Alfa Romeo 156 twinspark buyers guide

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thanks Neil at Italia Autos.

[@prof818]

This really makes me miss my 156 2.5V6. Such an amazing car to drive.

[@worldhello1234]

Ha ha and making that stupid face while doing so.

[@damienh4357]

Thanks for that Neil. I've decided to keep my 2005 1.6ti on the basis of your "bullet proof little tank" comment. I bought it new, did minor servicing myself whilst leaving the big stuff to lads like you. 150k miles later it's still going strong and remains the best looking car in most car parks. Kids often stop and ask what it is as it's before their time but they still recognise the beautiful styling in Alfa Rosso. Never found another car I wanted to replace it with. To add to your list, the facelifted model has a tendency for the acrylic headlight covers to oxidize over time but these are easily restored at home. Also, the indicator relay is located behind the steering wheel and airbag squib which have to be removed and replaced carefully in their exact location. There is a common failure of the horn control module behind the airbag which again is fixable (thanks KZbin) with a small wire and delicate soldering. Thanks for all your content, it's great stuff and good luck with the Giulia QF.

[@christophchristoph9909]

My horn went off in a densely populated neighborhood - everybody was screaming at me and I didn’t know how to stop it. God that was embarrassing - I almost forgot that episode: hahaha

[@damienh4357]

@@christophchristoph9909 Nothing more embarrassing than a spontaneous random horn in a public place.

[@46danz]

Cracking looking car,even today.155 still my favorite.Loads of these still on the road here in Italy.We don’t have the rust problem here.

[@newroads9787]

Had one for 10 years, in the same color. Loved it, the looks and driving experience would have got one with lower mileage.

[@JoaoSantos-cx7st]

I own an alfa 156 1.6 twin spark and so far no issues, just oil change, really important. It's really pretty, no rust so far, inferior is leather in New condition, no electrical failures yet. It's a 2005 car (face-lift). It runs smooth, drinks a bit to be fair, but I have a heavy feet and like to give gas a lot, really fun to drive, I don't understand why people complain about the brand.

[@ItaliaAutos]

nice thanks for watching

[@jeremyaustin9103]

A long long time ago I was allowed to drive one of these. Lots of fun.

[@BlackLines]

I had a 2001 156 2.0 TS in black with black leather, lovely telledial wheels and I loved it right up until the oil pump died at 59k :( I wish I knew now what I did then, I could have fixed it reasonably easily. At the time my local garage assured me it was beyond repair (probably because they didn't fancy the job on an older car). I will always have a soft spot for these cars.

[@chrisrichmond403]

I have owned since 2006 7 156’s in my time , With working at Portbury Docks near Bristol from Winter 1999 every winter till May the the next year as a cycle till 2002 I drove many of the cars new. Now let’s see if I can remember all my 156’s as a list .. 2X 2.4 JTD Veloce , 03 Plate ( One Alfa red One Silver). 1x 1.8 TSpark Tourismo 0252 plate Proteo Rosso. 1X 1.9 JTDM Lusso Facelift 0454 Plate Metallic Champagne Gold. 1X 2.4 JTD SP2 2001 Y plate Silver . 1x 2.0 JTS Veloce 0453 plate Silver. Between my Champagne Gold & SP2 156’s I did own a 159. Other common fault drivers door knob / button sticks in pushed in position requiring key to be put back in lock to get it to pop out, I have regular WD40 them and even had to rotate the barrel cover to stop it from happening, Just a quirk of the design ... Also on the 2.4 JTD’s on the relay box on the battery the bottom 2 say relays for fans , The outer one of the 2 is to do with the fuel pump & not the fan .

[@michaelstaley2241]

Lovely car these old Alfa’s are quite unique.

[@silvermane9370]

I had a 1.8 Veloce in Africa grey. Super tidy bodywork but oh what fun getting it running right! Despite having a stamped up service book and bills as well it still needed a new variator, cambelt, metal pulleys, water pump and MAF. Once it was done though it was great. It ran without fault from then on.

[@ahatmeghandi6660]

Had one for 9 yrs fantastic reliable car loved it , and still miss it

[@timhancock6626]

I did well over 100,000 miles in a red 2.4 10 valve JTD Sportwagon 150. It had very few problems overall, and then some body wrote it off for me almost exactly ten years ago. It was a turbine like cross country express and I miss it very much. It was my fifth Alfa, but I havn't had one since for various reasons. I'd have liked a 159 TI, but it's too complicated. A relatively simple 1.6 TS 156 saloon would make a nice weekend car, but I have no space for it these days.

[@sblake1363]

Thanks for the video.I am the proud owner of a 156 SW 2.0 TS,has done a big mileage 246K +! still runs/drives superbly . Great car,been reliable since I have owned it from 240K miles.

[@ItaliaAutos]

Awesome

[@mikeboden8417]

I think the biggest problem with the 156s is alternator replacement, not just the cost of a genuine Bosch unit but the man hours required just to get at the bloody thing ( 10 on the V6s) if you take it to a garage. DIY for the average bloke without a ramp turns into a monster you wont do without at least one helper and a full swear jar.

[@damienh4357]

Couldn't agree more. I let a 916 Spider go for nothing a few years ago after the alternator went. Every other car, you open the bonnet and trip over it but Alfa placed it beside the third secret of Fatima. It really is a bridge too far where even Alfisti question whether or not to go on.

[@Negativvv]

I had my alternator go on my V6, I think my specialist charged me something like £400+. No way in hell was I going to attempt that at home as clearance in that engine bay is TIGHT with that Busso engine . Much to the annoyance of said specialist the alternator failed TWICE more after they replaced it due to awful quality control at their parts supplier, they were obliged to replace it for me both times for free...

[@philzvids3577]

On my V6 I got the garage to drop the engine out and change everything from cambelt, clutch, alternator, starter motor etc. It saved on labour as all these items needed doing and they had been quoting based on individual items. I ended up with a big bill, but it made the car last another 10 years. Great car.

[@buickmclean8163]

Just bought one of these , 1.8 T Spark Lusso, on October 16. Wish this guide had come out a bit earlier !

[@DavidHammond-qy4fp]

Very helpful assessment of the Alfa Romeo 156, looking at a 1.9 JTDm series 2 Sportwagon tomorrow

[@alessandrocolombera9251]

sono italiano e posseggo una 156 crosswagon,auto fantastica!

[@katywalker8322]

Best saloon car I have driven. Pretty reliable. Suspension arms needed changing a few times (only a problem when you can’t get the drop links apart). Power steering pipe behind bumper broke by a nasty speed bump. Rear window cable failed on one side. Most annoying was a failed motor for the heater - the day the local specialist closed for Christmas (which resulted in me changing the lower arms on the 155 in the snow just so we had heated transport for Christmas). Certainly more reliable than the e46 bmw we had. Unfortunately killed by rust at 166k - could have been fixed but with that many miles not worthwhile.

[@antoniocrawley]

I had 2 of these loved them I then progressed to the 159 2.4, in many ways I preferred the 156

[@richardshaw1968]

I understand on the airflow meter if you unplug it and the car runs better it usually means it’s shot. I had the core go on my radiator. Unscrupulous servicing is one to watch out for, not changing back plugs on v6 and the oil filter is a swine to reach. Had the 1.6 on a 147, great engine revs for ever.

[@RensOtteweyn]

Great video, I had a black 145 1.4 16v TS (pretty much the same engine) running on LPG a few years ago with 200.000+ miles on the clock and the head gasket just started to leak outwards so I replaced it myself in a shed. After replacing it (and of course having the head skimmed), along with inlet and exhaust gaskets and timing belt plus tensioner and water pump, it was time to start it: nothing, just nothing. First the crank sensor went, then the cam sensor, then one the two big fuses for running on LPG went (it sounded like a TwinAir Panda, haha) and finally the MAP sensor went, but after replacing all that, it was solid as a rock that engine and fast even though it was just a 1.4

[@SilverSurfer5150]

Brilliant as always!! 😎👍🏻 Cheers!

[@marklawton5753]

Hi Neil. Great cars the 156. I have owned and driven numerous 156's since 2003! Currently, it's a 2.0 JTS Sportwagon, not the best engine much prefer the TS engines. As you have said find a good specialist ( sorry Neil your a little too far from me) look after them and they are great cars! Never had any major issues with any of the 156's I have owned. Regular oil and Cambelt changes using the correct oil and they are good. The big irritant is the front suspension it's like painting the Forth Bridge always seem to need some work on a regular basis and the Alfa Red Paint on my car now seems to have more Shades of "ALFA Pink" (LOL) than I can shake a stick at. Love your channel keep up the good work! OH and jealous that you have a Giulia Quadrifoglio, NOT AT ALL!!! LOL

[@luboslavfrastia3251]

Veru nice explanatory video 🙏🙏🙏

[@nellyjon423]

T-Shirt on point 😎👌👍

[@irishman6124]

I recently bought one..very very light and easy to drive and zip around town

[@ItaliaAutos]

Awesome cars.

[@seanoliver4531]

I loved the one I had few years back it was the sport wagon with red leather seats but had problems with the selespeed gear box so I had to return it back to the seller.

[@bencarey8988]

Thanks for making this just got one for my son 👍

[@ItaliaAutos]

Good stuff.

[@rezaq1]

Had so many of these. In fact, let’s see if I can remember them in order; 1999 2.5 V6 Sportpack 3 in red 2003 3.2 GTA in silver 2001 2.5 V6 Veloce in blue with Recaros 2001 2.5 V6 Veloce in Fantasia blue 1999 2.5 V6 in blue/black with factory Zender kit 1999 2.5 V6 Sportpack 2 in Amazonia green 2004 JTS Sportwagon Veloce in black Absolutely love these cars, but the floors scare me.

[@IgorRapczewski]

Why so many? What were you doing with them?

[@rezaq1]

@@IgorRapczewski I’m a car freak, I love buying and restoring cars! It’s my passion and my hobby

[@arks9586]

Had only 3, still's head turner

[@karlos1060]

Why does the floor scar you? I had 2 of them, and owning 1 still currently. Mine is from 2004, and no rust at all on the floor. And had before a 2002 for 5 years without any floor issue's. Never had anything to be weld at it. The floor can be horrible, just check it before buying it, some are well protected and others had a sloppy job. If you find a good one, check it every time for upcoming rust, and do domething if needed, and it will hold for more then 2 decads easy.

[@cirrus1964]

@@karlos1060 Think it has everything to do, with a bad metal badge number which was used. As I did see (not owned these Alfa's), which were in very rusty state., and needed a complete new floor. If you're about to buy one, best is look at the floor from the inside, by removing the carpet, if it feels wet or damp, move on.

[@kevinvanreijen415]

I have a 147 1.6 16v ts from 2001 its a wonderful car

[@jimmyzoom1143]

Just bought that car on the vid, as I miss my old one....

[@ItaliaAutos]

Good stuff. Enjoy it. Its a great car.

[@jimmyzoom1143]

@@ItaliaAutos just noticed, you're in Walsall, so I'll bear that in mind if I need stuff doing

[@ItaliaAutos]

Ok mate.

[@craigfielding8759]

Thank you for buying it from me, I’m sure it will give you plenty of enjoyment. It certainly gets plenty of comments on how lovely it is. 😀

[@petergord6453]

peter G.. Good summery on a 156 looking to buy one and this was very helpful indeed but am worried of buying from a seller then get disappointed due to finding rust in all the silly places as one does not have a ramp!! need to get a torch then!!.....................................

[@420Ard]

I have owned a 2000 2.0 TS SW which was great looking and lovely to drive. I especially remember how racy it sounded even with the standard exhaust. Unfortunaly it became too small with three young kids and I traded it in for a Croma.

[@ItaliaAutos]

Thanks for sharing

[@Negativvv]

Great guide Neil. I'll add that the centre display fading is only an issue on the first facelift with the interior changes but exterior remaining the same. Putting in a display panel from the final revision fixes it and plus the later panel is a more compact unit. The main bits of rust will run from the near side front diagonally to the offside rear as they are away from the engine and exhaust heat sources, there is a stark difference between where the backbox and cam belt of my engine is to the opposite sides. As in the heat source bits are almost completely clean but the other colder sides have rust issues. These cars are getting rare now, and good ones rarer still. I came to a crossroads recently and decided to keep my conversion 3.0 V6 one instead of upgrading to a Giulietta QV or a Golf GTi (blasphemy I know). Mine's never left me stranded in 6 years+ years of ownership and has barely given me any issues whatsoever other than regular servicing. It's getting increasingly hard to run a 156 daily so I garaged mine as a fun day car and got a Honda Civic to abuse and put miles on. Nothing else for similar money will come close to the drama a Busso V6 can provide but then again having owned mine for so long I'm somewhat bias. Oh and apologies but the show car in the video needs a rear suspension drop although I guess it's just on standard suspension... I had an old Veloce model years ago which was on standard suspension instead of sports due to the previous owner being conned at Kwik Fit, boy did the rear look ridiculous.

[@ItaliaAutos]

thanks

[@Negativvv]

Also the lower front grill can be difficult to hold on the car with the regular clips, I've had to gorilla glue mine as I've lost a few previously via only clips!

[@kingkapowable]

Love the shirt! :-)

[@fhwolthuis]

Nice car, I remember doing a test drive in a 1.6 demo in December 1997, it was a revelation! If you use nail polish remover for the sticky buttons, be sure to take the stuff WITHOUT aceton, otherwise you won't have any buttons left 😁

[@chrisrichmond403]

1997 for a 1.6 ?? Were you in the UK when doing that test drive ? 1.6 T Spark 156’s did not appear in the UK till late 2000 into early 2001 .

[@fhwolthuis]

@@chrisrichmond403 no in The Netherlands where I live 😉

[@chrisrichmond403]

@@fhwolthuis Ahh I see Frank with Alfa of that era we got some things later or even not at all than the European market . One of the big mistakes for the UK market never done was the 2.4 JTDm in the 166 . We only had the petrols & that’s why it did not sell well over here.

[@pereldh5741]

I need a T-shirt like that!

[@SLR-722]

What?

[@pereldh5741]

@@SLR-722 Its a thing you wear

[@WillemBloemendal]

The cabin filter is difficult to renew, but it is nice if you do that every year. I bought on gran canarianeen 147 (my 15th Alfa) and renewed the filter last year, the 147 is in perfect condition from 2006, the filter was stamped 2005 .... little fresh air came through. Before that I had a 156 10 years 230,000 km and then a 156 sportwagon 2.4 jtd 20V, the finest Alfa I ever had, sold due to emigration 356,000 km. oil-free.

[@ItaliaAutos]

Thanks for sharing

[@stumac869]

£100 for that car with 22,000 miles was a bit of a bargain regardless of origin, bonus of a nice colour.

[@stevenroach4955]

Had a 2.0 twinspark in black with the sideskirts, the most fun FWD car I've driven, a lot more fun to drive than the 159.

[@FrankishKnight]

159 spoiled alfa for me.. owned one for 3 years, was not a good car

[@christophchristoph9909]

I have both and completly agree!

[@cirrus1964]

@@FrankishKnight because it only looks like an Alfa, but misses the spirit of one!

[@damienh4357]

Ohh dear. I'm looking at a beautiful black 159ti (2010 1.9Jtdm) and considering it as a replacement for my 2005 156ti which I bought brand new and is still pristine. Getting the impression I might regret it from reading the comments here. Still got a few days before the deal is done, any other thoughts?

[@FrankishKnight]

@@damienh4357 run away mate

[@brentwalsh786]

Neutrogena makeup remover towelettes less harsh than nail polish remover. Removes black rubbery crud but requires plenty of elbow grease too.

[@rubenvalente]

Still have one, its a lovely car, would be nice if someone started developing parts to improve on its weak points, like improved suspension arms, why not an actual timing belt that does at least 5years or 90.000kms,oh and cab we have a reliable variator like Honda uses on their VTEC engines or Toyota on their VVTi ones?! It would also be nice to be able to sort some new engine mounts, the kind of parts we dont find anymore.

[@1240enzo]

I owned a 2003 2.0 JTS Sportwagon for 9 years. I loved it, it looked great, drove really well and was superbly economical. Minor things such as needing to replace the Lamda sensors was a bit of a pain, ditto I redid the front suspension, plus installed Bilsteins all around (huge improvement over the original shocks), a couple of timing belts, water pump etc. Rust out here in Oz wasn’t ever an issue, unlike over in salty UK. The sad thing is I paid $20K for it when it was 4 years old and when I finally sold it I could only get $3.5K, ouch. Therein lays the problem in that today their value is at rock bottom that so many are being scrapped as it’s not economical to keep them going in good condition. Mine when I sold it only had 150,000km on the clock and overall the car was still in excellent condition. In some ways I wish I had kept it. They still look good today.

[@ItaliaAutos]

nice thanks for watching

[@ibamarcel4577]

Alfa romeo 156 2.0ts and bmw e36 coupe 325i.The best cars I ever had. I have 2 turbodiesel cars now 🙄🙄🙄

[@kidoctane]

I had 2.0 twinny for 13 yrs and 175,000 kms. Awesome car, still felt solid when l sold her. OK, the sele was "interesting" at times, but still l miss her to this day.

[@ItaliaAutos]

Thanks for sharing

[@silviuurs]

Thanks a lot!

[@PipeOPhile]

Really really want one for a first car. That or the MX-5 of course

[@ItaliaAutos]

lol because there similar

[@forbesmagadu8789]

Great review of the Alfa I'm in Zimbabwe I recently bought this model of Alfa I need help with service parts from suspension ,sensors and sometimes the engines hunts .my fuel gurge and speedometer is not working please help .

[@RichieRouge206]

Still one of the best looking cars ever created!

[@ItaliaAutos]

Sure is.

[@darrenbaker8144]

Fat bottom berrera all the way 👌🏻

[@raceonedriver6102]

That wheels are Beautiful.. What's the price for it in UK?

[@AdamAus85]

Oh and regarding the lower window rubbers. The bit that really rusts is the section in the back of each trim piece that is secured with a screw to the door. Has anyone made like an aluminum replacement for that steel insert? Or just buy new trim bits?

[@danieloide787b]

What's your opinion about the 2.0 JTS? I've just bought one with the original TI pack and I'm in love... Coming from an 147 1.6TS and a 2.2 Brera

[@gokhanozkaner]

Thanks for the vid. Could you please make a video on "how to remove the info center" for this car, especially on a mk2 or this mk1,5 they are the same.. Greetings from Istanbul.

[@ItaliaAutos]

dont really do how to videos anymore.

[@Gjldo]

on the handbrake cable often the rubber mounts at mid cable snap, and when they slap the body while going over bumps they can sound like if your rear suspension bushings are failing it is possible to fully disassembly the side windows lifter assemblys (i just did mine this afternoon actually), clean and regrease both the mechanism and the cables, do this like every 5 years and you won't ever have a problem, unfortunatly the motor assembly is not "serviceble friendly" and will require some modifications done to the gearbox cover in order to service it (but it can be done) while variator is sometimes a problem, often is due to the solenoid going wrong, and if that s the case it can be generally solved by re soldering the leads between the winding and the top cap (i don't know why, i thik due to vibrations, but they detatch and they werar down due to sparking) it's worth checking since you can fix a nominally 100£+ problems with a few pennys of solder

[@darrenbaker8144]

You need to get out more !!

[@buickmclean8163]

Thank you for posting these tips.

[@jackblack5124]

Best cars EVER🍀

[@ItaliaAutos]

Enjoy

[@ThisRandomUsername]

Spot on for all of those issues. Looking at that, mine seems in a lot better condition than I thought. I love mine. I have a 2l twinspark (older plastic engine cover without front catalytic converters), and I've noticed the idle revs seem to hang above 1k sometimes. This is even after the car has been running warm. Is this likely a sensor issue? One thing I will say to look out for is the steering rack end bushings wearing out. I replaced my rack with one from a scrapyard and it took a weekend and a couple of evenings, and I still didn't get the steering wheel straight.

[@ItaliaAutos]

yes more than likely

[@zigaveren3902]

Thanks for the video! I've been looking for a 156 for a few months now and in my country its so hard to find a nice one. Mostly looking at 1.9 16v ones, do you have anything particular to say about those jtd engines?

[@ItaliaAutos]

Watch the gt buyers guide thats about the 1.9

[@AdamAus85]

I'm doing the timing belt, balance belt, pulleys, tensioners, water pump, radiator, thermostat, cam seals, valve cover seals, variator and more on my 05 JTS soon. What are the most important things to remember? Little tips and tricks and definite do nots?

[@qianyu1982]

By yourself Ribe bit set. also the timing lock tool and TDC indicator.

[@petrvrana834]

They spent a lot on the development but saved on the rust protection and parts

[@makolic1]

my wing mirror base plates have corroded , would a garage remove them and repaint them ?

[@grahambeek9075]

I had a 1999 2.5v6 from new. Regret selling it now. Also had a 1.8 twin spark but scrapped it when the floor rotted out. It also had an annoying problem where the battery went flat over 2 days which I heard was probably due to a dodgy bulb circuit sensor in the cluster that leaks voltage to a rear brake light.

[@ItaliaAutos]

nice thanks for watching

[@izzatfauzimustafa6535]

Can this car comply with London's ULEZ road pricing?

[@deramon1000]

Those wheels are great. What do you reckon they go for?

[@babbo1218]

I’ve seen them for about £ 500 for a set but not sure, they are off a GT blackline.

[@cliverosfield3951]

There is someone who sell a 1998 2.0 ts manual with 230,000 kmh, he drives it on track from time to time, I drove it with him and it feels and sounds like an alfa! But Idk if to buy it from him because of 230,000 kmh, what do you think?

[@TONY_FEZ]

Probably less of an issue in the UK compared to here in Australia, but the air con on these cars is not great. The center vents are tiny and just don't allow for adequate air flow.

[@ItaliaAutos]

Yes in the summer here is like an asthmatic squirrel blowing on your face.

[@TONY_FEZ]

@@ItaliaAutos I had a 147 the A/C was actually pretty good. This is the number one reason i have never owned a 156. I a test driven a few and its always the A/C that has let the car down. In Australia you die in Summer with no A/C.

[@aadildada6887]

I had a question how many hours job is it to replace a steering rack in a 159 done on a driveway on axle stands

[@ItaliaAutos]

dont know never done one on axel stands.

[@energizing1268]

@Italia Autos Hey,, great vid. I have 156 2.0ts, and i have trouble finding the cause of the issue. When the car is on like 3-5 mins and i drive, so when i press the clutch the revs fluctuate 1 or 2 times to like 500 and i feel little bit of shake. The engine has no leak, i changed all the belts and water pump, air flow sensor, all sparks new NGK, alternator bearings that were bad, cleaned the air valve, all filters changed. The diagnostics shows no faults, it revs up good no problems on idle only sometimes after sporty drive there are some rough-like idle fluctuations, but the enines sounds normal, starts normal no diesel sound, but when i put hand on the engine it shakes little bit but its in norm i would say, any tips or help. Thank you very much for tips boys and Italia Autos.

[@lilbasis5266]

maybe the butterfly is dirty in the throttlebody or the throttlebody is bad and you need to change, also it might be as simple as a idle reset from multiecuscan, i had similiar fault and it was the throttlebody, do you use sport air filter?

[@energizing1268]

@@lilbasis5266 No Original, that you put in the box. Now that i think, if there is a hole in the filter box from a screw, could it be caused by the bad filter box?

[@energizing1268]

@@lilbasis5266 And i cleaned the butterfly in thottlebody by cleaner for it but there was not much dirt or carbon in it so maybe the whole throttlebody is bad - the step engine in throttlebody maybe? But it would be visible on the diagnostics ?

[@lilbasis5266]

i dont think any leak from the airbox will cause it, because it will still suck up air from the tube going down from the maf. Yeah but also when i cleaned my old throttlebody it didnt even help so sometimes its the step engine or the whole unit thats bad, also if you have diagnostics you should try to reset it and see, but in my experience if the throttlebody is bad it wont even show in the diagnostic mine for example didnt even show but it was still bad, for example often in this car model if the maf is bad it wont show in the diagnostic unless its like super bad. do ur idle drop when you suddenly stop at red lights?

[@energizing1268]

@@lilbasis5266 Thanks, yes exactly, the idle drops like once or twice when i press the clutch and stop the car, but when the car is completely cold it does not and then when the car is fully heated or after sporty ride its also almost gone

[@karlos1060]

Hi Neil, I have a 156 1.8 16v from 2004, on LPG. It uses pretty much oil. I use Valvoline 10w40 semi synth. Any recommendations how to lower the oil usage? It's now about 1 liter every 1000 miles. Engine has about 146k miles now(233.000km) The engine itselve runs fine, no knock on cold start. So should i do something about it, or just keep filling it? I heard that the piston design is the issue, and the fase 3 engines all suffer that issue, unless you rebuild and modify the engine. The previous owner claimes it did not use oil, but i knew that was hard to believe, and so it was. Love the 156, and mine has almost no rust at all, bottom is rock solid.

[@dannye_garage]

The best oil for twinspark engine is 10w60 Selenia Racing

[@renea222]

Hahah... Im the owner of 1.8 TS with LPG same as you and i have the same problem... My friends told me to try with 10w60 selenia or castrol. Good engine... I never had any failure but oil consumption piss me off.

[@karlos1060]

@@dannye_garage I did use it before in my old 1.8 twin spark, and it did not help. It's a design flaw of the pistons as i understand. But i hope Neil has a trick up his sleeve to help me in lowering the oil usage...

[@karlos1060]

@@renea222 Yes, apart from the oil usage, the engine is great and very reliable. Just have to check your oil level regular, and fill it up. It is what is is unfortunatly.

[@manoldimovski]

SIncerely, I had the same case with this engine, working on LPG, 206000km, but mounted on 147. Between an oil change (around 12000km) had consumed around 2 liters. The headcam gasket was changed, because there is always a tiny leak from there, but this is never completely resolvable with this engine, because the headcam cover made from plastic. So the temperature deforms it by time and starts to leak, even with new gasket, after a month from installment it starts to leak again. I succeed to reduce the consumption of oil though by passing from Selenia 10W40 to Bardahl 5W40. Since then it consumes much less - for the same mileage of 12-15000 km between oil change now I need just less than 1 liter of oil to fill. Here in Italy these engines are still very popular. I have seen several of them over 300000km without problems. Just keep in mind the regular oil and filter change, otherwise the issues are unpredictable.

[@alidesidero8430]

Hi. Balance mil iptal edilebilir mi?

[@makolic1]

is it a good idea to get the underside waxoiled protected ??

[@Zion-jw3gm]

Definately

[@Meox_YT]

Anyone got any Selespeeds? heard that they are pretty rare nowadays. I have a 1999 156 2.0 TS Selespeed. Only 6 left in my country

[@TheTruth-ht7qm]

57reg Selespeed. Still going strong.

[@josegil5643]

I still have a 2003 156 2.0 TS Selespeed

[@mazdaguy_6046]

Looking at an '01 156 for €500, it has 110k and has been off the road since March 21, good choice for first proper car?

[@ItaliaAutos]

Just check for rust and cambelt history

[@kahumike]

Fun fact: when you turn the high beam on the heater fan speed increases...

[@ItaliaAutos]

nice thanks for watching

[@ThisRandomUsername]

On mine when the indicators go the fan speed modulates as well. A little strange, but nothing serious at all.

[@nebojsabogicevic2881]

Neil, what size of the tyres are on this blacklines?

[@ItaliaAutos]

I have not idea try google.

[@cirrus1964]

I had 2 156 before, no rust whatsoever. Now I have the facelift 2.0 2004 156. Which strange enough uses less fuel (btw, my first was a 1.6TS, which used the most fuel of all). The first thing I always did, if I wasn't sure when the time belt was replaced, was have this done, and all other parts including a new water pump. Also check the shock absorbers. Although I didn't find rust, I once had the rear shock absorber was in a rusty bad shape, and it broke. In a way, smoke came from a tire, and the car needed to be towed away. None of my 156 used oil. I never had to fill extra oil, but I do change the oil sooner than necessary, as oil is the most important part of an engine. Ps, one can see on the internet, some like to show off revving the engine. It's a useless idiotic action, it's very bad for any engine!

[@ItaliaAutos]

nice thanks for watching

[@Paul_VanGo]

If Alfa, at the time of introduction, had put in a bit more time in the details, the 156 would have been a loved classic these days. Because of their success in touringcar racing, the 156 was a big hit in the whole of Europe, including the though German market. It did steal a lot of customers away from BMW, but when all the trouble started (especially flying cam belts, and an endlessly knocking suspension), they lost all those new customers, never ever to return again. They say you need at least two, to keep one running, and I must agree from personal experience. Very nice when it drives flawlessly. But sadly, that doesn't happen that often.

[@fiatlux1725]

Well, you can afford to buy two of them in order to maintain one for every day driving. They're really cheap!

[@oscaraliisa]

Had a 156, loved it. It has different, sporty feel. Their biggest problem, unfortunately, is rust. Mine had rotten floorpan. So rotten, it collapsed. Did a welding job and she was back on the road. It's getting harder and harder finding a decent 156 these days. Most of them are rusted and/or with failed front suspension. Calculated, fixing both of these problems would cost you more than 1000 euros and it's not worth it, since the car costs around 900 euros today.

[@toojook]

I have fiat coupe 2.0,20v nt and i can't find coolant leak. Its somewhere behind engine under intake manifold. I check water pump its ok, but steal leaking. Gives me headache.. Is that some big issue?

[@ItaliaAutos]

Google coolant pipe of death.

[@toojook]

Really nice.. Now i have to remove bludy manifold. Its same with all 20v turbo and non turbo?

[@ItaliaAutos]

@@toojook its roughly the same.

[@toojook]

Thanks mate. Tomorrow i should replace that, found it online. Its gonna be messy. Here in Serbia that pipe is 30euro.

[@schoumv6]

Crosswagon please or sportwagon

[@kjbunnyboiler]

Check the subtitles. Your “good customer” is translated to “good pusher”!

[@ItaliaAutos]

Lol.

[@johnmoruzzi7236]

All the underneath corrosion issues go right back to the Fiat Tipo through Brava Bravo Marea Alfa 145 155... After 10 - 12 years bumpers should come off and car should be scraped stripped repaired and repainted underneath.

[@ItaliaAutos]

would be nice

[@ebutuoyYT]

Overall would a 159 be more reliable / cheaper to run than a 156?

[@ItaliaAutos]

156 cheaper car to own

[@ebutuoyYT]

@@ItaliaAutos Years back, I had a 156 SW 2.4 JTD in grey with red leather, for business use, a great car. Would you advise going petrol or diesel, being an Alfa I'd rather have a petrol, as my mileage won't be high? Thanks.

[@helloitsme-my3dl]

Hi, i have a 2009 alfa Romeo mito 1.4 turbo benzina. Can i fit the 2017 front bumper?

[@ItaliaAutos]

yes direct fit

[@helloitsme-my3dl]

@@ItaliaAutos thx som mutch

[@christophchristoph9909]

I was wondering, which engine would you reccomend? Are the JTS engines any good? I would add rust in the rear suspension lining to the list. The Alfanut had the same problem so I think it should be quote a common issue (source: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p37WdH5njJ6DoK8 ) Replacing the upper wishbone (front) is quite a pain in the *** and easily costs 600€ for both sides. Also the AC pipes and pump caused some trouble in my car.

[@ItaliaAutos]

avoid jts engines

[@RodgerLyon]

@@ItaliaAutos Couldnt agree more, i had a 2002 156 JTS Veloce Selespeed that looked awesome but broke my heart and bank balance on faulty lamda sensors . Clearly havent learned my lesson though as now driving a 159....

[@AlfaGTA156]

Nice colour, but my goodness it’s on stilts at the rear.

[@ds1868]

Yep this recently sold on eBay and the rear looked ridiculous. Wrong springs fitted I think when the rear struts were replaced.

[@hakanjohansson5130]

I have a 2.0 jts in the same color. I love it, but there is always something wrong with it.

[@08Brams]

True, i have m'y Selespeed gearbox repaired but now i need to fix an engine error

[@lilbasis5266]

JTS is the worse engine of all alfa engines, twinspark, busso, jtd =bulletproof

[@hakanjohansson5130]

@@lilbasis5266 actually, the engine is the part that I have the least problem with. 😅

[@08Brams]

@@lilbasis5266 I had a GT last year with 1.9 Jtd engine and it works perfectly

[@koyaanisqatsi316]

@@lilbasis5266 Wasn't the JTS an Opel/GM engine?

[@andyhill8236]

Had my 156 sportwagon for 13 years let me down once flywheel sensor serviced it regularly what a car got an alfa gt now wouldn't buy owt else proper cars

[@pawelnieczuja-ostrowski1029]

I am interested in this car! Would love a 156 😍😍 my inbox is open!!

[@ItaliaAutos]

Find Craig Fielding on Facebook he's an alfabook member.

[@craigfielding8759]

Hi, yes I’m the owner the car will be up for sale soon. It’s just had a new MOT and has been serviced by Italia Autos for the past 6 years lots of receipts to back its history.

[@pawelnieczuja-ostrowski1029]

@@craigfielding8759 I shall try finding you on FB.

[@craigfielding8759]

Ok thank you 👍

[@rezaq1]

Will someone shut that fuse cover on the battery!!

[@shaniranikauboj]

clips break on all of them.

[@stevenwest1494]

Oof 😂 buying one today, yikes, how would you know it had a good oil history? The bills for this car really add up if its all crusty. That one lower wishbone bolt was like £15?! You're swearing over every job. Airbox and maf sensors clips! Fucking bastards 😂 Loved the car!

[@antonioperillo7279]

Hi Guy, I will write my comments privately for this alfa 156, I see a lot of your mistakes for Use and maintenance especially for the UK market. B.R

[@ItaliaAutos]

i welcome constructive comments.

[@antonioperillo7279]

@@ItaliaAutos perfect!

[@cirrus1964]

Don't know about the UK, here in the Netherlands, prices aer going up rapidly for these gems!

[@felmi5032]

You dont need to change oil ever on these engines because they burn 1l every 2000km=4l in 8000km Kappa

[@fredstraw]

loll

[@cirrus1964]

Are you joking? if not, you a nitwit!

[@renea222]

Im the owner of 1.8 TS with LPG and this is true. My use a little bit less... 1 liter every 5000 which is a lot again...

[@cirrus1964]

@@renea222 If oil is not replaced regular, all residue, keeps piling up. Last time I saw this, was the engine when opened up, had a thick kind of tar in every corner. Which costed the owner a lot of money!

[@darth_pandino4265]

My 1.8 144hp doesn't burn a drop of oil, you guys got blown engines

[@Dimce011]

This is almost 20 years old car, with who knows how many miles...so rust here and there, exhaust rotten, handbrake cables, it's all replacement parts and regular maintenance, mostly...and this is all that is bad on such an old car? So those Alfa cars are really bad!

[@ItaliaAutos]

nice thanks for watching

[@Dimce011]

@@ItaliaAutos Thank you for nice, detailed and honest presentation.

[@velkovskinikola2]

156 twin spark Buyers guide. Don't. Buy a diesel, buy a v6, buy a newer Alfa, buy an older Alfa, buy a Fiat. If you need a car that works don't buy a 16v Twin Spark. If you want to learn how to rebuild or swap engines the 156 t.s is then perfect for you. Well actually if it costs 1-200 punds you can buy it, if you are lucky you can complete couple of trips and pass it on to someone else and get it out of your system.

[@ItaliaAutos]

Speaking bollocks I think mate. 😀🤪

[@rcfaudioitalia6110]

You don't need to change oil on that 🚽 cause it drinks it all.

[@henkhinderiks3326]

if you want a hobby that costs a lot of money and never takes you from a to b buy an alfa romeo 156 it may be the worst car ever built. but the styling is breathtaking and when it runs you have something. alfa is the girl I'll never have

[@ItaliaAutos]

i work on these cars every day, so why does my opinion differ so much to yours. thanks for watching.:-)

[@kells77]

Had 2 from brand new A v6 and a 2.0 Shit cars electrical nightmares We had them as company cars The v6 had a nice mono leather interior tho

[@ItaliaAutos]

nice thanks for watching

[@wasulakelekorala3782]

,

[@chrisgray9807]

photos.app.goo.gl/UfoqX7gbsaZvCQzS6 My 156, I loved that car!