The Alfa Romeo C4.000 is a 3,998 cc, V6 naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2018. It features DOHC valvetrain, 24-valve configuration, and direct fuel injection, delivering 243 kW (330 PS) at 6,500 rpm and 400 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm. In standard form it was tuned for balanced performance and refined throttle response, making it ideal for grand touring applications.
Fitted to the Alfa Romeo 159 (940) facelift models and the Brera Coupé (939), the C4.000 was engineered for smooth power delivery and acoustic refinement. Emissions compliance is achieved through dual three-way catalytic converters and closed-loop lambda control, meeting Euro 5 standards throughout its production run.
One documented concern is premature wear of the variable intake manifold actuators, highlighted in Alfa Romeo Technical Bulletin 07/2015. This issue, primarily affecting vehicles with frequent short-trip usage, can lead to reduced low-end torque and check engine lights. Revised actuator hardware was introduced in mid-2014, reducing failure incidence in post-2014 builds.
All production years (2012–2018) meet Euro 5 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7894).
The Alfa Romeo C4.000 is a 3,998 cc V6 naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for mid-size grand tourers (2012–2018). It combines direct fuel injection with variable valve timing to deliver linear power delivery and refined throttle response. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances performance with emissions compliance for European markets.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,998 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 95 RON min) | |
| Configuration | 60° V6, DOHC, 24-valve, VVT | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 93.0 mm × 92.8 mm | |
| Power output | 243 kW (330 PS) @ 6,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 400 Nm @ 4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Direct injection (Bosch HDEV5, up to 150 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 11.3:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Intake system | Variable-length intake manifold (VIS) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (front-mounted, dual overhead) | |
| Oil type | SAE 5W-40 (API SN, ACEA A3/B4) | |
| Dry weight | 185 kg |
The naturally aspirated V6 provides linear power delivery ideal for relaxed driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using 5W-40 full-synthetic to protect high-load camshafts and timing chains. SAE 5W-40 meeting ACEA A3/B4 is essential due to high combustion temperatures. Use of fuel below 95 RON may trigger knock sensor adaptation and reduce peak output. Variable intake manifold actuators are prone to wear in early models (2012–2014); revised units from 2014 onward improve reliability. Dual catalytic converters require inspection for thermal degradation, especially in high-temperature environments.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 5W-40 meeting ACEA A3/B4 (Alfa Romeo SIB 07/2015). Supersedes API SN.
Emissions: Euro 5 applies to all models (2012–2018) (VCA #VCA/EMS/7894). No Euro 6 compliance required.
Power Ratings: Measured under UN ECE R83-06. Output requires 95 RON fuel (Alfa Romeo TIS Doc. C4000-201).
Alfa Romeo Technical Information System (TIS): Docs C4000-201, C4000-202, SIB 07/2015
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7894)
UN Regulation No 83 (Emissions)
The Alfa Romeo C4.000 was used across Alfa Romeo's 940/939 platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared architecture with Fiat Group global platforms. This engine received platform-specific calibrations-intake tuning in the 159 and revised cooling in the Brera-and from 2014 the facelifted 159 LCI adopted updated emissions controls, creating partial interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front-right cylinder block near the exhaust manifold (Alfa Romeo TIS C4000-201). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine family ('F' for V6 petrol). Pre-2014 models have silver valve covers; post-2014 units use black. Critical differentiation: intake manifold actuator design changed in 2014 to improve durability; pre-2014 parts are not compatible with later ECU calibrations. Service parts require production date verification—actuators for engines before 07/2014 are incompatible with updated control modules (Alfa Romeo SIB 07/2015).
The C4.000's primary reliability risk is variable intake manifold actuator wear, with elevated incidence in vehicles with frequent short-trip usage. Internal FCA quality reports from 2016 noted increased actuator failure in pre-2014 builds, while UK DVSA records show elevated lambda sensor faults in city-driven 159 models. Extended oil intervals and low-RON fuel increase valve train and sensor stress, making actuator and fuel quality adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Alfa Romeo technical bulletins (2012-2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2014-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about ALFA-ROMEO 940C4000.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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