The 2.0 TS in my 156 decided to disassemble itself on the motorway. It threw HALF of one of it's pistons through the block which then tore through the front "bumper" of the national express coach behind me, my insurance company had to pay an insane amount to a coachwork company to fix the coach. I had the air con on full blast when it let go and the cabin filled instantly with burning oil smoke and blinded me, I just about made it to the hard shoulder where the hot oil continued to burn and flame away but thankfully went out by itself. AA man said it was one of the most spectacular engine failures he'd ever seen. I had a 300 mile ride home in the AA lorry. God I LOVED that car 😀
Fantastic cars! Had mine since June 2018. It's a 2006 face lift model, 105BHP, 1600cc. Bought it for £775 with 118k on the clock, no warranty (I liked the risk). Replaced the cam belt, water pump, cam gasket cover and aux belts within 2 weeks of buying - really helped. The one that was on was too small and was choking the engine/slowing it down - made a huge difference with the new one. Recently replaced front and rear badges, replaced all four tires just before Christmas, and replaced all four brake discs and pads with Brembo parts about 2 weeks ago. Also replaced both headlight bulbs with some yellow looking European style ones. Serviced it and changed oil, oil filter and air filter the weekend I bought it, and now change the oil every 6 weeks, as the previous owner had neglected it a bit. It's oil consumption has returned to normal in my ownership. Just passed it's MOT re-test 2 days ago - only 1 failure at first, which was a small rust hole on the passenger side sill, which was repaired very neatly the day after and passed it's MOT a few days later. Done 5,500 miles since buying it and the car gets better and better every single time I drive it. Next job is suspension over haul - new control arms, shocks, coils and bushes (as it does squeak a tad over speed bumps) and install some 'Hella' spotlights in the lower wings, as my spec doesn't have front fogs/spots. Thought I'd share my 147 owner story so far, as it's a fantastic car to drive, run and own. Like you said, put the time and money into maintaining it and it will repay you in the form of a great car! Cheers, Matt
@@vojin54 Because it was having oil consumption issues. It was going through 4l every 6 week (600 miles) through meticulous servicing, I've already improved it to 4l every 1200 mile +. Maintenance is always key.
@@danielfl.9347 Not necessarily. I viewed some 147's for that price that had rotten sub frames manky headlights, rust everywhere, severe engine hiccups, and all sorts of other problems. When I viewed mine it stood out the most as a rare spec, has absolutely minimal rust, and I enjoy working on my car. I'm positive when it comes to selling, I'll get over £1,000 for it with the condition it is now in, in my hands - who doesn't like a challenge? Besides, with buying mine, I can keep progress on what work needs doing, it's now fitted with the best parts! :)
You notice the difficulty of changing the air filter. Although I have to say that was one of the easiest things to change of all. Just access it from the bonnet, loosen the hose clamp not at the air filter side but the engine side and wiggle the entire cover and hose up to the engine out in one piece. Replace the air filter, and wiggle it in between the air filter and the coolant lines again. Literally 5 min job easy as pie. Further, great video. Although somehow with my scrap heap of a 147, there's a LOT more wrong with it. So look out for servicing history guys. Maintenance is ABSOLUTE KEY with this car and any neglect will give trouble. But if serviced correctly indeed it can do tons of miles reliably.
So this is a very Italian car. Not very well made but when it works OH MY GOD!!! I still want one as my first car though. Only 4 more gruelling years to go before I can finally get behind the wheel of my very own Alfa Romeo 147. Preferably in red with a tan leather interior and the 120 horsepower 1.6 t.spark engine! Vroom vroom!
I suffered a lot as Alfa seller, the 147 was from design the nicest class-C Alfa, the perfect car would be the rear of the Giulietta with the front of the 147. I made with my classic private I tal cars at least 30.000 km a year, and with new cars from the dealer worked, 75, 164, I made mostly an average of 30-50.000 km within 3 months, never ever I had a problem with the Twin Spark or 3.0 V6. The 164 3 liter had huge problems to bring the torque as FWD on the ground, I just lowered the rear dumpers and mounted shorter feathers in the front, makes the 164 nearly neutral in the front Axel and steering column. But the real "Mustang wild horse" is the 164 3 Liter with Automatic. For God sakes every time you use the kick-down it made you straight an addict. Anyway, I love your channel, your commenting, and easy going. If every Alfa dealer would have an head mechanic like you, nearly all problems of the brand would be solved. Respect and regards from Berlin, where you see an Alfa once in 2 years on the streets. Italian car in common. Good luck and good work, you have a real ALFA-HEART.
Don't forget to mention the gearbox.. doing mine at the moment. They are a bloody reliable car though. Had mine 6 six years daily driver and crank sensor wishbones only replacement. The gearbox crunched and finally gave up on me after 6 years of 12k annual miles. The car has done more than 100k though.
My first one had an issue where swarf in the gearbox used to block a hole, would either jam into 4th gear or not let you select it. The end cover was easy to take off and clear the swarf, but 2nd gear was crumbling too, chunks of teeth sometimes found. I ended up doing this every 3-4K miles. Apparently 2nd gear was a weak point on these gearboxes. 3rd car still only covered 67k miles, 2004 model, gear linkage gone soggy along with the dreaded ecu warnings, airbag light, abs & traction control light and window switch. Sun visor pops out once in a while too. Wiring plugs are a bit dodgy, needed to clean out a number of times, mainly rear lights. Rear struts failed at 40k miles, rusted out and spring hanger fell off, causing cuts to the rear tyre too 😟😟. Variate on its way now. Overall not a bad car but not a bmw e39 either.
Haha I took my sons 01 TS 2.0 out for a big drive today, it has 193,000kms on the clock and runs like one. The airbag light came on on the way back and I remembered after watching this that I moved the drivers seat! This has happened before and my mechanic (Business is called ‘The Italian Job’) told me moving the seat will trigger the airbag light. Great little car he never drives it and I really love it. Super smooth rev happy engine, the only thing wrong with it is it doesnt get used so the battery keeps going flat. The interior plastics are awful and have that sticky breakdown thing happening. Might do a new exhaust on it to make it sound a bit fruitier then he might bloody drive it!
I have a 2001 156 1.6 TS at 95.000 kms. It has been parked in a garage for 9 years, forgotten there and sold thereafter. It has no rust ( nothing ), no problem in the engine at all, even the leather seats are somehow brand new. I bought it for my son 6 months ago, he is not interested in DIY, so as a father of both, I cleaned up the engine and parts, in and out of it, with tons of liquids, brushes and days of work. I waxed it for 2 times in the summer time, changed the sparkplugs, all filters and oil ext. Lots of tiny small jobs is done on it in my free time, all of them were enjoyable small success stories for me; small paints and easy repairs. It's nearly brand new now and people always look at it on the street when I drive. Love your car, I said to my son, it's a legend.. I saw only just one problem, in its 5.000 km used, it drank 1 lt of oil and 1 lt of coolant in normal in-city drive. I think it's in its nature.
Oil consumption on twin sparks are very common. However your oil consumption is incredibly good. I had mine consume 1l of oil every 100km highway driving, hehe. Replaced piston rings and valve stem seals together with other gaskets and it's fine now, very little oil is consumed even if you constantly floor it. Removing my gearbox now to replace clutch kit. And I love this car, it's amazing to drive. Right now I got Lexus GS as my daily drive, and keeping alfa for weekends.
I've got a rare 2007 1.6 Sport I named Figaro that had 121k on the clock, long list of neglected maintenance and worn/broken parts but the car never skipped a beat and out handles everything, now at 134k and after a long list list of new parts a mechanic cracked my windscreen fitting a wiper motor and it also needs the door/wing respraying due to damage oh and the clutch is wearing out...
Another issue is the glove compartment handle snaps too easy and you need to replace the whole door if the mechanism is smoked.Also the alcandara on the roof and door panels on the leather sallon peels off from the heat/sun and needs replacement.Occasionally you get the ESR/ABS/EBD error on ignition when the battery is low.Most of them like to drink some oil...
In eastern Europe there are still many 145/146 Alfas around, can you make a buyers guide for them too? Your guides are very detailed and help us as owners a lot! Cheers!
Just been to my local Alfa workshop, here in Osaka Japan, to have my ‘01 TS156SW (owned from new, now on 150,000km) oil changed. Said dealer just got its hands on a mint ‘05 Ti147 manual just like this one with only 11,000km on the clock!! Only a pair of fading badges need replacing. Probably asking around £4,500 for it. If mine breaks in the next few months I’d take it in a flash. Great cars to drive and own. Maintenance, like you say, is all relatively easy and inexpensive. Used parts still readily available here, too.
Been watching a few of your vids here. Very helpful! Thank you. I have been offered a 147 but it seems uncle Rodney is about to pop through the engine block. I’ve found a decent one but it has a selespeed gearbox. Would the engine from that go straight into my one with a manual? Any gotchyas?
Fantastic video mate. I've got a 53 plate 1.9 8v diesel. Amazing cars I think. I've had the key problem and the infamous overheating sensor fault causing the car to shut down but over than that amazing cars
I had a 02 2.0 Lusso 3 years old cam belts a must i had mine changed at 28k as everything else that could go wrong is small and way under £100 back then great car tho never failed me or had an issue
Just about to buy one a Alfa Romeo 147 2006 (06 reg) 1.9 JTDM Lusso 5dr 10 months MOT and a few new bits fitted. Last alfa i had was an alfasud Alfa 1.9 JTDM Lusso 5drin the 80s
Great review 😎 Used to sell these when nearly new, good old buses. I would add that that coolant reservoirs crumble away is usually the cause of mystery coolant loss, only £25. Agree, they do wear suspension components a little early and the roll bar bushes are a nightmare. The 1.6 petrol engine was always the sweetest engine, the 2.0 being a little gruff. All in all a good car considering they were based on the FIAT Tipo from the 80s, which was no bad thing as the old teapots were a good solid car.
@@ItaliaAutos Must be the weather sort of thing but here in Bulgaria alot do it. Sure some could have been in a flood but most happen even if they werent.
am Deperare.My spend oil 1l per 1000km.Castrol Edge 10w60 it has 164.000 km.Today i open the Solenoid Because is only Spot on entire Engine wher is Whet.I asking comes oil consumation from there?Car run weri silent no Smoke by Colld or when is worm and is reeealy switly.New Solenoid is 591 Swiss Francs.Were ican fing onli Rings to replace?Cheers
Just got one as winter hack. Have sorted most issues by now, but I only have one key without remote internals - probably the master? You noted that you can get complete key/body-cputer/ECU kits off ebay - is it a smple plug & play replacement if you have all components?
Ever heard of the power windows going down and won't go back up? Mileage is flashing and switches are broke. Will be replacing anyway but wondering about the window issue
Great video very helpful,I have just got a 2004 JTD 1.9 and I adore it already, been away from Alfas since I sold my 75 3 litre V6 ,20 0dd years ago, forgot how much fun they are, even diesel ones!! My passenger window is being held shut by a screwdriver and the seller told me the window would fall down if I took it out, what sort of price would it be to get that sorted please?
hey mate I didn't realise until I looked you up that you are in Bloxwich,which is a long way from me in West Sussex, do you know anyone down Sussex way you would recommend, I know the Alfa world is a small one ,so thought I'd ask!
At the moment I've replaced all the wheels, formerly Michelin but very old to Toyo Proxes Sport for less than 400 euros in 17 inches (stock alloy wheels). The CV Joint for 50 euros (only noticeable during parking due to the "claclacla" sound) and still waiting for the driver side electric windows controls which are very expensive being new (more or less 500 euros) but hope to have second hand ones at half the price.
Aftermarket stereos look shit would just leave original one in if it works I thought the sound quality was ok but would rather listen to the twin spark rasp anyway!!!!
What a great channel, man. I recently sold my fiat 500 (too small haha) and as an italian car lover your channel is absolutely helping me to decide! I'm currently looking for the 147 or the 159. Regards from Spain!
They look like they were supposed to replace the Alfasud ti. I can see the old alfasud in it. Gee man I must have had every series of The alfasud, my all time favourite car ever. That and the 70 s alfa gtv, alfetta
My dad bought a 147 facelift 2.0 in 2005. Immediatelly the cabin light went. Then the little display in the instrument cluster at about 3500 miles. Then the whipers went, that was fun. The variator went bad and had to be replaced with the first belt change at 36000 miles. The front suspention had to be changed every spring and the back had to be changed every fall. The cats were removed after one and a half years and 11000 miles.The first set of piston rings lasted 56000 miles. The second lasted another 52000, but that was ok because the Alfa dealership said that the engine had to be replaced anyways because of a main bearing problem, whatever that was. The car ate brake pads, rotors and suspension bushings like there was no tommorow. The plastics that the air box is made from crack as they age and cause engine lights to go off. The car was written off at 108000 miles after 8 years, 2 full exhaust systems rusted away and a cracked header almost killed me, an engine mount went wrong, a suddenly dead petrol pump left us stranded on the roand between Belgrade and Sofia. Oh and the window swithces went twice on the drivers side. And the window mechanism went once.
You have mentioned that if the top wishobones are left knocking for too long they can wear out the mount. I have recently bought a 156 Crosswagon with rattling suspention. I've replaced all of the suspension parts: upper and lower wishbones, stabilizer bar links and bushings, tie rod ends, springs with rubber cushions. I've used quality parts like Lemforder, but still when it is very cold outside, I can hear somenthing knocking in my front suspention. Technitian at our polish equivalent of MOT haven't found any loose parts of the suspention. Could it be that my upper wishbones mounts might be the problem?
this is an excellent video! thank you! out of interest how much approx would it cost to have front shock absorbers supplied and fitted on the 1.9 (2005 model)? not sure if top mounts and other bolts would need doing as matter of course??
I can t get my remote key working it has new battery an light flashes but it doesn t open the doors ... what could it be ? But other thant that and with 390000kms it drives like brand new
Italia Autos true i just dont knoe what to do because i sure that it isnt the key it might be the ecu like you said but anyway thanks a lot for answer me ... cheers !r
I'm looking to buy one preferably with petrol engine. Are there any engine better to be avoided? I was surprised to hear Birth bushings are good. Once I bought a Birth engine mount for my Mercedes W124 and it lasted for a few months only. It was worse than anything else.
Actually they are fantastic cars to drive, but ironically - horrible cars to own. Mine is year 2005 face lifted one. After purchasing a car in 2016 for 2,300 euros and owning it for almost 3 years now, it was terrible with it's reliability. I've spent upwards of 1500 euros fixing the car and changing all the parts, including front and rear suspension, aux belt drive component bearings, wheel bearings, exhaust catalyst, door hinges, windscreen wiper linkage parts and so on. Oh and not to mention that it has all of its under body frame and subframe heavily rusted...
Yep I now ...mine is from 2001 but I clean the underside compleet and painting it with Hamerite 😉 💪 Its now rock solide and perfect good luck with your one👍.
It's strange isn't it ? I own a 2005 twin spark 1.6, and other than the usual maintenance, it has never broken down, or refused to start, even on the coldest mornings. It failed its last MOT on a rotten rear sill which was promptly welded, but other than a failed nearside front window regulator, she is absolutely fine for a car approaching 15 years old ! The gears are stiff and sometimes hard to engage though!
@@doveronefoxtrot4417 if your gears are stiff and getting difficult there's a cheap and easy fix. You need to replace the two plastic "Top Hat" bushes (£4) on the selector above the gearbox, below the battery, and relube everything, it will then change gear like new. Done it twice on two cars.
Hi, a question, I have a 159 with only one key, is it any way to get a new one avoiding Alfa dealers? here in Uruguay we don't have one , nearest is in Argentina wich hast it's border closed.
@@ItaliaAutos Can you advise what's wrong with a 147 when the clutch pedal is very hard to press down? Thought it would be either clutch,slave cylinder or master cylinder needing bled.Totally stuck and any garage i have been to don't seem to know or want to be bothered. mine is also an 8v jtd.
i had 147 2001 that have 2 issues some times the abs & hand brake & asr show & disappear & the back right tale light have doesn't work & give me error in the display & when i try to change the lamp also it doesn't work i switched the right one to the left side & it worked fine also i have very stiff in the 1.3.5 gear but the 2,4,r gear working fine can you advise
Hey Italia Autos, I was wondering if it's possible to replace just one of the horizontal bars in the grill, or do you have to replace the entire thing? I've just bought a 147 which has the bottom bar missing.
Heyo one I'm buying has engine noise at startup which goes away when warmed up, but I thought since its the 105hp variant that it doesnt have a variator. Mechanic says the oil needs changing, but could oil really be the only thing making it have that noise?
There is enough space but engine, transmition, ecu and a lot of other things are different, so i wouldn't say its exactly a smart idea. Its probably easier buying gta version
@@ItaliaAutos I'll take that into consideration. Since the fuel consumption is quite high in the TS engines anyways I may as well get the 2.0 TS. More power and similar fuel useage. Would you agree with that or is the 1.6 the better choice in the 147?
I think my body computer is failing, the car keeps dying overnight and the left side light failure turns on then off after a few seconds of getting it back up and running. Any tips to avoid a pricey repair? Cheers
@@ItaliaAutos are they same in the Grande Punto Evo or not? And THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THE ANSWER!👍 PS: and witch model from 159 will you recommend me? To look for?
Thanks mine is a 1600 TI its noisy for some reason when inside. No obvious reason. Black everything. Including speedo & hard to read. Would prefer white Temp controls complex no real logic when adjusting temp. Sony radio ugly and micro buttons want to dump it ASAP. Paint very good varator is noisy preferred my 916 gtv which had to due to ulez. West london.
my sister had one from new not much went wrong. 280k with the diesel jtd 1.9. a friend had an 2.0 twin spark he did not take care af the car so his engine failed on him (oil went to low !!!) oops
Does anyone with a alfa romeo 147 1.6 twin spark, hear a high pitched sound when accelerating in 5th? Starts at 60 to 85 and then it stops and starts again after 100 km/h. Or know what it could be? It doenst sound like a transmission whine.
Sportpack suspension (about 15mm lower, and stiffer + stiffer antiroll bars) also found on the Sport Q2 and Ti petrol. Most importantly, a Q2 LSD. Together the suspension and diff make it a far better handling car, if a bit harsh on bumpy surfaces. Also the DC has different Bosch injectors and a slightly uprated clutch (same as GT Cloverleaf 170). The DC has 18" wheels for added harshness, other 150's have 17" or 16". On any 1.9JTDM >2006 with the plastic manifold plenum watch out for swirl flap ingestion. Delete them ASAP or else they'll delete your engine. Personally I hate the DC stripes, but they are only vinyl.
Tony Sleep Thanks mate, was rather tempted by one. Parts, plus the fact no one writes about them on the internet (unless you can speak italian), was putting me off a bit.
@@Pr0vost Oh, you need to get yourself to the 147/156 GT technical forum of Alfaowner.com. A fantastic and very helpful resource for knowledge of these cars. I have a Sport Q2, which is almost identical to the DC except only 150bhp, and wouldn't change it for anything.
@@ItaliaAutos Loved that car until it finally died few years ago! I am a fan of your videos and altough I already know alot of the tech info it is nice to look back at it. Driving a Giulietta now but from my 156, 147, Mito and Giulietta the 147 gives me the best memories!
@@jodok07 1) humor, 2) read the above, 3) I loved that car but back then it was a few years old and trough the years it had alot of repairs done. Imagine buying a 2001 147 nowadays and having to do all that work to get it in good condition again ($$$).
@@ItaliaAutos I had a 156 from 2002 for 2-3 years and I had a couple of problems, electrical related, now I'm thinking on buying a 147 but I doubt and hesitate...
Could you pleeeeeeeaaaase do a Buyers guide for the 159/Brera! I currently have a Busso powered GTV, but I need something more practical and fuel efficient. What engine in the 159 is your pick and why? Cheers!
![NLE Choppa - Or What ft. 41 (Orchestra Mix) [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/biOFASEgSOM/mqdefault.jpg)
The 2.0 TS in my 156 decided to disassemble itself on the motorway. It threw HALF of one of it's pistons through the block which then tore through the front "bumper" of the national express coach behind me, my insurance company had to pay an insane amount to a coachwork company to fix the coach. I had the air con on full blast when it let go and the cabin filled instantly with burning oil smoke and blinded me, I just about made it to the hard shoulder where the hot oil continued to burn and flame away but thankfully went out by itself. AA man said it was one of the most spectacular engine failures he'd ever seen. I had a 300 mile ride home in the AA lorry. God I LOVED that car 😀
Wow could never believe alfa critisium but this is a real example I suspect belt failure
Fantastic cars! Had mine since June 2018. It's a 2006 face lift model, 105BHP, 1600cc. Bought it for £775 with 118k on the clock, no warranty (I liked the risk). Replaced the cam belt, water pump, cam gasket cover and aux belts within 2 weeks of buying - really helped. The one that was on was too small and was choking the engine/slowing it down - made a huge difference with the new one. Recently replaced front and rear badges, replaced all four tires just before Christmas, and replaced all four brake discs and pads with Brembo parts about 2 weeks ago. Also replaced both headlight bulbs with some yellow looking European style ones. Serviced it and changed oil, oil filter and air filter the weekend I bought it, and now change the oil every 6 weeks, as the previous owner had neglected it a bit. It's oil consumption has returned to normal in my ownership. Just passed it's MOT re-test 2 days ago - only 1 failure at first, which was a small rust hole on the passenger side sill, which was repaired very neatly the day after and passed it's MOT a few days later. Done 5,500 miles since buying it and the car gets better and better every single time I drive it. Next job is suspension over haul - new control arms, shocks, coils and bushes (as it does squeak a tad over speed bumps) and install some 'Hella' spotlights in the lower wings, as my spec doesn't have front fogs/spots. Thought I'd share my 147 owner story so far, as it's a fantastic car to drive, run and own. Like you said, put the time and money into maintaining it and it will repay you in the form of a great car!
Cheers,
Matt
Why would you change the oil every 6 weeks?
@@vojin54 Because it was having oil consumption issues. It was going through 4l every 6 week (600 miles) through meticulous servicing, I've already improved it to 4l every 1200 mile +. Maintenance is always key.
Lovely cars. Would it not have been cheaper (and easier) to pay £1500 for one in good condition instead?
@@danielfl.9347 Not necessarily. I viewed some 147's for that price that had rotten sub frames manky headlights, rust everywhere, severe engine hiccups, and all sorts of other problems. When I viewed mine it stood out the most as a rare spec, has absolutely minimal rust, and I enjoy working on my car. I'm positive when it comes to selling, I'll get over £1,000 for it with the condition it is now in, in my hands - who doesn't like a challenge? Besides, with buying mine, I can keep progress on what work needs doing, it's now fitted with the best parts! :)
I'm looking for a 147 special edition "Amica" with 120hp. I really hope that I'll find one for a good price :)
You notice the difficulty of changing the air filter. Although I have to say that was one of the easiest things to change of all. Just access it from the bonnet, loosen the hose clamp not at the air filter side but the engine side and wiggle the entire cover and hose up to the engine out in one piece. Replace the air filter, and wiggle it in between the air filter and the coolant lines again. Literally 5 min job easy as pie. Further, great video. Although somehow with my scrap heap of a 147, there's a LOT more wrong with it. So look out for servicing history guys. Maintenance is ABSOLUTE KEY with this car and any neglect will give trouble. But if serviced correctly indeed it can do tons of miles reliably.
So this is a very Italian car. Not very well made but when it works OH MY GOD!!! I still want one as my first car though. Only 4 more gruelling years to go before I can finally get behind the wheel of my very own Alfa Romeo 147. Preferably in red with a tan leather interior and the 120 horsepower 1.6 t.spark engine! Vroom vroom!
thanks for watching.
The 120 bhp will be very slow, I have 2.0 which is slow enough, I am used to a bmw 530i but even so 😟😟😟
I suffered a lot as Alfa seller, the 147 was from design the nicest class-C Alfa, the perfect car would be the rear of the Giulietta with the front of the 147. I made with my classic private I tal cars at least 30.000 km a year, and with new cars from the dealer worked, 75, 164, I made mostly an average of 30-50.000 km within 3 months, never ever I had a problem with the Twin Spark or 3.0 V6. The 164 3 liter had huge problems to bring the torque as FWD on the ground, I just lowered the rear dumpers and mounted shorter feathers in the front, makes the 164 nearly neutral in the front Axel and steering column. But the real "Mustang wild horse" is the 164 3 Liter with Automatic. For God sakes every time you use the kick-down it made you straight an addict. Anyway, I love your channel, your commenting, and easy going. If every Alfa dealer would have an head mechanic like you, nearly all problems of the brand would be solved. Respect and regards from Berlin, where you see an Alfa once in 2 years on the streets. Italian car in common. Good luck and good work, you have a real ALFA-HEART.
Don't forget to mention the gearbox.. doing mine at the moment. They are a bloody reliable car though. Had mine 6 six years daily driver and crank sensor wishbones only replacement. The gearbox crunched and finally gave up on me after 6 years of 12k annual miles. The car has done more than 100k though.
Yeah I forgot a few things. 👍
My first one had an issue where swarf in the gearbox used to block a hole, would either jam into 4th gear or not let you select it. The end cover was easy to take off and clear the swarf, but 2nd gear was crumbling too, chunks of teeth sometimes found. I ended up doing this every 3-4K miles. Apparently 2nd gear was a weak point on these gearboxes. 3rd car still only covered 67k miles, 2004 model, gear linkage gone soggy along with the dreaded ecu warnings, airbag light, abs & traction control light and window switch. Sun visor pops out once in a while too. Wiring plugs are a bit dodgy, needed to clean out a number of times, mainly rear lights. Rear struts failed at 40k miles, rusted out and spring hanger fell off, causing cuts to the rear tyre too 😟😟. Variate on its way now. Overall not a bad car but not a bmw e39 either.
Haha I took my sons 01 TS 2.0 out for a big drive today, it has 193,000kms on the clock and runs like one. The airbag light came on on the way back and I remembered after watching this that I moved the drivers seat! This has happened before and my mechanic (Business is called ‘The Italian Job’) told me moving the seat will trigger the airbag light. Great little car he never drives it and I really love it. Super smooth rev happy engine, the only thing wrong with it is it doesnt get used so the battery keeps going flat. The interior plastics are awful and have that sticky breakdown thing happening. Might do a new exhaust on it to make it sound a bit fruitier then he might bloody drive it!
I love those 147, specially the early 2000 models with those headlights
I have a 2001 156 1.6 TS at 95.000 kms. It has been parked in a garage for 9 years, forgotten there and sold thereafter. It has no rust ( nothing ), no problem in the engine at all, even the leather seats are somehow brand new. I bought it for my son 6 months ago, he is not interested in DIY, so as a father of both, I cleaned up the engine and parts, in and out of it, with tons of liquids, brushes and days of work. I waxed it for 2 times in the summer time, changed the sparkplugs, all filters and oil ext. Lots of tiny small jobs is done on it in my free time, all of them were enjoyable small success stories for me; small paints and easy repairs. It's nearly brand new now and people always look at it on the street when I drive. Love your car, I said to my son, it's a legend.. I saw only just one problem, in its 5.000 km used, it drank 1 lt of oil and 1 lt of coolant in normal in-city drive. I think it's in its nature.
Oil consumption on twin sparks are very common. However your oil consumption is incredibly good. I had mine consume 1l of oil every 100km highway driving, hehe. Replaced piston rings and valve stem seals together with other gaskets and it's fine now, very little oil is consumed even if you constantly floor it. Removing my gearbox now to replace clutch kit.
And I love this car, it's amazing to drive. Right now I got Lexus GS as my daily drive, and keeping alfa for weekends.
I think I've had all of those problems with my two 147s. Great cars. Want another one.
Your gonna be like a crazy cat lady only with alfas instead of cats!😂😂😂
I've got a rare 2007 1.6 Sport I named Figaro that had 121k on the clock, long list of neglected maintenance and worn/broken parts but the car never skipped a beat and out handles everything, now at 134k and after a long list list of new parts a mechanic cracked my windscreen fitting a wiper motor and it also needs the door/wing respraying due to damage oh and the clutch is wearing out...
This car is going to be mine!!!! This 147, Italian beauty
Will be my first car 😍
@@yvngscrpn9748 Just bought one too as my first car! How's it been treating you?
Another issue is the glove compartment handle snaps too easy and you need to replace the whole door if the mechanism is smoked.Also the alcandara on the roof and door panels on the leather sallon peels off from the heat/sun and needs replacement.Occasionally you get the ESR/ABS/EBD error on ignition when the battery is low.Most of them like to drink some oil...
Mine drinks a litre of oil every 1000 miles! Quite normal on these
In eastern Europe there are still many 145/146 Alfas around, can you make a buyers guide for them too? Your guides are very detailed and help us as owners a lot! Cheers!
There’s one in the pipeline also doing a 159 one soon. 👍. You never see them on the UK roads.
@@ItaliaAutos can't wait! Thanks a lot!
Just been to my local Alfa workshop, here in Osaka Japan, to have my ‘01 TS156SW (owned from new, now on 150,000km) oil changed. Said dealer just got its hands on a mint ‘05 Ti147 manual just like this one with only 11,000km on the clock!! Only a pair of fading badges need replacing. Probably asking around £4,500 for it. If mine breaks in the next few months I’d take it in a flash. Great cars to drive and own. Maintenance, like you say, is all relatively easy and inexpensive. Used parts still readily available here, too.
very good find indeed.
I like the look of Alfa’s and I was thinking of buying either a 147 or a 156, your vid has given me some food for thought on what to watch out for.
Glad to be of help.
Usually the front upper wishbone bushes tend to squek. It can be fixed by using silicone or lithium sprays or replacing the whole wishbones.
I get my badges front and rear off Ebay for £3.95 each ! And they get replaced roughly 3 times a year !
Been watching a few of your vids here. Very helpful! Thank you. I have been offered a 147 but it seems uncle Rodney is about to pop through the engine block. I’ve found a decent one but it has a selespeed gearbox. Would the engine from that go straight into my one with a manual? Any gotchyas?
Fantastic video mate. I've got a 53 plate 1.9 8v diesel. Amazing cars I think. I've had the key problem and the infamous overheating sensor fault causing the car to shut down but over than that amazing cars
Great video mate. you have given a fantastic review. My wife loves them and I'm going to buy one for her. Cheers.
@1:49 They are 15 year old car models out there without rust issues. It is not like something that is to be expected.
Seems pretty much spot on from my experience with my 2007 Collezione. Only thing I’d add is that dodgy horns are quite common?
I had a 02
2.0 Lusso 3 years old cam belts a must i had mine changed at 28k as everything else that could go wrong is
small and way under £100 back then great car tho never failed me or had an issue
Lots of people rave about the MK4 Golf PD, these run rings round them. They seem to have been forgotten!
Just about to buy one a Alfa Romeo 147
2006 (06 reg) 1.9 JTDM Lusso 5dr 10 months MOT and a few new bits fitted. Last alfa i had was an alfasud Alfa
1.9 JTDM Lusso 5drin the 80s
Nice
Great review 😎
Used to sell these when nearly new, good old buses.
I would add that that coolant reservoirs crumble away is usually the cause of mystery coolant loss, only £25.
Agree, they do wear suspension components a little early and the roll bar bushes are a nightmare.
The 1.6 petrol engine was always the sweetest engine, the 2.0 being a little gruff.
All in all a good car considering they were based on the FIAT Tipo from the 80s, which was no bad thing as the old teapots were a good solid car.
Forgot one thing. The door cards seem to sag on the facelifted models alot. Guess the glue they used is weak.
I've honestly never seen that happen here.
@@ItaliaAutos Must be the weather sort of thing but here in Bulgaria alot do it. Sure some could have been in a flood but most happen even if they werent.
Yeah must be heat.
Thanks im going to buy one tomorow and this will be very helpful
How is it going still driving ?
@@reathloo9715 jps still going strong after 400k
am Deperare.My spend oil 1l per 1000km.Castrol Edge 10w60 it has 164.000 km.Today i open the Solenoid Because is only Spot on entire Engine wher is Whet.I asking comes oil consumation from there?Car run weri silent no Smoke by Colld or when is worm and is reeealy switly.New Solenoid is 591 Swiss Francs.Were ican fing onli Rings to replace?Cheers
Just got one as winter hack. Have sorted most issues by now, but I only have one key without remote internals - probably the master? You noted that you can get complete key/body-cputer/ECU kits off ebay - is it a smple plug & play replacement if you have all components?
yes plug and play.
Ever heard of the power windows going down and won't go back up? Mileage is flashing and switches are broke. Will be replacing anyway but wondering about the window issue
Great video very helpful,I have just got a 2004 JTD 1.9 and I adore it already, been away from Alfas since I sold my 75 3 litre V6 ,20 0dd years ago, forgot how much fun they are, even diesel ones!! My passenger window is being held shut by a screwdriver and the seller told me the window would fall down if I took it out, what sort of price would it be to get that sorted please?
Hi goodnluck with the purchase. The cost of a window regulator and 1 hours labour. Give me a call in the week 8fnyou want to book it in.
@@ItaliaAutos thanks mate ,I'll give you a shout
hey mate I didn't realise until I looked you up that you are in Bloxwich,which is a long way from me in West Sussex, do you know anyone down Sussex way you would recommend, I know the Alfa world is a small one ,so thought I'd ask!
At the moment I've replaced all the wheels, formerly Michelin but very old to Toyo Proxes Sport for less than 400 euros in 17 inches (stock alloy wheels). The CV Joint for 50 euros (only noticeable during parking due to the "claclacla" sound) and still waiting for the driver side electric windows controls which are very expensive being new (more or less 500 euros) but hope to have second hand ones at half the price.
Aftermarket stereos look shit would just leave original one in if it works I thought the sound quality was ok but would rather listen to the twin spark rasp anyway!!!!
They can be updated with Bluetooth now, a cheap interface on Amazon! It works great
What a great channel, man. I recently sold my fiat 500 (too small haha) and as an italian car lover your channel is absolutely helping me to decide! I'm currently looking for the 147 or the 159.
Regards from Spain!
Glad to be of help. 159 review coming up next week. It will also be for sale. 👍
Italia Autos Great man, what do you know about the 156? It also looks like a great option. ✌🏻
Facelift 156 is a good car prob better than the 147 as it drives better.
They look like they were supposed to replace the Alfasud ti. I can see the old alfasud in it. Gee man I must have had every series of The alfasud, my all time favourite car ever. That and the 70 s alfa gtv, alfetta
I drove 147 2.0 yesterday. Seat position is way to high compare to Mini Cooper R56. Didn't like it. Will try Giulietta soon.
My dad bought a 147 facelift 2.0 in 2005. Immediatelly the cabin light went. Then the little display in the instrument cluster at about 3500 miles. Then the whipers went, that was fun. The variator went bad and had to be replaced with the first belt change at 36000 miles. The front suspention had to be changed every spring and the back had to be changed every fall. The cats were removed after one and a half years and 11000 miles.The first set of piston rings lasted 56000 miles. The second lasted another 52000, but that was ok because the Alfa dealership said that the engine had to be replaced anyways because of a main bearing problem, whatever that was. The car ate brake pads, rotors and suspension bushings like there was no tommorow. The plastics that the air box is made from crack as they age and cause engine lights to go off. The car was written off at 108000 miles after 8 years, 2 full exhaust systems rusted away and a cracked header almost killed me, an engine mount went wrong, a suddenly dead petrol pump left us stranded on the roand between Belgrade and Sofia. Oh and the window swithces went twice on the drivers side. And the window mechanism went once.
That's Italian workmanship for you bro...
You have mentioned that if the top wishobones are left knocking for too long they can wear out the mount. I have recently bought a 156 Crosswagon with rattling suspention. I've replaced all of the suspension parts: upper and lower wishbones, stabilizer bar links and bushings, tie rod ends, springs with rubber cushions. I've used quality parts like Lemforder, but still when it is very cold outside, I can hear somenthing knocking in my front suspention. Technitian at our polish equivalent of MOT haven't found any loose parts of the suspention. Could it be that my upper wishbones mounts might be the problem?
Anti roll bar bushes or it could he the mounts. For the wishbones.
this is an excellent video! thank you! out of interest how much approx would it cost to have front shock absorbers supplied and fitted on the 1.9 (2005 model)? not sure if top mounts and other bolts would need doing as matter of course??
Best to send me an email of give me a call. Thanks
I can t get my remote key working it has new battery an light flashes but it doesn t open the doors ... what could it be ? But other thant that and with 390000kms it drives like brand new
It prob needs reprogramming at a dealer or specialist.
They say that the code i have for the key isnt the one fron my car and truth be told the dealer here in my town in portugal are just terrible
It may of had a new ecu kit fitted or the dealer can't be bothered to sort a new key on an older car.
Italia Autos true i just dont knoe what to do because i sure that it isnt the key it might be the ecu like you said but anyway thanks a lot for answer me ... cheers !r
@@joaoamaral6740 get a second opinion👍😁
I'm looking to buy one preferably with petrol engine. Are there any engine better to be avoided?
I was surprised to hear Birth bushings are good. Once I bought a Birth engine mount for my Mercedes W124 and it lasted for a few months only. It was worse than anything else.
All ok but just avoid 8v diesel as it’s rare and harder to get parts for.
I couldn't find the place you recommended to get wishbone parts (or parts in general). Have you got a link please?
You video helped a lot, thank you.
Actually they are fantastic cars to drive, but ironically - horrible cars to own. Mine is year 2005 face lifted one. After purchasing a car in 2016 for 2,300 euros and owning it for almost 3 years now, it was terrible with it's reliability. I've spent upwards of 1500 euros fixing the car and changing all the parts, including front and rear suspension, aux belt drive component bearings, wheel bearings, exhaust catalyst, door hinges, windscreen wiper linkage parts and so on. Oh and not to mention that it has all of its under body frame and subframe heavily rusted...
Yep I now ...mine is from 2001 but I clean the underside compleet and painting it with Hamerite 😉 💪 Its now rock solide and perfect good luck with your one👍.
It's strange isn't it ? I own a 2005 twin spark 1.6, and other than the usual maintenance, it has never broken down, or refused to start, even on the coldest mornings. It failed its last MOT on a rotten rear sill which was promptly welded, but other than a failed nearside front window regulator, she is absolutely fine for a car approaching 15 years old ! The gears are stiff and sometimes hard to engage though!
@@doveronefoxtrot4417 if your gears are stiff and getting difficult there's a cheap and easy fix.
You need to replace the two plastic "Top Hat" bushes (£4) on the selector above the gearbox, below the battery, and relube everything, it will then change gear like new.
Done it twice on two cars.
Hi, a question, I have a 159 with only one key, is it any way to get a new one avoiding Alfa dealers? here in Uruguay we don't have one , nearest is in Argentina wich hast it's border closed.
Well done, great info. Looking at getting a GTA soon
I have done a 147 gta buyers guide to.
Can you please make a video about alfa 147 8v JTD? Thanks for informations about alfas!!!
you dont see them to often anymore in the uk.
@@ItaliaAutos Can you advise what's wrong with a 147 when the clutch pedal is very hard to press down? Thought it would be either clutch,slave cylinder or master cylinder needing bled.Totally stuck and any garage i have been to don't seem to know or want to be bothered. mine is also an 8v jtd.
i had 147 2001 that have 2 issues some times the abs & hand brake & asr show & disappear & the back right tale light have doesn't work & give me error in the display & when i try to change the lamp also it doesn't work i switched the right one to the left side & it worked fine also i have very stiff in the 1.3.5 gear but the 2,4,r gear working fine
can you advise
Battery replacement mostly fixes problems like that, at least it did on mine.
Hey Italia Autos, I was wondering if it's possible to replace just one of the horizontal bars in the grill, or do you have to replace the entire thing? I've just bought a 147 which has the bottom bar missing.
U can place one if you can get just oen
Cambelt 36k or every 3 years!
Is That what Alfa Romeo specify?
Maybe they got mixed up with a Ferrari 348 ...:)
Thanks for the video, I'm hoping to buy one tomorrow and found this very useful
What was the suspension brand that you mentioned? Berth? Birth?Byrth?
Original Birth, its an Italian Brand that makes lots of oe components to our brand.
Heyo one I'm buying has engine noise at startup which goes away when warmed up, but I thought since its the 105hp variant that it doesnt have a variator. Mechanic says the oil needs changing, but could oil really be the only thing making it have that noise?
Could be. I don’t see many 105bhp cars in the us
Can I use lpg gas for my Alfa 147
Wherry Amazing Alfa Solid Car. Only after 16y Controll the Midle Katalisator can be clogged you losing more than 70%power I
Could you do a guide on the 156 2.5 V6?
one will happen over the next few months
@@ItaliaAutos Thanks a lot mate, I love your content and Alfa Romeos
is it possible to throw a 3.0 or a dreamy gta engine ? among brakes fuel pump radiator etc... gearbox is different right?
There is enough space but engine, transmition, ecu and a lot of other things are different, so i wouldn't say its exactly a smart idea. Its probably easier buying gta version
@@jplslo8213 yes......I know....it would be great
@@davidBarrel i feel you, i wanted to do same thing with my 147
@@jplslo8213 you know what it would be great? To instal the 4.2 maserati v8 in the 159, it fits, some 159 were tested ln the streets with them.
I heard that the 2.0 Twin Spark can be quite problematic compared to the 1.6. What are the common problems with the 2.0 TS? Not asking for a friend.
as long as cambelts are changed and oil is changed regularly it should be fine
@@ItaliaAutos I'll take that into consideration. Since the fuel consumption is quite high in the TS engines anyways I may as well get the 2.0 TS. More power and similar fuel useage. Would you agree with that or is the 1.6 the better choice in the 147?
@@GECKOZFTW i get current consumption on highway 6L/100km, on my 1.6ts, not sure about 2.0L. But it lacks a bit of umph in power.
I think my body computer is failing, the car keeps dying overnight and the left side light failure turns on then off after a few seconds of getting it back up and running. Any tips to avoid a pricey repair? Cheers
yep sounds like it. replacement ecu set is cheapest. i may have some sets email me.
Very nice 156 station there in the red!
Did the automatic transmission is good on this car, cuz of my leg operation, I really struggle to drive with 3 pedals.
There not the best to be honest. Go for a 159 auto.
@@ItaliaAutos are they same in the Grande Punto Evo or not?
And THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THE ANSWER!👍
PS: and witch model from 159 will you recommend me? To look for?
1.9
Whats you opinion on the 105 horsepower 1.6 twin spark engine? (2006)
Just get a 120 plenty of them about, 105 is rare
Thanks mine is a 1600 TI its noisy for some reason when inside. No obvious reason. Black everything. Including speedo & hard to read. Would prefer white Temp controls complex no real logic when adjusting temp. Sony radio ugly and micro buttons want to dump it ASAP. Paint very good varator is noisy preferred my 916 gtv which had to due to ulez. West london.
my sister had one from new not much went wrong. 280k with the diesel jtd 1.9. a friend had an 2.0 twin spark he did not take care af the car so his engine failed on him (oil went to low !!!) oops
yep ts engines need there oil.
Does anyone with a alfa romeo 147 1.6 twin spark, hear a high pitched sound when accelerating in 5th? Starts at 60 to 85 and then it stops and starts again after 100 km/h.
Or know what it could be?
It doenst sound like a transmission whine.
Change your gearbox fluid.
That was fast :)
Transmission fluid has been changed at 60000 km, the car has 105000 km now.
@@niektewieske cheapest option if it fixes it bonus. 👍
Ok, thanks👌
Do you have any experience with the Ducati Corse model? How much does it differ from the 16v 150HP model?
Provost other than stickers and wheels it’s just a run out model thats rarer than other 147’s👍
Sportpack suspension (about 15mm lower, and stiffer + stiffer antiroll bars) also found on the Sport Q2 and Ti petrol. Most importantly, a Q2 LSD. Together the suspension and diff make it a far better handling car, if a bit harsh on bumpy surfaces. Also the DC has different Bosch injectors and a slightly uprated clutch (same as GT Cloverleaf 170). The DC has 18" wheels for added harshness, other 150's have 17" or 16". On any 1.9JTDM >2006 with the plastic manifold plenum watch out for swirl flap ingestion. Delete them ASAP or else they'll delete your engine. Personally I hate the DC stripes, but they are only vinyl.
Tony Sleep Thanks mate, was rather tempted by one. Parts, plus the fact no one writes about them on the internet (unless you can speak italian), was putting me off a bit.
@@Pr0vost Oh, you need to get yourself to the 147/156 GT technical forum of Alfaowner.com. A fantastic and very helpful resource for knowledge of these cars. I have a Sport Q2, which is almost identical to the DC except only 150bhp, and wouldn't change it for anything.
Tony Sleep Noted, thank you again!
Would you risk a 15 year owned by one person 1.9jtd with 330k, overall in really good shape? Is that engine reliable to do at least 100k more?
yep
Just be aware of the cats, they block and can damage the motor.
Replace them.
In fact any vehicle with a cat can damage the motors.
Can a relatively tall person
(195cm/ 6 foot 4) sit in it comfortably ?
Just don’t get one with a sunroof and you should be fine.
@@ItaliaAutos Thanks for the quick answer good sir. :)
I will keep that in mind 👍
Have you got any 147 1.6 for sale?
Thank you, very helpful!
You got through that video without mentioning the dreaded SeleSpeed
Yes I did. Do these videos unscripted to stuff does get missed out,
What's that?
The automatic gearbox. Well semi anyway.
@@ItaliaAutos Ah I see, cheers for the quick response
What are your thoughts regarding the engine on a 2005 147 1.6 TS with 150,000 miles on it? What's the life expectancy?
Should be fine with regular oil changes and correct cambelt intervals.
147 1.9jtdm facelift or gt 1.9 jtdm??
Gt
147, what a sleeper
Nice review but has put me off getting one 😄👍🏻
Make guide about GT
This or GT?
Gt
Thanks! 👍❤Alfa
Thanks for watching
Jtd engines are virtually indestructible in normal use.
After owning one for 200.000k miles I can shorten your Buyers Guide for the 147: Please don;t !!!
If you owned it for 200,000 miles it couldnt of been bad at all. thanks for watching.
@@ItaliaAutos Loved that car until it finally died few years ago! I am a fan of your videos and altough I already know alot of the tech info it is nice to look back at it. Driving a Giulietta now but from my 156, 147, Mito and Giulietta the 147 gives me the best memories!
@@jodok07 1) humor, 2) read the above, 3) I loved that car but back then it was a few years old and trough the years it had alot of repairs done. Imagine buying a 2001 147 nowadays and having to do all that work to get it in good condition again ($$$).
Great 👍
U forgot to mention don't buy the sillyspeed version
I think most of them are long dead now.
sounds that is not reliable at all, but I would still buy one tho'
MetropoloBot there not bad cars. Still loads around for an 18 year old car.
@@ItaliaAutos I had a 156 from 2002 for 2-3 years and I had a couple of problems, electrical related, now I'm thinking on buying a 147 but I doubt and hesitate...
Bolsonaro 2022
twin spark D:
Buyers guide for Alfa 147: Don't.
Correction, don't buy a cheap one.
9191
Could you pleeeeeeeaaaase do a Buyers guide for the 159/Brera! I currently have a Busso powered GTV, but I need something more practical and fuel efficient. What engine in the 159 is your pick and why? Cheers!
When the brera 2.4 is finished I'll do one.
Thanks Mate! Great videos too, cool to see a channel like this sharing know how on these lovely cars.
another fwd fiat fart can
I have one in Ghana my type is alfer147jtdm is