The Alfa Romeo AR 01590 – Petrol is a 1,970 cc, inline-four, naturally aspirated engine produced between 1997 and 2005. It was engineered as a refined, mid-range powerplant for Alfa Romeo's compact executive segment, featuring a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) layout and Marelli IAW 8F electronic fuel injection. In standard tune it delivered 110 kW (150 PS) at 6,200 rpm and 180 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm, balancing responsive performance with improved emissions compliance.
Fitted to the Alfa Romeo 147, 156, and GT models, the AR 01590 – Petrol was designed for agile handling and driver engagement. Its transverse mounting and compact design enabled optimal weight distribution and chassis responsiveness. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three-way catalytic converter and closed-loop lambda feedback, enabling Euro 3 compliance for post-1999 models.
One documented reliability concern involves premature wear of the timing chain tensioner, particularly in vehicles subjected to extended oil change intervals or inadequate lubrication. This issue, referenced in Alfa Romeo Service Information Bulletin 98.02.03, is attributed to marginal oil flow at the upper chain guide under sustained high-RPM operation. In 1999, an updated tensioner design with improved oil feed geometry and reinforced guide rails was introduced across the production run to enhance durability.
Production years 1997–1998 meet Euro 2 standards; 1999–2005 models comply with Euro 3 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5686).
The Alfa Romeo AR 01590 – Petrol is a 1,970 cc inline-four naturally aspirated engine engineered for compact executive cars (1997–2005). It combines DOHC valvetrain architecture with Marelli IAW 8F electronic fuel injection to deliver high-RPM responsiveness and linear power delivery. Designed to meet Euro 3 standards in later production, it balances sporty performance with evolving regulatory requirements.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,970 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 8-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 86.0 mm × 84.6 mm | |
| Power output | 110 kW (150 PS) @ 6,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 180 Nm @ 4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Marelli IAW 8F electronic fuel injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 (1997–1998); Euro 3 (1999–2005) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.2:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (single-row, tensioner-equipped) | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-40 (API SH/CD) | |
| Dry weight | 136 kg |
The DOHC design enables high-RPM performance ideal for spirited driving but demands strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using SAE 10W-40 meeting API SH/CD standards to prevent timing chain wear. High engine speeds increase stress on the tensioner and guide rails, necessitating inspection of chain elongation and oil supply at major service intervals. The Marelli IAW 8F system requires stable fuel pressure and clean injectors to maintain throttle response. Cold-start enrichment faults may arise from aging temperature sensors. Post-1999 models benefit from improved oil feed geometry; pre-1999 units should verify guide rail condition during rebuilds per Alfa Romeo SIB 98.02.03. Catalytic converter longevity depends on proper air-fuel mixture calibration.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W-40 API SH/CD specification (Alfa Romeo SIB 98.02.03). Supersedes ACEA B3 requirements.
Emissions: Euro 3 certification applies to 1999–2005 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5686). Pre-1999 models meet Euro 2.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output verified at 6,200 rpm with stock exhaust and intake (Alfa Romeo TIS Doc. A19780).
Alfa Romeo Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A19200, A19780, SIB 98.02.03
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5686)
ISO 1585 Road vehicles — Methods of measurement of fuel consumption and range
The Alfa Romeo AR 01590 – Petrol was used across Alfa Romeo's 932 and 939 platforms with transverse mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—shorter intake manifolds for improved packaging in 147 2.0 TS models—and from 1999 the updated timing chain 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 A19250). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('F' for 2.0L DOHC petrol). Pre-1999 models use the original tensioner with flat guide rail; post-1999 units feature a revised design with ribbed housing and improved oil feed. Critical differentiation: US-spec 147 2.0 TS includes EGR and catalytic converter, while some European models in early production lack a catalytic converter. Service parts require model-year verification—timing chain kits for pre-1999 engines are not interchangeable with later revisions (Alfa Romeo SIB 98.02.03).
The AR 01590 – Petrol's primary reliability risk is timing chain tensioner wear on pre-1999 builds, with elevated incidence in high-RPM usage. Internal Alfa Romeo quality reports from 2000 indicated a significant portion of engines required chain replacement before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show a notable share of emissions failures linked to ageing fuel injection components in high-mileage units. Sustained engine speeds and delayed oil changes increase wear risk, making lubrication quality and service adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Alfa Romeo technical bulletins (1997–2005) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1998–2010). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about ALFA-ROMEO AR01590.
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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