🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Alfa Romeo Model: 159 Year Range: 2009-2010 Market Segment: Compact Executive Car / Mid-size Car Codes Chassis Code: 939 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: The Alfa Romeo 159 was positioned as a premium Italian sports sedan and wagon, aiming to blend style, driving dynamics, and comfort in the executive car segment. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Competed with established German rivals such as the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, as well as other premium marques like Lexus IS and Volvo S60. Key Features Design: Renowned for its distinctive Italian styling, featuring Alfa Romeo's signature 'Scudetto' grille and a sleek, elegant profile. Driving Dynamics: Emphasized a sporty driving experience with refined suspension tuning and responsive steering, offering a good balance between comfort and handling. Interior: Featured a driver-focused cockpit with high-quality materials (for its time) and ergonomic design, available in sedan and Sportwagon (estate) body styles. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Years Covered: 2009, 2010 Engine Types Covered: All engine variants Trim Levels Covered: All trim levels Page Count Estimated Page Count: 300-500 (Typical for this class of manual) Manual Type Type: Owner's Manual / Operator's Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine operation, cooling, lubrication, fuel system, exhaust system, engine management system (ECU). Transmission: Operation of manual and QTRONIC (automatic) transmissions, gear selection, fluid checks. Chassis: Braking system, steering system, suspension system (front and rear), wheel and tire information. Electrical: Lighting systems (exterior and interior), dashboard indicators and warning lights, fuses, battery, basic electrical component operation. Bodywork: Doors, windows, locks, mirrors, seating adjustment, interior trim, exterior panels, convertible top operation (if applicable). Safety Systems: Airbag system operation, seatbelt usage, child restraint systems, ABS, VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control). Infotainment Climate: Radio/CD player operation, climate control system (manual and automatic), trip computer. Procedures Included Basic Operation: Starting and stopping the engine, driving controls, parking, fuel filling, basic instrument cluster interpretation. Routine Maintenance: Checking and topping up engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid, tire pressure checks, bulb replacement guidance. Troubleshooting Indicators: Explanation of warning lights and telltales, basic troubleshooting steps for common issues. Vehicle Care: Cleaning and care of interior and exterior surfaces. Emergency Procedures: Use of spare tire/tire repair kit, jacking points, emergency braking procedures. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive owner-level operation and maintenance guidance. Does not typically include detailed diagnostic procedures or full repair instructions found in a workshop manual. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android and other PDF-compatible devices. Searchability: Likely searchable text content due to PDF format, enabling quick information retrieval. Print Quality Quality: High-resolution PDF suitable for on-screen viewing and printing. Binding Type Type: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Type: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Options Overview: The 2009-2010 159 offered a range of petrol and diesel engines, including the JTS (Jet Thrust Stoichiometric) naturally aspirated petrols and the Multijet turbodiesels. Petrol Engines: 1.8 MPI, 1.9 JTS, 2.2 JTS, 3.2 V6 JTS (GM sourced). Diesel Engines: 1.9 JTDM (8v & 16v), 2.4 JTDM (20v). Performance Petrol Examples: 1.9 JTS (160 PS/118 kW), 2.2 JTS (185 PS/136 kW), 3.2 V6 JTS (260 PS/191 kW). Diesel Examples: 1.9 JTDM 16v (150 PS/110 kW), 2.4 JTDM 20v (200 PS/147 kW). Fuel System Petrol Injection: Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) for 1.8, Direct Injection (JTS) for 1.9, 2.2, 3.2. Diesel Injection: Common Rail Direct Injection (MultiJet). 🔧 Transmission Standard Manual Gearboxes: Typically a 6-speed manual transmission was standard on many engine variants. Optional Automatic Gearboxes: QTRONIC 6-speed automatic transmission was available on certain models, notably with the 3.2 V6 and diesel engines. Features All Wheel Drive: Q4 All-Wheel Drive system was available, primarily paired with the 3.2 V6 JTS engine and the 2.4 JTDM diesel. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 4660 mm (Sedan) / 4770 mm (Sportwagon) Width: Approx. 1760 mm Height: Approx. 1417 mm (Sedan) / 1495 mm (Sportwagon) Wheelbase: Approx. 2700 mm Weights Curb Weight: Varies significantly by engine and configuration, typically ranging from 1450 kg to 1700+ kg. 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Euro Ncap Rating: Awarded a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating, demonstrating good all-around crash protection. Active Features Stability Control: Standard fitment of VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control - Alfa Romeo's Electronic Stability Program) and ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation). Braking Assist: ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution) and Brake Assist (BA). Passive Features Airbags: Multiple airbags including front, side, and window airbags. Knee airbag for the driver on some configurations. Seatbelts: Pre-tensioned front seatbelts with load limiters, rear seatbelt reminders. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Integrated Clarion or Blaupunkt audio systems with CD player, radio, and often steering wheel controls. Optional Bose sound system available. Navigation: Optional integrated GPS navigation system with a dashboard-mounted screen. Driver Assistance Parking Sensors: Optional front and rear...
The Alfa Romeo 159 was positioned as a premium Italian sports sedan and wagon, aiming to blend style, driving dynamics, and comfort in the executive car segment.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Competed with established German rivals such as the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, as well as other premium marques like Lexus IS and Volvo S60.
Key Features
Design:
Renowned for its distinctive Italian styling, featuring Alfa Romeo's signature 'Scudetto' grille and a sleek, elegant profile.
Driving Dynamics:
Emphasized a sporty driving experience with refined suspension tuning and responsive steering, offering a good balance between comfort and handling.
Interior:
Featured a driver-focused cockpit with high-quality materials (for its time) and ergonomic design, available in sedan and Sportwagon (estate) body styles.
Radio/CD player operation, climate control system (manual and automatic), trip computer.
Procedures Included
Basic Operation:
Starting and stopping the engine, driving controls, parking, fuel filling, basic instrument cluster interpretation.
Routine Maintenance:
Checking and topping up engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid, tire pressure checks, bulb replacement guidance.
Troubleshooting Indicators:
Explanation of warning lights and telltales, basic troubleshooting steps for common issues.
Vehicle Care:
Cleaning and care of interior and exterior surfaces.
Emergency Procedures:
Use of spare tire/tire repair kit, jacking points, emergency braking procedures.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive owner-level operation and maintenance guidance. Does not typically include detailed diagnostic procedures or full repair instructions found in a workshop manual.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Compatibility:
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android and other PDF-compatible devices.
Searchability:
Likely searchable text content due to PDF format, enabling quick information retrieval.
Print Quality
Quality:
High-resolution PDF suitable for on-screen viewing and printing.
Binding Type
Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Options Overview:
The 2009-2010 159 offered a range of petrol and diesel engines, including the JTS (Jet Thrust Stoichiometric) naturally aspirated petrols and the Multijet turbodiesels.
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) for 1.8, Direct Injection (JTS) for 1.9, 2.2, 3.2.
Diesel Injection:
Common Rail Direct Injection (MultiJet).
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Manual Gearboxes:
Typically a 6-speed manual transmission was standard on many engine variants.
Optional
Automatic Gearboxes:
QTRONIC 6-speed automatic transmission was available on certain models, notably with the 3.2 V6 and diesel engines.
Features
All Wheel Drive:
Q4 All-Wheel Drive system was available, primarily paired with the 3.2 V6 JTS engine and the 2.4 JTDM diesel.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 4660 mm (Sedan) / 4770 mm (Sportwagon)
Width:
Approx. 1760 mm
Height:
Approx. 1417 mm (Sedan) / 1495 mm (Sportwagon)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2700 mm
Weights
Curb Weight:
Varies significantly by engine and configuration, typically ranging from 1450 kg to 1700+ kg.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Euro Ncap Rating:
Awarded a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating, demonstrating good all-around crash protection.
Active Features
Stability Control:
Standard fitment of VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control - Alfa Romeo's Electronic Stability Program) and ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation).
Braking Assist:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution) and Brake Assist (BA).
Passive Features
Airbags:
Multiple airbags including front, side, and window airbags. Knee airbag for the driver on some configurations.
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioned front seatbelts with load limiters, rear seatbelt reminders.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Integrated Clarion or Blaupunkt audio systems with CD player, radio, and often steering wheel controls. Optional Bose sound system available.
Navigation:
Optional integrated GPS navigation system with a dashboard-mounted screen.
Driver Assistance
Parking Sensors:
Optional front and rear parking sensors.
Cruise Control:
Standard fitment on most models.
Connectivity
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free system for mobile phone integration.
Usb Aux:
USB and AUX inputs were becoming more common in this era, check specific trim for availability.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Petrol:
Typically every 15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first (may vary based on driving conditions and specific engine).
Oil Change Diesel:
Typically every 20,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first (may vary based on driving conditions and specific engine).
Timing Belt Petrol:
JTS engines generally use a timing chain. Check manual for specific guidance on chain inspection/replacement.
Timing Belt Diesel:
JTDM engines use a timing belt, typically requiring replacement every 100,000-120,000 km or 5-6 years.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
Refer to manual for specific API, ACEA, and viscosity grades (e.g., Selenia Star Pure Energy 0W-30 for petrol, Selenia WR Pure Energy 5W-30 for diesel are common recommendations).
Coolant:
Paraflu UP (OAT coolant, typically red/pink) mixed with distilled water in a 50/50 ratio.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 or DOT 4 PLUS (refer to manual for exact specification).
Transmission Oil Manual:
API GL-4/GL-5 specification, specific viscosity recommended by Alfa Romeo.
Transmission Oil Automatic:
Specific ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) for QTRONIC gearbox, consult manual for exact type and change interval.
Known Issues
Diesel Dpf:
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) regeneration issues can occur with short-distance driving, potentially leading to clogging and warning lights.
Suspension Components:
Front suspension components, particularly wishbones and drop links, can wear over time due to road conditions.
Electronic Faults:
Intermittent electrical gremlins or 'mystery' warning lights can sometimes be an issue, often requiring dealer-level diagnostics.
Interior Trim:
Some minor issues with interior trim fitment or wear on high-touch surfaces can be noted.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Legacy:
Alfa Romeo boasts a long and storied history in motorsport and sports car manufacturing, known for passionate engineering and distinctive design.
Model Evolution
Predecessor:
Succeeded the Alfa Romeo 156, sharing the same Type 939 platform with the Fiat Croma and Lancia Thesis.
Successor:
The 159 was eventually replaced by the Alfa Romeo Giulia.
Production
Production Years:
2005-2011
Manufacturing Location:
Pomigliano d'Arco, Naples, Italy.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Euro Ncap:
5-star Euro NCAP safety rating.
Styling Awards:
Frequently praised for its sophisticated Italian design, often winning accolades for aesthetics from automotive publications.