The German Un-Reliability Thread

Originally Posted by ode

I part-x'd my VW Bora when the gearbox was about to explode. I got told it was a weak point, and that most of them on the VW 1.6 engine from that year would go pop, but as it was out of warranty there's nothing that could be done. It couldn't be repaired either, it had to have a new one (£1300!). It only had 33,000 miles on it.

It was a really nice car though, I'd have kept that one for ages if it hadn't gone wonky.

exactly the same happened to my brothers Bora, same age, same model same engine size, forgot about that one. Did not happen with the predecessor, a Bravo

@ Fraser

When I had fewer responsibilities, I used to run Alfas precisely because they weren't mainstream and communicated with the driver like few other cars. By going more mainstream they have lost this selling point and much of their character, but I think have retained many of the drawbacks such as questionable reliability and a poor dealer network. I used to gladly put up with these things for the driving experience but feel this is now largely lost. The cars have become a more stylish alternative to Ford and VW for middle managers rather than enthusiasts machines, but I guess that this is much better than going the same way as MG. This is just my personal opinion and fine if others take issue with it.

I make no apologies for running a Ford and a Merc as I need the space for my family along with reliability and safety. Yes, the Ford has all the character of a telephone and has never made me smile in six years. Having said that, there is no denying it does its job well, has no major weaknesses and has cost the same in non-routine maintenance over its life to date that my Alfas used to cost over a matter of months. Let's say I wouldn't willingly have another though!

TBH Fredi I know where you are coming from, I just happen to disagree having gone from a 145 to a 159 via a 166 and 156.

I think the 159 has as much character as the previous cars without the downsides (it's like a cross between the 156 and 166, only better). So far, since I haven't had any dealings with Parks and AC my dealership experience has been superb (albeit distant - County Motors in Carlisle). There are signs that the improvement continues judging by the keen approach to communicating with AO members displayed by Western Alfa Romeo in Edinburgh.

I would also add that both my 156 (2004 build) and 159 (2007 build) have been solid as a rock during my ownership.

Last saturday I had to get my sons old rover 218 is checked out on the computer, as I looked around the garage on the ramp was a merc a class, the front pulley would not come off as they could not get the leaverage as the socket has to go through the subframe, to get it off they had to remove the engine, front suspension and complete front subframe and chisel it off !! But you have to remove all this just to get at the starter !!!!!

My mate has just started at a toyota dealership, in the month of july they changed 19 engines under warranty!!!!!

The above does not surprise me - I've had a couple of A classes on loan while my C has been in the stealer's and found them awful (slow, jiggly ride and vague handling). The new price is a joke and the overall quality very doubtful in places. Even the dealer staff admit they aren't up to much.

Glad to hear Alfa build quality is on the way up. If they ever return to RWD, may be forced to reconsider!

Good friends had loose trim issues and rattles with their SLK200 Kompressor. They later traded this on a Jag, and 2 years later it hasn't missed a beat.

Originally Posted by fredi

Yes, the Ford has all the character of a telephone and has never made me smile in six years. Having said that, there is no denying it does its job well . . . .

The first job my Alfa MUST do is make me smile!

Originally Posted by fredi

Having said that, there is no denying it does its job well, has no major weaknesses and has cost the same in non-routine maintenance over its life to date that my Alfas used to cost over a matter of months. Let's say I wouldn't willingly have another though!

My Bro blew up his 146 and bought a diesel Mondeo.

Had nothing but trouble with it.

Still won't buy another Alfa though!

You go figure.

Oh yes he has in the past owned Citroen 2CVs and a Dyane!

P

Silver 5 series Beemer spotted on the M4 westbound hard shoulder between Reading and Newbury today.

Originally Posted by Bodger

Silver 5 series Beemer spotted on the M4 westbound hard shoulder between Reading and Newbury today.

Good.

I am still irritated by the use if German parts on my Italian cars. Apart from the Bosch throttle control that has blighted my daughters Bravo (failing in 6 months), I also had to do the Bravo's front shocks, this time made by Sachs in Germany, well p155ed off.

Pulling into a supermarket car park I noticed my 166 front indicator was not orange, knowing the previous owner had a bump on the front I thought the garage had put the wrong bulb in, wrong, the orange paint had flaked off, guess where its made?

They cannot even manage to get the paint to stay on a bulb properly. I just cannot understand this reputation for quality, just seems to be junk based on my experiences.

Originally Posted by purple145

I am still irritated by the use if German parts on my Italian cars. Apart from the Bosch throttle control that has blighted my daughters Bravo (failing in 6 months), I also had to do the Bravo's front shocks, this time made by Sachs in Germany, well p155ed off.

Pulling into a supermarket car park I noticed my 166 front indicator was not orange, knowing the previous owner had a bump on the front I thought the garage had put the wrong bulb in, wrong, the orange paint had flaked off, guess where its made?

They cannot even manage to get the paint to stay on a bulb properly. I just cannot understand this reputation for quality, just seems to be junk based on my experiences.

Going to agree here, whether it be lambda sensors, MAF's, throttle sensors, crank sensors, temp sensors and in my case a fuel vapor recovery valve, most of the niggling faults on Alfa's seem to be caused by something Bosch.

Right I have had to dig this thread back up, as I have just seen a 56 plate VW polo Diesel broken down on the A40 near Eynsham.

Had from new sp/wg, for 7 yrs, not a penny spent other than service costs,Had cloverleaf from new 2 years, ditto, Iwent to pick up a merc. S.L.K. YEAR OLD TO BE TOLD THAT IT WAS NOT READY. REASON IT HAD A PROBLEMATIC OIL LEAK?.I returned same day to Alfa. must admit that It does rattle abit in boot area.
John the ludite.

Originally Posted by symonh2000

Going to agree here, whether it be lambda sensors, MAF's, throttle sensors, crank sensors, temp sensors and in my case a fuel vapor recovery valve, most of the niggling faults on Alfa's seem to be caused by something Bosch.

Here's a thought. Bosch is a massive supplier to Mercedes. Mercedes has been banging out new models every second for the last ten years. Even Mercedes admits that these cars have been rushed to market. So, if Merc has been rushing cars to market, has it has been forcing its suppliers to build/deliver products before they have been fully tested? In some cases, could those parts be the same parts that are failing on other cars? I'm probably clutching at straws.

But at the end of the day, it's Mercedes fault if your Alfa breaks down

g

Originally Posted by Scudetto

But at the end of the day, it's Mercedes fault if your Alfa breaks down

g

That my sir is brilliant

Apart from a couple of 2002 Tourers back in the 70's, my old Mum has run 3 Series Beamers all of her driving life. The amount of expenses she has incurred for repairs would rattle around in a gnat's eyesocket. The same can be said of my 911's, of which I have had eight. Don't know about Mercs.,though, although Audi seems to do alright.