out with the old in with the new

[Jeroen]

orange peel is the result of the modern water based paints, pity but you see it everywhere

performance wise you won't have any complaints I guess!

[nas80]

right thought id update this thread.

OUT WITH THE NEW AND BACK WITH THE OLD.

Sold my 335d after six months, and 6800 miles and only lost maybe a grand or so on it, which on a new car is actually pretty good going considering.

that 335d was fast in a straight line, spacious and good looking, feature packed and the engine was epic as well as the ZF 8 speed.

however

lacked any kind of feedback or driver involvement as the steering is electric, it doesnt really let you know whats happening.
BMW didnt fit the proper m sport suspension on it but the normal 3 series suspension because of the 4x4 system
I used to get pain in the lower back on longer journey and it flopped a bit bends.

The handling was fixed a little by lowering it some, although comfort was still there... you could tell what it really needed was adjustable dampers and the run flats removing. Which on a car that is 46k list should not be necessary. The decision to get rid was finally cemented when my work made a few people redundant, should i lose my job, didnt want the burden.

So needing a daily, i have bought this alfa romeo 159 ti,

its pretty rare being only 1 of 17 in the country with 4 wheel drive.
It has a diesel 5 cylinder 20v engine that produces 210hp standard
this one has had the DPF removed and remapped to 275hp (no dyno sheet to prove but it feels about round there)

its not as fast as the bmw, however you really connect with it, and the quick rack steering and brembo brakes are great and nicely weighted, the suspension is pretty well sorted too and no need to lower as its been done from the factory, it still hits 40mpg combined.

this is also the only diesel i have ever seen that comes with a factory boost gauge. it needs a better stereo, luckily it takes a double din

Im going to follow Eddie's detailing thread and go invest in some cleaning potions and give it a full on detail,

[Jeroen]

Something different, but still fast and they look good huh!

[pandemonium001]

love it, nicer than the BMW I think.

[joe14]

Lovely.
My neighbour has the estate version, the big brakes look awesome under the wheels.

I hope you enjoy it.

[drjim]

You have an AlfaQuattro Love it.

[nas80]

cheers lads. wasn't sure about the reception this would get tbh.

Its a pretty good steer you know, has a torsen 3 setup, just like the RSx Audis.

[croma_man]

Do you know why alfa drivers dont greet each other on the road?
Because they already met at the mechanic in the morning.

I'd pick a 530d e39 with a few tuned parts for a daily.

[Jeroen]

[E21noob]

Do you know why alfa drivers dont greet each other on the road?
Because they already met at the mechanic in the morning.

I'd pick a 530d e39 with a few tuned parts for a daily.

I do like the look of it though.

[nas80]

Best dig ive had so far was from Mals customs he said "dya know who the richest man in Huddersfield is?! Its the guy that owns Alfa tech"

[uwbuurman]

And in fact, these more recent Alfa's are pretty reliable, better in tuv statistics than VW tsi engines. I'm looking forward to the reveal of the Gulia, comming July or August. That one has rwd, like the 159 should had have. Never the less this is a great car, have fun with it!