[hughmyles]

thanks everyone, definitely some helpful information there. I am now more confident about finding the abs box, but I am no closer with the airbag. Im pretty sure that has to be new. I am feeling a bit defeated, if I am going to be shut down because I can no longer get a part like a small airbag, it sort of removes any confidence in continuing with maintenance on this car. Why would I spend money replacing some of my suspension (next project)when I am going to have my insurance pulled because I cant pass a basic inspection due to a warning light. programmed obsolescence is a b*tch. Im so bummed at this point that I feel even if the Alfa dealer finds one, there is just going to be another problem like that next week and the 1000 euros plus I will be spending on maintenance is essentially a waste of time.

You're probably overthinking this. I've had my 156 since new from 2003, and there isn't a part I can't get to keep it not just on the road, but driving well, and passing its annual inspections. The key to it is having a good specialist, or 2, in your armory. Mine has a huge stockpile of 2nd hand parts that are totally serviceable. Anything we can't get new, we raid his stockpile. That airbag you want? As pointed out you will find second hand as above, and the same for the ABS, although I'm not sure which part of the ABS you need. Either way, there are no known issues with the ABS system on these cars, I dare say it will be cheap and will last as long as the one you are replacing. If you loose the mindset of only new parts you can easily keep that car running for years. If you can't loose the mindset, you may get rid of it.

 

[hughmyles]

Interesting never heard this. I would think the ones I linked ot wouldn't be up for sale if unusable? Will be interested in hearing the outcome of this for future reference.

They are fully reusable. When scrap yards buy in stock, the value of the airbags is taken into account as the most valuable element of a write off. They are not an 'armed item'. They are either off, or on, or expended.