Alfa Romeo 159 – Italian exclusive for Russian drivers

In the modern world, it is difficult to come across any interesting production car. Fortunately, many new “Chinese” have appeared, sometimes they really stand out in the traffic flow.


It’s just that such cars mostly attract attention in a negative way. Sometimes it seems like what kind of misunderstanding is this? But, I must admit, expensive Chinese cars, and pickups too, often look spectacular.

But Alfa Romeo stood out as before and still looks defiant. The Italians stubbornly follow their line, releasing models in their own unique style.


Alfa Romeo 159 is a typical representative of the Italian school. The car definitely attracts attention. That’s what we’ll tell you about today.

Short story

In 2000, Fiat and GM decided to work closely together. At that time, the Americans did not yet know that they would in the future pass into the hands of the Italians. The partners’ task at that time was to create joint platforms.

Fiat worked in the area where it was strong - class B+. GM developed a premium platform for Alfa Romeo and Lancia.

But the Americans eventually realized that they did not need new models of this class. They had enough of their platforms, and things weren’t going well. As a result, the rights were transferred to the Italians for a “symbolic” sum of a billion dollars.


This is how the Alfa Romeo 2005 appeared in 159. It should be noted that the full potential of the new platform was not used. At that time they did not dare to make any successor to the 166 model.

Only three cars were produced under the Alfa Romeo brand:

✅ 159
✅ Brera
✅ Spider

But the platform turned out to be quite good. The body, powerful and heavy, was developed by Saab. Despite the fact that the 159 Alfa was the successor and “classmate” of the Alfa Romeo 156, this car turned out to be of much higher quality.

The model was produced from 2005 to 2011. Not to say that it has become popular in Russia. But the “alfists” know and respect her. There are usually 15-20 of these cars on sale. They ask for them from 700 thousand rubles.

Body

Externally, the Alfa Romeo 159 usually looks decent. The car body is completely galvanized, plus the car is expensive on the secondary market. Accordingly, if “bugs” appear somewhere, they are immediately removed.


If there is rust on the body, then this indicates a car that was involved in an accident and was not restored according to technology. It's better to stay away from these. Moreover, body parts for this model are rare and expensive.

But you shouldn’t neglect inspecting the bottom. There may be problems with it, and not even surface corrosion, but serious rust in the subframe area.


When inspecting, you need to pay attention to the operation of the electric windows. If something does not open, this is an obvious problem. The glass is attached to the cable lift mechanism using a plastic clip. This part often breaks. The consequences can be different - from distortions to glass falling down.

Salon and electronics

Inside, the Alfa Romeo 159 has a premium feel on par with the BMW XNUMX Series. She doesn't reach the "five". But the “fun” of the model is not in the finishing – the design is specific.


“Wells” of instruments, a sports steering wheel, seats with lateral support, buttons in unusual places. And if the interior is leather, then it seems that the car is somehow exclusive.

But if you look closely, you discover that there are problems. The interior is noisy, many elements squeak and jingle over potholes. This hints that the gaps are not adjusted perfectly.

As for electrics, Alfa Romeo has always had problems with this. And it’s not even about the traditional Italian approach to assembly, which has never been serious. Just electronics from the Magneti Marelli brand, and this company is slightly better than a host of Chinese manufacturers in terms of quality.


You won't be able to find something electrical from Bosch - they don't make analogues. Fiat is confident that their subsidiary Magneti Marelli is doing a great job. It’s not for nothing that they have 56 factories around the world and a number of research and application centers.

Electronics don't like Russian winter. From time to time it may not start in cold weather - this is a lack of current at the solenoid relay. It is “cured” by installing an additional one, powered directly from the battery, although this is a “collective farm”.


The VDC stability control system can be weird. Moreover, the owner will begin to look for problems elsewhere. For example, the car will not respond to gas while driving. Or the gears in the Selespeed gearbox may not shift. By the way, this robotic transmission is also from Magneti Marelli.

The ABS system periodically “falls off”. The fault is failure of sensors and connectors. They rot and oxidize.


The operation of electronics must be carefully checked before purchasing. And even if you’re lucky enough to find a car from a brand lover, you still won’t be able to “live in peace.”

Engines

Under the hoods of the Alfa Romeo 159 there are both gasoline and diesel engines. The first ones are from 1,8 to 3,2 liters. Power – 140-260 hp.

Diesel engines are not popular in Russia. But they are also available for the Alfa Romeo 159 from 1,9 to 2,4 liters.

All gasoline engines have much in common with GM engines. For example, the 1,8-liter power unit is an almost complete copy of the Opel Z18XER. The most reliable, by the way, in the line, but 140 hp. not enough for a car that aspires to sporting laurels.

The 2,2-liter engine also has much in common with power units from GM. But there is a different intake and adjustable timing. As a result, the engine turned out to be more powerful.


A 3,2-liter power unit with 260 horsepower is something. But it’s difficult to find such an Alfa Romeo 159 on sale. The motor is reliable, but in Russia it is expensive to maintain and repair. There are no spare parts in stock - everything is made to order.

All diesel engines are Italian and are considered resource-efficient. But do not forget that the mileage there is high, as are the requirements for fuel quality.

Other technical features

The gearboxes of the Alfa Romeo 159 are far from being the standard of reliability, even mechanical ones. Therefore, it is recommended to conduct a thorough diagnosis before purchasing.


But all-wheel drive does not cause problems if it is serviced. But such modifications are rare and come with two engines – 3,2 petrol or 2,4 diesel with 210 hp.


The brakes of the Alfa Romeo 159 are simply standard. They are enough even for the rare version with a 3,2 liter engine. The system is from Brembo, large discs, powerful calipers.

“Native” pads are enough for at least 75 thousand kilometers. It is recommended to service the calipers every 150. By the way, brake pads from Opel Omega are suitable for the front axle.

As for the pendants, they are complex. Double-lever at the front, multi-lever at the rear. But they take care of 100-150 thousand km. Then you need to service it with original parts, since Alfa Romeo does not like substitutes. However, you can save money and restore old levers.

Steering with hydraulic booster and pump. The unit is reliable if you monitor the condition of the anthers.


To sum up, we can say with confidence that the Alfa Romeo 159 is not a car for everyone. He is beautiful and stands out in a crowd - this cannot be taken away from the model. But is the car worth the ongoing investment?

However, Alfa Romeo fans don't care about that. And ordinary drivers, accustomed to common cars, are sometimes affected by a strange “alpha virus”.

When buying an Alfa Romeo 159, the main thing is to find a well-maintained example. This will help reduce costs in the future. But, alas, you won’t be able to get rid of them completely...