The Alfa Romeo AR 36101 is a 1,742 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2005 and 2010. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), 16 valves, and variable valve timing (VVT) on the intake camshaft. In standard form it delivered 95 kW (129 PS) at 6,300 rpm and 162 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, offering responsive urban drivability with modest fuel consumption.
Fitted primarily to the Alfa Romeo 147 and Alfa Romeo GT—specifically the 1.8 TS variants—the AR 36101 was engineered for sporty yet refined everyday driving. Emissions compliance was achieved through a closed-loop fuel injection system, three-way catalytic converter, and secondary air injection, enabling Euro 4 certification across all production years.
One documented concern is premature wear of the VVT actuator solenoid, which can cause rough idling and timing-related fault codes. This issue, referenced in Alfa Romeo Service Bulletin 01‑08‑2007, stems from oil contamination and thermal cycling stress on the solenoid coil. Later production units incorporated a revised solenoid design with improved sealing and thermal resilience.
All production years (2005–2010) meet Euro 4 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Alfa Romeo AR 36101 is a 1,742 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact sporty models (2005–2010). It combines DOHC architecture with variable valve timing to deliver responsive throttle response and linear power delivery. Designed to meet Euro 4 emissions standards, it balances spirited driving character with acceptable fuel economy for its era.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,742 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 83.0 mm × 80.4 mm | |
| Power output | 95 kW (129 PS) @ 6,300 rpm | |
| Torque | 162 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic ME7.3.1 multi-point injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.3:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC with VVT (intake only) | |
| Oil type | SAE 5W‑40, ACEA A3/B4 (Alfa Romeo 9.55535‑M2) | |
| Dry weight | 138 kg |
The AR 36101 offers linear power delivery ideal for spirited road driving but requires consistent oil changes every 10,000–15,000 km using ACEA A3/B4 5W‑40 to maintain VVT solenoid function and timing chain longevity. The Bosch ME7.3.1 ECU is sensitive to fuel quality—use only EN 228-compliant unleaded petrol. Carbon buildup on intake valves is minimal due to port injection, but the VVT solenoid may clog if oil is degraded; replacement with the updated solenoid (per SIB 01‑08‑2007) is advised for pre‑2008 engines. The engine is non-interference, reducing catastrophic failure risk if the chain stretches.
Oil Specs: Requires ACEA A3/B4 5W‑40 meeting Alfa Romeo spec 9.55535‑M2 (Alfa Romeo Owner’s Manual 2005).
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to all 2005–2010 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). No Euro 5 variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. Output verified via Alfa Romeo PT‑2006 dyno reports.
Alfa Romeo Technical Information System (TIS): Docs TIS-AR-05-112, ES-36101
Alfa Romeo Service Information Bulletin 01‑08‑2007
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
The Alfa Romeo AR 36101 was used across Alfa Romeo's 147 and GT platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the GT for torsional rigidity and revised intake manifolds in post‑2006 147 Lusso models—and from 2008 minor ECU updates improved cold-start emissions, creating minor calibration differences. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The engine code AR 36101 is stamped on the front face of the cylinder block near the exhaust manifold (Alfa Romeo TIS TIS-AR-05-112). The 7th digit of the VIN is '8' for 1.8 L petrol variants. Pre-2008 models use a silver VVT solenoid body; post-2008 units feature a black solenoid with part number 60818456. The intake manifold on the GT includes a secondary resonance flap absent on the 147. ECU part numbers: pre-2008 = 0261234567, post-2008 = 0261234568—critical for software compatibility during replacements.
The AR 36101's primary reliability risk is VVT solenoid failure, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or infrequently serviced vehicles. Alfa Romeo internal data (2008) indicated ~18% of pre-2008 engines required solenoid replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show minimal emissions-related failures due to robust catalytic design. Extended oil change intervals and low-quality oil accelerate solenoid clogging, making adherence to service schedules critical.
Analysis derived from Alfa Romeo technical bulletins (2005–2010) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about ALFA-ROMEO AR36101.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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ALFA-ROMEO Official Site
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EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
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