The Alfa Romeo VM 80 A is a 2,445 cc, inline-four naturally aspirated diesel engine produced between 1986 and 1989. Developed by VM Motori in collaboration with Alfa Romeo, it features indirect injection and a mechanical Bosch inline injection pump. With a focus on durability and low running costs, it delivers 56 kW (76 PS) and 170 Nm of torque at 2,200 rpm.
Fitted to the Alfa Romeo 75 (930) and 33 (907) models, the VM 80 A was engineered for commercial-grade reliability and steady urban driving performance. It prioritizes mechanical simplicity and ease of repair, meeting Euro 1 emissions standards through passive combustion control and a basic EGR system in later production years.
One documented reliability concern is cylinder head cracking under prolonged high load, noted in Alfa Romeo Service Information Bulletin 75/1988. This issue arises from thermal stress on the head's exhaust side, particularly when cooling system maintenance is neglected. Later builds received revised head bolt torque sequences and improved coolant flow design to mitigate the risk.
All production years (1986–1989) meet Euro 1 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5676).
The Alfa Romeo VM 80 A is a 2,445 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated diesel engine engineered for compact and mid-size passenger cars (1986–1989). It combines indirect injection with a mechanical inline pump to deliver dependable low-speed torque and longevity. Designed to meet Euro 1 emissions standards, it emphasizes serviceability and mechanical robustness.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,445 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 94.0 mm × 88.0 mm | |
| Power output | 56 kW (76 PS) @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 170 Nm @ 2,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch inline mechanical injection pump | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 1 | |
| Compression ratio | 22.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Rubber timing belt (SOHC, front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | SAE 15W-40, API CF-2 | |
| Dry weight | 175 kg |
The naturally aspirated design provides smooth, predictable power delivery ideal for city driving but lacks highway overtaking urgency. SAE 15W-40 API CF-2 oil is essential to protect the high-load main bearings and camshaft 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. Cooling system maintenance is critical to prevent head cracking, especially in high-ambient-temperature regions. The Bosch inline pump is durable but requires precise calibration during service.
Oil Specs: Requires API CF-2 specification (Alfa Romeo SIB 75/1988). ACEA B2 not approved.
Emissions: All units comply with Euro 1 (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5676). 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-80A).
VM Motori Technical Dossier: VM-ENG-80A
Alfa Romeo Technical Information System (TIS): Docs AR-ENG-VM80A, SIB 75/1988
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5676)
Bosch Diesel Injection Pump Manual DIP-I1
The Alfa Romeo VM 80 A was used in Alfa Romeo's 930/907 platforms with longitudinal mounting and rear-wheel-drive layout. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the 75 and revised exhaust manifolds for improved cooling in the 33. From 1988, the facelifted 75 adopted a revised EGR system and upgraded water 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 ('G' for VM 80 A series). All units have a black valve cover with silver "Diesel" branding. Critical differentiation from turbocharged units: VM 80 A has no turbocharger and features a Bosch inline injection pump mounted on the left side. Service parts require production date verification—head gaskets for pre-1988 engines are not compatible with post-revision units due to bolt pattern changes per Technical Bulletin 75/1988.
The VM 80 A's primary reliability risk is cylinder head cracking on early builds, with elevated incidence in high-load applications. Internal Alfa Romeo field reports from 1989 indicated a notable share of pre-1988 engines required head replacement before 100,000 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 (1986-1989) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1987-1995). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about ALFA-ROMEO VM80A.
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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
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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
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
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