Alfa Romeo 155: A Comprehensive Buyer's Guide
The Alfa Romeo 155, produced from 1992 to 1998, represents a pivotal moment in Alfa Romeo's history. It was designed to replace the aging 75 and competed in the competitive compact executive car market. While it marked a shift towards a more mass-produced, front-wheel-drive platform (borrowed from Fiat), the 155 retained much of the Alfa Romeo flair and sporting character that enthusiasts loved. Its boxy, angular design, a product of Centro Stile Alfa Romeo under the direction of Walter de Silva, was a stark departure from the smoother lines of its predecessor but proved surprisingly successful, particularly in motorsport.
Generations and Key Changes
The Alfa Romeo 155 can be essentially broken down into two main series, although minor changes occurred throughout its production run.
Series 1 (1992-1995)
- Engine Options: Initial engine offerings included 1.7 Twin Spark, 1.8 Twin Spark, 2.0 Twin Spark, 2.5 V6 petrol engines, and a 1.9 Turbo Diesel.
- Styling: Characterized by its sharp, angular lines and relatively flat rear end. The interior featured a somewhat basic design, reflecting the era's cost constraints.
- Trim Levels: Generally offered in standard, Lusso (luxury), and Sport trim levels.
- Motorsport Success: This series saw significant success in touring car racing, notably the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM).
Series 2 (1995-1998)
- Engine Upgrades: Introduction of a new generation of 16-valve Twin Spark engines (1.6, 1.8, and 2.0) which offered improved power and efficiency compared to the 8-valve engines of the Series 1. The 2.5 V6 remained largely unchanged.
- Styling Tweaks: Minor cosmetic revisions, including revised interior trim, improved sound insulation, and some subtle exterior changes, depending on the market. Some models received wider wheel arches (visually similar to the DTM cars) as an option.
- Mechanical Improvements: Suspension refinements were implemented to improve handling and ride quality.
- Q4 Model: Continued production of the Q4 model, featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and four-wheel drive. This was a direct carryover from the Lancia Delta Integrale.
Reliability and Common Issues
The Alfa Romeo 155, like many Italian cars of its era, has a reputation for being somewhat temperamental. While not inherently unreliable, certain aspects require careful attention.
Engine Issues
- Twin Spark Engines (8-valve): Prone to head gasket failures, especially the 2.0-liter. Regular coolant checks and maintenance are crucial. Cam belt changes are also essential and should be done according to schedule (every 36,000 miles or 3 years).
- Twin Spark Engines (16-valve): Generally more reliable than the 8-valve versions, but cam belt changes are still vital. Variable valve timing (VVT) can sometimes cause issues due to solenoid failure or wear.
- 2.5 V6 Engine: Renowned for its sound and power, but can suffer from oil leaks and require meticulous servicing. Cam belt changes are more complex and expensive than on the Twin Spark engines.
- Turbo Diesel: Relatively reliable, but check for turbocharger wear and injector issues.
- Q4 Specific: The turbocharger and four-wheel-drive system require careful maintenance. Check for leaks in the hydraulic system that operates the differentials.
Electrical Issues
- General: Alfa Romeos of this era are known for electrical gremlins. Check for faulty sensors, corroded wiring, and issues with the instrument cluster.
- Central Locking and Alarms: Prone to failure, particularly the original alarms.
Suspension and Chassis
- Suspension Wear: The front suspension, especially the lower wishbones, is prone to wear and tear. Listen for knocking noises and check for play in the joints.
- Rust: Check for rust, especially around the sills, wheel arches, and floor pan. Italian cars of this era were not always well-protected against corrosion.
- Q4 Specific: Check the condition of the driveshafts and differentials for leaks and excessive play.
Interior
- Trim: Interior trim can be fragile and prone to wear. Check for cracks in the dashboard and tears in the seats.
- Electrics: Electric window regulators are a common source of problems.
Driving Experience
The Alfa Romeo 155 offers a driving experience that's distinctively Alfa Romeo, despite its shared platform. It's a car that rewards an engaged driver.
Pros
- Engine Performance: The Twin Spark engines, particularly the 16-valve versions, are eager and responsive. The 2.5 V6 provides a superb soundtrack and strong performance. The Q4, with its turbocharged engine and four-wheel drive, offers exceptional grip and acceleration.
- Handling: The 155's handling is generally good, with responsive steering and a well-balanced chassis (especially the later models with suspension improvements). The Q4 offers exceptional grip thanks to its four-wheel-drive system.
- Styling: The 155's boxy, angular design is distinctive and has aged well.
- Motorsport Heritage: The 155's success in touring car racing adds to its appeal.
Cons
- Ride Quality: The ride can be firm, especially on models with the sports suspension.
- Interior Quality: The interior quality is not up to the standards of some of its rivals.
- Reliability: As mentioned above, the 155 can be prone to electrical and mechanical issues.
Buying Advice
Buying an Alfa Romeo 155 requires careful consideration. Here's some advice to help you make the right choice:
Years to Look For
- 1995-1998 (Series 2): These models benefit from the improved 16-valve Twin Spark engines and revised suspension. They are generally more reliable and refined than the earlier models.
- Q4 Models: If you're looking for exceptional performance and grip, the Q4 is the model to go for. However, be prepared for higher maintenance costs.
What to Avoid
- Rust Buckets: Avoid cars with significant rust damage. Repairing rust can be expensive and time-consuming.
- Poorly Maintained Examples: Look for cars with a full service history. A well-maintained 155 is more likely to be reliable than one that has been neglected.
- Cars with Extensive Modifications: Unless the modifications have been done professionally, it's best to avoid cars that have been heavily modified.
Specific Checks
- Engine: Listen for any unusual noises, check for oil leaks, and ensure that the cam belt has been replaced according to schedule.
- Electrics: Check all the electrical systems, including the lights, windows, central locking, and alarm.
- Suspension: Listen for knocking noises and check for play in the suspension joints.
- Rust: Carefully inspect the sills, wheel arches, and floor pan for rust.
- Test Drive: Take the car for a thorough test drive to assess its handling and performance.
The Alfa Romeo 155 is a rewarding car to own, but it requires careful maintenance and attention to detail. If you're prepared to invest the time and effort, you'll be rewarded with a stylish and engaging car that's full of character.
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