Brera (Type 939) 2005 - 2010

Summer 2024 and the 20 year wait to have anywhere near enough money to plough into an Alfa finally came to fruition. The Brera, 2.2 JTS, 94k miles, for under £3k. Of course I knew there'd be issues. But that's all part of the fun right? A couple of drives, no loud bangs, and silky smooth power delivery, and that was it... it was mine. 

The time came. Driving along the A1 by the Angel of the North and power delivery became more stuttery the further I sank my foot. I suspected driveshaft issues, and when I limped to my local garage they confirmed a collapsed drivers side shaft. The decision... replace both, along with the seized rear caliper that I hadn't picked up on. And so it begins...

I'd had my eyes on some decent aftermarket 18 inch wheels to fill the arches out more, as the 17 inch standard wheels just weren't doing it for me. £1100 with tyres. Just then, some OG 18 inch horseshoes on Ebay, £250, in damn good nick. Too good to miss. I hit the button, spend £450 or so on some decent rubber, and it's elevated the car completely. Nice to be able to stick to some original wheels.

A notorious part so I'm told. I had a pretty catastrophic leak from mine and finding one was a nightmare. Took it to the guys at Pirtek who literally made it better than new. Top tip for anyone looking for hoses that are no longer made. 

Timing chain changed at 95000 miles. November 2024. Felt like this may have been the cause of a returning engine management light. Solenoids done too, cam sprockets, tensioner, and a few gasket changes. She's been given the full service here. Should give her plenty years of life... 

After some separate work, was told that the exhaust centre pipe was severely rusted through. Decided to get a powerflow cat back exhaust fitted. Much better sound, without being "loud" and feels a little more responsive too. Great addition, although not cheap. Shouldn't need an exhaust for the rest of its days now though... 

After some serious work to bring her back to standard, that's it (for the year at least). 

• Driveshafts
• Solenoids
• Timing chain
• Exhaust
• Rear wiper motor
• Wheels and tyres
• Full service

Looking forward to enjoying the Brera in 2025.