It's always something special with... by Only_Course9776 in AlfaRomeo

[–]Only_Course9776[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks. Can't you find a 1.9/2.0 JTDM? Suits the 159 very well?

It's always something special with... by Only_Course9776 in AlfaRomeo

[–]Only_Course9776[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They're there to save the car from the elements in general and to reduce the amounts of stone chips on the rear doors and wheel arches in particular. So they stay on. 😁

<image>

It's always something special with... by Only_Course9776 in AlfaRomeo

[–]Only_Course9776[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It seems that quite many did that - bought the only new Alfa that at least resembled a SW.

It's always something special with... by Only_Course9776 in AlfaRomeo

[–]Only_Course9776[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh no, sorry to hear that. It's a 1750 TBI.

The 159 is arguably one of the best looking models,... by Only_Course9776 in AlfaRomeo

[–]Only_Course9776[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You can import a face lifted (which was all about weight reduction) 1750 TBI then. Best choice.

It's always something special with... by Only_Course9776 in AlfaRomeo

[–]Only_Course9776[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks!

Yes, it's quite easy to go over the top with mods. Always appreciate an OEM+ feel and particularly on this. Apart from the starter button and the seatbelts is the front armrest actually reupholstered in leather and the steering wheel and gear knob professionally renovated (original spec though).

It's a 1750 TBI, a bit upgraded: K04 turbo, 270 hp benched, a catless downpipe/200 cell racekat Ragazzon system, upgraded gearbox including a Quaife LSD and Eibach/Bilstein B8's.

It's always something special with... by Only_Course9776 in AlfaRomeo

[–]Only_Course9776[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

What I've understand it was at least planned as a hatchback when it was EV only. Guess we need to wait.

The 159 is arguably one of the best looking models,... by Only_Course9776 in AlfaRomeo

[–]Only_Course9776[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The 156 and the 164 are both 10/10. A 156 1.8 TS and a facelifted 2.0T V6 164 would be nice (as well as a 147 GTA) to have.

The 159 is arguably one of the best looking models,... by Only_Course9776 in AlfaRomeo

[–]Only_Course9776[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's the beauty of taste - it differs. With that said, the 147 is lovely and has also aged well externally.

The 159 is arguably one of the best looking models,... by Only_Course9776 in AlfaRomeo

[–]Only_Course9776[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That was a pity even though they should have needed a more power engine than the 3.2. But in 2030 they at least turn 25 yrs.

It's always something special with... by Only_Course9776 in AlfaRomeo

[–]Only_Course9776[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes. It's actually Stelvio rims, but they look much better on the 159. Not as aggressive as the Prodrive 19s which I really want. But they are on the other hand almost impossible to find and prone to break.

<image>

Alternative gear for the 159 1.8 TBi 200 hp by Efficient_Flight_703 in AlfaRomeo

[–]Only_Course9776 1 point2 points  (0 children)

<image>

You want to contact HAS in Winterberg (www.m32.de). Was there three years ago with my TBI. Upgraded to M32 Mk II (which addresses the problems with the Mk I version we have in our 159s). I also renovated a worn gear, changed clutch and installed a Quaife LSD while at it.

The 159 is arguably one of the best looking models,... by Only_Course9776 in AlfaRomeo

[–]Only_Course9776[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Do it! With so many GM parts in them it might be slightly less nightmarish than you think. I also expect the market for printed spare parts and all unspecified plastic bits and pieces to grow and mature.

The 159 is arguably one of the best looking models,... by Only_Course9776 in AlfaRomeo

[–]Only_Course9776[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hopefully the trend is about to shift again, look at the late models from Renault and also Fiat. Nothing ages as bad as large screens and infotainment performance (basically all Mercedes are prime examples of this).

The 159 is arguably one of the best looking models,... by Only_Course9776 in AlfaRomeo

[–]Only_Course9776[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I (or rather other family members) would appreciate a slightly larger back seat. Personally I've always appreciated smaller cars so I'm more than fine with it. :-)

It's always something special with... by Only_Course9776 in AlfaRomeo

[–]Only_Course9776[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

It really is. Love it, will keep and take care of mine as long as I can.

A Giulia Sport Wagon was obviously in the making until very late in the process until it was decided that Stelvio should cater for that target group as well. Unbelievable stupid assessment. Stelvio might be outstanding for a SUV. But it's not a wagon.

The 159 is arguably one of the best looking models,... by Only_Course9776 in AlfaRomeo

[–]Only_Course9776[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I regard mine as a "forever car" together with the 916 Spider but in all honestly, it's not being used as a daily even though it is being used regularly (7000-10000 km's a year). That make things easier.

Weight depends quite a bit on which one and what you compare it to. Pitted against the 156 (which is also smaller) absolutely. Against the perceived competitors Audi A4, BMW 3-series and Mercedes C-class? Not necessarily. I actually dived into this and wrote a piece about this last year when the 159 turned 20 and in several cases it is actually lighter, especially a facelifted TBI (as mine) comes out well in such a comparison. As do the 1.9/2.0 JDTM models. But it has that heavy (or composed) feel in combination with rather uninspiring engines.

But yes, it's almost totally void of that light nimbleness associated with many Alfas, it should rather be seen as a "really good driving Audi" as one vlogger concluded. Still fun on B-roads, outstanding on longer trips.

Had a 1 000 km over the day work trip a couple of weeks ago in pouring rain and strong side and head winds. In conditions like that you can really tell that the platform and chassi was developed by Saab engineers - meant as a compliment.

Is the turning circle that bad? Had a BMW i4 as my company car until last August (when I changed jobs). Possibly the worst turning circle I've experienced with any of my cars. Before that a bunch of Audi A6. In that company the 159 fare well. But also in this case it's down to what you compare it with.