1996 Alfa Romeo 155 2.5 V6

Summary:

A very rewarding driver's car, but it needs pampering

Faults:

Driver's seat missing a bolt when new.

Faulty engine management wiring on when new - car engine cut out a long way from home at 2,000 miles.

Faulty front wheel tracking when new.

Faulty ABS when new.

Cracked heater valve inside the car at 30,000 miles - leaked coolant into the car.

Blew a hole in rear exhaust silencer box at 36,000 miles.

Gearbox broke a seal and leaked its lubrication. The gearbox has a dipstick, but can only be accessed from under the car.

Optional front splitter is made of a brittle plastic and keeps breaking - quite expensive to replace.

General Comments:

Very comfortable car on long runs with standard suspension.

Hated speed bumps with standard suspension.

Slight tendency to oversteer with standard suspension.

Pulls from 18mph in 5th gear (and does 40 in 1st).

There are two kinds of brake pads available from the dealer - none of which work as well as the orignal set. Resolved with Mintex 171 pads.

Handing issues resolved with the Koni spring/adjustable damper kit. Ride was compromised, but worth it.

Car seemed to lose it's top end after 24,000 miles. 164 Green Cloverleaf cams (made up from blanks) and retune fixed this. Lost a bit of torque, but still pulled from 18mph in 5th.

Maintenance schedule suggests changing cam belts at 72,000 miles. Always change them at 36,000. This is quite expensive because of the close fit of the engine in the bay - takes time to get it right (and time is money). In fact, even changing plugs is a nightmare for the same reason.

One of the best normally aspirated cars around.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th March, 2001

1996 Alfa Romeo 155 V6 2.5 petrol

Summary:

An absolute steal now that the 156 is on the market

Faults:

The air-con hasn't worked since I got it (gas leaked out because it hadn't been getting used, therefore seals gone and expensive to repair).

Apart from that just normal wear and tear items.

All brake discs and pads replaced.

Front wishbones replaced, this is normal for 75,000 miles on this car apparently.

One year-old exhaust has cracked on a weld, but repairs never last long because of the firm ride over poor road surfaces (speed bumps!!).

General Comments:

Compared to my previous cars, this 155 has tons of power and torque. It's very tempting to become lazy with the gear changes in town. Quite economical at cruising speeds, but will burn petrol up if driven hard!

My only real complaint is the road noise from the tyres, but you wouldn't otherwise hear the gorgeous V6 engine!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd August, 2000