Alfa Romeo Brera (2005-10)

COMMON FAULTS
Please Note: Common Faults in Regularly Used Vehicles vs. Low-Mileage Stored Vehicles that have been used consistently over many years, accumulating approximately 10,000–12,000 miles annually, are more prone to common faults due to regular wear and tear. These issues typically arise from the natural aging of components subjected to frequent use, such as engine parts, suspension systems, brakes, and tires. In contrast, vehicles with low mileage that have been stored or preserved are likely to experience different types of issues. These vehicles are often better maintained to ensure their longevity and may avoid some of the typical wear-and-tear problems seen in regularly driven cars. However, they can still face unique challenges such as degradation of rubber seals, corrosion from prolonged inactivity, or fuel system issues caused by old or stagnant fuel.

The **Alfa Romeo Brera** is a stunning car, but like many Alfa Romeos, it has its quirks. Here are some of the most common faults reported by owners:

- **Electrical Issues** – The Brera is known for inconsistent electronics, including faulty infotainment systems, poor radio reception, and alarms that go off randomly.
- **Window Problems** – Owners have reported issues with driver and passenger windows failing or becoming misaligned.
- **Fogging Rear Lights** – The rear light clusters can fog up due to moisture buildup.
- **Timing Chain Wear** – Some models suffer from timing chain rattling, which may require replacement.
- **EGR Valve Clogging** – Excessive smoke and power loss can be caused by a clogged EGR valve, which may need cleaning or replacing.
- **Paint Chipping** – Particularly in **Alfa Red**, the paint is prone to chipping, especially on the bonnet and wheel arches.

Despite these issues, the Brera remains a stylish and desirable coupé.
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Generations/Trim Levels
The **Alfa Romeo Brera** was produced between **2005 and 2010**, with a single generation. However, it had several **trim levels** and **engine options** throughout its production run - autoevolution](https://www.autoevolution.com/alfa-romeo/brera/).

### **Generations**
- **First Generation (2005–2010)** – The Brera was introduced as a stylish coupé based on the Alfa Romeo 159 platform. It was designed by **Giorgetto Giugiaro** and built by **Pininfarina**.

### **Trim Levels**
- **Standard Brera** – The base model with cloth seats and essential features.
- **SV (Pre-2008)** – The earlier version of the standard trim before updates.
- **Elegante** – A more refined version with upgraded interior materials.
- **Lusso** – Featured **leather seats**, **17-inch alloy wheels**, and **auto wipers**.
- **Ti (Turismo Internazionale)** – The sportiest trim, with **19-inch wheels**, **lowered suspension**, **side skirts**, and **red Brembo brake calipers**.
- **Limited Edition (LE/SE)** – Special editions with unique styling elements, including the **James Bond Limited Edition**, which had anthracite wheels and Brembo brakes.

### **Engine Options**
- **Petrol Engines**:
- **1.7L Turbo** (200 HP)
- **2.2L JTS** (185 HP)
- **3.2L JTS V6** (260 HP) – Available with **AWD** or **FWD**.

- **Diesel Engines**:
- **2.0L JTDm** (170 HP)
- **2.4L JTDm** (200–210 HP)

The Brera was praised for its **design**, but its weight affected performance. Despite this, it remains a **stylish and rare Alfa Romeo**.
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Engines
The **Alfa Romeo Brera** was offered with several **petrol** and **diesel** engine options during its production from **2005 to 2010**. Here’s a breakdown of the available engines:

### **Petrol Engines:**
- **1.7L Turbo** – **200 HP**, a later addition focused on performance.
- **2.2L JTS** – **185 HP**, a naturally aspirated **four-cylinder** engine.
- **3.2L JTS V6** – **260 HP**, available with **Q4 all-wheel drive** or **front-wheel drive**.

### **Diesel Engines:**
- **2.0L JTDm** – **170 HP**, introduced later for efficiency.
- **2.4L JTDm** – **200–210 HP**, offering strong torque and long-distance capability.

The **3.2L JTS V6** was the range-topping engine, providing the most power, while the diesels were popular for their balance of performance and fuel economy. Despite the Brera’s **stunning design**, its weight slightly affected performance compared to rivals.
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Performance
The **Alfa Romeo Brera** was more about **style and comfort** than outright performance, but it still had respectable figures across its range of engines. Here’s a breakdown:

### **Petrol Engines:**
- **1.7L Turbo (200 HP)**
- **0–60 mph**: **7.5 seconds**
- **Top speed**: **140 mph**

- **2.2L JTS (185 HP)**
- **0–60 mph**: **8.6 seconds**
- **Top speed**: **135 mph**

- **3.2L JTS V6 (260 HP)** – Available with **Q4 AWD** or **FWD**
- **0–60 mph**: **6.8 seconds (FWD), 7.0 seconds (Q4 AWD)**
- **Top speed**: **149 mph**

### **Diesel Engines:**
- **2.0L JTDm (170 HP)**
- **0–60 mph**: **8.0 seconds**
- **Top speed**: **137 mph**

- **2.4L JTDm (200–210 HP)**
- **0–60 mph**: **7.9 seconds**
- **Top speed**: **143 mph**

The **V6** was the most exciting option, but the Brera’s **weight** made it slower than some rivals. Even with the Q4 AWD system, it was more of a **grand tourer** than a lightweight sports car.
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Rivals
The **Alfa Romeo Brera** competed with several stylish coupés in the UK market, each offering different levels of performance. Here’s how its main rivals stacked up:

### **Audi TT (2005–2010)**
- **2.0L TFSI (200 HP)**
- **0–60 mph**: **6.4 seconds**
- **Top speed**: **149 mph**
- **3.2L V6 quattro (250 HP)**
- **0–60 mph**: **5.7 seconds**
- **Top speed**: **155 mph**

### **BMW 3 Series Coupé (E46/E92)**
- **325Ci (192 HP)**
- **0–60 mph**: **7.3 seconds**
- **Top speed**: **146 mph**
- **330Ci (231 HP)**
- **0–60 mph**: **6.5 seconds**
- **Top speed**: **155 mph**

### **Mercedes-Benz CLK (C209)**
- **CLK 200 Kompressor (163 HP)**
- **0–60 mph**: **9.3 seconds**
- **Top speed**: **140 mph**
- **CLK 320 (218 HP)**
- **0–60 mph**: **7.5 seconds**
- **Top speed**: **155 mph**

### **Nissan 350Z**
- **3.5L V6 (276 HP)**
- **0–60 mph**: **5.9 seconds**
- **Top speed**: **155 mph**

Compared to these rivals, the **Brera’s 3.2L V6 (260 HP)** had a **0–60 mph time of 6.8 seconds** and a **top speed of 149 mph**, making it competitive but slightly heavier than some of its sportier counterparts engines, drive and performance - Parkers](https://www.parkers.co.uk/alfa-romeo/brera/review/engines/).
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Designer/Dimensions
The **Alfa Romeo Brera** was designed by the legendary **Giorgetto Giugiaro**, one of the most influential car designers of all time. It was first unveiled as a concept at the **2002 Geneva Motor Show**, and its striking design led Alfa Romeo to put it into production in **2005**.

### **Dimensions of the Alfa Romeo Brera**
- **Length**: **4410 mm**
- **Width**: **1830 mm**
- **Height**: **1341 mm**
- **Wheelbase**: **2528 mm**
- **Curb Weight**: **1445–1670 kg**, depending on the engine and trim

The Brera’s **sleek coupé form** and **muscular stance** made it one of the most visually striking Alfa Romeos of its era.
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Spares/Specialists NI
You can find **Alfa Romeo Brera spare parts** at several online retailers, including the [Alfa Workshop](https://www.alfaworkshop.co.uk/alfa_Brera_parts.shtml) and [AutoVillage](https://www.autovillage.co.uk/car-parts/alfa-romeo/brera/area/northern-ireland/county-antrim/newtownabbey), which offer a wide range of components from engine parts to bodywork.

For **garage services in Northern Ireland**, you have a few options:
- **Autolusso** – A specialist Alfa Romeo service center offering repairs, servicing, and modifications for the Brera. You can check their services [here](https://www.autolusso.co.uk/brera.html).
- **Independent Alfa/Fiat/Lancia Mechanic** – A well-regarded independent specialist based in **Lisburn**, known for expertise in Alfa Romeo models. More details can be found [here](https://www.alfaowner.com/threads/independant-alfa-fiat-lancia-mechanic-for-northern-ireland.269690/).
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Racing
The **Alfa Romeo Brera** was not widely used in professional racing, but it did have some motorsport presence. While Alfa Romeo has a rich history in racing, including **Formula One, touring cars, and endurance racing**, the Brera itself was more of a **road-focused grand tourer** rather than a dedicated race car.

However, some **private teams** and enthusiasts modified Breras for **track days and amateur racing events**. Alfa Romeo did not officially campaign the Brera in major racing series, but its **platform and engines** were shared with the **Alfa Romeo 159**, which had some motorsport involvement.
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Valuation
The **Alfa Romeo Brera** holds its value well among enthusiasts, but prices vary depending on condition, mileage, and trim level. In **2025**, used Brera models in the UK typically range from **£995 to £5,970**, with the **2.4 JTDM** being one of the more affordable versions and the **3.2 V6 JTS S** commanding higher prices.
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Clubs
If you're an **Alfa Romeo Brera** enthusiast in **Northern Ireland**, there are a few clubs and communities you can join:

- **Northern Ireland Italian Motor Club (NIIMC)** – A club for Italian car owners, including Alfa Romeo enthusiasts. They hold **monthly meetings** and offer **discounts on parts and servicing**. You can check them out [here](https://www.alfaowner.com/threads/northern-ireland-italian-motor-club.104542/).
- **Alfa Romeo Owners Club (AROC) – Brera Register** – A dedicated register for **Brera owners**, sharing technical and historical information. They have an active **Facebook group** for discussions. More details [here](https://aroc-uk.com/community/model-registers/brera/).
- **Alfa Romeo Forum – Northern Ireland Section** – A place for Alfa owners in Northern Ireland to connect, discuss cars, and organize meetups. You can explore it [here](https://www.alfaowner.com/forums/northern-ireland.135/).
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