The Alfa Romeo 552 73 835 – Diesel is a 1,598 cc, inline-four turbo-diesel engine produced between 2010 and 2016. It was developed as part of the Fiat Global Small Engine (GSE) family, co-engineered with GM for compact applications. Featuring common rail direct injection (up to 1,600 bar), variable geometry turbocharging (VGT), and DOHC valvetrain, it delivered 88 kW (120 PS) and peak torque of 320 Nm, designed for responsive urban driving and efficient highway cruising.
Fitted to models including the Alfa Romeo MiTo (332), Giulietta (940), and early versions of the Fiat 500X, the 552 73 835 – Diesel was engineered to balance sporty driving dynamics with fuel economy. Emissions compliance was achieved via cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) in certain markets, enabling Euro 5 compliance across its production run.
One documented reliability concern is premature high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear, noted in Alfa Romeo Technical Bulletin 59 003 12. The issue is linked to inadequate lubrication when low-quality diesel fuel is used, particularly in early 2011–2013 units. From 2014, revised fuel system calibration and updated pump materials were implemented to improve durability.
Production years 2010–2016 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/552738).
The Alfa Romeo 552 73 835 – Diesel is a 1,598 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engineered for compact hatchbacks and crossovers (2010–2016). It combines common-rail direct injection with a variable-geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low-end torque and responsive throttle. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances sporty character with everyday economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,598 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 79.5 mm × 80.5 mm | |
| Power output | 88 kW (120 PS) @ 3,750 rpm | |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 1,750–2,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2.0 common-rail (up to 1,600 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 16.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (Garrett GT1544V) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (integrated in cylinder head) | |
| Oil type | Fiat 9.55535-S2 M1 (5W-40) | |
| Dry weight | 128 kg |
The VGT turbo provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for city driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent HPFP and turbo bearing wear. Fiat 9.55535-S2 M1 (5W-40) oil is critical due to its high-temperature stability and compatibility with the chain-driven timing system. Fuel quality is paramount—ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) must be used to prevent HPFP seizure and injector coking. EGR/DPF systems require regular highway runs to maintain regeneration cycles. From 2014, updated HPFP firmware and hardened pump internals improved reliability in later builds.
Oil Specs: Requires Fiat 9.55535-S2 M1 (5W-40) specification (Alfa Romeo SIB 59 003 12). Supersedes ACEA B4 standards.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all models (2010–2016) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/552738).
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Full torque delivery requires EU2+ fuel quality (Fiat PT-2010).
Alfa Romeo Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 59 001 07, 59 003 12
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/552738)
ISO International: ISO 1585 Road vehicles — Test method for the measurement of fuel consumption
The Alfa Romeo 552 73 835 – Diesel was used across Alfa Romeo's 332/940 platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Fiat and Lancia under FCA Group collaboration. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—shorter intake manifolds in the MiTo and dual-mass flywheels in the Giulietta—and from 2014 received revised fuel calibration and pump materials, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front lower edge of the cylinder block near the transmission bellhousing (Alfa Romeo TIS 59 001 07). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('K' for 1.6 JTDM-2). Pre-2014 models have silver valve covers with red Alfa Romeo script; post-2014 units retain black valve covers. Critical differentiation from 2.0 JTDM: 552 73 835 – Diesel has a single turbo (Garrett GT1544V) and Bosch CRS 2.0 fuel system. Service parts require production date verification—HPFP assemblies before 06/2013 are incompatible with later units due to internal hardening revisions (Alfa Romeo SIB 59 003 12).
The 552 73 835 – Diesel's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump wear, with elevated incidence in short-trip urban use. Internal Alfa Romeo quality reports from 2013 indicated a significant share of pre-2014 units required HPFP replacement before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show EGR-related failures are common in city-driven examples. Frequent cold starts and low-quality fuel increase pump and injector stress, making fuel quality and oil change adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Alfa Romeo technical bulletins (2010–2016) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2012–2020). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about ALFA-ROMEO 55273835.
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