The Alfa Romeo VM 08 B is a 2,445 cc, inline-four turbocharged diesel engine produced between 1989 and 1996. Developed by VM Motori in collaboration with Alfa Romeo, it features indirect injection, a Bosch VE distributor-type injection pump, and a Garrett T3 turbocharger. In standard tune it delivers 81 kW (110 PS), with torque output of 240 Nm available from 2,000 rpm.
Fitted to the Alfa Romeo 75 (930) and 75 Turbo Diesel models, the VM 08 B was engineered for durability and strong low-end pull in urban and mixed driving conditions. It balances commercial-grade reliability with passenger car refinement, meeting Euro 1 emissions standards through mechanical fuel control and an EGR valve in later builds.
One documented concern is premature head gasket failure under sustained high load, noted in Alfa Romeo Service Information Bulletin 75/1992. This issue arises from thermal stress on the cylinder head, particularly when the cooling system is not maintained. Later production engines received revised head bolts and improved coolant flow design.
All production years (1989–1996) meet Euro 1 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5677).
The Alfa Romeo VM 08 B is a 2,445 cc inline‑four turbocharged diesel engine engineered for mid-size passenger cars (1989–1996). It combines indirect injection with a mechanical distributor pump and fixed-geometry turbocharging to deliver dependable torque and longevity. Designed to meet Euro 1 emissions standards, it prioritizes mechanical simplicity and serviceability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,445 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 94.0 mm × 88.0 mm | |
| Power output | 81 kW (110 PS) @ 4,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 240 Nm @ 2,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch VE mechanical distributor injection pump | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 1 | |
| Compression ratio | 21.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Garrett T3 turbo with external wastegate | |
| Timing system | Rubber timing belt (SOHC, front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | SAE 15W-40, API CF-2/CD | |
| Dry weight | 178 kg |
The mechanical injection system provides excellent durability and ease of diagnosis but requires precise pump calibration during service. SAE 15W-40 API CF-2 oil is essential to protect the high-load main bearings and turbocharger under continuous operation. The timing belt must be replaced every 60,000 km or 48 months to prevent catastrophic interference failure. Fuel quality must meet EN 590 standards to prevent injector pump wear. The Garrett T3 turbocharger is robust but sensitive to oil starvation; allow 30 seconds of idle before shutdown under load. Cooling system maintenance is critical to prevent head gasket failure, especially in high-ambient-temperature regions.
Oil Specs: Requires API CF-2 specification (Alfa Romeo SIB 75/1992). ACEA B2 not approved.
Emissions: All units comply with Euro 1 (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5677). No Euro 2 variant exists.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output is consistent across fuel grades due to mechanical injection (VM Motori Doc. VM-ENG-08B).
VM Motori Technical Dossier: VM-ENG-08B
Alfa Romeo Technical Information System (TIS): Docs AR-ENG-VM08B, SIB 75/1992
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5677)
Bosch Diesel Injection Pump Manual DIP-V1
The Alfa Romeo VM 08 B was used in Alfa Romeo's 930 platform with longitudinal mounting and rear-wheel-drive layout. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the 75 Turbo Diesel and revised exhaust manifolds for improved turbo spool. From 1993, the facelifted 75 adopted a revised EGR system and upgraded coolant pump, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left-side engine block near the transmission bellhousing (Alfa Romeo TIS AR-ENG-ID2). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('H' for VM 08 B series). All units have a black valve cover with silver "Turbo Diesel" branding. Critical differentiation from naturally aspirated units: VM 08 B features a Garrett T3 turbocharger mounted on the right side with an external wastegate actuator. Service parts require production date verification—head gaskets for pre-1992 engines are not compatible with post-revision units due to bolt pattern changes per Technical Bulletin 75/1992.
The VM 08 B's primary reliability risk is head gasket failure on early builds, with elevated incidence in high-load applications. Internal Alfa Romeo field reports from 1994 indicated a notable share of pre-1992 engines required head gasket replacement before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA records show few emissions-related MOT failures due to robust mechanical fuel control. Poor cooling maintenance and extended oil intervals increase thermal stress, making coolant and oil service adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Alfa Romeo technical bulletins (1989-1996) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1990-2000). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about ALFA-ROMEO VM08B.
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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
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