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.
TBi Spider — Brisk Convertible Fun
200 hp turbo in the open Spider: no V6 sound, but immediate throttle response, good power and the incomparable open-air feeling. Practical driving pleasure.
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 4
The electric folding hood of the Spider 939 has known weak points: plastic gears in the flap motors break, hydraulic fluid becomes contaminated with water. Control units no longer available. Repair: €1,500–3,000, aftermarket aluminium gears approx. €85.
Brake discs on the Spider 939 rust extremely fast after short standstill periods (even 4 days). Seized discs cause significantly extended stopping distances and loud grinding. Returns to normal only after approx. 10 km of driving. Particularly problematic for infrequently used convertibles.
The Spider 939 shares with the 159 and Brera the weakness of leaking A/C condensers caused by stone chips. Refrigerant escapes slowly, only detectable via UV tracer after several days. Condenser replacement €300–600, A/C service €60–100.
The Spider 939 (1.9/2.0 diesel) has known power steering problems caused by a dislodged sleeve in the intake port that draws in air. A revised reservoir (51880990) with green Tutela GI/R fluid fixes the issue. Cost: €35–400.