noticeably improves handling. Genuine fun.
Engine Weaknesses 6
The 1.75 TBi (200 hp) in the 159 uses direct injection with high turbo boost pressure. Turbo damage occurs particularly with aggressive driving and when the engine is not allowed to cool down properly before shutdown.
Symptoms: Turbo whistling, power loss, blue smoke when accelerating
As with the JTS, the timing belt also drives the high-pressure fuel pump. The higher belt load requires strict adherence to replacement intervals.
Symptoms: No warning before breakage, engine will not restart, total engine damage possible
The 1.75 TBi uses direct injection. Injector and intake valve fouling occurs at high mileage, particularly with extensive short-trip driving.
Symptoms: Rough engine running, power loss, misfires
The O-ring gasket between the oil pump and oil sump flange of the 2.0 JTDm hardens thermally and loses its seal. Known at Alfa but 'nobody talks about it'. A brief oil pressure warning tone directly after engine start is typical. Aluminium O-ring as a permanent alternative.
Symptoms: Brief oil pressure warning tone (~3 sec) after cold start, oil pressure light goes out after engine runs up, immediately audible oil pressure after seal replacement
The 2.0 JTDm variant shares the swirl flap problem with all JTDm derivatives. Coked EGR causes flaps to stick. Flap dropout risks engine damage. Explicitly confirmed for the 159 2.0 JTDm.
Symptoms: Engine warning light, power loss, sticky throttle response, rough idle
The dual-mass flywheel (DMF) of the 2.0 JTDm (Giulietta, 159) wears similarly to the 2.4 JTDm. First failure documented at 85,000 km on the Brera 2.0 JTDm. Short-trip driving significantly increases the failure probability.
Symptoms: Vibrations when pulling away and at idle, judder during rev changes, declining clutch response
Vehicle Weaknesses 8
The front subframe (engine cradle), rear axle carrier and sills rust without adequate factory protection. Particularly on TI models, areas behind trim panels corrode unnoticed. Subframe replacement costs approximately 1,000 € plus fitment.
The M32 gearbox (fitted to 1.9 JTDM and 1.9 JTS) develops bearing noise from around 100,000–190,000 km. Gearbox overhaul without removal costs approximately 1,100 €. Conversion to the more robust F40 gearbox is possible.
On the 159 and Brera 939, multiple electronic components can fail simultaneously: windows, air conditioning, Bose audio, xenon, door control units. A faulty body computer is the frequent cause. Replacement 800–2,000 €.
Control arm bushes and joints on the 159 front axle wear noticeably. A visual inspection at the time of purchase is recommended. At the end of their service life, pronounced knocking is clearly audible. Plan for renewal every 100,000–150,000 km.
The steering rack on 159 models up to 2007 tends to leak with squeaking and clicking noises when turning. A revised steering rack was fitted from the 2008 model year. A leaking rack puts stress on the hydraulic power steering.
The 159 cooling system (especially the 2.4 JTD) tends to develop air pockets, especially after repairs. Several bleed points must be observed. Symptoms: coolant boils over, heating only works at higher revs.
The 159's air conditioning regularly loses refrigerant through stone chip damage to the condenser or leaking connections. Correct fill quantity is 550 g — frequently only 490 g is added. Leaks are only visible via UV tracer after several days.
The brake discs on the 159 (especially the Spider variant) rust heavily after just 4 days of standing. Grinding and juddering occur when pulling away. After approximately 10 km the braking feel normalises, but disc wear remains elevated.
Reports & Tests
Only around 58.5 percent of seven-year-old Alfa 159s pass their MOT at the first attempt — a noticeably worse result than comparable German rivals. Diesel engines in particular cause significant problems up to and including total engine failure. Brake discs and suspension wear above average.