Alfa Romeo 3.2 V6
The Busso V6's final appearance in an Alfa Romeo — 3.2 litres with JTS direct injection, 260 hp in the 159 and Brera. Same 60-degree bank angle and DOHC 24V architecture as the legendary 932A.000, but with modern fuelling. The sound remains the multi-voiced Busso howl from 5,000 rpm, the power delivery slightly fuller in the mid-range than in the pure naturally aspirated GTA units. In the 159 noticeably heavier than in the 147/156 — the extra weight costs agility but brings long-distance comfort. Q4 all-wheel drive in the Brera distributes the 300 Nm better but filters out the rear-axle character. Timing chains (three chains), no belt. 10W-60 oil remains mandatory.
159 Sportwagon V6 — Busso Sound as a Touring Estate
The 159 Sportwagon with the 3.2-litre Busso and automatic is the most comfortable way to drive the last Busso V6. The six-speed torque converter takes some spontaneity away from the engine, but the Busso sound remains gloriously unfiltered. In Sport mode the gearbox holds revs higher — then the typical 60-degree V6 note unfolds with every overtake. The Sportwagon weighs over 1,600 kg and feels more leisurely than the Brera or 156 GTA — but it offers four doors, a large boot, and a six-cylinder sound no modern Alfa can match.
Engine Weaknesses 5
Timing chain wear is a known issue on the 3.2 V6 JTS of the 159/Brera. Cold-start rattling is a warning sign. Repair is expensive and parts availability is poor.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling on cold start that diminishes after warm-up
The direct injection of the 3.2 V6 JTS prevents self-cleaning of the intake valves. Carbon deposits form especially during short-trip driving.
Symptoms: Power loss, rough running, misfires
The swirl flap system of the 1.9 JTDm shows the same weakness as all JTDm derivatives. EGR coking and bush wear on the actuator linkage. Flap breakage into a cylinder is possible. Blanking kit as permanent solution.
Symptoms: Engine warning light P2279/P2075, power loss, stumbling in the lower rev range
The EGR cooler corrodes and allows coolant into the exhaust duct. Identical problem across all 939 1.9 JTDm variants. Misdiagnosis as head gasket failure is common. Bypassing the EGR as a diagnostic test is an option.
Symptoms: White smoke after cold start, coolant loss, no oil-water mix
The glow plug relay and signal cable to the glow plug control unit fail. The relay is compatible with all JTD/JTDm engines on the 939 platform (part no. 51888255). Replacement costs 50–300 € in parts plus labour.
Symptoms: 'Pre-heating system unavailable' on the display, difficult cold starts, extended pre-glow time
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
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.
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.