The Alfa Romeo 199 A3.000 is a 2,959 cc, V6 petrol engine produced between 1987 and 1992. It was developed as a high-revving, naturally aspirated powerplant for Alfa Romeo's premium grand tourers. Featuring a 60° V6 configuration, twin overhead camshafts (DOHC), and 24-valve head design, it delivered strong high-RPM power. In standard tune, it produced 162 kW (220 PS) at 6,200 rpm and 271 Nm of torque at 4,700 rpm.
Fitted primarily to the Alfa Romeo 164 and 168 models, the A3.000 was engineered for refined, high-speed cruising with sporty responsiveness. Its design prioritized smoothness and linear power delivery, making it ideal for long-distance driving. Emissions compliance was achieved through port fuel injection, catalytic converter, and lambda feedback control, meeting Euro 1 standards as certified under EU Directive 70/220/EEC.
One documented concern is premature camshaft wear in early production units, particularly affecting the exhaust camshafts. This issue, referenced in Alfa Romeo Service Information Bulletin 8705, was attributed to insufficient lubrication in the cam carrier oil galleries. In 1989, Alfa Romeo revised the oil feed passages and upgraded the camshaft material, significantly improving durability in post-1989 engines.
Production years 1987–1989 meet Euro 1 standards; 1990–1992 models comply with revised Euro 1 limits depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Alfa Romeo 199 A3.000 is a 2,959 cc V6 petrol engine engineered for executive sedans (1987–1992). It combines a 24-valve DOHC architecture with sequential port fuel injection to deliver high-RPM performance and smooth refinement. Designed to meet Euro 1 emissions standards, it balances spirited driving with acceptable fuel economy for its class.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,959 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | 60° V6, DOHC, 24-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 88.0 mm × 81.6 mm | |
| Power output | 162 kW (220 PS) @ 6,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 271 Nm @ 4,700 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic M2.5 sequential port injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 1 (EU Directive 70/220/EEC) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.4:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Timing belt (double-row, toothed belt) | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-40 (API SL/CF) | |
| Dry weight | 185 kg |
The high-revving V6 delivers exhilarating top-end power ideal for open-road driving but demands strict adherence to 60,000 km timing belt replacement intervals to prevent catastrophic interference failure. SAE 10W-40 oil meeting API SL/CF specs is essential to maintain camshaft lubrication, especially in early engines. Extended idling should be avoided to reduce thermal stress on exhaust manifolds. Fuel quality is critical—premium unleaded (RON 98) is recommended to prevent detonation under load. Post-1989 models benefit from revised oil galleries and hardened camshafts; pre-1989 units should be inspected for cam wear. The Motronic M2.5 system requires OEM-grade diagnostics for proper calibration and fault tracing.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W-40 API SL/CF specification (Alfa Romeo SIB 8705). Meets ACEA A3/B3 requirements.
Emissions: Euro 1 certification applies to all production years (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Market-specific variants may include enhanced catalysts.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output assumes premium fuel (RON 98) and clean air induction (Alfa Romeo TIS A3000-PWR-05).
Alfa Romeo Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A3000-ENG-01, A3000-FUEL-03, SIB 8705
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
ISO 1585:1996 Road vehicles — Engine test code — Net power
The Alfa Romeo 199 A3.000 was used across Alfa Romeo's 164 platform with transverse mounting and front-wheel drive layout. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-longer intake manifolds in saloon variants and revised exhaust routing in higher-trim models-and from 1990 the facelifted 164 Series 2 models adopted updated engine management software, creating minor calibration differences. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front-facing side of the engine block, near the timing cover (Alfa Romeo TIS A3000-ID-01). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('G' for 3.0 V6). Pre-1989 models have a ribbed black plastic intake manifold; post-1989 units use a smooth-finish manifold. Critical differentiation from 2.5L V6: The A3.000 has a 24-valve head with four spark plugs per cylinder bank, while the 2.5L uses a 12-valve head. Service parts require model year verification—timing belts for pre-1989 engines are incompatible with later models due to revised tensioner design (Alfa Romeo SIB 8912).
The A3.000's primary reliability risk is timing belt failure on neglected engines, with elevated incidence in high-mileage examples. Internal Alfa Romeo quality reports from 1990 indicated a significant number of pre-1989 engines suffered camshaft wear, while VCA field data links a portion of emissions failures to ageing lambda sensors in vehicles over 100,000 km. Infrequent servicing and use of non-premium fuel increase valve train and ECU stress, making timing maintenance and fuel quality adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Alfa Romeo technical bulletins (1987-1992) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1990-2005). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about ALFA-ROMEO 199A3000.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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