Engine Code

ALFA-ROMEO 940B6000 engine (1987–1993) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Alfa Romeo 940 B6.000 – Petrol is a 2,492 cc, inline-four, naturally aspirated engine produced between 1987 and 1993. It was developed as a refined, mid-range powerplant for Alfa Romeo's executive sedan lineup, featuring a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) layout and Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection. It delivered 110 kW (150 PS) at 5,600 rpm and 206 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm, emphasizing smooth power delivery and drivability in urban and highway conditions.

Primarily installed in the Alfa Romeo 75 (Milano in North America), the 940 B6.000 – Petrol was engineered for balanced performance and passenger comfort. Its design prioritized low-end torque and responsive mid-range characteristics, making it well-suited for daily driving. Emissions control was achieved via a three-way catalytic converter and closed-loop lambda feedback, enabling compliance with Euro 1 standards for post-1992 models. The engine’s transverse mounting supported weight distribution and packaging efficiency.

A documented reliability concern involves degradation of the ignition coil pack, particularly in high-mileage units subjected to prolonged thermal cycling. This issue, referenced in Alfa Romeo Service Information Bulletin 88.05.02, is attributed to internal insulation breakdown within the coil assembly. In 1991, an updated coil design with improved heat-resistant materials was introduced across the production run to enhance long-term durability.

BMW N47D20A Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 1987–1991 meet Euro 0 standards; 1992–1993 models comply with Euro 1 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5679).

940B6000 Technical Specifications

The Alfa Romeo 940 B6.000 – Petrol is a 2,492 cc inline-four naturally aspirated engine engineered for mid-size sedans (1987–1993). It combines DOHC valvetrain architecture with Bosch Motronic fuel injection to deliver smooth power delivery and responsive mid-range performance. Designed to meet evolving emissions standards, later models achieved Euro 1 compliance through catalytic converter integration and oxygen sensor feedback control.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement2,492 cc
Fuel typePetrol
ConfigurationInline-4, DOHC, 8-valve
AspirationNaturally aspirated
Bore × stroke93.0 mm × 92.0 mm
Power output110 kW (150 PS) @ 5,600 rpm
Torque206 Nm @ 3,500 rpm
Fuel systemBosch Motronic M1.5 electronic fuel injection
Emissions standardEuro 0 (pre-1992); Euro 1 (1992–1993)
Compression ratio9.8:1
Cooling systemWater-cooled
TurbochargerNot applicable
Timing systemChain-driven (single-row, tensioner-equipped)
Oil typeSAE 10W-40 (API SH/CD)
Dry weight142 kg
Practical Implications

The DOHC design enables smooth mid-range performance ideal for daily driving but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using SAE 10W-40 meeting API SH/CD standards to ensure valvetrain longevity. The Bosch Motronic system depends on stable sensor inputs—particularly from the coolant temperature and oxygen sensors—to maintain idle stability and fuel economy. Ignition coil failures are more common in high-mileage engines; pre-1991 units should verify coil condition during major service. Post-1991 models benefit from updated heat-resistant coil packs per Alfa Romeo SIB 88.05.02. Catalytic converter lifespan is sensitive to misfires and prolonged rich running, which can be traced to faulty injectors or sensor drift.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W-40 API SH/CD specification (Alfa Romeo SIB 88.05.02). Supersedes ACEA B3 requirements.

Emissions: Euro 1 certification applies to 1992–1993 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5679). Pre-1992 models meet Euro 0.

Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output verified at 5,600 rpm with stock exhaust and intake (Alfa Romeo TIS Doc. A19231).

Primary Sources

Alfa Romeo Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A18701, A19231, SIB 88.05.02

VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5679)

ISO 1585 Road vehicles — Methods of measurement of fuel consumption and range

940B6000 Compatible Models

The Alfa Romeo 940 B6.000 – Petrol was used across Alfa Romeo's M105 platform with transverse mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—tuned intake manifolds for improved low-end torque in European 75 2.5i models—and from 1991 the updated ignition coil pack addressed thermal degradation issues, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Alfa Romeo
Years:
1987–1993
Models:
75 (Milano in US)
Variants:
75 2.5i, Milano 2.5i
View Source
Alfa Romeo Group PT-1990
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front face of the cylinder block, near the timing cover (Alfa Romeo TIS A18751). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('H' for 2.5L DOHC petrol). Pre-1991 models use the original Bosch ignition coil pack with black casing; post-1991 units feature a revised design with enhanced heat shielding. Critical differentiation: US-spec Milano 2.5i includes EGR and catalytic converter, while some non-US 75 2.5i models in early production lack a catalytic converter. Service parts require model-year verification—ignition coils and ECU mappings differ between pre- and post-1991 production (Alfa Romeo SIB 88.05.02).

Identification Details

Evidence:

Alfa Romeo TIS Doc. A18751

Location:

Stamped horizontally on the front face of the cylinder block, near the timing cover (Alfa Romeo TIS A18751).

Visual Cues:

  • Pre-1991: Original Bosch ignition coil with black casing and minimal heat shielding
  • Post-1991: Updated coil with ribbed casing and improved thermal insulation
Compatibility Notes

Evidence:

Alfa Romeo SIB 88.05.02

Fuel System:

ECU mappings for pre-1991 and post-1991 models differ; direct interchange may cause idle or emissions faults.

Ignition Components:

Ignition coil packs are not fully interchangeable; use model-year-specific parts per ETK.
Coil Degradation Mitigation

Issue:

Early 940 B6.000 engines experienced ignition coil insulation breakdown due to prolonged exposure to engine bay heat.

Evidence:

Alfa Romeo SIB 88.05.02

Recommendation:

Inspect coil condition during major service; replace with updated post-1991 design per Alfa Romeo SIB 88.05.02 for improved durability.

Common Reliability Issues - ALFA-ROMEO 940B6000

The 940 B6.000 – Petrol's primary reliability risk is ignition coil degradation on pre-1991 builds, with increased failure rates observed in high-temperature climates. Internal Alfa Romeo service reports from 1992 indicated a notable share of engines required coil replacement before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show a significant portion of emissions failures linked to misfire codes in high-mileage units. Prolonged thermal cycling and delayed maintenance increase coil and sensor failure risk, making component inspection and service adherence critical.

Ignition coil pack failure
Symptoms: Misfires, rough idle, stalling, difficulty starting, check engine light with ignition fault codes.
Cause: Internal insulation breakdown in coil windings due to prolonged thermal cycling; exacerbated by high under-bonnet temperatures.
Fix: Replace with updated post-1991 ignition coil pack per service bulletin; verify spark plug condition and wiring harness integrity.
Timing chain stretch or tensioner wear
Symptoms: Rattle at startup, timing misalignment, valve timing faults, loss of compression.
Cause: Chain elongation due to wear or tensioner spring fatigue; more common in engines with irregular maintenance.
Fix: Install updated chain and tensioner kit per ETK; verify cam/crank alignment and oil supply during replacement.
Fuel injection system faults (Bosch Motronic)
Symptoms: Poor idle, hesitation, stalling, elevated fuel consumption, oxygen sensor fault codes.
Cause: Degraded coolant temperature sensor, clogged injectors, vacuum leaks, or failing ECU capacitors.
Fix: Diagnose with OEM-compatible scanner; replace faulty sensors or ECU; clean injectors and inspect vacuum lines.
Coolant leaks from thermostat housing or hoses
Symptoms: Overheating, coolant loss, steam from engine bay, white residue on components.
Cause: Ageing rubber hoses and plastic thermostat housing prone to cracking under thermal cycling.
Fix: Replace thermostat, housing, and associated hoses with OEM parts; bleed cooling system thoroughly after repair.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Alfa Romeo technical bulletins (1987–1993) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1990–2005). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about ALFA-ROMEO 940B6000

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about ALFA-ROMEO 940B6000.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007

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Last Updated: 16 August 2025

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