MikeyRules

Use a hairdryer to dry it out, and then check that the access cover is seated properly. Sometimes if it's not on properly or seated correctly this can be where the air is getting in. I've had this on a few Alfa's and a VXR and in all cases this was the simple fix. I've even used Vaseline on the rubber seal to get an airtight lock on the access cap before now.

If that doesn't fix then air is getting in somewhere else and the unit is faulty. As modern light units are all made of abs plastic it's very common. Some manufacturers will replace under warranty, but it can be a struggle to get them to admit there's an issue.

On the 'Examiner' plug in diagnostic's menu there is an option to update the splash screen from memory. Normal software updates usually only update the handset lists, fix bugs in Blue and Me etc... In my 939 Spider I got the splash to say Spider on start up and show the Alfa Romeo badge.

You know what I love about Fiat Group owners is that generally they are the most down to earth friendly people I have ever met.

Throw in the fact that most hate Germanic common euro boxes, but love Italian unique design and the way you can drive to work without seeing another car the same as yours... the fact that they don't cost the earth to buy used and most of the unreliability stories are exactly that...stories! What's not to love!?

Does that make us 'thspecial' lol  

Fair enough fella... horses for courses and all of that

Well my search continues as the market seems fairly stagnant at the moment with nothing new coming up for sale...

Ha-ha never say die lol!

Yes I'm fully aware of the new MOT regs regarding DPF/EGR etc... I have a company that I use that builds and installs EGR emulators and DPF's which will still show as active on diagnostics, so are completely MOT test proof...

I know what you're saying regarding driving style and regens, but regardless both EGR and dpf's are a really bad idea and poorly executed by a mislead government and hand tied car manufacturers. Inlet manifolds and swirl flaps get choked up and eventually fail, egr's are now classed as a 'consumable' part they fail that often and if a DPF fails it can be up to 2k to replace... Then there's the power loss and extra fuel consumption these components sap.

Breathing the same gases twice and building up soot in a box to then heat up and melt out of the back of the car is both inefficient and really bad for the engine in the long run. I've been tuning diesels for nearly 10 years and had some amazing results, and no failing components  in 80,000 plus miles per car so far.

I don't think I could live with a standard car anymore...

Thanks fella there's some good advice there! Yes you're right...I've only driven the LHD Delta's in Italy so really do need to find one to test!

The sale of my Discovery fell through as the guy couldn't get the finance in the end, so I've slowed down my search... Probably just as well as there isn't any Delta's for sale at the moment.

The 2.0ltr diesel probably would be my preferred choice as I can remove the DPF and EGR then map it, whereas the 1.4ma is only mildly tuneable.

You've owned some great cars there Stuart! No guesses for which Busso awarded the points then!

I still love the proper Alfa's ) i.e. pre fiat ownership and rear wheel drive!

My Alfa addiction so far has included: Alfa Sud 1.5 green cloverleaf, S3 Spider, 939 Brera, 939 Spider, 15ti Saloon, GT, 159ti Sportwagon, 156 Sport (Twice) and 147 twinnie  and to be fair I'd have any of them again!

But the Delta might be an itch I have to scratch as we're downsizing our fleet and trying to reduce running costs, so either the 1.6 diseasel or 1.4MA fit the bill really well.

Yeah I've seen the Momo S version with the matt black grill etc... Nice spec too! The versions in Italy have full glass roofs with the front sections opening, and lots of toys too like Bose with Sub and dab radio! Shame we always get left out!

If I don't change my mind and get another Alfa, I'll defo be up for changing the badges/grill etc. so may have to call upon your expertise!

Yeah I always ask for Italian cars when in Italy (2/3 times a year) which usually pleases them when someone asks for a car from their country. A little trick I learned a long time ago, as you generally get a free upgrade!

I've had Alfa's, Lancia's and Fiats mostly. The 1.3 diesel Ypsilon seems to best all rounder especially on the hilly roads.

Yeah I would really like a limited, but have set a max budget of 8 grand so probably not realistic of me if I want a low mileage example. I guess that's why I've started looking at the SR's as at least they're part leather which lifts the interior.

The reason for wanting integrated Sat Nav is that it enhances a rather bland dashboard, and having to keep removing a portable one stuck to you wind is a pain plus takes up the power socket too. Then there's the security aspect. If a scroat sees a suction cup holder in the windscreen, they know your Nav is somewhere stashed in the car too.

I do have a good Garmin for emergencies but usually only use it in hire cars abroad. The problem I have with using my phones Nav is that it kills the battery really quickly, and even if it's plugged in I usually get a warning saying the charge rate is less than that of consumption. So again the phones battery runs down quickly. 

Yeah me too on the rebadge front! (Sorry Chrysler owners   )

Ah Lancia Montecarlo Spyder now you're talking! I love love love those little cars! They are a baby Ferrari, and are one of my favourite Lancia! If you have owned one and an original Delta I'm a jealous guy and you obviously have great taste too!

 

I think £8300 is expensive... if you do an autotrader search you should be able to get one for less. In fact if you do a search on Arnold Clarks website you will see 3 Deltas at a lot less than the 8300 you mentioned and the one in Ayr has only done 7K miles.

 

 

I went to try out the Delta Automatic in Dundee, but was told it was sold an no longer on the premises... only to be phoned 2 days later to say that it hadnt sold and was I interested? as I had  already wasted one day down in Dundee I'll get one from someone else...

Ah I think you're missing a small but important detail though...I'm only interested in an SR (with Nav) or Limited spec with low miles so none of those are applicable...The other specs are too 'low rent' especially after coming out of an Alfa with Pelle Frau leather and brushed aluminium dash where all the clocks face the driver lol 

I'm sure something will come up soon, so I'll just have keep watching all the sites! There' only 18 cars available in the UK at present, with lots bad colours... i.e plain white, silver and beige!

I wouldn't buy a car from Arnold Clarke if it was the last place in earth! They are biggest sharks in the industry... as the saying goes... I'd rather cut my head off and sh*t down the hole!

I'm sure you'll find the right one like me... it's just a matter of time!

Mines on 17" wheels and TBH I was pleasantly suprised to see Goodyears about £175 a pair even at 225's!

The rear light edges do collect water on the outside edges but the fronts should be sealed.

New front light units are expensive so good idea to check/avoid.

Ours is white but with the Matt black roof which looks great / unusual and I think makes it look expensive.

We paid less than that at the start of the year so keep hunting!

Ah good to know about the rear lights, I thought that was probably the case! I couldn't check properly as the car was still in the preparation area and was nose to tail and jammed in... plus my 3 year old was getting bored

Yeah agree about the black roof making a huge difference... would ideally like the dark grey or secondly black if possible. I'll keep looking... either that or I'll buy another 159 ti Sportwagon!

Thanks again for the info fella!

Well today I went to see a 1.4MA SR Sat Nav spec in white with 24k on the clock on a 12 plate. I thought it was quite a good deal price wise @ £8300... but there was a few things that put me off.

The front tyres had been replaced and were brand new, however they were some unheard of Chinese brand, the near side front headlight had quite a bit of condensation in it, and the rear lights also seemed to have condensation but just around the outside edges? I couldn't work out whether this was inside the lense or if the light unit had a lip that sat on top of the rear wing? If the later then it might not be a problem.

There was also some stone chipping to the leading edge of the roof where it meets the windscreen. The design of the roofline means that there is a channel with a lip sticking up running across the car which is obviously good at catching stones that have been flicked up off the road.

Lastly I just wasn't sure about an all white coloured car...  If the roof had been gloss black perhaps to break it up a little then maybe...

I hired one for two weeks in Florence for my wedding/honeymoon and thought it was a great little car. (Y)

We did about 1000 miles in it including a drive over to the island of Elba and it did us proud. We were 3 up with suitcases and the split rear seats really helped with the extra luggage. Even on the island roads which were typically Italian (Very winding and steep) it held its own quite well. There is an amount of body roll, but when you get used to this you realise this is capable little car.

My wife loved it, and we'll definitely look at one when her ageing Alfa comes to the end of its life.

Hi Nello, thank you for the welcome and info much appreciated fella! (Y)

It seems a bit quiet in here, but I guess low volume sales translates to low volume forumites?   Is there any other forums/FB pages with info/support?

I must admit I love the quirky looks of the Delta, and liked it as soon as I saw it in Italy a year or two before it was available in Blighty. Having had 10 Alfas and a love affair with all things Italian I don't think I could ever drive a Germanic barge or Ford.

Thanks for the tips re the rust. I can't believe this is a problem already!? Is it a removable piece of trim on the B pillar or something? I would have thought the shells would have been double dipped (pardon the pun) to stop any corrosion?  

I can't seem to find any info regarding the tuning of the MultiAir to eek out some more power either? What it like to live with on a daily basis? I'm used to the 1750tbi Alfa engine which is sublime albeit very thirsty, and have tuned pretty much every diesel I've ever owned.

Hi Guys,

New to the forum and looking to get into a Delta after having driven a few of them with their 'proper' badges on in Italy.   I must say I really like the quirky styling and both the 1.6 diesel and 1.4ma went really well. Shame they've discontinued them in the UK already!!

I think I want a 1.4 MultiAir SR looking at the spec's, possibly with Nav!?  It seems slightly better than the 1.6 diesel, but happy to be told otherwise.

I've got a long history of Alfa ownership so know the Fiat brand well, but have never owned a Lancia/Chrysler before. Is there anything in particular I should be looking out for other the usual condition and history checks?

Thanks

Mike