Timing chain stretch / variator
usually 100,000–180,000 km · High risk
Signs: Rattle on cold start, timing codes
Fix: Replace chain kit and variator
€900–1,800
Engine: common problems, timing drive and oil
1.75 TBi
Petrol · 1,742 cm³ · 147–184 kW
4
model generations
1
known faults
13,000
new cars in the EU (2010–2025)
Enter your VIN and mileage and get a plan built for your exact engine and gearbox.
Fuel: Petrol. Timing drive: chain.
In our database this engine is fitted to 4 model generations, among them: Alfa Romeo Giulietta, Alfa Romeo Brera / Spider (939), Alfa Romeo 159, Lancia Delta III.
The most expensive known risk is timing chain stretch / variator: it usually appears at 100,000–180,000 km and costs €900–1,800 to fix.
Key facts
| Fuel | Petrol |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,742 cm³ |
| Power | 147–184 kW |
| Timing drive | Chain |
| Engine codes | 939B1, 940B1, 940C1 |
Known engine faults
Faults that belong to the engine itself. They apply to every model with this engine, and each model has its own extra faults on its model page.
Engine-related service
Intervals and typical prices, using the Alfa Romeo Giulietta as an example. The app gives the exact plan for your car.
| Item | Interval | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil + oil filterEngine | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €70–150 |
| Air filterEngine | every 30,000 km or every 24 months | €15–45 |
| Spark plugsIgnition | every 60,000 km or every 48 months | €50–160 |
| Auxiliary (serpentine) beltEngine | every 120,000 km | €70–180 |
| Coolant replacementCooling | every 150,000 km or every 96 months | €70–150 |
| Timing chain inspection (listen on cold start)Engine | every 150,000 km | €0–120 |
Models with this engine
Model generations this engine is fitted to.
Alfa Romeo 159 2005–2011Alfa Romeo Brera / Spider (939) 2005–2010Alfa Romeo Giulietta 2010–2020Lancia Delta III 2008–2014
Common questions
Does the 1.75 TBi engine have a timing chain or a timing belt?
Chain.
What are the known problems with the 1.75 TBi engine?
The faults with the highest risk: timing chain stretch / variator (100,000–180,000 km, €900–1,800).
Which cars have the 1.75 TBi engine?
Alfa Romeo Giulietta, Alfa Romeo Brera / Spider (939), Alfa Romeo 159, Lancia Delta III.
Sources and notes
Faults, intervals and prices are indicative and collected from public sources and owner experience; always rely on the service book and a qualified workshop. Test statistics: DVSA – Anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0. Dutch tests: RDW Open Data (CC0). Engine versions: EEA, monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars (CC BY 4.0, DG CLIMA). Owner complaints: NHTSA ODI (public domain). Recalls: DVSA Vehicle Safety Branch Recalls Database, OGL v3.0. Brand and model names are trademarks of their owners and are used only to describe the vehicles.
Updated 08/10/2026