Review: Alfa Romeo Mk.I 156 Sportwagon (2000-02)

Overview

Released in August 2000, the Alfa Romeo Mk.I 156 was available as a compact executive ‘Sportwagon’ or sedan (the 156 sedan has has been reviewed separately). Manufactured in Pomigliano d’Arco, Italy, the front-wheel drive 156 Sportwagon range initially consisted of 2.0 Twin Spark variants which were available with five-speed manual and semi-automatic (Alfa Romeo’s ‘Selespeed’) transmissions.

Twin Spark engine

The 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder ‘Twin Spark’ engines had double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 10.0:1. The Twin Spark engines were so-called because one spark plug was positioned in the centre of the cylinder, with a second spark plug positioned at the very edge of the combustion chamber between the inlet and exhaust valves.

Dimensions and suspension

The 156 Sportwagon was 4430 mm long, 1745 mm wide, 1420 mm tall and had a 2595 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the 156 Sportwagon had double wishbone front suspension and MacPherson strut rear suspension.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Alfa Romeo  156 Sportwagon included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution and front seatbelt pretensioners. 

Features

Standard 156 Sportwagon features included a six speaker Phillips-VDO stereo with CD player, climate control air conditioning, front and rear fog lights, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, a wooden steering wheel and gear lever, remote central locking, power windows and heated door mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, driver’s seat lumbar adjustment, a double-sided luggage floor, remote opening rear hatch, retractable luggage cover, cargo nets, a 12 volt power outlet and an immobiliser.

Review: Alfa Romeo Mk.II 156 Sportwagon (2002-03)

Overview

Released in August 2002, the Mk.II 156 introduced improved safety equipment, additional features, new engines and a subtle facelift. The 2.0 Twin Spark was replaced by the more powerful 2.0 JTS; the 2.0-litre JTS (‘Jet Thrust Stoichiometric’) four-cylinder petrol engine had direct injection, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 11.3:1.

Visually, the Mk.II 156 Sportwagon could be identified by its side skirts, colour-coded exterior mirrors and rubber bumper strips, roof-mounted aerial and brighter alloy wheels.

Inside, the Mk.II 156 Sportwagon featured a new steering wheel (with stereo controls), new centre console with Alfa Romeo InfoCentre (an LCD screen which provided trip computer and temperature read-outs), Blaupunkt audio system and imitation metal finish for the centre console.

Safety equipment

Compared to its Mk.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the Mk.II 156 Sportwagon was significantly improved due to the fitment of curtain airbags, brake assist, electronic stability control and traction control.

Features

Additional standard features consisted of leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, headlights washers and trip computer.

Related links

• Press Kit: Alfa Romeo Mk.II 156 Sportwagon (August 2002)

Review: Alfa Romeo Mk.III 156 Sportwagon (2003-06)

Overview

Released in November 2003, the Mk.III 156 Sportwagon introduced styling changes, an upgraded interior and minor suspension changes, with a new vacuum cast aluminium cross member at the rear and more compliant suspension mounts.

Visually, the Mk.III 156 Sportwagon could be identified by its larger grille, narrower front bumper, new head- and tail-lights. Inside, there was a new leather-trimmed fascia with multifunction display and integrated stereo; buyers also had a choice of three special-order colour combinations: black on beige, black on grey and dark grey on light grey.

Features

Compared to its Mk.II predecessor, standard features for the Mk.III 156 Sportwagon were largely unchanged

Brochure

• Brochure: Alfa Romeo Mk.III 156 and 156 Sportwagon (February 2004)

Related links

• Press Kit: Alfa Romeo Mk.III 156 Sportwagon (November 2003)
• Wikipedia.org: Alfa Romeo 156

Review: Alfa Romeo Mk.I 156 sedan (1999-02)

Overview

Released in February 1999, the Alfa Romeo Mk.I 156 was available as a compact executive sedan or wagon (please note that the 156 Sportwagon has been reviewed separately). Manufactured in Pomigliano d’Arco, Italy, the front-wheel drive 156 range initially consisted of 2.0 Twin Spark and 2.5 V6 variants, powered by 2.0- and 2.5-litre petrol engines, respectively. In 2002, 2.5 V6 Monza editions were released with six-speed manual transmissions.

Twin Spark and JTS engines

Of the engines,

• The 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder ‘Twin Spark’ engines had double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 10.0:1. The Twin Spark engines were so-called because one spark plug was positioned in the centre of the cylinder, with a second spark plug positioned at the very edge of the combustion chamber between the inlet and exhaust valves; and,
• The 2.5-litre V6 had double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 10.3:1.

While the 2.0 Twin Spark was available with five-speed manual and semi-automatic transmissions (Alfa Romeo’s ‘Selespeed’), the 2.5 V6 was offered with a four-speed automatic transmission.

Dimensions and suspension

The 156 sedan was 4430 mm long, 1745 mm wide, 1415 mm tall and had a 2595 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the 156 had double wishbone front suspension and MacPherson strut rear suspension.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Alfa Romeo  156 included dual front airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution and front seatbelt pretensioners. From May 2000, front side airbags were fitted as standard.

Features: 156 Twin Spark and V6

Standard features for the Alfa Romeo 156 Twin Spark included a six speaker sound system with a CD player, climate control air conditioning, front and rear fog lights, a ski port, wooden steering wheel and gear lever, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, driver’s seat lumbar adjustment and an immobiliser.

The Alfa Romeo 156 2.5 V6 was further equipped with leather upholstery.

156 Limited Edition

In January 2000, Limited Edition models of the 2.0 Twin Spark and 2.5 V6 were released; all were fitted with Momo leather upholstery and a six-disc CD player, while the 2.0 Twin Spark Limited Edition also gained 16-inch alloy wheels.

May 2000: Alfa Romeo 156 update

In May 2000, the 156 underwent a minor update; in addition to side airbags, standard features were improved to include a Phillips-VDO stereo. In June 2000, however, leather upholstery was made standard for the 2.5 V6.

2000 Alfa Romeo 156 Monza editions

In July 2000, the range was expanded with the introduction of the Monza editions; available in both the 2.0 Twin Spark and 2.5 V6 variants, the Monza editions were distinguished by their unique 16-inch alloy wheels with low profile 205/16 tyres, leather upholstery (for the 2.0 Twin Spark), leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, side skirts and red-on-black instrumentation.

Review: Alfa Romeo Mk.II 156 sedan (2002-03)

Overview

Released in August 2002, the Alfa Romeo Mk.II 156 introduced improved safety equipment, additional features, new engines and a subtle facelift. The 2.0 Twin Spark was replaced by the direct-injection 2.0 JTS, while a range-topping 3.2 V6 GTA was also introduced.

JTS and V6 engines

Of the new engines,

• The 2.0-litre JTS (‘Jet Thrust Stoichiometric’) engine had direct injection, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 11.3:1; and,
• The 3.2-litre had double overhead camshafts (per cylinder bank), four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing and a compression ratio of 10.5:1.

Identification

Visually, the Alfa Romeo Mk.II 156 could be identified by its side skirts, colour-coded exterior mirrors and rubber bumper strips, roof-mounted aerial and brighter alloy wheels. Inside, the Mk.II 156 featured a new steering wheel (with stereo controls), new centre console with Alfa Romeo InfoCentre (an LCD screen which provided trip computer and temperature read-outs), Blaupunkt audio system and imitation metal finish for the centre console. As a result of the improved equipment levels, the Monza and Sport editions were discontinued.

Safety equipment

Compared to its Mk.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the Mk.II 156 was significantly improved due to the fitment of curtain airbags, brake assist, electronic stability control and traction control.

The 3.2 V6 GTA was also fitted with 305 mm by 32 mm ventilated front discs with twin-piston Brembo calipers and 276 mm by 10mm rear discs with single piston calipers.

Features

Additional standard features consisted of leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, headlights washers and trip computer.

The 3.2 V6 GTA was differentiated by its firmer suspension, Michelin tyres, faster steering ratio and drilled aluminium pedals.

Related links

• Press Kit: Alfa Romeo Mk.II 156 (August 2002)
• Press Kit: Alfa Romeo Mk.II 156 GTA (August 2002)

Review: Alfa Romeo Mk.III 156 sedan (2003-06)

Overview

Released in October 2003, the Alfa Romeo Mk.III 156 sedan introduced updated styling and a revised range as the 3.2 V6 GTA was discontinued. The suspension was also revised with a new vacuum cast aluminium cross member at the rear and more compliant suspension mounts.

Visually, the Mk.III 156 could be identified by its larger grille, narrower front bumper, new head- and tail-lights and a new boot lid. Inside, there was a new leather-trimmed fascia with multifunction display and integrated stereo; buyers also had a choice of three special-order colour combinations: black on beige, black on grey and dark grey on light grey.

Features

Compared to its Mk.II predecessor, standard features for the Mk.III 156 sedan were largely unchanged.

Brochure

• Brochure: Alfa Romeo Mk.III 156 and 156 Sportwagon (February 2004)

Related links

• Press Kit: Alfa Romeo Mk.III 156 (September 2003)
• Wikipedia.org: Alfa Romeo 156

Recalls: Alfa Romeo 156 Sportwagon

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Alfa Romeo 156 Sportwagon

No recall information is available for the Alfa Romeo 156 Sportwagon. To search for recalls of Alfa Romeo models, please visit Product Safety Recalls Australia: Alfa Romeo.

Problems and faults: Alfa Romeo 156 Sportwagon

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Twin Spark engine: timing belt failure and change interval

For the 2.0 Twin Spark engine, the timing belts were susceptible to failing prematurely and causing serious engine damage. In November 2006, the change over interval was changed from every 72,000 miles to 36,000 miles/60,000 kilometres, or every three years (whichever comes first). It is also recommended that the water pump be changed at the same time since the impellers are made of plastic and may crack.

Twin Spark engine: variable idle and clatter

• A fluctuating idle speed may be due to a malfunctioning idle actuator (which requires replacement), an air leak around the inlet manifold or the throttle cable may have been dislodged when cleaning the throttle body. For the latter, resetting the engine control unit (ECU) may be required to restore proper idle.
• A clattery or diesel-like idle on start up and reduced performance may be due to the variator – which regulates camshaft timing – failing.

Alfa Romeo 156: suspension noises

• A knocking noise when driving over bumps may be due to the track rod end bushes of the steering rack wearing. Since the bushes are not available separately, the steering rack itself requires replacement. If ignored, steering response will lose precision.
• Squeaking noises may come from the front suspension when driving over speed bumps. If so, the upper front wishbone bushes may require greasing or the wishbones may need to be replaced.
• Squeaking noises or excessive movement from the rear suspension may indicate that the rear suspension bushes are worn – these require replacement and could cause damage to the rear subframe.
• Clunking noises from the rear suspension may indicate that the bolts in the aluminium suspension components have not been tightened, causing the bushes and mounting points to wear.

Alfa Romeo 156: front tyre wear

Excessive front tyre wear – including the inside edges – may be due to the front suspension being out of alignment, although the strut top bearings may also be worn.

Alfa Romeo 156: bonnet release mechanism

The bonnet release mechanism is greased from new, such that it picks up debris over time. As a result, the primary latch may cease to function and only the secondary latch engages. In other countries, there were reports of the bonnet flipping and smashing into the windscreen. Foreign recalls were issued which involved degreasing, cleaning and refitting the existing mechanism. Later Alfa Romeo 156 models had a plastic catch instead of a steel one, though this did not entirely resolve the problem. Owners are therefore advised to shut the bonnet firmly and pull on the leading edge to ensure that it is shut securely; WD40 can also be used to clean the mechanism.

Alfa Romeo 156 sedan: other problems and faults

• The front right solid brake pipe is susceptible to corrosion between the inner wing and the cambelt cover, where there is a clip around the pipe and a lack of protective plastic coating. The section of pipe is not visible such that the owner may need to feel along the pipe to detect any corrosion. If the pipe cracks or leaks, the braking function will be severely limited.
• In cold weather, a clicking noise from the passenger side of the dashboard may be due to the captive nuts on the front dash mounts vibrating – this may be fixed by applying sealant around the nut or using rubber washers.

Recalls: Alfa Romeo 156 sedan

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Alfa Romeo 156 sedan

No recall information is available for the Alfa Romeo 156 sedan. To search for recalls of Alfa Romeo models, please visit Product Safety Recalls Australia: Alfa Romeo.

Problems and faults: Alfa Romeo 156 sedan

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Twin Spark engine: timing belt failure and change interval

For the 2.0 Twin Spark engine, the timing belts were susceptible to failing prematurely and causing serious engine damage. In November 2006, the change over interval was changed from every 72,000 miles to 36,000 miles/60,000 kilometres, or every three years (whichever comes first). It is also recommended that the water pump be changed at the same time since the impellers are made of plastic and may crack.

Twin Spark engine: variable idle and clatter

• A fluctuating idle speed may be due to a malfunctioning idle actuator (which requires replacement), an air leak around the inlet manifold or the throttle cable may have been dislodged when cleaning the throttle body. For the latter, resetting the engine control unit (ECU) may be required to restore proper idle.
• A clattery or diesel-like idle on start up and reduced performance may be due to the variator – which regulates camshaft timing – failing.

Alfa Romeo 156: suspension noises

• A knocking noise when driving over bumps may be due to the track rod end bushes of the steering rack wearing. Since the bushes are not available separately, the steering rack itself requires replacement. If ignored, steering response will lose precision.
• Squeaking noises may come from the front suspension when driving over speed bumps. If so, the upper front wishbone bushes may require greasing or the wishbones may need to be replaced.
• Squeaking noises or excessive movement from the rear suspension may indicate that the rear suspension bushes are worn – these require replacement and could cause damage to the rear subframe.
• Clunking noises from the rear suspension may indicate that the bolts in the aluminium suspension components have not been tightened, causing the bushes and mounting points to wear.

Alfa Romeo 156: front tyre wear

Excessive front tyre wear – including the inside edges – may be due to the front suspension being out of alignment, although the strut top bearings may also be worn.

Alfa Romeo 156: bonnet release mechanism

The bonnet release mechanism is greased from new, such that it picks up debris over time. As a result, the primary latch may cease to function and only the secondary latch engages. In other countries, there were reports of the bonnet flipping and smashing into the windscreen. Foreign recalls were issued which involved degreasing, cleaning and refitting the existing mechanism. Later Alfa Romeo 156 models had a plastic catch instead of a steel one, though this did not entirely resolve the problem. Owners are therefore advised to shut the bonnet firmly and pull on the leading edge to ensure that it is shut securely; WD40 can also be used to clean the mechanism.

Alfa Romeo 156 sedan: other problems and faults

• The front right solid brake pipe is susceptible to corrosion between the inner wing and the cambelt cover, where there is a clip around the pipe and a lack of protective plastic coating. The section of pipe is not visible such that the owner may need to feel along the pipe to detect any corrosion. If the pipe cracks or leaks, the braking function will be severely limited.
• In cold weather, a clicking noise from the passenger side of the dashboard may be due to the captive nuts on the front dash mounts vibrating – this may be fixed by applying sealant around the nut or using rubber washers.

Released in February 1999, the Alfa Romeo Mk.I 156 was available as a compact executive sedan or wagon. Manufactured in Pomigliano d’Arco, Italy, the front-wheel drive 156 range initially consisted of 2.0 Twin Spark and 2.5 V6 variants, powered by 2.0- and 2.5-litre petrol engines, respectively. In 2002, 2.5 V6 Monza editions werReleased with six-speed manual transmissions… Read full Alfa Romeo 156 sedan review

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Images: Alfa Romeo Mk.II 156 sedan (2002-03)

Released in August 2002, the Alfa Romeo Mk.II 156 could be identified by its side skirts, colour-coded exterior mirrors and rubber bumper strips, roof-mounted aerial and brighter alloy wheels. Inside, the Mk.II 156 featured a new steering wheel (with stereo controls), new centre console with Alfa Romeo InfoCentre (an LCD screen which provided trip computer and temperature read-outs), Blaupunkt audio system and imitation metal finish for the centre console. As a result of the improved equipment levels, the Monza and Sport editions were discontinued.

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Images: Alfa Romeo Mk.III 156 sedan (2003-06)

Released in October 2003, the Alfa Romeo Mk.III 156 sedan could be identified by its larger grille, narrower front bumper, new head- and tail-lights and a new boot lid. Inside, there was a new leather-trimmed fascia with multifunction display and integrated stereo; buyers also had a choice of three special-order colour combinations: black on beige, black on grey and dark grey on light grey.

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Released in August 2000, the Alfa Romeo Mk.I 156 Sportwagon was a compact executive wagon. Manufactured in Pomigliano d’Arco, Italy, the front-wheel drive 156 Sportwagon range initially consisted of 2.0 Twin Spark variants which were available with five-speed manual and semi-automatic (Alfa Romeo’s ‘Selespeed’) transmissions… Read full Alfa Romeo 156 Sportwagon review

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Images: Alfa Romeo Mk.II 156 Sportwagon (2002-03)

Released in August 2002, the Alfa Romeo Mk.II 156 Sportwagon could be identified by its side skirts, colour-coded exterior mirrors and rubber bumper strips, roof-mounted aerial and brighter alloy wheels. Inside, the Mk.II 156 Sportwagon featured a new steering wheel (with stereo controls), new centre console with Alfa Romeo InfoCentre (an LCD screen which provided trip computer and temperature read-outs), Blaupunkt audio system and imitation metal finish for the centre console.

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Images: Alfa Romeo Mk.III 156 Sportwagon (2003-06)

Released in November 2003, the Alfa Romeo Mk.III 156 Sportwagon could be identified by its larger grille, narrower front bumper, new head- and tail-lights. Inside, there was a new leather-trimmed fascia with multifunction display and integrated stereo; buyers also had a choice of three special-order colour combinations: black on beige, black on grey and dark grey on light grey.

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