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.
Brera TBi — Light and Turbocharged
200 hp TBi in the Brera: less weight over the front axle than the V6, sharper handling, good turbo thrust. A pragmatic sporting spirit with Alfa soul.
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 12
Front and rear subframes rust without adequate corrosion protection. Rust on front wings and sills is an exclusion criterion when buying. Front and rear subframes can show significant rust that is expensive to repair.
The M32 gearbox (Fiat/GM design) develops bearing noise in 5th and 6th gear from around 100,000 km due to excessive bearing preload. The small bearing behind 6th gear wears preferentially. Gearbox overhaul without removal costs approximately 1,100 €.
Front and rear subframes rust through due to inadequate factory underbody sealing. The plastic undertray traps moisture. After 6–10 years structural corrosion is often found on the subframes and ECU brackets.
The M32 six-speed gearbox (shared with Opel/Fiat) has undersized bearings in the cover for 5th and 6th gear. From approx. 80,000–110,000 km the gearbox howls at motorway speeds. Without repair, total failure is likely.
The steering rack on early Brera models (up to 2007) leaks and produces knocking and squealing noises. Front upper and lower wishbone joints wear early and announce themselves with creaking. Revised from the 2008 model year.
The 939 Spider boot takes on water after prolonged rain. A leaking hood compartment seal and porous rear seals allow ingress. Boot wiring loom can be damaged by moisture.
On the Brera 939 the air conditioning compressor develops a loud circular-saw noise from the engine bay when the compressor bearing wears. Refrigerant leaks accelerate bearing wear. Compressor replacement including system flush for metal swarf is required: 600–1,200 €.
On the Brera 939 rear springs can break, especially on vehicles driven heavily on poor roads. In addition, front upper and lower wishbones wear. Broken springs are a safety hazard and result in immediate MOT failure.
The Brera's tail lights take on moisture, leading to short circuits and bulb failure. Expensive to replace at approximately 450 € per unit. Checking the seals when buying a used example is advisable.
Rear lights on the 939 Spider draw in moisture through hairline cracks in the seal between the outer lens and housing. Condensation collects inside the light unit and causes corrosion of the sockets and short circuits.
The electric seat adjustment on the Brera 939 fails. The seat adjustment motor or drive mechanism wears out. Spare parts are hard to find for this discontinued model. Repair by specialists or used parts is recommended.
The brake discs on the Brera 939 (especially rarely driven examples) rust quickly and develop deep scoring from embedded rust. Ventilated sport discs rust particularly badly on their flanks. Typical on used cars with low usage.
Reports & Tests
The Brera shares its platform and many weak points with the 159. Rust on the front crossmember due to dirt accumulation between the seal and the component is a known issue, as are electrical failures and steering rack leaks on early build years up to 2007.