Alfa Romeo 159 Buyer Guide

About the Model

The Alfa Romeo 159 is the replacement for the aging Alfa Romeo 156. Production of the 159 began at the end of 2005, with the sedan version introduced first, followed by the Sportwagon estate version in 2006. The car is front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (Q4 versions). Mechanically, it is identical to the Alfa Romeo Brera.

The production of this model was delayed from the start. The original plan was to build it on the GM Epsilon platform, but due to issues in the partnership with GM during the project’s development, the decision was made to use the GM/Fiat Premium platform, originally designed for the Alfa 166 successor. Compared to the 156, the 159 is significantly larger, but its weight also increased — arguably its main drawback.
A great deal of attention was paid to passive safety. High-quality materials and advanced technologies were used in its construction: multi-layer metal sheets, laser-welded seams for better rigidity in a crash, and more continuous structural joints. The car body was the stiffest in its class at the time of production. Because of these safety technologies — which also increased the weight — the car received five Euro NCAP stars, being recognized as the safest in its segment.
Overall, the Alfa 159 is a very successful and trustworthy car, even for long-distance travel.

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Updates

During its production, the model received three updates.

(2005–2008 – Bug fixes and gradual improvements)

The first update took place at the beginning of 2007. As with most new models, early versions had various issues — faulty components were replaced (some parts sourced from other manufacturers), making the car more reliable.
Examples include the redesigned steering columns, modified lower control arm design, and replaceable “candy” type bushings. From mid-2007, 2.4 JTDm engines received a more advanced turbocharger using needle bearings instead of regular ones. This improved throttle response (reduced turbo lag) and increased power slightly — from 147 kW to 154 kW.
Automatic versions continued using the older turbo until the end of 2.4 engine production.

(2008–2009 – Major update, Facelift)

From late 2007, some visual and technical improvements were introduced, first appearing on TI versions.
The major facelift happened in January 2008 (FL). Only cars produced after January 2008 can be considered facelift versions.
Main updates:

• White dashboard illumination (instead of red)

• Vehicle weight reduced by 45 kg (more aluminum parts, spare wheel removed from standard equipment)

• Redesigned instrument panel

• Electronic LSD (eQ2) – a rebranded ASR for marketing purposes

• Trunk opens by pressing the rear logo (no interior button)

• 1.9 16V got 305 mm Brembo brakes as standard

• Redesigned front and rear seats

• Window closing via key fob no longer available (only opening)

• Different radio antenna (BT/Navi compatible)

• Improved sound insulation

• Start button now computer-controlled – no need to hold it

• Improved roof liner – more headroom

• More rear legroom due to new seat design

• Rear seats flatter and better for child seats

• Sportwagon rear seats fold more conveniently for longer items

• Updated wheel designs

• From 2009: new 1.75 TBi petrol engine introduced

• From 2009: new navigation system (screen)

• From 2009: 2.0 JTDm diesel introduced (also used in Giulietta)

• From Feb 2009: front suspension modifications – thinner upper ball joints

(2010–2011 – Final update)

Few models were produced as production was winding down. Some previously optional features became standard (e.g., TI steering wheel), while other features became optional extras (e.g., fog lights). These cars can be identified by black dashboard trim instead of aluminum. Due to low production, information on this update is limited.

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Versions / Trim Levels

The car had rich standard equipment, including:
Air conditioning, VDC, Hill Holder, ASR, EBD, fire prevention system, driver, passenger, and side airbags, “Follow Me Home” headlights, trip computer, leather gear knob, front armrest with cooling compartment, fully adjustable front seats, fog lights, and heated electric mirrors.

Higher trims could include:
Aluminum interior trim, leather or Frau® Pieno Fiore soft leather seats, electric seats with memory, rain/light/humidity sensors, auto-dimming mirror, steering wheel audio/phone/nav controls, navigation with GSM, Bose sound system, heated adjustable front seats, parking sensors (rear or full), 17–19” alloy wheels, dual or tri-zone climate control with AQS, cruise control, knee airbags, Bi-Xenon headlights with washers, electric sunroof, MP3 CD player or changer, folding mirrors, Blue&Me Bluetooth + USB, upgraded Brembo brakes, sport exhaust tips, luggage nets, dog separation net (Sportwagon), roof rails (silver or black), tinted windows, tire pressure sensors, steering paddles (2.4 automatics only), heated windshield, and heated wipers.

Over the years, standard and optional equipment changed.

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TI (Turismo Internazionale) Trim (since mid-2007)

Differences include:

• R19 “spoked” alloy wheels (known as TI wheels)

• Heated front seats

• 20 mm lower sport suspension

• Side skirts

• Aluminum interior trim

• Chrome or matte silver mirrors (optional)

• Special exhaust tips (2.4)

• Sport leather seats with enhanced side bolsters, red stitching (usually black, later beige), some semi-leather from 2010

• Sportier steering wheel

• Black headliner

• Red Brembo 330 mm brakes standard

• Sportier gauge cluster

• Aluminum pedals

• TI door sill plates

• TI badges (optional by market)

• Folding rear seats (even in sedan)
  Common TI colors: black, red, gray; white rarer; custom colors available on request.
  Earlier (2007) TI versions were usually better equipped than facelift TI, since many features later became optional (e.g., electric seats, auto-dimming mirror, cruise control).

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Q4 Version

Available only with 2.4 20V JTD and 3.2 JTS engines.
Permanent all-wheel drive using three differentials (Torsen Type C).
Rear differential is always engaged.
Q4 cars are slightly higher (except TI Q4 which are lowered).
They are heavier and less fuel-efficient, but offer much better traction.

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Engines

Diesels are generally reliable with typical diesel issues (EGR, DPF).

• 1.9 JTDm 8V 85–88 kW – underpowered for the weight, not very economical.

• 1.9 JTDm 16V 100–110 kW – efficient and reliable (100 kW version for Belgium).

• 2.0 JTDm 16V 120–125 kW – more powerful and efficient, but rarer (introduced 2009). Must replace oil pump–sump seal to avoid oil starvation.

• 2.4 JTDm 20V 147–154 kW – powerful and pleasant to drive, but sometimes prone to cracked heads due to heat. Higher maintenance costs (fuel, clutch, flywheel).

All diesel engines have good tuning potential (up to +20% safely). Remapping should be done by specialists familiar with model-specific weaknesses.
These JTDm units are almost completely redesigned from older JTD engines used in 156/147/GT/166.

Petrol engines, unfortunately, are less reliable.
Recommended: 1.75 TBi or possibly 1.8 MPI.
The 1.9, 2.2, and 3.2 JTS are GM-based engines with minimal Alfa modifications — unrelated to the legendary Busso V6.
They are expensive to maintain and fuel-hungry.
Only 1.75 TBi and 1.8 engines work well with LPG.
The 3.2 V6 JTS suffers from timing chain stretch and engine failures caused by overly long oil-change intervals.

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Suspension

The front uses a double-wishbone setup, similar in principle to the 156 but much stronger and more durable.
Original parts can last up to 200,000 km. Occasionally, track rods or ends need replacement.
Upper and lower arms can be refurbished (except early 2006 lowers).
Rear suspension is simple and reliable, occasionally requiring new links for knocking noises.
Wheel bearings may wear or hum after long use or improper wheel alignment.

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Gearboxes

• M32 – used with 1.9 8V, 1.9 16V, 2.0 16V (some), and petrol 1.8/1.9/2.2/1.75 TBi.
  Common issue: bearing wear causing whining in 5th–6th gears and gear lever movement under load. Requires rebuild; used boxes are scarce.

• F40 – strong gearbox used in some 2.0 16V and all 2.4 20V engines.

• Aisin AW TF-80SC (Q-Tronic automatic) – improved after facelift. Early units had issues, mostly from lack of oil changes.
  Change fluid every 50–60 k km (7–8 L needed). Proper maintenance prevents solenoid/filter failures. Post-2008 versions are more reliable.

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Known Issues / Weak Points

• Diesels – EGR clogging (can be cleaned or deleted).

• Petrols – timing chain stretch (must be replaced).

• 2006 steering columns – ZF manufacturing defect caused leaks; fixed from 2007.

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Electronics

Generally reliable.
Warnings usually indicate real faults (broken wire, dirty sensor).
Unlike the 156, airbag errors are rare due to improved connectors.
Specific issues:

• Facelift models – radio antenna amplifier fails from moisture ingress (roof-mounted).

• Non-Xenon versions – headlight leveling switch failure due to missing small metal spacer (can be DIY fixed).
  

• Xenon versions – ballast failure due to moisture; clean connectors preemptively.

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Body

Over time, stone chips may appear on the hood and around rear sills and doors.
Paint may peel near front sills and fenders, but panels are galvanized and resist rust.
Cars driven on salty roads (e.g., in Lithuania) may show rust on trunk lids, hood edges, or sills.

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Other Issues

• Window regulators (especially rear) may fail with age.

• Door opening “click” – caused by worn door stoppers (replace to fix).

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Wheels

Bolt pattern: 5×110
Original sizes: R16 (only early 1.9), R17, R18, R19 (TI only).
Facelift, 2.4, and TI models require wheels with proper offset due to large Brembo brakes; otherwise, they won’t fit.
Adapters (spacers) can be used but are not legal for inspection (MOT).
Some Opel/Saab wheels fit, but test before buying.
Bolt thread: M14×1.5 (German standard, not Italian M12×1.25).

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