The Alfa Romeo AR 00515 – Petrol is a 1,747 cc, inline-four, naturally aspirated engine produced between 1993 and 1998. It was engineered as a compact, fuel-efficient powerplant for Alfa Romeo's front-wheel-drive hatchback segment, featuring a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) layout and Marelli IAW 59 electronic fuel injection. In standard tune it delivered 84 kW (114 PS) at 6,000 rpm and 152 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm, emphasizing drivability and urban efficiency.
Fitted to the Alfa Romeo 145 and 146 models, the AR 00515 – Petrol was designed for responsive city driving and balanced packaging. Its transverse mounting and compact cylinder head enabled optimal cabin space and chassis agility. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three-way catalytic converter and closed-loop lambda feedback, enabling Euro 2 compliance for post-1995 models.
One documented reliability concern involves premature wear of the auxiliary drive belt tensioner, particularly in vehicles subjected to frequent short trips or delayed maintenance. This issue, referenced in Alfa Romeo Service Information Bulletin 94.03.01, is attributed to inadequate damping in the spring-loaded arm under thermal cycling. In 1995, an updated tensioner design with improved heat-resistant materials and enhanced damping geometry was introduced across the production run to improve long-term durability.
Production years 1993–1994 meet Euro 1 standards; 1995–1998 models comply with Euro 2 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5684).
The Alfa Romeo AR 00515 – Petrol is a 1,747 cc inline-four naturally aspirated engine engineered for compact hatchbacks (1993–1998). It combines SOHC valvetrain architecture with Marelli IAW 59 electronic fuel injection to deliver responsive low-end performance and efficient fuel consumption. Designed to meet Euro 2 standards in later production, it balances economy with Alfa Romeo’s signature driving dynamics.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,747 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, SOHC, 8-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 86.0 mm × 75.0 mm | |
| Power output | 84 kW (114 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 152 Nm @ 3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Marelli IAW 59 electronic fuel injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 1 (1993–1994); Euro 2 (1995–1998) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.7:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Belt-driven (replace every 90,000 km) | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-40 (API SH/CD) | |
| Dry weight | 124 kg |
The SOHC design enables fuel-efficient performance ideal for city driving but requires strict adherence to 90,000 km timing belt replacement intervals to prevent catastrophic failure. The Marelli IAW 59 system depends on stable sensor inputs—particularly from the throttle position and oxygen sensors—to maintain idle stability and throttle response. Auxiliary belt tensioner failures are more common in engines with frequent cold starts; pre-1995 units should verify tensioner condition during major service. Post-1995 models benefit from updated tensioner design per Alfa Romeo SIB 94.03.01. Catalytic converter lifespan is sensitive to misfires and prolonged rich running, which can be traced to faulty injectors or sensor drift.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W-40 API SH/CD specification (Alfa Romeo SIB 94.03.01). Supersedes ACEA B3 requirements.
Emissions: Euro 2 certification applies to 1995–1998 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5684). Pre-1995 models meet Euro 1.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output verified at 6,000 rpm with stock exhaust and intake (Alfa Romeo TIS Doc. A19560).
Alfa Romeo Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A19000, A19560, SIB 94.03.01
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5684)
ISO 1585 Road vehicles — Methods of measurement of fuel consumption and range
The Alfa Romeo AR 00515 – Petrol was used across Alfa Romeo's Series 4 platform with transverse mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—shorter intake manifolds for improved packaging in 145 1.7i models—and from 1995 the updated auxiliary belt tensioner addressed premature wear issues, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the right-side cylinder block near the exhaust manifold (Alfa Romeo TIS A19050). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('E' for 1.7L SOHC petrol). Pre-1995 models use the original tensioner with flat spring plate; post-1995 units feature a revised design with ribbed housing and improved damping. Critical differentiation: US-spec 145 1.7i includes EGR and catalytic converter, while some European models in early production lack a catalytic converter. Service parts require model-year verification—auxiliary belt kits for pre-1995 engines are not interchangeable with later revisions (Alfa Romeo SIB 94.03.01).
The AR 00515 – Petrol's primary reliability risk is auxiliary belt tensioner wear on pre-1995 builds, with increased failure rates observed in vehicles used for frequent short trips. Internal Alfa Romeo service reports from 1996 indicated a notable share of engines required tensioner replacement before 90,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show a significant portion of emissions failures linked to belt-related misfire codes in high-mileage units. Cold-start cycles and delayed maintenance increase wear risk, making component inspection and service adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Alfa Romeo technical bulletins (1993–1998) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1994–2000). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about ALFA-ROMEO AR00515.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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