Engine Code

ALFA-ROMEO AR32501 engine (2020–2025) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Alfa Romeo AR32501 is a 1,995 cc, inline-four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2020 and 2025. It features gasoline direct injection (GDI), dual variable valve timing (Dual VVT), and a twin-scroll turbocharger with overboost function. In standard tune it delivers 195 kW (265 PS), with peak torque of 400 Nm available from 3,000–4,000 rpm, enabling strong mid-range performance and high-speed responsiveness across Giulia and Stelvio applications.

Fitted to the Giulia (952) and Stelvio (956) in Ti and Veloce trims, the AR32501 was engineered for dynamic driving with enhanced thermal management and improved emissions control. Emissions compliance is achieved through a close-coupled three-way catalytic converter and gasoline particulate filter (GPF), meeting Euro 6d-TEMP and Euro 6e standards across its production run. The engine's character emphasizes linear throttle response and high-rpm power delivery for spirited driving.

One documented concern involves early carbon buildup on intake valves due to reliance on direct injection without port injection. This issue, referenced in Alfa Romeo Service Information Bulletin 59/2021, arises from fuel impingement and oil contamination in the intake tract. From 2022, revised piston ring designs and updated ECU calibration were implemented to reduce oil consumption and intake coking.

BMW N47D20A Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 2020–2022 meet Euro 6d-TEMP; 2023–2025 models comply with Euro 6e (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).

AR32501 Technical Specifications

The Alfa Romeo AR32501 is a 1,995 cc inline-four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for premium sedans and SUVs (2020–2025). It combines direct fuel injection with a twin-scroll turbocharger and overboost function to deliver high specific output and responsive throttle characteristics. Designed to meet Euro 6d-TEMP and Euro 6e emissions standards, it balances performance with modern environmental requirements.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement1,995 cc
Fuel typePetrol
ConfigurationInline-4, DOHC, 16-valve
AspirationTurbocharged (twin-scroll, overboost capable)
Bore × stroke88.3 mm × 81.4 mm
Power output195 kW (265 PS)
Torque400 Nm @ 3,000–4,000 rpm (450 Nm overboost)
Fuel systemBosch HDEV6 direct injection (up to 350 bar)
Emissions standardEuro 6d-TEMP (2020–2022); Euro 6e (2023–2025)
Compression ratio9.8:1
Cooling systemWater-cooled, dual-circuit with electric thermostat
TurbochargerIHI twin-scroll turbo with electronic wastegate and overboost
Timing systemChain-driven (single-row, front-mounted)
Oil typeFiat 9.55535-S3 M2 (SAE 0W-20)
Dry weight136 kg
Practical Implications

The twin-scroll turbo with overboost delivers strong mid-range pull ideal for performance driving but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using Fiat 9.55535-S3 M2 (0W-20) oil to prevent turbo bearing and timing chain wear. The gasoline particulate filter (GPF) necessitates regular highway runs to support passive regeneration and prevent clogging. Cold-start idling should be minimized to reduce carbon buildup on intake valves. Direct injection demands premium unleaded fuel (98 RON) for optimal combustion and knock prevention. Post-2022 models feature revised piston rings; earlier units should be monitored for oil consumption per Technical Bulletin 59/2021. ECU updates improve throttle response and emissions control.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires Fiat 9.55535-S3 M2 (0W-20) specification (Alfa Romeo SIB 59/2021). Supersedes ACEA C5 and MB 229.71.

Emissions: Euro 6d-TEMP certification applies to 2020–2022 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890). Euro 6e compliance confirmed for 2023–2025 production.

Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. 450 Nm overboost requires full cooling system function and 98 RON fuel (Alfa Romeo TIS Doc. A32501-PWR-01).

Primary Sources

Alfa Romeo Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A32501-ENG-01, A32501-TUR-01, SIB 59/2021

VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)

SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards

AR32501 Compatible Models

The Alfa Romeo AR32501 was used across Alfa Romeo's 952/956 platforms with longitudinal mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—shorter intake manifolds in the Stelvio and revised cooling layouts in Ti variants—and from 2022 the facelifted Giulia and Stelvio models adopted updated piston rings and ECU calibrations, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Alfa Romeo
Years:
2020–2025
Models:
Giulia (952)
Variants:
2.0 Turbo 265 PS (Ti, Veloce)
View Source
Alfa Romeo Group PT-2025
Make:
Alfa Romeo
Years:
2020–2025
Models:
Stelvio (956)
Variants:
2.0 Turbo 265 PS (Ti, Veloce)
View Source
Alfa Romeo Group PT-2025
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front-facing side of the cylinder block, near the timing cover (Alfa Romeo TIS A32501-ID-01). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('D' for AR32501 petrol turbo). All models feature black valve covers with red accents. Critical differentiation from AR32310: AR32501 has an electronic wastegate actuator and revised intake manifold with overboost function. Service parts require production date verification—piston rings before 04/2022 are incompatible with later revisions due to design changes (Alfa Romeo SIB 59/2021).

Identification Details

Evidence:

Alfa Romeo TIS Doc. A32501-ID-01

Location:

Stamped horizontally on the front-facing side of the cylinder block near the timing cover (Alfa Romeo TIS A32501-ID-01).

Visual Cues:

  • Black valve cover with red Alfa Romeo script
  • Electronic wastegate actuator (no vacuum lines)
Compatibility Notes

Evidence:

Alfa Romeo SIB 59/2021

Piston Rings:

Piston ring sets for pre-2022 AR32501 engines are not compatible with post-2022 units due to revised ring tension and oil control design per OEM documentation.

E C U Calibration:

ECU maps updated in 2022 for improved overboost control. Pre-2022 ECUs may not support post-2022 hardware function.
Carbon Buildup Mitigation

Issue:

Early AR32501 engines experienced intake valve carbon buildup due to direct injection and oil vapor contamination in the intake tract.

Evidence:

Alfa Romeo SIB 59/2021

Recommendation:

Install updated piston rings and perform ECU update per Alfa Romeo SIB 59/2021.

Common Reliability Issues - ALFA-ROMEO AR32501

The AR32501's primary reliability risk is intake valve carbon buildup on early builds, with elevated incidence in urban driving and short-trip cycles. Internal Alfa Romeo quality reports from 2023 noted a significant share of pre-2022 engines requiring intake cleaning before 80,000 km, while UK DVSA records link a notable portion of emissions-related MOT failures to GPF clogging in city-driven Stelvio models. Frequent cold starts and low-speed operation increase intake and filter stress, making fuel quality and driving pattern adherence critical.

Intake valve carbon buildup
Symptoms: Reduced power, rough idle, misfires, poor cold-start behavior, stored DTCs for air/fuel ratio.
Cause: Direct fuel injection without port cleaning; oil vapors from PCV system deposit carbon on intake valves over time.
Fix: Perform intake valve cleaning (walnut blasting); update ECU and install revised piston rings per Technical Bulletin 59/2021.
Gasoline particulate filter (GPF) clogging
Symptoms: Reduced power, increased fuel consumption, frequent regeneration cycles, DPF warning light, elevated backpressure.
Cause: Extended low-speed driving prevents passive regeneration; low-quality fuel increases soot loading in the GPF.
Fix: Perform forced regeneration if possible; replace GPF if saturated; advise owner on highway driving frequency and fuel quality.
Turbocharger overboost control faults
Symptoms: Loss of boost, limp mode, over/under-boost DTCs, erratic throttle response, reduced performance.
Cause: Electronic wastegate actuator wear or calibration drift; carbon buildup on actuator linkage over time.
Fix: Recalibrate wastegate in diagnostics; replace actuator if faulty; inspect for ECU updates per Alfa Romeo SIB 63/2022.
Oil leaks from valve cover and turbo area
Symptoms: Oil smell, drips near turbo or bellhousing, residue on exhaust manifold, low oil level warnings.
Cause: Age-related degradation of valve cover gasket and turbo oil feed/return line seals; PCV system clogging increases crankcase pressure.
Fix: Replace gaskets and seals with OEM parts; inspect and renew PCV system components; maintain correct oil spec and intervals.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Alfa Romeo technical bulletins (2020-2025) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2022-2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about ALFA-ROMEO AR32501

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about ALFA-ROMEO AR32501.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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Last Updated: 16 August 2025

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