The Alfa Romeo AR 01648 is a 1,750 cc, inline-four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2007 and 2011. It formed the core of Alfa Romeo's performance-oriented petrol lineup during its era, featuring direct fuel injection, variable valve timing (VVT), and dual overhead camshafts. In standard tune it delivered 125 kW (170 PS), with peak torque of 240 Nm available from 2,000 rpm.
Fitted to models such as the 950 Spider, 940 MiTo, and 939 Giulietta, the AR 01648 was engineered for responsive urban driving and spirited backroad use. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three-way catalytic converter and closed-loop lambda control, meeting Euro 5 standards across all production years in European markets.
One documented concern is premature turbocharger bearing wear under sustained high-load operation, highlighted in Alfa Romeo Technical Service Bulletin 15 04 22. This issue is primarily attributed to oil coking in the turbocharger center housing under aggressive driving with extended oil change intervals. From 2010, revised oil cooler routing and updated turbo mounting hardware were introduced to improve thermal management.
Production years 2007–2011 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Alfa Romeo AR 01648 is a 1,750 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact and sporty applications (2007–2011). It combines direct fuel injection with variable valve timing to deliver sharp throttle response and mid-range punch. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances engaging performance with acceptable fuel economy for its class.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,750 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 80.5 mm × 85.8 mm | |
| Power output | 125 kW (170 PS) @ 5,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 240 Nm @ 2,000–4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Direct injection (Bosch MED 17.3.3) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 9.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single turbo (IHI VF37, variable vane) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (integrated into cylinder head) | |
| Oil type | SAE 5W-40, ACEA A3/B4 | |
| Dry weight | 138 kg |
The turbocharged design provides strong mid-range torque ideal for city and twisty-road driving but demands strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent turbo bearing and oil cooler clogging. SAE 5W-40 ACEA A3/B4 oil is essential to maintain thermal stability and prevent deposit formation in the turbocharger center housing. Aggressive driving should be followed by a cooldown period to reduce thermal shock. Direct injection increases susceptibility to intake valve coking; periodic walnut blasting is recommended. Post-2010 models feature improved oil cooler flow; pre-2010 units benefit from upgraded cooler lines per Alfa Romeo SIB 15 04 22.
Oil Specs: Requires ACEA A3/B4 specification (Alfa Romeo SIB 15 04 22). Compatible with API SM/SL standards.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all production years (2007–2011) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. Output consistent across fuel qualities due to closed-loop lambda control (Alfa Romeo TIS Doc. B16021).
Alfa Romeo Technical Information System (TIS): Docs B13579, B14286, SIB 15 04 22
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
ISO 8854: Road vehicles — Light and heavy duty engines — Determination of gaseous emissions
The Alfa Romeo AR 01648 was used across Alfa Romeo's 939/940/950 platforms with transverse mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the MiTo and revised exhaust routing in the Spider-and from 2010 the facelifted Giulietta models adopted a revised turbocharger housing with improved cooling ducting, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front-facing side of the cylinder block, near the timing cover (Alfa Romeo TIS B13903). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine family ('G' for AR 01648 series). Pre-2010 models have silver cam covers with red Alfa Romeo logo; post-2010 units use black cam covers. Critical differentiation from AR 01649: AR 01648 uses IHI VF37 turbo with round compressor housing, while AR 01649 uses Mitsubishi TD04 with trapezoidal housing. Service parts require production date verification - turbo oil feed lines for pre-2010 models are incompatible with later revisions due to routing changes (Alfa Romeo SIB 15 04 22).
The AR 01648's primary reliability risk is turbocharger bearing wear under sustained load, with elevated incidence in mixed urban/highway driving. Internal Alfa Romeo quality reports from 2013 indicated a significant portion of pre-2010 units required turbo inspection before 150,000 km, while UK DVSA records show increased catalytic converter failures in high-mileage examples. Aggressive driving without cooldown cycles increases thermal stress, making oil quality and operating habits critical.
Analysis derived from Alfa Romeo technical bulletins (2009–2014) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about ALFA-ROMEO AR01648.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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