[ninefour]

Dear All,

I have a 156 and just had the selespeed hydraulic pump changed today,
cost me 2500 RM. Six month ago had the actinuator replaced for about RM
2700. So what else can go wrong with this transmission and how long does
the system last on average. My car is about 4 yrs old now. Any comments?

The drive is a dream. I wouldnt change it to any other,,,, its an
addiction but does the pocket have to bleed so much?

949

[andy_lee]

Hmmm, I've heard a lot about Selespeed woes before. My fren has the 156
Selespeed too and his gears change was not smooth; later a pro shop solved
the matter for him but the bill was some RM7k (well, that was what he told
me). Thk goodness it was co. maintained, me thinks!

Am looking for a 156 but manual version cos heard do much bout the
Selespeed. Italian makes are cool (my ride's the Fiat Coupe) and if you
choose the right model, she'll serve u reallll good... Good luck!

[ninefour]

Dear Andy and other readers,

Dont get me wrong! I will never regret the buy. It is the most beautiful
car on the road today with the best handling as well , that includes the
Fiat coupe as well. But as a family man , cant drive the coupe coz cant
fit the mother inlaw at the back as well as attracting the wrong crowd
esp. lots of "Pisau Cukur"...Its nice if youre single!

Anyway I would like to ask other selespeedsters , what other problems can
arise from it

949

[Redd]

how long ur selespeed system lasts depends on how u drive and how well u
maintain it. but all in, dont expect it to last as long as a manual stick
shift or even a normal automatic gearbox.

the robotised manuals have high maintenance costs. buy a bimmer SMG and
u'll wish u had the selespeed instead. that's just the way things are.
the selespeed pump and actuator are both wear and tear items. in fact,
from the pricing u quoted i think u got a recond/used actuator. so dont
expect it to last as long as ur first one. new actuators are rm7k iirc.

going to a good mechanic who knows their way around the selespeed system
also helps a lot. the actuator can be adjusted and this will help prolong
the life of the system.

if the cost of ownership is making u balk but u still like the 156, trade
up to a V6 automatic. sure, fuel costs are higher but both the V6 and q-
system auto gearbox are bulletproof. not near as much fun as the
selespeed tho. the throttle blip on downshift is loads of fun!

redd

[wglee]

I used to have an Alfa 156 Selespeed (year 2000 model). If I recall
correctly, the actuator for my car was changed at least twice during the
18 months that I had it (albeit under warranty).

I cannot verify the truth of this, but somebody told me the actuator`s
lifespan is about 6 months to a year.

I agree the 156 V6 automatic (with a normal 4-speed torque converter
automatic gearbox supplied by Aisin of Japan) is the 156 to go for in
Malaysia - the 156 2.0 and 2.5 manual are very rare in this country.

[andy_lee]

Thanks for the nice word bout Coop, wglee- she appreciates it. It's good
that Redd's in on this topic now- he's THE guru on 156 in and out; just
look at his project on HIS 156. Montrous of a Redd 156- that's one car I
quickly make way for when she's behind my tail :p

Redd, cool signature :) Makes me wanna join IA immediately. Waitaminute,
I'm in already :)

[Redd]

hahaha, andy_coop issit?!

im no 156 expert. i just know my way around the V6s. the TS and selespeed
are still a bit of a mystery to me.

and ur stock coop will take my 156 anytime la. :)

redd

[andy_lee]

Hi Redd... tis' me :) Now that u've blown my cover, I cannot write bad
things about u already lo... :p

I think ur 156 can take on my stock bella anytime for breakfast, lunch or
dinner. But will not try it anytime. Note to myself : Just stay out of
Redd's way!!! :)

[johnsmith]

if you see redd in your rear mirror, give way. don't piss him off. if
not, ...the rest is history.

[invisible]

wah, all the IA sifus r here