Positioning:
The Alfa Romeo 75 represented a blend of performance, distinctive Italian styling, and rear-wheel drive dynamics in the compact executive sedan segment of its era.
Competitors:
Competed against models like the BMW 3 Series (E30), Mercedes-Benz 190E, and Audi 80/90.
Styling:
Distinctive wedge-shaped styling designed by Centro Stile Alfa Romeo, a departure from previous generations.
Powertrain:
Featured the legendary Alfa Romeo Busso V6 engine, known for its incredible sound and performance.
Handling:
Rear-wheel drive with a transaxle (gearbox and differential mounted at the rear) for improved weight distribution and handling characteristics.
Manual Advantage:
Provides detailed, factory-level repair and maintenance information, empowering owners to maintain their classic Alfa Romeo themselves.
Engine:
Detailed engine overhaul, tuning, diagnosis, and component replacement for the 2.5 V6 Busso engine.
Fuel System:
Includes fuel injection system (Bosch L-Jetronic or Motronic depending on year), fuel pump, lines, and tank maintenance.
Ignition System:
Covers distributor, ignition coil, spark plug wires, and electronic control unit (ECU) for ignition timing.
Cooling System:
Radiator, thermostat, water pump, coolant hoses, and fan operation.
Lubrication System:
Oil pump, oil filter, oil pan, and lubrication passages for the V6 engine.
Transmission:
Procedures for manual transmission (5-speed) removal, installation, overhaul, and fluid changes. Rear transaxle integrated with differential.
Clutch:
Hydraulic clutch system, clutch disc, pressure plate, and release bearing replacement.
Drivetrain:
Propeller shaft, driveshafts, universal joints, and differential maintenance.
Suspension:
Front independent suspension (MacPherson struts), rear independent suspension (Watt's linkage and trailing arms), shock absorbers, springs, and bushings.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, and steering column adjustments.
Brakes:
Front ventilated discs, rear discs (often inboard), brake calipers, master cylinder, brake lines, and parking brake system.
Electrical System:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, fuse box layout, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting, instrumentation, and ancillary electrics.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, and chassis structural information.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system components and servicing.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks, coolant flushes, belt inspections, and brake fluid checks.
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues across all major systems.
Engine Repair:
Engine rebuilds, head gasket replacement, valve adjustments, piston ring replacement, and crankshaft service.
Transmission Overhaul:
Complete disassembly and reassembly of the gearbox and differential.
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Replacement of ball joints, bushings, tie rods, wheel bearings, and steering rack repairs.
Brake System Overhaul:
Brake caliper rebuild, rotor replacement, brake line repairs, and master cylinder replacement.
Electrical Component Testing And Replacement:
Diagnosis of electrical faults, testing of sensors, actuators, and replacement of components like alternators, starters, and ECUs.
Bodywork Repair:
Guidelines for common body panel repairs and adjustments.
Rigging And Lifting:
Information on safely lifting and supporting the vehicle for mechanical work.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, with detailed diagnostic information and wiring schematics.
Oil Change:
Recommended every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first.
Oil Filter Replacement:
With every oil change.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 10,000-15,000 miles (16,000-24,000 km).
Spark Plugs:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed (typically at 30,000-40,000 miles / 48,000-64,000 km).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Timing Belt:
Crucial: Replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 3-4 years due to interference engine design. Catastrophic failure if it breaks.
Engine Oil:
SAE 10W-40 or 10W-50 synthetic or semi-synthetic oil meeting API SG or higher specification.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) with filter.
Coolant:
50/50 mix of ethylene glycol antifreeze and distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90.
Differential Fluid:
API GL-5 gear oil, SAE 80W-90.
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) Dexron II or equivalent.
Engine:
Timing belt failure (critical maintenance point), potential for oil leaks (valve cover gaskets, oil pan), cooling system component aging (radiator, hoses), and wear on the Bosch fuel injection system.
Electrical:
Aging wiring harnesses can lead to intermittent electrical faults; specific issues with fuel pump relays, ignition modules, and voltage regulators.
Suspension:
Wear in bushings (control arm, subframe), ball joints, and tie rod ends due to age and road conditions.
Rust:
Susceptible to rust, particularly in wheel arches, sills, and around the battery tray, common for vehicles of this era from wetter climates.