Alfa 155s - overview

Hello!

I am a new user here and at the same time, hopefully, a future owner of Alfa Romeo 155s from the year 1997 engine: 1.8 16V TS, with klimatronic and an LPG installed.

I am very excited because I have already appointed a meeting with the seller. However, I would like to get some user opinions before I actually buy the car. This would be my first car and it's relatively cheap, because only about 600 EUR transfering from my national currency.

Could You please elaborate a little on the characteristics of this car, it's flaws and advantages, the attractiveness of the offer, your personal feelings etc.

I have heard that Alfas tend to be not very reliable mechanicaly. Is this true? Does this model consume much gas?

I will show some pictures of the car for you to elaborate

http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/2286/alfa1sk0.jpg
http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/9040/alfa2ip7.jpg
http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/3660/alfa3ag0.jpg
http://img119.imageshack.us/img119/7326/alfa4yp4.jpg

Please tell me anything you know

I will be grateful for each opinion. Convince me!

the car looks good and solid, sorry not much can be said through the pics apart from the bummpers are not standard, they are 156 copies which dont follow the lines of the car very well

From the pictures.....

As EA says the bumpers are from a 156, the "heart" on the grille is non-standard maybe 156 , the spoiler is aftermarket as non came with a third brakelight.

If it is a 16v it's a crossover 8v-16v phase i'd suggest as the alloys are standard on an 8v, I think it's a skinny rather than a widebody as well (can someone confirm?) although the side repeaters and interior door panels are 16v but the seats are non standard (least I don't recognise them as 155)

The rear arches are a common problem, check the inner arch as they're normally a lot worse! Also check the sills as they rust badly too.

Intermittant wipers can be a problem, easy fix but it'll knock the price down

Basically the bumpers look like they'll need a respray soon as they're flaking and if it was me i'd be checking the front cross member behind the bumper as it could have had a front end hit hence the new bumpers

Otherwise go for it you know you want to!!!!

I can confirm it's a Widebody

Originally Posted by Elfeg

http://img119.imageshack.us/img119/7326/alfa4yp4.jpg

That is an interior I would like for mine

Originally Posted by AlfaJack

That is an interior I would like for mine

Fully agree, they suit the car and look to be better seats

Hey, thanks a lot, guys!

Couple more questions:
What do You mean, Thompatruck1, when you say "If it is a 16v it's a crossover 8v-16v phase" I am not really very good in terms of "motor-mechanical-english" Are you saying it may not really be a 16v?

And one more thing: Do you use a term "Wideboy/Fatboy" and "skinny-lass" to refer to the models before and after the upgrades in the year 1996?

And of course, if you had any other suggestions concerning the things to be checked before buying - please share.

Thank You

There are two types of 155 skinnys (pre 95/96 usually 8v) and widebodys (post 95/96 usually 16v) obviously there was a cross over period where widebodys got 8v motors

As confirmed by Cuore it is a widebody, quite simply the 16v engine has "16v" Stamped on the top of it


Other checks....

When was the timing belt last changed? Should be done every 36,000 miles or 3 years.

On cold start up if it sounds like a diesel engine the variator's gone/going and they're £60 and a cambelt off job.

Wet passenger footwell heater system leaking

rust on the boot floor check under the spare wheel and round the boot edge

ABS, might be a good idea to test the abs as quite a few have had the bulb removed so it doesn't show when it's not working

Hope that helps

Originally Posted by AlfaJack

That is an interior I would like for mine

Nice seats. What model were they from?

I think they are the 155 Recaro option.

Originally Posted by Dazvr6

Nice seats. What model were they from?

Pretty sure they're from a 75, bumpers look hideous in my opinion though

cool seats.

There is a handful of 155's on autotrader web site.

completely agree, the bumpers look awful, but love the seats :-) Also check for leaking sumps, especially on lowered cars, they are very easy to knock and put a hole in. ;-)

The bumpers are 156-inspired, so be it, but it does gives the car a sort of "155.5" look.

And it actually looks like the trunk proudly shows a "155.5" in fact... http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/3660/alfa3ag0.jpg

If you're going to buy a 155, go for an 8v. The engine is so much better - a proper 'money no object' Alfa engine, not that bloody Fiat based thing. The 155 already has a Tipo platform and without an Alfa Romeo engine - what's the point? From my experience the narrow body had slightly iffy handling due entirely to crap dampers and a set of proper shocks will sort it and I think Eibach do an anti roll bar kit (or they used to). The basic chassis is very good as any 16v Tipo owner will tell you. My favourite 155 was the early wide body 1.8 with the last of the 8v engines and the sport kit (black alloys etc). Criminally undervalued and absolutely lovely to drive. The old Alfa motor had a sound and character all it's own and they are as close to unbreakable as an engine can get. The 16v engine to me is like a Mondeo engine and there are too many issues.

dont ever compare a 16v to a ford!!!! thats a real slap in the face, i love my 16v engine, and its well reliable too! with 140,000 miles + on the clock!

I was behind an old Escort today.. I think it was single-handedly contributing to half of Britain's atmospheric pollution. Dunno how Uncle Henry sold so many of them....


Ralf S.

The Ford Zetec is a good engine and apart from being four plugs down it's very similar to the Fiat/Alfa units (and the 16v GM engine). Iron block, spheroidal grey cast crank and rods, alloy head and hydraulic tappets. It's a kind of formula for a modern 16v 4 cyl engine complete with cambelts etc. They are all built to a price, not to a standard. Given correct maintenance, the 16v is okay but it's not in the same class as the old unit. Alfa just cannot afford to make engines like that anymore.
The old 8v Alfa engine was a different kettle of fish however. Consider that it had an alloy block with wet liners, forged steel cranks and rods and a crank centreline way below the crankcase/sump join and proper studs and nuts for the main and big end bearings plus a fat double row chain for the cams. The old V6 was much the same. I liked the 155, a very under rated car. If only they had added a final polish to the handling the press would have been a lot kinder to it.

Originally Posted by Andyboy

If you're going to buy a 155, go for an 8v. The engine is so much better - a proper 'money no object' Alfa engine, not that bloody Fiat based thing. The 155 already has a Tipo platform and without an Alfa Romeo engine - what's the point? From my experience the narrow body had slightly iffy handling due entirely to crap dampers and a set of proper shocks will sort it and I think Eibach do an anti roll bar kit (or they used to). The basic chassis is very good as any 16v Tipo owner will tell you. My favourite 155 was the early wide body 1.8 with the last of the 8v engines and the sport kit (black alloys etc). Criminally undervalued and absolutely lovely to drive. The old Alfa motor had a sound and character all it's own and they are as close to unbreakable as an engine can get. The 16v engine to me is like a Mondeo engine and there are too many issues.

I haven't driven an 8v yet, but I like my 16v plenty!

Totally agree with the 155 being lovely to drive! I have a sportpack, and it is just so nimble and light feeling, a real joy to drive. And my other car's a GTA, so I reckon that's pretty high praise for the old 155

It makes me smile every time I drive it

Originally Posted by explosive alfa

dont ever compare a 16v to a ford!!!! thats a real slap in the face, i love my 16v engine, and its well reliable too! with 140,000 miles + on the clock!

I agree mate, but the zetec engine shouldn't be knocked too much.

I had a 1.6 focus, and my ex still has it on 200,000 miles, and it's basically never missed a beat. One clutch and an exhaust. I ragged the life out of it for every one of the 100,000 miles I drove it, 80,000 of them without even an oil change!


PS. I wouldn't do that to either of my Alfas!

Hey, sorry for not posting for such a long time - but i finally boght that Alfa a few days after my last post.

I got a very good price so it was quite a bargain. However I had some minor issues with the suspension, brakes and stuff, which I alr