I've had my 159SW since 2007, when I bought it new. It's about to have its 5th timing chain and associated gear replaced. The first one stretched within 3 months, and they go every 20,000 miles on average.
I extended the warranty to year 5, so they've all been replaced under warranty. The last was replaced under the parts warranty, as the vehicle warranty had expired. I then had a real battle (with the threat of legal action) before ARUK agreed to warranty that new one for 12 months.
Thank god they did, as it now needs replacing again! They've said they won't warranty this part any further after this replacement.
I won't go into the awful problems I've had with certain dealers, but does anyone know how I might get this sorted once and for all? It seems really wrong that they can wash their hands of a known fault, just because the car is getting old. It's not like it's usual wear and tear!
I think it's always been the chain and gear they've replaced, although I've had quite a lot of the gearbox replaced, two new body computers, fuel injectors, fuel pump, complete new front suspension and engine mounts over the years.
Ned, I'm in Thames Ditton, Surrey. Alfa insist I get the work done at a main dealer.
Mine went a second time just over a year after the previous owner had it done at a main dealer that was no longer trading. I had it sorted out by Ned at Autolusso over a year ago when they changed a camshaft variator (I think) at the same time and since then no more problems.
Do ARUK and their main dealers actually know anything about the cars they sell??
It seems not, DC. Either that or they just don't care. If they try and charge me, or this happens again, I'm going to serve a letter before action on ARUK without hesitation.
Depends on what needs doing, straightforward chain kit supplied and fitted is £550 inc VAT but this sounds like it needs more than that but we could not quote until we see what is going on
I think I was quoted between £700-800 by a main dealer. Worth suing over if it happens again. God I want the Giulia SW to come out soon, so I can replace my car!!
not done an afla engine chain as yet but done a few on various VX model cars , corsa dervs etc , never had to redo one , reads like there is a part thats not getting renewed that is wearing the newly fitted parts out prematurely to me ??
Perhaps. My take on it is that Alfa sold me a car with an inherent fault. They've tried to fix it four times without success. I'm not sure they should be allowed to continue doing what they've been doing.
Update: HWM's mechanic has resigned, so I took it to Kinghams, who said there was nothing wrong with the timing. Said the solenoids and variators must be clogged, and charged me £450 for an engine flush.
They said it was all sorted. Drove the car for two miles, and the engine light came back on. They say that'll be £1200 to replace the bits, as they must still be clogged.
You do have some luck with garages, don't you? The latest lot doesn't sound any better than the first bunch. £450 for an alleged engine flush that didn't work... You've surely got to be able to get that money back.
Take it to Autolusso, I've had no trouble since they sorted my timing chain problem.
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