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Alfa Romeo · Convertible / Roadster · 1995–2006

Alfa Romeo Spider 916

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 7 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

240–241 PS

3.2L V6 JTS Benzin

Spider 3.2 — Busso V6 in the Open Air

Legendary!

Generations

Engine Overview

The Alfa Romeo Spider 916 is available with 6 engine variants — from 140 to 241 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

1.8 TS · Benziner· 144 PS
1995 2004
Be Careful 8 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2.0 JTS · Benziner· 165 PS
2003 2006
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2.0 TS · Benziner· 150 PS
1995 2006
Be Careful 8 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2.0 V6 Turbo · Benziner· 202 PS
1995 2006
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
3.0 V6 · Benziner· 192–218 PS Engine Change
1995 2001
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2001 2006
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
3.2 V6 · Benziner· 240 PS
2003 2006
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Alfa Romeo 1.8 TS (Benziner, 144 PS) has the AR32201 (1.8L Twin Spark) — rated: "Be Careful", 8 known weaknesses.

The Alfa Romeo 2.0 JTS (Benziner, 165 PS) has the 937A1.000 (2.0L JTS) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.

The Alfa Romeo 2.0 TS (Benziner, 150 PS) has the AR32310 (2.0L Twin Spark) — rated: "Be Careful", 8 known weaknesses.

The Alfa Romeo 2.0 V6 Turbo (Benziner, 202 PS) has the AR16202 (2.0L V6 Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.

The Alfa Romeo 3.0 V6 (Benziner, 192–218 PS) comes with 2 different engines: AR16101 (1995–2001, Be Careful) und AR16102 (2001–2006, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 3.0 V6!

The Alfa Romeo 3.2 V6 (Benziner, 240 PS) has the 936A0000 (3.2L V6 JTS) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 49 weaknesses have been documented for the Alfa Romeo Spider 916 (1995–2006).

Spider (AR32310, 1995–2006) — Be Careful: Short timing belt intervals, Head gasket leaking (cylinder 4), Con-rod bearing damage from oil starvation. Power: 150 PS.

Spider (AR32201, 1995–2004) — Be Careful: Short timing belt intervals, Head gasket leaking (cylinder 4), Con-rod bearing damage from oil starvation. Power: 144 PS.

Spider (AR16202, 1995–2006) — Be Careful: Strict timing belt interval required, Turbocharger bearing wear, Low oil pressure at hot idle. Power: 202 PS.

Spider (AR16101, 1995–2001) — Be Careful: Strict timing belt interval required, Low oil pressure at hot idle, Heater matrix leaking. Power: 192 PS.

Spider (AR16102, 2001–2006) — Be Careful: Strict timing belt interval required, Low oil pressure at hot idle, Heater matrix leaking. Power: 218 PS.

Spider (937A1.000, 2003–2006) — Be Careful: Timing belt also drives the high-pressure pump, High-pressure fuel pump failed (code P1191), Carbon deposits on intake valves. Power: 166 PS.

Spider (936A0000, 2003–2006) — Be Careful: Timing chain rattles when cold, Cylinder head crack between valves (high-output variant), Carbon deposits (JTS direct injection). Power: 240 PS.

What to watch out for with the Alfa Romeo Spider? 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 Spider 916 have? +
The Alfa Romeo Spider 916 has 49 known engine weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Alfa Romeo Spider 916? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: AR32310 (2.0L Twin Spark), AR32201 (1.8L Twin Spark), 937A1.000 (2.0L JTS), AR16202 (2.0L V6 Turbo), AR16101 (3.0L V6), AR16102 (3.0L V6), 936A0000 (3.2L V6 JTS). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the 936A0000 (3.2L V6 JTS).
Which Alfa Romeo Spider 916 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Alfa Romeo Spider 916 — rated: "Legendary!". {description} The 916 Spider with the 3.2-litre Busso is the most emotional of all Busso experiences: roof down, third gear, 5,500 rpm — the 60-degree V6 howls skyward above your head. The body flexes noticeably more in fast transitions than the GTV, the hood is rarely truly waterproof, the plastic rear screen fogs over after a few years. None of it matters — the sound with the roof down compensates for every compromise. Just as rare as the GTV 3.2, emotionally richer by a whole dimension. Front tyre wear: a fresh set every 15,000 km.
Is the Alfa Romeo Spider 916 worth buying used? +
The Alfa Romeo Spider 916 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Alfa Romeo Spider 916? +
The Alfa Romeo Spider 916 is available with engine variants from 140 to 241 hp. Petrol: AR32310 (2.0L Twin Spark), AR32201 (1.8L Twin Spark), 937A1.000 (2.0L JTS), AR16202 (2.0L V6 Turbo), AR16101 (3.0L V6), AR16102 (3.0L V6), 936A0000 (3.2L V6 JTS).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee