Engine Code

ALFA-ROMEO AR06412 engine (2012–2016) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Alfa Romeo AR 06412 is a 1,408 cc, inline-four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2016. It features a compact turbocharger, direct and port fuel injection (MultiAir II), and variable valve timing, delivering 103 kW (140 PS) at 5,500 rpm and 206 Nm of torque from 1,750–4,000 rpm. This engine was engineered for responsive urban performance and improved fuel efficiency in Alfa Romeo’s front-wheel-drive compact platforms.

Fitted primarily to the 955 Giulietta and 940 MiTo, the AR 06412 was tuned for agile city driving and smooth highway cruising. Its MultiAir II technology enables precise control of intake airflow, enhancing low-end torque and reducing emissions. Emissions compliance was achieved via a close-coupled three-way catalytic converter and lambda feedback system, enabling Euro 5 certification across its production run.

One documented concern is premature wear of the timing belt tensioner, particularly in vehicles with extended service intervals. Highlighted in Alfa Romeo Service Information Bulletin 48/2014, this issue stems from inadequate tensioner damping under thermal cycling. From 2014, revised tensioner components with improved elastomer damping were introduced to enhance durability.

BMW N47D20A Engine
Compliance Note:

All production years 2012–2016 meet Euro 5 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5123).

AR06412 Technical Specifications

The Alfa Romeo AR 06412 is a 1,408 cc inline-four turbocharged petrol engine designed for compact and subcompact applications (2012–2016). It utilizes MultiAir II variable valve actuation and gasoline direct injection to deliver responsive low-end torque and improved fuel economy. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances sporty character with regulated efficiency.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement1,408 cc
Fuel typePetrol
ConfigurationInline-4, DOHC, 16-valve
AspirationTurbocharged
Bore × stroke76.0 mm × 77.0 mm
Power output103 kW (140 PS) @ 5,500 rpm
Torque206 Nm @ 1,750–4,000 rpm
Fuel systemMultiAir II with direct and port injection
Emissions standardEuro 5
Compression ratio9.8:1
Cooling systemWater-cooled
TurbochargerIHI turbocharger with vacuum-actuated wastegate
Timing systemTiming belt (replaced at 120,000 km or 6 years)
Oil typeFiat 9.55535-S1 (SAE 5W-40)
Dry weight115 kg
Practical Implications

The MultiAir II system provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for city driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using Fiat 9.55535-S1 (5W-40) oil to prevent turbo and valve train wear. The timing belt must be replaced every 120,000 km or 6 years, whichever comes first, per Technical Bulletin 48/2014. Extended idling after high-load operation should be avoided to reduce coking in the turbo actuator. Direct injection necessitates periodic intake valve cleaning. Early models (pre-2014) are prone to tensioner wear; updated components mitigate this risk. Emissions systems require full operating temperature for accurate diagnostics.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires Fiat 9.55535-S1 (5W-40) specification (Alfa Romeo SIB 48/2014). Replaced by S2 in later engines.

Emissions: Certified to Euro 5 across all model years (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5123). No Euro 6 variants exist.

Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. Output optimized for 95 RON fuel (Alfa Romeo TIS Doc. 60.74.22).

Primary Sources

Alfa Romeo Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 60.74.22, SIB 48/2014

VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5123)

ISO 1585:1996 Road vehicles — Test method for the measurement of gaseous pollutant emissions

AR06412 Compatible Models

The Alfa Romeo AR 06412 was used across Alfa Romeo's 940/955 platforms with transverse front-wheel-drive layout and shared architecture with Fiat Powertrain Technologies (FPT). This engine received platform-specific tuning—slightly higher boost in the 955 Giulietta and reduced turbo lag in the 940 MiTo—and from 2014 the facelifted 955 Giulietta models adopted revised timing belt tensioners, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Alfa Romeo
Years:
2012–2016
Models:
Giulietta (955)
Variants:
1.4 Turbo 140 HP
View Source
Alfa Romeo Group PT-2012
Make:
Alfa Romeo
Years:
2012–2016
Models:
MiTo (940)
Variants:
1.4 Turbo 140 HP
View Source
Alfa Romeo Group PT-2012
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the right-side cylinder block near the exhaust manifold (Alfa Romeo TIS 60.74.22). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('C' for AR 06412 petrol turbo). Pre-2014 models have a silver valve cover with exposed timing belt housing; post-2014 units feature revised tensioner damping. Critical differentiation from NA variants: AR 06412 has a turbocharger mounted to the left-side exhaust manifold and a compact intake manifold. Service parts require production date verification—tensioners for pre-2014 builds are incompatible with post-LCI models due to internal redesign (Alfa Romeo SIB 48/2014).

Identification Details

Evidence:

Alfa Romeo TIS Doc. 60.74.22

Location:

Stamped horizontally on the right-side cylinder block near the exhaust manifold (Alfa Romeo TIS 60.74.22).

Visual Cues:

  • Pre-2014: Silver valve cover with exposed timing belt housing
  • Post-2014: Valve cover with revised tensioner access panel
Compatibility Notes

Evidence:

Alfa Romeo SIB 48/2014

Tensioner:

Timing belt tensioners for pre-2014 AR 06412 engines are not compatible with post-facelift 955 models due to revised damping elastomer and spring design per Technical Bulletin 48/2014.

Intake System:

Intake manifolds differ between MiTo and Giulietta; Giulietta version includes resonator tuned for reduced cabin noise.
Tensioner Upgrade

Issue:

Early AR 06412 engines experienced timing belt tensioner wear due to elastomer degradation under sustained thermal cycling.

Evidence:

Alfa Romeo SIB 48/2014

Recommendation:

Install updated tensioner with improved damping elastomer per Alfa Romeo SIB 48/2014.

Common Reliability Issues - ALFA-ROMEO AR06412

The AR 06412's primary reliability risk is timing belt tensioner wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in mixed urban/highway use. Internal Alfa Romeo quality reports from 2015 noted a significant share of pre-2014 engines requiring tensioner replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records indicate timing-related DTCs as a leading cause of emissions test failures. Frequent short trips and delayed service intervals increase wear, making adherence to maintenance schedules critical.

Timing belt tensioner wear or failure
Symptoms: Squealing or chirping noise at startup, belt slippage, misfires, timing-related DTCs, potential belt jump.
Cause: Elastomer degradation in tensioner damping mechanism due to thermal cycling and extended service intervals, particularly in early-production units.
Fix: Replace tensioner with latest OEM-specified part per Technical Bulletin 48/2014; inspect belt for cracking and re-tension to specification.
Turbocharger actuator sticking
Symptoms: Reduced boost pressure, hesitation under load, over-boost or under-boost DTCs, limp mode activation.
Cause: Carbon buildup and wear in the vacuum-actuated wastegate linkage due to oil coking and thermal stress.
Fix: Clean or replace actuator and linkage; verify vacuum integrity and recalibrate in diagnostics using OEM software.
Coolant leaks from thermostat housing
Symptoms: Coolant smell, visible leaks at front of engine, temperature fluctuations, low coolant warning.
Cause: Age-related degradation of thermostat housing gasket and plastic housing cracking under thermal cycling.
Fix: Replace thermostat and housing as a unit with OEM part; torque to specification and bleed cooling system thoroughly.
Intake valve carbon buildup
Symptoms: Rough idle, hesitation at low RPM, misfires, reduced power, increased fuel consumption.
Cause: Direct fuel injection bypasses intake valves, allowing oil/air mixture to form carbon deposits over time, restricting airflow.
Fix: Perform walnut-shell blasting or chemical cleaning of intake valves; update PCV system if degraded to reduce oil vapour ingress.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Alfa Romeo technical bulletins (2012-2016) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2016-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about ALFA-ROMEO AR06412

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about ALFA-ROMEO AR06412.

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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