Hard to make it RWD then, as it was based on an FWD Fiat.... decades later, Alfa have developed an RWD platform. But at the time, they couldn't afford that.
I’m a big fan of the 155 - especially the later wide body cars. Definitely worth consideration, and a worthy stepping stone between the 75 and the 156.
I had the 155 when I was going to the Uni. Now, living in Hong Kong for many years (and not having a car) I am thrilled about your video, Jack. There is not a single day on which I don’t miss my old 155. I always loved its look. It had character and it was so much fun. I remember one night after driving back from ski holidays with one of my Uni buddies, I stopped in the middle of a tunnel, pulled all windows. My friend looked and me and asked what I was doing. Then I stepped on the throttle. Next thing he said was “holy s..” and was holding on for what it seemed, judging by the look on his face, his dear life. 😅
I had 2 155’s as company cars. A 1992 red 155 v6 and a very special 1997 metallic purple 155 twin spark with sport pack (it was 1 of the last 2 brand new 155’s remaining in the dealer network). I had the 97 one from brand new and did 122k miles in the 3 years and I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!!
This man understands the appeal of an Alfa: they may be flawed, there may be faster cars, in some way better cars, but very few have that illogical but wonderful appeal that an Alfa has; very few make you smile in that way. Thanks for a great video :-)
Now I drive 5 series, because of the RWD character, but I still miss the ‘Busso’ in my Alfa 90. Thank you for the video Jack, and thanks for the owner of the beautiful sounding 155.
I truly don’t understand the RWD vs FWD argument that that i hear so often. I own a GTV6 which is RWD, and a 156 V6 which is FWD. I often track my GTV6, and on a track, it is absolutely brilliant, BUT, in the real world, on public roads, most drivers simply will not push the car to the point where it will matter which wheels are driven, because, it’s dangerous and illegal, but more importantly, most people don’t have the skillset to push a car to the point where it would matter. On public roads, even with a bit of spirited driving, i much prefer the 156, as it has very quick steering, it has more power, and it handles nice in the bendies, because even though it is FWD, Alfa did the suspension right. On a racetrack obviously the GTV6 would be favorable, but for everything else, my front wheel drive 156 is better in every way. I get very irritated every time i talk to someone and the 156 comes up in the conversation, and they say something like “if only it was rear wheel drive”.. Unless you plan on entering a drifting competition, it simply does not matter. I have shamed many RWD cars with the 156.. Also, i love how people very conveniently seem to forget how many of todays popular cars are FWD. Golf GTIs Civics, Fords etc. That said, Jack, thank you for yet another brilliant Busso powered Alfa review. Keep em coming.
I owned N182 LAP 20+ years ago and have fond memories of it, so It was a nice surprise (and a bit surreal) seeing it appear in my video recommendations! It was great to see the car again in action, and looking better than ever. Compliments to the current owner.
They were okayish but a massive disappointment after the 164. I sold these as new cars and they had many flaws - not enough front legroom (you could unbolt the seat runners and fix that) plus they were plagued with irritating minor electrical faults. The Tipo chassis just wasn't up to it either. The 1.8 and 2.0 were okay in the 95 on wide body (they were good cars) but the V6 was eaten alive by the 325i. When the 328i came out it really was party over. It's a pity so many V6 Alfas have aftermarket exhausts. They sound so nice as standard.
Busso's just sound beautiful! Also clocked the Sony joystick controller on the steering column! I had one on my Fiat Uno when few cars had multi function steering wheels and loved it!!
Yep, a great car. As someone that has owned both Alfa Busso V6s and BMW straight sixes, they are chalk and cheese. The chassis, BMWs win. The steering, BMWs win. Building quality, BMW wins. Engine, Alfa wins. Put a Busso V6 into a BMW and you get near perfection. The Alfa is free revving and pulls at ALL speeds. My 164 3.0 was still pulling at 8,000rpm thanks to my mechanic who was ex-race team. When comparing, the BMW straight six is good and sounds great, but no way near as sporty. Character of the two engines.... BMW "OK, so you want to go fast, here you go." Busso "YEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!" Took an Alfa into an Alfa dealer to get a warning light checked out. They had no idea what the light was indicating and offered to take the bulb out!!!!!
I love how Alfa went all out with the wedge shape with the 155. It does seem the Tempra platform they used is a bit narrow, which is a bit rectified by the wider track & widebody, but not quite. Still, due to safety regulations, we will never see new wedge shaped cars coming out, so every reason to cherish the ones we have.
I had two 155's- a red 1.8 8v and a silver 2.0 16v, both wide body. I actually preferred the 1.8 version although the 2.0 was a good bit quicker. I believe the 4 pot cars handled much better than the V6 and never found the 155 lacking in handling when put up against various fast hatchbacks back then. The steering took a bit of getting used to, though. The 3 series did not feature on my shortlist and it was probably the same for most 155 owners. The 156 was a better car and did steal sales from BMW. It was Alfas most mainstream car
Love these videos. I remember the 155 winning the Touring Cars with Tarquini behind the wheel. I owned a 156 for a year and loved it. Very dramatic but troublesome, in and out of the garage. Replaced it with a 10 yr old BMW 323i and didn't realise how capable it was until I realised how much faster I was travelling on the same challenging back roads without any drama at all. Add the rock solid build, impeccable quality and no problems in the three years I had it, you can see why the E36 sold so well. I did love the Alfa though. The E36 was impressive but it didn't stir the soul like the Alfa did.
I owned a BMW E46 325 and it was a decent car, no real complains. tiny issues here and there, the bearings of the wishbones had to be replaced, radiator for the heater had to be replaced, but yes it was alright. I owned a 156 2.5, this car was perfect. I had it for over 220.000km without any complains what so ever. occasionally some sparks some new brakes and some oil and that was it. I have not even had to change the exhaust. Oh and it took 2 litres less per 100km than the BMW. But I am German so go team BMW go BMW ;-)
I always liked the design of the Alfa Romeo 155 designed by Italian Ercole Spada who also designed the BMW E34 & BMW E32. I remember the facelifted models beat the BMW 3 Series in group tests in UK motoring magazines!
As an owner of another Fiat Failiure(Stilo schumacher 2.4 5cyl) I love the 155 its so bloody Italian ha ha...... you're exactly right.. who cares about speed these days. you're only gonna get nicked... it's the sound and the styling that is important .. wooo hoo..
Back in the day, my Sales Manager gave me his 75 Twin Spark for a long weekend as a reward for success. He had my Rover 214Si for the weekend. For me, aged 24, it was epic. And it was amazingly epic.
I had a Series 1 155 V6 2.5 here in Johannesburg, South Africa. I fitted 17" after market rims with 215/40 R17 Yokohamas. That was a FANTASTIC car, handled like a dream with 17s and that engine.... It used to scream from 5000rpm all the way to 7000rpm. Actually, at those revs, the Busso/exhaust (minus the cat) combination sounded like a Porsche flat six. That motor just loved to rev.... On our long open country roads, mine has often saw 230 kph (at over 6000 rpm) indicated... I sold it to a guy who wants to build it into an early BTC replica, white with all the period livery... 12:4312:43
Handbrake is a knuckle-slicer, verrrry long throw gearbox but interesting metallically engine note ! Good stuff. Ps Everyone use Harry Garage corner I note !
I had a 1993 1.8 8v series 1 155 back in the mid 90s and loved it,then had a 1999 2.5 24v 156 after,loved that too,the v6 sound is one of the best noises ever,that 155 your in sounds so throaty it’s making me want another one now 😂😂😂
Love the look of a 155 and wish I still had my red 97 155 2.0 TS. What an engine. What a sound! So cultured at idle and low revs and then raspy and spine tingling as extended. Later 156 with same engine never sounded quite as good in my opinion. Think you summed it up perfectly with regard to the 3 series.
The engine just sounds fantastic - even back in the 90s there was nothing that sounded that good. I liked the look of the 155 but it was such a shame FIAT didn't but the investment in the car deserved.
I had an Alfetta 1.8 in the late 80s. By that time it was 10 years old and a total rot box, but only about 400 quid. Everything that could go wrong did and parts were infamously expensive. I loved it so much that I bought another one. If there's one brand you basically forgive all its flaws, it would have to be Alfa Romeo. I suppose this 155 ownership experience is the same.
German vehicles : utterly efficient but soulless with reliability problems. Italian vehicles: reliability problems combined with the joy of using a machine that fills your heart with the knowledge that 'better' isn't always the best. If you don't understand you will not understand.
Soulless with reliability problems ? My 250 000 miles E36 321hp M3 sedan salutes you... I've had a 156 GTA before, and the Busso can't even begin to compare to the S50B32. The Busso, eventhough a nice engine, has absolutly no top end, is slow to rev and the gear box does not work with it. Meanwhile the M3 still keeps up to modern cars and the engine is virtually bullet proof. And nowhere as expensive in maintenance.
@@gabspopo2300 I had a BMW R80/7 motorcycle, I rode on average 1000miles a week. It was an utter horror for four months until it shat it's crankshaft and I fucked it off. My father had a BMW 2000 in 1972. In three years it did about 70k miles but had the cylinder head off twice for valves and head gasket. VW Golf MK2 , cylinder head and layshaft problems. Yesterday, in typically unpleasant British winter weather I rode my 1976 Ducati v twin in the wet using it's original Elletronica ignition system, she never missed a beat. I realise you are a German car fan but to me they are what you want to make you happy. Personally I would not have one even if it was free, a dreadful image of drug dealing rap 'singers' does the brand no favours. And wtf is aS50B32?
The one main problem with most of the cars that you drive. You are on the driving on the wrong side of the car. Great video as usual Jack! Or should I say brilliant!
Of all the alfas I’ve owned, this one still eludes me. Have nearly bought two V6’s over the years. Various reasons I didn’t. I spotted a dead 155 TS on someone’s drive a few months ago, been off road 13 years, proteo red. I wrote a letter and placed it in the letterbox and received a text saying ‘thanks for the note, I’ll let you know if I sell it’. This thing is dead, knackered lacquer, sat for over a decade so probably parts. My friend has a 155 with a Fiat Coupe 20VT conversion he’s just building up. Should be fun.
Whilst I do like old Bimmers up to mid 80s, BMW pretty much ceased to exist for me in many ways since then. Booooooring…. I had a rare as the proverbial you know what 155 Q4 WIDEBODY! Bought 2nd hand and took it to Alfa to have a look at the transfer box - they’d never seen one before and refused to touch it! I now have a mint 155 V6 last production series - Busso is very nice but the Q4 with the 4wd and MASSIVE turbo lag was seriously fun. M3s on the motorway struggled keep up, with the turbo taking off at 80mph! Fun days! Beautiful and interesting cars. Got me into touring cars, when I was always a WRC Rally man before Signore Tarquini came along… Great video Jack, well done 👏🏽
We had 2 155s, both 2L 16v. Build quality was pretty good - better than the e46 BMW we owned later in. In sensible terms, the 155 was comfy and had a massive boot.
I fell under the charm of Alfa Romeo in 1977 with an Alfetta Sport Sedan. I've loved everyone they've made since. If you enjoy the Busso V6, get a top of the line 164 Alfa. With the manual trans and 5 lbs extra air in the rear tires (helps it rotate), and you will be in for the time of your life. The only reason I still don't own one is that fact that I have a 2021 Giulia. Which is another one you should try. I know you don't like automatic transmissions but the 8 speed ZF in the Dynamic mode and with the paddle shifts is truly a fun drive. I don't have the paddles in mine, and flipping over to manual and working the trans is very "involving." Love your videos. Thanks.
Got misty-eyed watching this. I had the pleasure of owning almost this exact car back in the 90's. Mine was also lowered and had white 17" wheels as a homage to those awesome DTM cars I'd fawned over. The car was way better than the usual Alfa reputation suggests. I used it as my daily driver for many years and eventually sold it on with 155K miles on the clock. In all the time I had it, I didn't have any major issues to deal with and that Busso V6 was a gem. There were no issues with electronics (eveything worked) and no rust issues either since the car was galvanized. I'd have another in a heartbeat if I could find a good one. What an awesome video 👍
Certainly that Alfa 155 got the look and noise, but I still think you can´t beat RWD car with it in terms of handling. In my opinion sudden understeer can be more dangerous and scary than sudden oversteer😀
When I ordered a 156 2L T-Spark, I ordered the super high spoiler that you could order. It arrived in black plastic, was then sprayed and fitted by the dealer! I took delivery 2 weeks afterwards I took it back to have the boot spoiler added. Company car.
The problem with modern cars is they isolate you from the actual driving experience. Something like this or a little Fulvia you can be doing 70mph but it feels so much more and you can have the fun. In a new car you have to drive fast to get any sensation of the speed/experience. Love these 155's personally - ever since the Touring Car Championship days. I'd like a wide body version but can't justify for having a 4th car !
If an E36 M3 is an Adidas Originals tracksuit, the 155 V6 is definitely a Sergio Tacchini Damarindo number. (ie. _way_ cooler.) It's probably an 80s analogy, that, rather than 90s. But, f-k it, I'm sticking with it.
Always loved the 155 looks but was put off by the negative reviews. Think I’ll add it to my shortlist for the project I’m looking for. Another priceless real world critique.
Lovely car and interesting video. But you need to compare the 2.0 16v, which will outhandle the V6. On English roads, that counts for a lot. I've also done mega miles in 155s as 2nd hand dailies 20 years ago and loved every moment.
It is the child of an e34 BMW and a Fiat Tempra. Ercole Spada designed both the 155 and the e34. What you say abot the e36 is true but still my old 155 1.8 T.S 129 ps, 0-100kmh about 10s. e36 318i - 118ps, 0-100kmh about 12s. Disk brakes on the rear on the Alfa vs drums on the BMW. In the alfa a grown up person could fit in the back seat and have knee and leg room, in the BMW not. Plus in the Alfa people notice you and greet you as it is much rarer.
I love the 155 and the Fiat Tempra. Fist sold a Turbo version of the Tempra in Brazil, the only country that it was sold with a 2 door version. It's a beauty, check it out! (Tempra 2.0 Turbo i.e.
I owned a wide bodied n plate 155 V6 in this Rosso red about 17 years ago..... absolutely loved it ( the ex hated it because she thought it was a rev monster, it wasn't and she hated attention she believed it got at the lights?????) sadly it got written off due to someone ploughing into it while it was parked up. Yes it had the familiar Alfa/Fiat build issues, but that engine was solid.
I had one, a diesel. Not as exciting as the one you showed but it was stunning to look at and it went through corners as if it was on rails. Lowering it and fitting 17" wheels wasn't the best idea for comfort and rattles but when I traded it in for a Passat 3B i've missed it every day.
Then we are best mates. I loved my 155. I had it during my university time. Now I am 53 and going through RUclips videos about the 155. 😂. I loved it ❤
This 155 looks the goods and sounds fantastic. Don't forget the E36 was actually criticised for being too plastic compared to the E30. The quality wasn't really the same as previous models. Similar to the Mercedes E190. That was cheap and nasty compared to the older Mercedes. In fact when I had a Fiat 124 CC coupe, I gave a colleague a lift and he was so impressed with the interior compared to his E30 BMW. Yes, the Italian cars of that era were more or less the same but they were still fun and definitely different. Most of these Italian cars are now considered classics, can't say the same for their German competitors, except for the M models or course.
I also love the 155. I just think they look fabulous. Own a widebody 2.0 Super TS 16v myself since it was about 3 years old. Also own a BMW e36 or two. Love them all. In some respects the 155 is better. Almost zero electrical and electronic issues, whereas in the BM's.... the rooflining in the Alfa has never sagged, whereas in both the E36's.... the doorcards in the BMW's were inferior. The Alfa has never left me by the side of the road.... the 323i has.... But, the BMW body seems more rigid and the suspension has less issues. The lively steering on the Alfa makes it a lot of fun, it inspires so much confidence for me. Thanks for these fantastic videos Jack!
Former owner of a 1997 2 litre red 155 with sportpack. I never met anyone who didn't like the 155. I think the V6 was too front end heavy, the 2 litre though handled like a rabbit on velcro! Best handling car i owned. My biggest ever mistake was selling it. Still to this day if i could have 1 car back it would be that 155
Alfa 155 V6 Busso over the BMW 3 series, no question. That Alfa is well styled as it is and you have a bonus with the teddy bear! Also you can be responsible and use the indicators! (That's a running joke here in the UK and I saw a BMW just the other day without indicators) 😁 Should we say Jack that you always drive responsibly in the interest of balance?😇
I have a 156 V6 and an e36M3 EVO. Used to own a really ratty 328i, which was consumed by salty Scottish roads. There's no question that the Busso gives you a special feeling but FWD and ultimately understeer detract from the driving experience. Jack's take on modern roads must be a Cotswolds-centric generalisation. That's why Evo magazine don't go there. Wales or Scotland for (ahem...responsible) driving
I miss my '96 155 V6 but I think changing the exhaust on this one was a mistake. The factory one was epic. They were so bassy and with a 12 valve engine you could idle around a car park and set off alarms when they were all super sensitive. This is a good lookign car though. Lowering makes a big difference.
I agree, not sure what make exhaust is on this car but it sounds like the hollow raspy Japanese 'Wizard' exhausts that are popular on 147/156 GTAs, they sound too much like BMW E46 M3s to my ears
I'm a massive bmw fan boy but those alfa v6s sound awesome 👌 in my opinion any 6 cylinder is a win but I think a 12 valve lump in my book always sounds better than a 24v one 😎 more character.
Back in the 70's I remember a sarcastic saying, "about as exclusive as the Cortina owners club", the same can be said about the E36 or any BMW. That 155 is a credit to its owner, and the sound is glorious!!
I don't think it was popular or successful in comparison to a 3 Series because it was uncontrived and designed by one man's vision (Ercole Spada) it wasn't about conquering or sales figures! it was about making you feel so good about your driving and pleasing the enthusiast. Alfa Romeo is also very Italian maybe too Italian! whereas BMW is more universal and more popular. The Alfa Romeo 155 was in reality a better sports saloon than the BMW 3 Series at the time! just misunderstood and overlooked!
That engine and exhaust are sooo amazing. Is that legal over there? I got a 156 with a 2.5 v6 with a raggazon exhaust. It sounds okay but nowhere near what this car sounds like. I know the wizard exhausts and unicorse sound kind of similar, but I've heard that they aren't road legal here in Germany :/
I had an early 1.8ts for a couple of years. It had a Remus exhaust so sounded great. Unfortunately it kept letting me down with electrical issues on the fuel system - A typical Alfa!
The 155 is a legend Would chose this over a bmw I worked at a Alfa dealership mid 90s never saw a v6 but did see the 2:0 turbo 4wd That engine and 4wd was straight out of the Lancia delta intergrale I think that’s even rarely seen by anyone
Glorious sound. E36 interior was not known for its solidity either mind you. Our 320i and 328i both had annoying rattles. E46 interior was much better built. The BMW engines sounded lovely but this wins for noise that's for sure.
So I’m in the US and we never heard of or had any Alfa until recent. But bmw was everywhere. Wonder if this was a big part of failure With that said I’m obsessed with them now. What a sound
Been waiting for this video since you teased with a short and as always you delivered an engaging video that was great to watch, just worth it for the engine noise sound alone!!
That V6 Busso is magic. Not many here in Oz. Always looked good. But it should have been rear wheel drive.
A few turned up in Oz via HK (Brian Foley - private imports)
I’ve never seen a 155 on the road. They occasionally pop up in the classifieds but I’ve never seen a V6 listed there.
@@downesy68 they come up for sale every now and again in new zealand
cant say ive ever seen one but i will keep an eye out now
Hard to make it RWD then, as it was based on an FWD Fiat.... decades later, Alfa have developed an RWD platform. But at the time, they couldn't afford that.
I’m a big fan of the 155 - especially the later wide body cars. Definitely worth consideration, and a worthy stepping stone between the 75 and the 156.
I had the 155 when I was going to the Uni. Now, living in Hong Kong for many years (and not having a car) I am thrilled about your video, Jack. There is not a single day on which I don’t miss my old 155. I always loved its look. It had character and it was so much fun. I remember one night after driving back from ski holidays with one of my Uni buddies, I stopped in the middle of a tunnel, pulled all windows. My friend looked and me and asked what I was doing. Then I stepped on the throttle. Next thing he said was “holy s..” and was holding on for what it seemed, judging by the look on his face, his dear life. 😅
I had 2 155’s as company cars. A 1992 red 155 v6 and a very special 1997 metallic purple 155 twin spark with sport pack (it was 1 of the last 2 brand new 155’s remaining in the dealer network). I had the 97 one from brand new and did 122k miles in the 3 years and I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!!
This man understands the appeal of an Alfa: they may be flawed, there may be faster cars, in some way better cars, but very few have that illogical but wonderful appeal that an Alfa has; very few make you smile in that way. Thanks for a great video :-)
@Official_Number27. Thank you, but I wouldn't dream of hitting you up; you seem a nice guy :-)
I test drove one of these and always regretted not buying it. A few years later, I bought the 156 2.5 V6.
Now I drive 5 series, because of the RWD character, but I still miss the ‘Busso’ in my Alfa 90.
Thank you for the video Jack, and thanks for the owner of the beautiful sounding 155.
I truly don’t understand the RWD vs FWD argument that that i hear so often. I own a GTV6 which is RWD, and a 156 V6 which is FWD. I often track my GTV6, and on a track, it is absolutely brilliant, BUT, in the real world, on public roads, most drivers simply will not push the car to the point where it will matter which wheels are driven, because, it’s dangerous and illegal, but more importantly, most people don’t have the skillset to push a car to the point where it would matter. On public roads, even with a bit of spirited driving, i much prefer the 156, as it has very quick steering, it has more power, and it handles nice in the bendies, because even though it is FWD, Alfa did the suspension right. On a racetrack obviously the GTV6 would be favorable, but for everything else, my front wheel drive 156 is better in every way.
I get very irritated every time i talk to someone and the 156 comes up in the conversation, and they say something like “if only it was rear wheel drive”.. Unless you plan on entering a drifting competition, it simply does not matter. I have shamed many RWD cars with the 156.. Also, i love how people very conveniently seem to forget how many of todays popular cars are FWD. Golf GTIs Civics, Fords etc. That said, Jack, thank you for yet another brilliant Busso powered Alfa review. Keep em coming.
I owned N182 LAP 20+ years ago and have fond memories of it, so It was a nice surprise (and a bit surreal) seeing it appear in my video recommendations! It was great to see the car again in action, and looking better than ever. Compliments to the current owner.
They were okayish but a massive disappointment after the 164. I sold these as new cars and they had many flaws - not enough front legroom (you could unbolt the seat runners and fix that) plus they were plagued with irritating minor electrical faults. The Tipo chassis just wasn't up to it either. The 1.8 and 2.0 were okay in the 95 on wide body (they were good cars) but the V6 was eaten alive by the 325i. When the 328i came out it really was party over. It's a pity so many V6 Alfas have aftermarket exhausts. They sound so nice as standard.
I had 2 8 valves, 3 16 valves and 2 V6's, loved them all
Alfa is just a great car. I have Giulietta 170HP and I enjoy it every day.
Couldn't agree more Jack, that 155 looks absolutely amazing! I love the boxier look of cars of that era over the bubble cookie cutter cars of today!
Totally agree 😌💯
Busso's just sound beautiful!
Also clocked the Sony joystick controller on the steering column! I had one on my Fiat Uno when few cars had multi function steering wheels and loved it!!
Yep, a great car.
As someone that has owned both Alfa Busso V6s and BMW straight sixes, they are chalk and cheese. The chassis, BMWs win. The steering, BMWs win. Building quality, BMW wins. Engine, Alfa wins. Put a Busso V6 into a BMW and you get near perfection. The Alfa is free revving and pulls at ALL speeds. My 164 3.0 was still pulling at 8,000rpm thanks to my mechanic who was ex-race team. When comparing, the BMW straight six is good and sounds great, but no way near as sporty.
Character of the two engines....
BMW "OK, so you want to go fast, here you go."
Busso "YEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!"
Took an Alfa into an Alfa dealer to get a warning light checked out. They had no idea what the light was indicating and offered to take the bulb out!!!!!
I love how Alfa went all out with the wedge shape with the 155. It does seem the Tempra platform they used is a bit narrow, which is a bit rectified by the wider track & widebody, but not quite. Still, due to safety regulations, we will never see new wedge shaped cars coming out, so every reason to cherish the ones we have.
I had two 155's- a red 1.8 8v and a silver 2.0 16v, both wide body. I actually preferred the 1.8 version although the 2.0 was a good bit quicker. I believe the 4 pot cars handled much better than the V6 and never found the 155 lacking in handling when put up against various fast hatchbacks back then. The steering took a bit of getting used to, though.
The 3 series did not feature on my shortlist and it was probably the same for most 155 owners. The 156 was a better car and did steal sales from BMW. It was Alfas most mainstream car
Love these videos. I remember the 155 winning the Touring Cars with Tarquini behind the wheel. I owned a 156 for a year and loved it. Very dramatic but troublesome, in and out of the garage. Replaced it with a 10 yr old BMW 323i and didn't realise how capable it was until I realised how much faster I was travelling on the same challenging back roads without any drama at all. Add the rock solid build, impeccable quality and no problems in the three years I had it, you can see why the E36 sold so well. I did love the Alfa though. The E36 was impressive but it didn't stir the soul like the Alfa did.
I owned a BMW E46 325 and it was a decent car, no real complains. tiny issues here and there, the bearings of the wishbones had to be replaced, radiator for the heater had to be replaced, but yes it was alright. I owned a 156 2.5, this car was perfect. I had it for over 220.000km without any complains what so ever. occasionally some sparks some new brakes and some oil and that was it. I have not even had to change the exhaust. Oh and it took 2 litres less per 100km than the BMW. But I am German so go team BMW go BMW ;-)
I always liked the design of the Alfa Romeo 155 designed by Italian Ercole Spada who also designed the BMW E34 & BMW E32. I remember the facelifted models beat the BMW 3 Series in group tests in UK motoring magazines!
E34 and E32 were designed by Claus Luthe who was the Chief Designer of the BMW at the time...
@@levantanen No it wasn't, Claus Luthe designed the E30 and E28 check it out on the internet.
As an owner of another Fiat Failiure(Stilo schumacher 2.4 5cyl) I love the 155 its so bloody Italian ha ha...... you're exactly right.. who cares about speed these days. you're only gonna get nicked... it's the sound and the styling that is important .. wooo hoo..
I think they still look fabulous, I still just stare admiringly at my 145 after all these years, the styling just makes Alfas stand out.
Back in the day, my Sales Manager gave me his 75 Twin Spark for a long weekend as a reward for success. He had my Rover 214Si for the weekend. For me, aged 24, it was epic. And it was amazingly epic.
I had a Series 1 155 V6 2.5 here in Johannesburg, South Africa. I fitted 17" after market rims with 215/40 R17 Yokohamas. That was a FANTASTIC car, handled like a dream with 17s and that engine.... It used to scream from 5000rpm all the way to 7000rpm. Actually, at those revs, the Busso/exhaust (minus the cat) combination sounded like a Porsche flat six. That motor just loved to rev.... On our long open country roads, mine has often saw 230 kph (at over 6000 rpm) indicated... I sold it to a guy who wants to build it into an early BTC replica, white with all the period livery... 12:43 12:43
That noise is just glorious
Handbrake is a knuckle-slicer, verrrry long throw gearbox but interesting metallically engine note ! Good stuff.
Ps Everyone use Harry Garage corner I note !
I had a 1993 1.8 8v series 1 155 back in the mid 90s and loved it,then had a 1999 2.5 24v 156 after,loved that too,the v6 sound is one of the best noises ever,that 155 your in sounds so throaty it’s making me want another one now 😂😂😂
That version of the Alfa V6 with the polished runners is a top 10 most beautiful OEM car engine ever.
Just love it,still had a style of it's own.and a bit less challenging to look at than my beloved and maligned 75 and sounds just as epic.
Thanks Giacomo for bringing along another fabulous Busso-engined Alfa!!! I so love the un-loved 155!!
Love the look of a 155 and wish I still had my red 97 155 2.0 TS. What an engine. What a sound! So cultured at idle and low revs and then raspy and spine tingling as extended. Later 156 with same engine never sounded quite as good in my opinion. Think you summed it up perfectly with regard to the 3 series.
The 3 series is Garbage .
I had the E36 328i. It was a great car but the engine note of the Alfa is in a different league!
The engine just sounds fantastic - even back in the 90s there was nothing that sounded that good. I liked the look of the 155 but it was such a shame FIAT didn't but the investment in the car deserved.
That exhaust note is AMAAAAAZING!
If only the sales reflected the track success . But then the low numbers make it that much more special and cool .
I had an Alfetta 1.8 in the late 80s. By that time it was 10 years old and a total rot box, but only about 400 quid. Everything that could go wrong did and parts were infamously expensive. I loved it so much that I bought another one. If there's one brand you basically forgive all its flaws, it would have to be Alfa Romeo. I suppose this 155 ownership experience is the same.
You always forgive the one you fall in love with.
German vehicles : utterly efficient but soulless with reliability problems.
Italian vehicles: reliability problems combined with the joy of using a machine that fills your heart with the knowledge that 'better' isn't always the best. If you don't understand you will not understand.
Soulless with reliability problems ?
My 250 000 miles E36 321hp M3 sedan salutes you...
I've had a 156 GTA before, and the Busso can't even begin to compare to the S50B32. The Busso, eventhough a nice engine, has absolutly no top end, is slow to rev and the gear box does not work with it. Meanwhile the M3 still keeps up to modern cars and the engine is virtually bullet proof. And nowhere as expensive in maintenance.
@@gabspopo2300 I had a BMW R80/7 motorcycle, I rode on average 1000miles a week. It was an utter horror for four months until it shat it's crankshaft and I fucked it off. My father had a BMW 2000 in 1972. In three years it did about 70k miles but had the cylinder head off twice for valves and head gasket. VW Golf MK2 , cylinder head and layshaft problems. Yesterday, in typically unpleasant British winter weather I rode my 1976 Ducati v twin in the wet using it's original Elletronica ignition system, she never missed a beat. I realise you are a German car fan but to me they are what you want to make you happy. Personally I would not have one even if it was free, a dreadful image of drug dealing rap 'singers' does the brand no favours. And wtf is aS50B32?
The one main problem with most of the cars that you drive. You are on the driving on the wrong side of the car. Great video as usual Jack! Or should I say brilliant!
Of all the alfas I’ve owned, this one still eludes me. Have nearly bought two V6’s over the years. Various reasons I didn’t.
I spotted a dead 155 TS on someone’s drive a few months ago, been off road 13 years, proteo red. I wrote a letter and placed it in the letterbox and received a text saying ‘thanks for the note, I’ll let you know if I sell it’. This thing is dead, knackered lacquer, sat for over a decade so probably parts.
My friend has a 155 with a Fiat Coupe 20VT conversion he’s just building up. Should be fun.
I always wanted one but could not get passed the fwd chassis, for me it was a let down but that v6 is an absolute gem of an engine 👌
Love that. Had a vision of a Renault 21 turbo when you mentioned French. Maybe a future car to review!
Whilst I do like old Bimmers up to mid 80s, BMW pretty much ceased to exist for me in many ways since then. Booooooring….
I had a rare as the proverbial you know what 155 Q4 WIDEBODY! Bought 2nd hand and took it to Alfa to have a look at the transfer box - they’d never seen one before and refused to touch it!
I now have a mint 155 V6 last production series - Busso is very nice but the Q4 with the 4wd and MASSIVE turbo lag was seriously fun. M3s on the motorway struggled keep up, with the turbo taking off at 80mph!
Fun days!
Beautiful and interesting cars. Got me into touring cars, when I was always a WRC Rally man before Signore Tarquini came along…
Great video Jack, well done 👏🏽
Thanks chap!! Glad you enjoyed it
We had 2 155s, both 2L 16v. Build quality was pretty good - better than the e46 BMW we owned later in. In sensible terms, the 155 was comfy and had a massive boot.
That 155 is the bee's knees! Looks awesome and well sorted and that sound!!! Mamma Mia!!!! Bella Machina
I fell under the charm of Alfa Romeo in 1977 with an Alfetta Sport Sedan. I've loved everyone they've made since. If you enjoy the Busso V6, get a top of the line 164 Alfa. With the manual trans and 5 lbs extra air in the rear tires (helps it rotate), and you will be in for the time of your life. The only reason I still don't own one is that fact that I have a 2021 Giulia. Which is another one you should try. I know you don't like automatic transmissions but the 8 speed ZF in the Dynamic mode and with the paddle shifts is truly a fun drive. I don't have the paddles in mine, and flipping over to manual and working the trans is very "involving." Love your videos. Thanks.
Absolutely loved my 155 2.0ts widebody. That one is gorgeous!
Got misty-eyed watching this. I had the pleasure of owning almost this exact car back in the 90's. Mine was also lowered and had white 17" wheels as a homage to those awesome DTM cars I'd fawned over. The car was way better than the usual Alfa reputation suggests. I used it as my daily driver for many years and eventually sold it on with 155K miles on the clock. In all the time I had it, I didn't have any major issues to deal with and that Busso V6 was a gem. There were no issues with electronics (eveything worked) and no rust issues either since the car was galvanized. I'd have another in a heartbeat if I could find a good one. What an awesome video 👍
Certainly that Alfa 155 got the look and noise, but I still think you can´t beat RWD car with it in terms of handling. In my opinion sudden understeer can be more dangerous and scary than sudden oversteer😀
Sudden oversteer is synonym with E36
That is a glorious engine note.
had the original 92 155, never any problems and the newer widebody , which had some minor things. great cars.
When I ordered a 156 2L T-Spark, I ordered the super high spoiler that you could order. It arrived in black plastic, was then sprayed and fitted by the dealer! I took delivery 2 weeks afterwards I took it back to have the boot spoiler added. Company car.
Yep, the Silverstome!!! Perfect example of Italian cheating!
I had 1.8 ts with the same spoiler
The problem with modern cars is they isolate you from the actual driving experience. Something like this or a little Fulvia you can be doing 70mph but it feels so much more and you can have the fun. In a new car you have to drive fast to get any sensation of the speed/experience. Love these 155's personally - ever since the Touring Car Championship days. I'd like a wide body version but can't justify for having a 4th car !
Thank-you very much! I want one of these badly!!
If an E36 M3 is an Adidas Originals tracksuit, the 155 V6 is definitely a Sergio Tacchini Damarindo number. (ie. _way_ cooler.) It's probably an 80s analogy, that, rather than 90s. But, f-k it, I'm sticking with it.
Alfa = Smiles for miles.
😉 How many other car manufacturers can boast such a transversal love, from the popular to the aristocrat?
Always loved the 155 looks but was put off by the negative reviews.
Think I’ll add it to my shortlist for the project I’m looking for.
Another priceless real world critique.
Lovely car and interesting video. But you need to compare the 2.0 16v, which will outhandle the V6. On English roads, that counts for a lot. I've also done mega miles in 155s as 2nd hand dailies 20 years ago and loved every moment.
👍
It is the child of an e34 BMW and a Fiat Tempra. Ercole Spada designed both the 155 and the e34. What you say abot the e36 is true but still my old 155 1.8 T.S 129 ps, 0-100kmh about 10s. e36 318i - 118ps, 0-100kmh about 12s. Disk brakes on the rear on the Alfa vs drums on the BMW. In the alfa a grown up person could fit in the back seat and have knee and leg room, in the BMW not. Plus in the Alfa people notice you and greet you as it is much rarer.
I love the 155 and the Fiat Tempra. Fist sold a Turbo version of the Tempra in Brazil, the only country that it was sold with a 2 door version. It's a beauty, check it out! (Tempra 2.0 Turbo i.e.
I owned a wide bodied n plate 155 V6 in this Rosso red about 17 years ago..... absolutely loved it ( the ex hated it because she thought it was a rev monster, it wasn't and she hated attention she believed it got at the lights?????) sadly it got written off due to someone ploughing into it while it was parked up. Yes it had the familiar Alfa/Fiat build issues, but that engine was solid.
I had one, a diesel. Not as exciting as the one you showed but it was stunning to look at and it went through corners as if it was on rails. Lowering it and fitting 17" wheels wasn't the best idea for comfort and rattles but when I traded it in for a Passat 3B i've missed it every day.
Passat joy to drive 😬
People who don't like the 155 and I cannot be friends. full stop.
Then we are best mates. I loved my 155. I had it during my university time. Now I am 53 and going through RUclips videos about the 155. 😂. I loved it ❤
This 155 looks the goods and sounds fantastic. Don't forget the E36 was actually criticised for being too plastic compared to the E30. The quality wasn't really the same as previous models. Similar to the Mercedes E190. That was cheap and nasty compared to the older Mercedes.
In fact when I had a Fiat 124 CC coupe, I gave a colleague a lift and he was so impressed with the interior compared to his E30 BMW.
Yes, the Italian cars of that era were more or less the same but they were still fun and definitely different. Most of these Italian cars are now considered classics, can't say the same for their German competitors, except for the M models or course.
I’ve always liked the clean lines of the 155. This one is a looker for sure.
glad you liked it Simon!
Jack even if i hated cars I'd recommend watching your stuff for the sheer joy and positivity you exude. Keep up the great work buddy you are a star.
I appreciate that! Thanks 🙏
I also love the 155. I just think they look fabulous. Own a widebody 2.0 Super TS 16v myself since it was about 3 years old. Also own a BMW e36 or two. Love them all. In some respects the 155 is better. Almost zero electrical and electronic issues, whereas in the BM's.... the rooflining in the Alfa has never sagged, whereas in both the E36's.... the doorcards in the BMW's were inferior. The Alfa has never left me by the side of the road.... the 323i has.... But, the BMW body seems more rigid and the suspension has less issues. The lively steering on the Alfa makes it a lot of fun, it inspires so much confidence for me.
Thanks for these fantastic videos Jack!
I'm gagging for a 164 V6, great upload 👋🎄⛄
I adore my busso gt 3.2 sound. it's an aural delight everytime I drive it .that 155 is stunning
Former owner of a 1997 2 litre red 155 with sportpack. I never met anyone who didn't like the 155. I think the V6 was too front end heavy, the 2 litre though handled like a rabbit on velcro! Best handling car i owned. My biggest ever mistake was selling it. Still to this day if i could have 1 car back it would be that 155
The bussy Alfa is such a nice sound. Nice review. Thank you for having these fun and odd cars. That red colour is amazing. Keep up the good work.
Alfa 155 V6 Busso over the BMW 3 series, no question. That Alfa is well styled as it is and you have a bonus with the teddy bear! Also you can be responsible and use the indicators! (That's a running joke here in the UK and I saw a BMW just the other day without indicators) 😁 Should we say Jack that you always drive responsibly in the interest of balance?😇
I have a 156 V6 and an e36M3 EVO. Used to own a really ratty 328i, which was consumed by salty Scottish roads. There's no question that the Busso gives you a special feeling but FWD and ultimately understeer detract from the driving experience.
Jack's take on modern roads must be a Cotswolds-centric generalisation. That's why Evo magazine don't go there. Wales or Scotland for (ahem...responsible) driving
I miss my '96 155 V6 but I think changing the exhaust on this one was a mistake. The factory one was epic. They were so bassy and with a 12 valve engine you could idle around a car park and set off alarms when they were all super sensitive. This is a good lookign car though. Lowering makes a big difference.
I agree, not sure what make exhaust is on this car but it sounds like the hollow raspy Japanese 'Wizard' exhausts that are popular on 147/156 GTAs, they sound too much like BMW E46 M3s to my ears
That exhaust sound is insane!
I'm a massive bmw fan boy but those alfa v6s sound awesome 👌 in my opinion any 6 cylinder is a win but I think a 12 valve lump in my book always sounds better than a 24v one 😎 more character.
24V 164 3 litres sound amazing, trust me - peak Busso for me
That’s a good looking thing….sounds amazing too. What a sound.
Back in the 70's I remember a sarcastic saying, "about as exclusive as the Cortina owners club", the same can be said about the E36 or any BMW. That 155 is a credit to its owner, and the sound is glorious!!
Yeah....that 155 V6 Busso sound is fantastic !
I love the videos from the " Number 27" !
Thank you Jack for this video.
The racing 155s were marvellous
Alfa Romeo 155 is fancy car. I love it.
I had a late 2.0 TS Sport and loved it, engine induction noise sounded amazing
Totally agree Jack ...the 155 is just gorgeous.....and the sound of that Busso .....WOW
I don't think it was popular or successful in comparison to a 3 Series because it was uncontrived and designed by one man's vision (Ercole Spada) it wasn't about conquering or sales figures! it was about making you feel so good about your driving and pleasing the enthusiast. Alfa Romeo is also very Italian maybe too Italian! whereas BMW is more universal and more popular. The Alfa Romeo 155 was in reality a better sports saloon than the BMW 3 Series at the time! just misunderstood and overlooked!
My 2.5 v6 was not very reliable but i loved it like no other i still hear that sound
Loved my 155 TS Super back in the late nineties. It was a better allrounder than the 156 I replaced it with. Still miss it!
That engine and exhaust are sooo amazing.
Is that legal over there? I got a 156 with a 2.5 v6 with a raggazon exhaust. It sounds okay but nowhere near what this car sounds like. I know the wizard exhausts and unicorse sound kind of similar, but I've heard that they aren't road legal here in Germany :/
So far we don’t get issues with exhausts.. as long as they pass emissions and have Cats (if they were sold with them) but that might change.
Love it, thanks for the Busso ride Jack.
I remember driving a 166 with the 2.5 bus so, that engine was truly special
I had an early 1.8ts for a couple of years. It had a Remus exhaust so sounded great.
Unfortunately it kept letting me down with electrical issues on the fuel system - A typical Alfa!
The skew whiff passenger headrest sums it up. Lovely car though, another great video
The 155 is a legend
Would chose this over a bmw
I worked at a Alfa dealership mid 90s never saw a v6 but did see the 2:0 turbo 4wd
That engine and 4wd was straight out of the Lancia delta intergrale
I think that’s even rarely seen by anyone
…nice to see a review car so beautifully presented. You can tell a proper enthusiast loves it 😊 And that exhaust 🥰
Glorious sound. E36 interior was not known for its solidity either mind you. Our 320i and 328i both had annoying rattles. E46 interior was much better built. The BMW engines sounded lovely but this wins for noise that's for sure.
So I’m in the US and we never heard of or had any Alfa until recent. But bmw was everywhere. Wonder if this was a big part of failure
With that said I’m obsessed with them now. What a sound
Opening 45 seconds...enough said...!
Glorious.
Every departure and always gives emotions, a car with a soul
Dream spec, manual, v6, cloth seats, sunroof, ac (probably) just a shame not ULEZ like many modern classics 🙄
I had four 155 Twinspark 2.0 widetracks - LOVED them and would have one tomorrow. This car in the video is simply perfect.
@Official_Number27. is the prize this car?!
it's not mine to give away! I wish it was mine to give away, but then I'd not give it away, nor sell it either.!!
Gabrielle Tarquini says it's better than any E36
It’s a shame they didn’t make it with the wide body shell of after 1995.
Been waiting for this video since you teased with a short and as always you delivered an engaging video that was great to watch, just worth it for the engine noise sound alone!!